Your Daily Guide

What Can Save South Street?

As a neighborhood entertainment venue is forced to reapply for permits, restaurants land Michelin guide recommendations, and venture capital money pours into the area, some locals are wondering if the counterculture hub will survive. It's not the first time South Street has resisted change — in the 1980s a highway threatened to remove the street entirely. We've even talked about changes before on the pod! The community of artists and restaurateurs is, for now, holding out. [Food & Wine; City Cast Philly 🎧]

• If all this talk of South Street is getting you thinking about what else you can do this weekend and this next month, you should check out our guide to August in Philly. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

24-Hour Protest Ride on SEPTA

A group of activists called Transit Forward Philadelphia hopes to prevent future budget cuts and fare increases by riding SEPTA for 24 hours straight. Among their demands are making free student fares permanent and increased accessibility to stations around the city. The group cited the World Cup as proof the city can provide good, cost-effective public transportation for tens of thousands of people — "that needs to be every day," said Council Member Mark Squilla. [Billy Penn]

Philadelphia Councilmembers Fight School Closures

Some City Council members are continuing to fight the district's plans to close 17 schools next year. Declining enrollment and building maintenance needs prompted the district to plan for these closures while also concurrently upgrading many other buildings. The original plan included closing 20 schools, so “if three can be taken off, then more can be taken off," said Councilwoman Nina Ahmad. [Chalkbeat]

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star last year.

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.

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 Manna Bakery’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)

Starting as a humble cart in 2017, Burrito Feliz 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)

Grab breakfast at Sister Robert’s, 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)

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

📣 City Cast Philly Neighbor Matthew W. recommends Bud’s Barbershop at 16th and Ritner streets. “Not only do they give outstanding haircuts, but it really feels like a true neighborhood gathering place where you can have great conversations with everyone there.”

Thanks, Matthew! If you have a recommendation you’d like to share, join today and submit your shoutout.