Messina Club is a members-only restaurant with the best pierogies in the city.

Helm is a neighborhood BYOB in Kensington that’s good for sharing small plates with a date.

Royal Tavern is a corner bar in Bella Vista with food that’s a little more interesting than your average pub.

High Street on Market in Old City is a bakery and restaurant that works for just about any time of day.

Olly is an American bar and restaurant in Queen Village that’s a good alternative to a sports bar.

The Hadley is an American restaurant in an apartment building that you don’t need to go to.

Federal Donuts is a donut and fried chicken shop on South Street from the people behind Zahav.

River Twice is a BYOB on East Passyunk that changes their menu every single night.

The International is a two-floor bar in Kensington with a beer bar on the first floor and cocktails on the second floor.

Musi is an Israeli-inspired BYOB in Pennsport with a seasonal menu that uses almost entirely local ingredients.

Soup Kitchen Cafe is a small breakfast and lunch spot in Kensington that’s easy, casual, and pretty cheap.

Located on the bottom floor of the newest Comcast Tower, a meal at seafood spot Vernick Fish is a perfect choice for almost any situation.

Lloyd Whiskey Bar has one of the better burgers in Fishtown, as well as a great Sunday brunch.

Emmy Squared serves Detroit-style pan pizzas and also has one of the best burgers in the city.

Aether is a seafood restaurant in Fishtown with a solid raw bar and wine list, but not much else.

Wm. Mulherin’s Sons is an Italian restaurant in Fishtown where you should go for a date or a nicer-than-usual weeknight dinner.