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City Cast Philly

The latest on the hottest places to eat, drink, socialize, and talk about in Philadelphia.

Siani Colón

With high temperatures becoming the norm this summer, we’re looking to stay cool. So what better way to beat the heat than with a scoop of chilly, delicious ice cream? National Ice Cream Day is on July 19, and several local ice cream shops have sweet treats (and even sweeter deals) to celebrate.

 is a family-owned business located inside the Reading Terminal Market. Originally opened in 1861, it’s the oldest operating ice cream company in the United States. Pick from over 30 ice cream flavors including coffee & cookies, Irish potato, and Moose Tracks. Vegan ice cream is available in cookies & cream, strawberry, and vanilla.

Weckerly’s uses a traditional French-style custard base for its ice cream and makes everything in-house, from its sauces to cones, at its production shop in Frankford. At its ice cream shops in either 

, select flavors such as Italian Summer (which includes lemon olive oil cake pieces), blackberry cheesecake, and banana bread. Several scoops, pops, and sandwiches are also vegan-friendly, using a coconut cream and cocoa butter base.

 first opened in Northern Liberties in 1889 and continues to make sweets at its current location in Chestnut Hill. Its 

 is open daily, treating patrons to ice cream, sundaes, ice cream cakes, and water ice. On July 19, Bredenbeck’s is running a 

. Winners just arrived in Graduate Hospital, and is leaning into its positive theme with flavors like victory vanilla, sweet success s’mores, and cheer up churro. Come for the treat of champions and leave with a pep in your step.

If you’re having an ice cream emergency and have no time to walk in, not to worry. 

Pick from over 20 hard ice cream flavors. Its soft-serve has a few dairy-free options, including pineapple Dole Whip and mango Dole Whip.

 is celebrating its first anniversary on July 18, just in time for National Ice Cream Day. The first 50 customers who stop by will receive a free single scoop or cone. The 

 include ube brownie, green tea matcha, and vegan Vietnamese coffee. The toppings feel endless, with choices like Pocky, boba, and mochi.

More Ice Cream, Gelato, & Water Ice Recs

 Ice cream is the perfect summertime treat. Cool down with classic flavors to innovative twists at these parlors.

Best Ice Cream Shops in Philadelphia

Where To Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Philly

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Philadelphia. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Philly Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Did you know that Americans are expected to consume 

? The sausage — with or without a bun — is practically synonymous with Independence Day, summertime, and baseball games (R.I.P. Dollar Dog Nights, we still think of you). While Philly is better known for cheesesteaks and hoagies, there are plenty of spots to grab a hot dog in the city.

Hot dogs are the only food on the menu at this Northern Liberties bar. 

 serves up all-beef maplewood smoked dogs with options ranging from the Pickle Dog (classic snap dog on a pickle bun) to the Devil Dog (pickled jalapeño, onion, tomato, cheese whiz, and housemade hot sauce). Don’t eat meat? No worries — there are vegan versions of all the beef options.

 series. A different speciality dog is available each day now until National Hot Dog Day on July 15. There will be a party from noon until midnight to celebrate the holiday.

 is popular for its award-winning burgers, but don’t sleep on the hot dogs. You can go with an original Lucky’s Chili Cheese Dog, a Good Ol’ Dog (filled with smoked pulled pork, house slaw, and mustard BBQ sauce), or the aptly named Stinker (sauerkraut, fried onions, garlic aioli, and sharp provolone).

For July only, have a taste of Hawaii with the 

, which includes bacon, American cheese, grilled pineapple, diced jalapeños, and housemade teriyaki sauce.

 has a robust Mexican food menu with tacos, burritos, and other favorites. If you turn your attention to El Menu Vaquero (the cowboy menu), consider grabbing the street dog. This bacon-wrapped dog is complete with beans, pico de gallo, jalapeños, ketchup (yes, ketchup belongs on hot dogs, naysayers!), mayo, mustard, and cheese.

 is shining a spotlight on hot dogs with its annual 

 event. The month-long series features a weekly rotating menu. Week one is themed around American classics, such as the Chicago Dog and Detroit Coney. Veggie hot dogs will also be available. You can track your progress with a punch card, and if you have a hot dog concept that you think is the top dog, 

Looking for more barbecue favorites? Check out our 

With National Hot Dog Day coming up on July 15, here are the places serving the best dogs in the city.

Where To Grab a Hot Dog in Philly

City Cast Philly staff

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which 

awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star

Since our culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

Blue Warbler | 8001 Germantown Ave. (Chestnut Hill)

From coffee to cocktails, this restaurant serves diners all day long. The 

brainchild of Chestnut Hill’s Fred Mogul

, the menu combines Mediterranean, Jewish, Persian, Balkan, and American cuisines to create casual yet unexpected combinations of pescatarian, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.

Café Tinto | 1701 N Front St. (Fishtown)

Do you ever get a midday craving for breakfast? Well 

 serves it through the afternoon. Specializing in Colombian food and coffee, you can order empanadas and guayaba pastries IRL or have them delivered via DoorDash.

Officially open for regular dining with a 

winery downstairs and a restaurant upstairs

, this spot allows diners to pick their preferred vibe. Maybe you're in the mood for a tasting of small-batch wines, or perhaps you prefer to hang out with a signature cocktail and seasonal plate? All are options.

The Garden at City Tavern | 138 S 2nd St. (Old City)

 City Tavern was closed for around six years. Now 

 its yard for outdoor dining, drinks, and colonial history programming.

Winners Ice Cream | 1610 South St. (Graduate Hospital)

Created as a place to celebrate the wins in life, 

takes on South Street with small-batch ice creams in flavors like MVPeanut Butter Crunch and Summer Slam Strawberry. If you swing by, make sure to write your successes on a sticky note and add it to the 

Soufiane at the Morris | 225 S 8th St. (Washington Square West)

Combining a Parisian brasserie with Moroccan influences gets you 

, you can order dishes like escargot and bone marrow.

Philly Surf Club | 699 N. Broad St. (West Poplar)

, Beverage Director Nico Diaz and Culinary Director Natalie Maronski laid down permanent roots with this 

 in the Divine Lorraine building. All drinks are inspired by different beach towns from around the globe. I'll be getting my cocktail with a rubber toy on top when I order 

South Philly Barbacoa at Triple Bottom Brewing | 915 Spring Garden St. (Poplar)

The widely recognized Chef Cristina Martinez is expanding her South Philly Barbacoa concept to 

 on Spring Garden Street. After selling her authentic Mexican lamb tacos and sweet tamales at pop-ups at the brewery (which City Cast Philly 

highlighted for its apprenticeship program)

, the collaboration is becoming official with a 

Mr. Edison | 200 S Broad St. (Rittenhouse Square)

The newest restaurant coming from big-time restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow is the Thomas Edison-inspired supper club, 

 with a Ferris wheel-adorned bar, you can expect extravagant meals with live music.

Love City Brewing & Sophie’s BBQ | 4323 Main St. (Manayunk)

The taproom and BBQ joint have joined forces to be your one-stop shop for beers and brisket inside the former Fat Lady Brewing. 

 offers everything from BBQ sliders to smokehouse nachos. 

 has an extensive drink menu, with plenty of non-alcoholic options as well, and leans on Philly-centric naming. City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz recommends trying the smoked chicken sandwich.

Mod Spuds | 1424 South Street (Graduate Hospital)

 to make its grand return, but in the meantime, Chef Ange Branca is introducing us to her latest concept, 

. Originally a one-month residency at Comfort & Floyd, Branca’s Philly and Malaysian spin on the classic loaded jacket potato took off. The new brick-and-mortar features the Mod Spud (baked beans, chili con carne, scallion), Philly Spud (cheesesteak, pepper relish), and a build-your-own-spud option.

Universal Bread Bakers | 2921 E. Thompson St. (Port Richmond)

Romanian chef Andrian Sulea is your new source for freshly baked bread in the morning. 

 for French baguettes, rye bread, and other baked goods.

 finally has a full food menu. Munch on charcuterie and housemade pastas with seasonal ingredients and wash it all down with a selection from the downstairs winery.

Ciddiany’s Coffee & Bakery | 116 W. Wyoming Ave. (Feltonville)

 has expanded with a larger, sit-down, pretty pink cafe with a full food menu perfect for brunch. Menu items include ceviche, pasta, fresh pastries, and of course tres golpes (“the three hits”) — a classic Dominican breakfast consisting of mashed green plantains accompanied by salami, cheese, and eggs, topped with pickled red onions.

Dawn Cafe | 2237 Grays Ferry Ave. (Graduate Hospital)

Philly’s cafe scene just got bigger. The 

 offers your standard espresso and coffee drinks, as well as sweet and savory pastries and sandwiches.

Bar Ilu | 2118 E. Dauphin St. (East Kensington)

Spanish-inspired corner bar and restaurant

 is serving up croquettes, grilled shrimp, and calamari bocadillos. For drinks you can choose from drinks like “Lifetime Ban,” “Remember the Alimony,” or a zero-proof passionfruit tonic.

Karak Cha House and Kabobeesh | 3748 Lancaster Ave. (University City)

This is your one-stop shop for halal Pakistani food in West Philly. From 

, you can sip on traditional or fruity teas, refreshers, and shakes. Highlights include brown sugar cardamom cha, rooh afza refresher, and a mango shake. If you’re looking to fill your stomach, 

 is serving up kabobs, curries, and sandwich rolls with daily specials including lamb kabobs, fried fish, and tandoori chicken. Both businesses can be found in the same building.

 recently expanded to its second Philly location. Promising a menu that’s both healthy and accessible, The Juice Pod sells cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, and açai bowls.

Mr. Fries Man | 2313 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

Locally owned and operated by the team behind 

, this L.A. street vendor-turned-chain is hopping coasts with its new location. 

’s menu focuses on loaded fries, including honey garlic with shrimp and bacon cheddar. Coming soon exclusively to the Philly location: cheesesteak fries.

Rougarou Baking | 526 S. 4th St. (Queen Village)

Queen Village’s bakery scene just got bigger. 

’s Jewish and Cajun shop offers delectable sweet and savory pastries from chocolate babka and lemon meringue tart to cardamom buns and jambalaya hand pies.

Iron Hill Brewery | 1150 Market St. (Center City)

 is back on Market East under new ownership. 

 include the chicken pot pie, beer-battered fish and chips, and baby back ribs. Patrons can select from over 20 craft beers to wash down their meal. If you’re just outside of Philly, locations in Huntington Valley and Wilmington are set to reopen soon.

,” thanks to the abundance of gourmet cookie shops in the neighborhood. Blueprint Cookies relaunched earlier this month as Cookie Head, offering four core flavors: chocolate chip, cookies & cream, sugar cookie, and chocolate peanut butter. Each month, the shop rotates a selection of special flavors, such as guava cheesecake. There’s also a selection of vegan and gluten-free treats!

 | 501 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Suite 2003 (Northern Liberties)

Enjoy waterfront views at this new tavern located along the Delaware River, the latest venture from the owners behind Libertee Grounds. The bar offers tavern plates including burgers, oysters, steak frites, and oven-roasted wings. If you’re looking to try unique cocktails, go for the caramelized onion martini.

 in the country) has finally arrived! Located inside the former Reef Restaurant & Lounge, the bar has two floors for sapphics to gather. The menu includes hot dogs (real meat and vegan options), grilled cheese, and toasted chickpeas. For drinks, you can grab the “Butch Bait” or “Touch-Me-Not” cocktails, or select a beverage from the mocktail menu.

 | 1099 Germantown Ave. (Northern Liberties)

Michelin-winning chef Laurent Tourondel is bringing wood-fired cooking to Northern Liberties. Guests can expect a flavorful, seasonal menu with dishes such as grilled branzino, prime rib, and orange-spiced duck breast.

Chinatown’s latest addition is right next to its iconic Friendship Gate. The Japanese chain with a cult-like following is bringing its 

. Choose from flavors like matcha, Oreo, chocolate, or the original with a vanilla bean custard filling.

If you were sad to see Mac Mart’s brick-and-mortar store close its doors, fear not. Your mac-and-cheese needs can still be met at its new kiosk right outside the Comcast Center. You can also grab hoagies, cupcakes, and other treats from local eateries.

Pick up a bottle or attend a tasting at Lovat Square, where wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers can browse a selection of 400 wines. The new addition to Chestnut Hill is opening in phases, with outdoor dining in the garden in the spring and a full-service restaurant and bar in the fall.

After making hoagies for over a century, Ricci’s is showing no sign of slowing down. The hoagie shop has expanded to Fishtown, where you can grab a chicken salad hoagie, black pepper turkey hoagie, or the corned beef special.

Philly loves its cheesesteaks and hoagies, but pretzels are another staple in this city. Go beyond the typical salted pretzel at Pretzel Day Pretzels, where you can order flavors like cinnamon sugar, longhots provolone, or s’mores.

Philly’s local culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delicious spots that have opened since 2024. Check them out! 

New Philadelphia Restaurant Openings, June 2026

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars & Cafés in Philly

Hosting a barbecue is a great way to spend time with friends while enjoying the warm weather this summer. But sometimes you don’t want to be responsible for manning the grill. So set down the charcoal and lighter fluid. Here’s where you can get the best barbecue in Philly.

 serves locally sourced and slow-cooked meats. Go for baby back ribs, BBQ chicken, or even a rice bowl, pairing your choice of meat with rice and collard greens. If you need something to nibble on while you wait for your main order, munch on some brisket chili nachos. Do not leave here without trying the cornbread.

 has made Philly its second home with its new location in Love City Brewing. Pair your craft beer with a brisket cheesesteak, dry rub chicken, or the BBQ platter, which includes a choice of any meat, two sides, and cornbread with cinnamon maple blueberry butter.

This establishment has been dedicated to “serving happiness” since 2003, and its menu will definitely make you happy. 

prides itself on its wood-burning pit, cooking meats low and slow, adding its distinct aroma, flavor, and color. Help yourself to a rack of St. Louis ribs or hickory-smoked hot wings. If you’re eating with company, order the Pig-Out, which offers a combo of ribs, boneless meats, and sides in sizes that serve parties of four or six.

’s got you covered with pork spare ribs, brisket, and berbere spiced chicken with black lime ranch. But if you stop by on Wednesdays and Thursdays, you can treat yourself to a “Slappy Meal” with your choice of a turkey teaser, brisket sandwich, chopped and smoked or pulled pork sandwich, paired with a choice of queso mac, potato salad, or coleslaw, 

a drink. If you’re 21 and over, that drink could be a beer. Sober? There are N/A options too.

This restaurant is so dedicated to providing a 

 that its namesake, Mike, drove all the way down to Georgia to bring back an old school “stick smoker.” Some menu highlights include prime brisket that’s smoked for 14 hours with oak wood and Mike’s Special Rub, and pulled pork smoked for the same amount of time with sweet-and-spicy rub.

If you’re in search of comfort food, this spot is a short walk from the Broad and Erie subway stops. 

 proclaims to be “the best soul food spot in town,” where you can get a helping of baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens, yams, and potato salad. For meat, help yourself to the ribs or BBQ turkey wings.

Get a taste of the islands right in Queen Village. 

 serves up authentic lunch-plate style meals. Definitely opt for a combo platter, which comes with large portions that you can save for later if you run out of room. Some options include BBQ beef and chicken katsu, Kalua pork and BBQ chicken, or seafood with chicken, all served with white rice and macaroni salad.

Over in Olney, this Korean restaurant has been serving up traditional cuisine for over 40 years. The charcoal tabletop grill gives the meats a nice, smoky taste. Barbecue options include galbi (short beef rib marinated in mild sauce), sohyeo (thinly sliced cow tongue), and sam-gyeop-sal (sliced pork belly). The staff will help grill, cut, and split the meat between diners. Check this spot out if you’re looking to host a group dinner.

Eat from Southern-style to Korean barbecue at these local establishments.

The Best Barbecue Spots in Philadelphia

Where To Eat Barbecue in Philly This Summer

We understand the preference to beat the heat indoors. But on summer days when there’s not a cloud in the sky and there’s a light breeze, we should enjoy the sunshine. Several Philly restaurants, cafes, and bars offer expanded seating options during the warmer months so you can enjoy the fresh air and people-watch while savoring a delicious meal. Here are some recommendations.

’s Korean fried chicken sausage sandwich or the Out West BLT — or build your own sammie. And kick back and relax out back on picnic tables and lounge chairs. The cafe just listed 

, including (for the matcha lovers) desert rose matcha and matcha à la cherry.

What better place to shuck oysters than right along the Delaware River? 

This new addition to Philly’s dining scene

, from the team behind Libertee Grounds, is providing the most scenic views of our waterfront and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Sit at either standard or high top tables and munch on chicken milanesa, tavern burgers, or duck bolognese. If you want an early meal, good news: Lucky Duck rolled out brunch options at the end of May.

This South Philly restaurant brings a taste of Southern Italy directly to your table. 

 has a large patio with strung lights, lush foliage, and a 

 that adds to the ambience. The menu changes seasonally, allowing guests an opportunity to try something new each visit. For now, check out the sformato, a savory flan-like dish; the pork involtini, for some protein; and a pistachio affogato at the end of your meal.

 — octopus on a blue corn tortilla with refried beans and pico de gallo. Or try some tlacoyos, traditional street food made of blue masa cakes filled with refried beans, salsa verde, nopales, queso fresco, and radish. Wash it all down with a paloma. Be sure to stop by for a social dance and lessons on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. If you’re driving in, don’t worry about parking. There’s 

Enjoy farm-to-table dining right across from Washington Square Park. 

 leans into its name with its leafy, cozy setting. Some menu highlights include ginger salmon, seared sea scallops and fresh Gulf shrimp, and handmade ricotta ravioli.

Relax in this green oasis while munching on some bar favorites. 

 host regular events to level up your gardening skills, whether you have a green thumb or not. And the best part? Your attendance supports PHS’s mission to use horticulture to improve the well-being of Philadelphians.

Feast on Mediterranean cuisine right in University City. Come by 

’s for brunch or dinner to enjoy lamb shank, a falafel rice bowl, or Turkish hummus. The restaurant is right next to the 

, so you can relax outside before or after your meal (and have easy access to your ride home).

🎧 Want even more recommendations? Check out 

more of our favorite places to eat outdoors

 Get a change of scenery while enjoying a delicious meal, whether it’s by the water or in a relaxing garden space. 

The Best Restaurants To Dine Out This Summer in Philly

Your Summer 2026 Guide to Outdoor Dining in Philly

Now that we’re officially in June, we’re just about ready to harvest the last of the spring crops and the beginning of summer produce. While you can find just about any fruits and veggies at the grocery store, buying seasonal produce from a local farm stand or farmers market means the food you grab is at its freshest (and tastiest). Plus, you’re directly supporting farmers 

If that all sounds great to you, here are some markets to shop at this season.

Historic Strawberry Mansion’s Strawberry Fest

 isn’t your only time to grab fresh berries in the neighborhood. The Fair Amount Food Forest, which promotes a gardening technique creating access to fresh food on public land, operates a 

. The market is open on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., perfect for shoppers who can’t make it to morning market hours.

 is different from the others: everything at its farm stand is free. You read that right. Every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon, the farm gives away fresh produce as part of its mission to address health disparities tied to systemic inequality.

Located in the driveway of the South Philly Older Adult Center, this farmers market has been operating for two decades. Every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can stock up on fresh veggies, meats, cheeses, and specialty foods.

Christ Church Neighborhood House Farmers Market

Another market you can visit after work is right in Old City. Just a block away from where Philly’s original farmers market was, the 

 invites vendors from the Philadelphia region to sell fresh fruit, baked goods, and even art. Some attend every other week, while others are only available on select days. Stop by on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

 operates its farm stand on Saturdays through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s not just organic leafy greens you have access to. Stop by the farm stand and grab baked goods from Dead King Bread and Ursa Bakery, or find honey, syrups, and flowers.

 promotes healthy living through culturally relevant programs centering the Black community. Aside from its offerings of wellness workshops and weekly produce boxes, the group runs a farm stand in West Philly. The market is open on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month now through November.

community markets offering beyond just food here

It’s the time of year to start stocking up on summer favorites like berries. Find the freshest crops at your local market. 

farmers-market-spring-summer-2026-philly

Grab Summer Produce at These Farmers Markets

Philly’s cocktail scene is ever-growing, from cozy corner neighborhood spots to upscale lounges mixing innovative, specialty drinks. To celebrate World Cocktail Day on Wednesday, here are some places we recommend.

Get a bird’s eye view of the city from atop the Cambria Hotel. Attico is making World Cocktail Day extra special by 

. Drink Prohibition-era signature cocktails inspired by the 1920s. Dress to impress and enjoy an open bar and hors d’oeuvres.

Take a sip of classic and creative cocktails from Philly’s best mixologists.

Food & Drink

Where To Celebrate National Ice Cream Day in Philly

Where To Grab a Hot Dog in Philly

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars & Cafés in Philly

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