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City Cast Philly

Marie Albiges

NextFab is a collaborative, membership-based makerspace that provides access to tools, technology, education, events, and services to help people turn their ideas into products. The business was 

 and was originally part of the University City Science Center’s business incubator. After a stint in South Philadelphia, NextFab 

settled into its current location in Norris Square in 2020

Here are three hobbies you can pick up at NextFab:

Have you ever wanted to learn how to use consumer-grade 3D printers? Now you can, and you can pick and print a design from NextFab’s curated project files. The course will teach you how to set up the printers for clean, precise prints, as well as how to troubleshoot common issues.

You’ll finish this two-hour course with a brand new custom belt that you made yourself. Get step-by-step guidance in safe splitting, beveling, burnishing, and hand punching.

Be the most popular person in your friend group once you learn to sew, stitch, and hem on a consumer-grade sewing machine. Once you complete the course, you’ll have made your very own tote bag and can keep practicing on NextFab’s Singer home sewing machines.

NextFab is a membership-based makerspace that helps people turn ideas into products. Here are three hobbies you can pick up at NextFab.

Learn to Make Cool Things at NextFab in Philadelphia

Learn to Make Cool Things at NextFab 

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Philly

Keep It Local

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.

Call Your Mother | 1500 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

 (I was there to experience it!) is now coming to Philly. Call Your Mother features an extensive menu of East Coast deli classics, like a bagel and schmear or bacon, egg, and cheese, as well as inventive takes like the Meatball Bagel with fresh mozzarella, pesto, and spicy honey marinara, all melted on a cheesy garlic bread bagel. They’re planning a Rittenhouse Square location soon!

Cantina la Martina at Human Robot | (Brewerytown & Kensington)

 closed its flagship Kensington location, owners Chef Dionicio Jiménez, a James Beard Awards finalist, and Mariangeli Alicea Saez partnered with 

. Try the loaded nachos with a protein of your choice, guacamole, and chips with a beer pairing, and gluten-free burrito bowls.

, this omakase bar led by Chef Tom LoMonte promises an intimate and warm 16-course experience, with fish sourced from Japan, New Zealand, and Spain. You can also order a la carte nigiri, sashimi, and hand rolls. Aogami is located beneath Chabaa Thai Bistro.

Holy Guacamoly | 3737 Lancaster Ave. (University City)

 and a build-your-own meal format. Try their Holy Guacamoly bowls with rice, beans, veggies, proteins, and toppings of your choice. The menu also includes taco boxes, birria ramen, and desserts.

Carolyn’s Modern Vietnamese | 2015 Walnut St. (Rittenhouse Square)

 is rooted in Vietnamese heritage with a Louisiana soul, and dishes are inspired by the energy of French cafés. Standout dishes include the daikon grits fries with Cajun aioli, herbs, and pickled okra, and the corn and crab congee with fried shallots and butter lime corn.

Panco | 2300 S Croskey St. (South Philly)

Craving cutlets? Owned by restaurant veteran 

, this takeout shop in South Philly’s West Passyunk neighborhood promises to deliver you bites of happiness. 

 includes various types of katsu, such as katsu-don and katsu parmesan, plus small bites and vegetarian options.

Mixteca | 2113 E. York St. (East Kensington)

This New York agave bar and restaurant moved into the former site of Martha. 

 will serve agave interpretations of classic drinks as well as alcohol-free options. Though the New York site has a limited food menu, Philly’s will be extensive with dishes such as hamachi ceviche and Yucatan shrimp tacos. Patrons can dine at either the bar, lounge, outdoor patio, or private mezzanine.

Anh Em Bar & Kitchen | 1252 S. 21st St. (Point Breeze)

 is turning staple Vietnamese comfort and street foods into an elevated experience at its 45-seat restaurant. Dishes include seared octopus, baked lemongrass chicken rice platter, and bánh mì (think Vietnamese hoagie). The restaurant also serves vegan options such as bánh xèo, a savory, crispy crèpe.

Tien’s Cafe | 450 E. Wyoming Ave. (Feltonville)

Craving more Vietnamese food, but don’t live in South Philly? Check out 

, a family-owned sit-down restaurant in North Philly. Diners can warm up with a variety of rice noodle soups or cool off with Vietnamese black iced coffee. The cafe is open every day except Tuesday.

Bar Cicci | 1620 Sansom St. (Rittenhouse)

Restaurateur Ellen Yin’s latest venture is giving guests a taste of Italy. 

’s inspired by Yin’s trips to Northern Italy and the country’s casual drinking culture, which is why it has an all-day cafe and 

In Crust We Trust | 965 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

Inspired by Black culinary traditions, the pizza at 

 is not your typical slice of tomato pie. Each slice represents a different part of Philly, from the Uptown Crown (topped with oxtail, tomato, mozzarella, roasted peppers, collard greens, and tomatoes) to The Bottom (jerk chicken, jerk mozzarella, pineapple, hot honey). The food at this pizzeria is also halal.

Manna Bakery | 110 W Berks St. (Fishtown)

You may have seen this pop-up at farmers markets around Rittenhouse and Headhouse Square, with lines wrapped around the block. Now you can pick up its Levantine and Palestinian-inspired pastries at 

’s new brick-and-mortar shop. Signature menu items include herby cheese fatayer, creamy Basque cheesecake with seasonal flavors, and pistachio passion fruit cookie tarts.

Burrito Feliz | 4403 Chestnut St. (Spruce Hill)

 grew into a fleet of bright green trucks spreading Mexican cuisine around the city. Now the taqueria has found a permanent home in West Philly, where it serves favorites such as beef birria tacos, baja shrimp tacos, and chicken tinga.

Sister Robert’s Coffee | 2015 N 63rd St. (Overbrook)

, a new coffee shop and bookstore. Munch on sandwiches such as “Aching For Bacon” served with bacon, eggs, and melted cheese on a waffle; “The Fairmont” served with provolone cheese, grilled chicken, pesto, red peppers, and mayo on focaccia; or the “Chiwaffle Genesis," a classic chicken-and-waffles combo. The cafe is also looking for musicians to host events at no cost in its space now through September.

Chibanos | 1127 Pine St. (Washington Square West)

 is another pop-up that’s finally found a permanent home after much anticipation. This shop serves Chinese-Cuban sandwiches, inspired by the owner’s family recipes. Chibanos serves breakfast all day, with a variety of sandwiches and sweets for sale. Grab either the signature “Chibano,” which brings Señora Fong’s roast pork, ham, Swiss, haam choy, and mayo, or the “Chikibano,” with braised chicken, Chinese broccoli, and douchi garlic mayo.

Vegans Are Us | 1016 Race St. (Chinatown)

This New Jersey-based restaurant is bringing its vegan twist on soul food to Philly. 

 has moved into Chinatown Square, introducing customers to plant-based options like the “Ultimate Beast Mac & Cheese Burger,” “Philly V-Steak, and “Double Spicy Chicken Stacker.”

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.

Philly’s culinary scene is constantly growing and changing. Here’s a recap of some of the restaurants, bars, cafés, and other delicious spots that have recently opened.

Philadelphia Restaurant Openings, September 2026

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars & Cafés 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

We rounded up Philly spots where you can start a new hobby this fall — whether you want to make something, move your body, learn a skill, or just get really, 

✂️ For the person who wants to make things

: The fall term starts Sept. 30 at The Clay Studio, where you can sign up for a 

 in wheel-throwing or handbuilding techniques. Can’t commit to a fall semester? The South Kensington studio also offers 

 There’s a class for pretty much anything woodworking-related at this Manayunk studio. Learn how to make cutting boards, picture frames, bowls, and furniture in a group or privately. 

: With locations in Fishtown and East Falls (plus a few in the suburbs), this climbing gym has intro classes for top rope climbing and lead climbing. The 

 includes three day passes, gear rentals, and a beginner class.

, which is “for folks that have absolutely no dance experience” (like me!). The two Center City locations offer classes primarily based in contemporary Black American folkloric dance, African folkloric dance, Latin American dance, and contemporary somatic and movement culture practices.

There’s a multiverse that exists in which I’m really into board games. If I wanted to manifest that life, I’d go to 

 with games that range from Magic: The Gathering (for the strategic thinkers) to Scrabble (more my speed).

Sign up for individual or group lessons at this Germantown studio that offers multi-level lessons in guitar, bass, ukulele, keys, voice, songwriting, music production, and more. If you’re not ready to commit, you can 

Whether you want to make something, move your body, learn a skill, or just get really good at something new, here are a few places around Philly where you can create your next hobby this fall.

Where to Create Your Fall Hobby in Philadelphia

Become a Person With Hobbies This Fall 

Siani Colón

Oktoberfest is officially underway in Philadelphia! Known as the largest folk and beer festival in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest has spawned spinoffs celebrating Bavarian culture, music, and food. Dress to impress in your lederhosen, and party on at these local festivals.

Chestnut Hill Brewing Company Oktoberfest

 is celebrating Oktoberfest for four weeks. Upcoming activities include Oktoberfest Bingo and a Hammerschlagen Tournament (good luck nailing that). Capture the moment at the brewery’s selfie station and take home a special CH Festbier with a custom label.

 in Fishtown for beers and brats. This year’s celebration will have a new format by moving into the beer garden, with 

. Attendees can expect EDM Oompah music, a stein-holding contest, four exclusive German-style beers, and a best-dressed contest.

 will be jam-packed with a different party spanning each block, including Oktoberfest. Brauhaus Schmitz is shutting down the 700 block of South Street for the event. The free event includes live music and a dozen German draft beers. If you opt for the 

, you get access to an exclusive buffet, seven beer tokens, swag, and access to private bathrooms. Be sure to check out the other festivals happening along the corridor that day.

. The event will have three main stages for live entertainment. Test your strength with the beer stein competition (the kiddos can participate in a root beer stein contest). Attendees can also participate in a pet costume contest, scarecrow walk, pumpkin carving, and history tours.

If you miss the big party on South Street, 

 is offering you another chance. The beer hall is once again taking over the 23rd Street Armory for the biggest Oktoberfest event in the city. Tiered tickets are available for Friday night, Satur-DAY, and Saturday night. Local German clubs will lead the opening ceremonies.

 dining on pig roast, drinking imported German beer, and dancing to folk music. A caricature artist will capture your likeness on the big night. As for the youth, kid-friendly games will be available, with the chance to win prizes.

 is hosting a night of music and dancing. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The Philly German Brass Band and the 

, one of the oldest Schuhplattler Vereine clubs in North America that’s keeping folk traditions alive, will perform.

Sip on beer and see how long you can raise your glass at Philly’s Oktoberfests. 

Where To Celebrate Oktoberfest in Philly in 2026

The Best Oktoberfest Activities in Philly

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

Philadelphia has a long tradition of distilling that has evolved from colonial rum and whiskey-making into a new generation of small producers experimenting with local ingredients, unusual grains, and that Philly punch. Here are some of the local distilleries and bottle shops carrying that tradition forward.

New Liberty Distillery (South Kensington)

For the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, 

limited edition Kinsey Liberty Bell Decanter

, each signed by master distiller Robert Cassell — who also co-founded Philadelphia Distilling — and filled with 

Kinsey’s custom 100-proof bourbon blend

, you can also pick up New Liberty bottles at 

BOTLD (Rittenhouse, Midtown Village, and King of Prussia)

 is not your typical liquor store — and 

. The Philly-born shop — the brainchild of the other Philadelphia Distilling co-founder, Andrew Auwerda — works directly with distillers around the country and world, then uses a loophole in 

 that says you can sell spirits out of a non-state-run liquor store as long as they're bottled in Pennsylvania. Auwerda

 and bottles them at BOTLD, making it a particularly good place to hunt for bottles you’re unlikely to see on the average state-run store shelf.

 took Philadelphia — and America — by storm over the last year. You can’t go to any concert, festival, or sports game without running into a sea of people holding canned Surfside Iced Tea + Vodka cans or Stateside Vodka cans. 

Getting the naming rights to Xfinity Live!

most well-known alcohol brands in the country

, but its roots are still in Philadelphia, and you can take a

Red Brick Craft Distillery (East Kensington)

 makes its spirits the old-fashioned way: locally sourced ingredients are brewed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in Philadelphia. Owner and head distiller Brian Forrest specializes in small-batch bottles, and you can buy Red Brick at the distillery and 

 — a bright, citrus-forward gin — which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. More than 20 bars and restaurants — including Bok Bar, Parc, the Ranstead Room, and The Library Bar — are serving Bluecoat anniversary cocktails. And starting Sept. 24, the distillery’s tasting room is 

, a collaborative menu with one drink dedicated to each bar and restaurant that helped build the brand. The distillery also offers 

Philly Spirits Worth Trying (and Bringing Home)

✏️ Find past crossword puzzles below:

This mini-crossword is filled with clues on Philly history and headlines. 

Can You Solve This Philly-Themed Crossword?

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

What Philadelphians have been wondering. We break down why things in Philadelphia are the way they are and how they work.

Philly, Explained

Fall is the time to turn your attention to Philly sports. Football season returns Sunday with our two-time Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, facing off against the team from Washington (whatever their name is these days) Meanwhile the Phillies are chasing another Red October while the Philadelphia Union is heating up as we head into the back end of the soccer season. And training camps for the new Sixers and Flyers seasons are just around the corner. If you can’t score tickets to games for all of those teams this season, munch on some wings and throw back some drinks at these local bars and restaurants.

 offers a chill, neighborhood vibe right on South Street. 

 runs Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. If you’re feeling hungry, you can grab more than just fries. Its 

 includes good eats from crispy calamari to cheesesteak spring rolls to short rib tacos.

This Manayunk bar is your source for craft beer and community. At 

, you have 18 different screens to turn your attention to (sound 

of course). This spot also serves brunch on the weekends, so if there’s an early game scheduled, you can always dine in first and then gravitate towards the bar afterwards.

Before you shake your head at this one, hear me out. 

 is almost synonymous with Philly sports, as you can’t go to any stadium in the city without grabbing a bucket of crab fries. If you go to any of its restaurants on a Friday, take advantage of 

Make one of these bars or restaurants your prime destination to root for Philly’s teams this season.

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