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City Cast Philly

Marie Albiges

If your ideal Saturday includes drinking espresso and inspecting monsteras, congratulations: You've found your people. Here are our favorite Philly spots where you can get your caffeine fix and your plant fix in one trip.

Sitting at the busy intersection of Main Street and Green Lane in Manayunk underneath the iconic Green Lane Bridge, Artesano has an expansive space distinguished by its iron and metalworks interspersed among the plants and coffee. Starting Aug. 8, Artesano will be offering 

weekend breakfast and brunch table service

. Artesano also recently transformed a section of its space into a bar, open on weekends and serving signature cocktails and small plates.

Founded by a mother-daughter duo in 2020, this West Philly boutique shop has everything from low maintenance and pet-friendly plants to seeds and supplies. On the coffee side, I highly recommend the 

, a creamy, sweet latte made with chaga mushrooms that is packed with antioxidants. Plant and People also offers 

temporary plant rentals, plantscaping, and plant consultations

The women-owned coffee, gifts, and plant store has a collaborative, community feel, with an entire second floor of open seating and a children’s play area. In addition to plants and coffee, the shop sells locally-made jewelry, soaps, candles, art, stationery, drinkware, and honey. Vault + Vine carries beans from 

Yes, Manayunk has not one but two plant stores that also sell hot beverages, although they are on the opposite ends of Main Street. This boutique nursery carries a variety of houseplants, ceramics, and home decor, and its café offers a wide selection of loose leaf tea and pastries. Its 

has a selection of exotic, hard-to-find plants that can be purchased online or in-store.

Billed as an outdoor lifestyle garden center and café, Terrain has several locations in the suburbs worth the drive. Started by Urban Outfitters co-founder Dick Hayne (and still owned by its parent company URBN), each sprawling Terrain location also serves as a 

 that can be used for gorgeous, nature-inspired celebrations.

Here are our favorite Philly spots where you can get your caffeine fix and your plant fix in one trip. 


The Only Thing Better Than Coffee? Coffee With Plants

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Long before she owned two plant-and-coffee shops, 

co-founder Michelle Miller had more than 100 houseplants at home and was a self-proclaimed “serious plant enthusiast.”

Miller said the same thing of her co-founder Molly Kiriacoulacos. Miller, who was consulting for the owners of a multi-use brick building on North Second Street in Norris Square during COVID-19, thought that a plant-and-coffee shop would be perfect for its corner unit. Then she and Kiriacoulacos decided they should be the ones to open it.

The Ground was born in 2022, and the two entrepreneurs opened their second location on 18th Street in Rittenhouse in 2023.

The plants are mostly sourced from small, independent growers located within 100 miles of Philadelphia, which tends to result in healthier plants. Inside both locations, you’ll find a variety of tropical houseplants with diverse light options.

On the coffee and restaurant side, The Ground’s beans are from 

 in South Philly. Signature drinks include a chocolate-covered strawberry latte made with Ghirardelli cocoa and a rose pistachio latte topped with dried rose petals.

But what Miller is especially proud of is The Ground’s

. Almost every dish is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Miller, who is half-Korean, has added Korean influences to some of The Ground’s newest menu items, including a Bulgogi cheesesteak quesadilla made with thin-sliced beef ribeye, Cooper Sharp cheese, and a charred scallion crema.

The Ground also has an in-house baking program with rotating pastries, including a gochujang banana bread made with a Korean fermented red pepper paste that mixes saltiness, heat, and sweetness.

“Bringing some of those flavors to our menu has been really big for me, and I think it’s resonated well with a lot of our clients,” Miller said.

Inside both locations of The Ground, you’ll find a variety of tropical houseplants with diverse light options.


This Plant and Coffee Shop Serves One of Philly's Most Unexpected Menus 

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.

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.

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)

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, July 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

Siani Colón

Rooftop bars are a great way to watch those 

 and get a bird’s-eye view of the city. See the beauty of Philly’s skyline at these local bars, and stick around for their special programming that keeps the party going through the evening.

 is your source for rooftop tacos and cocktails. For 

 tomorrow, enjoy tequila tastings and a special cocktail menu. Throughout the season, El Techo hosts its “Summer Sessions” series with monthly music programming. Upcoming dates are 

, Aug. 16, and Sept. 27. General admission tickets are $25, with light bites available for pre-purchase. The fun doesn’t end after the summer. El Techo has a retractable roof, keeping it open year-round.

The top level of this former South Philly high school has become a summer staple with 

, rooftop fitness, and sunset drag. If you’re hungry, Bok Bar rotates its menu each month. For July, Gabriella’s Vietnam is serving dishes such as crispy catfish and fries, meat skewers with bao buns, and Vietnamese banana ice cream. For drinks, sip on “Tami-Miami,” “Time After Thyme,” or “Bird’s Eye View” — appropriate for the venue.

You may be thinking “that’s not a bar, that’s a theater.” While you’re not necessarily wrong, that means you’re missing out on one of this venue’s unique features. The 

 is a summer-only pop-up at the Kimmel Center. Admission is free with food and drinks between $6 and $9. Guests also have a chance to win tickets for performances through Ensemble Arts. The pop-up runs through Aug. 26.

For an upscale experience, head to The Logan. On the hotel’s ninth floor, 

 provides guests with views of Logan Square and Philly’s great cultural institutions. The bar has a happy hour special Sunday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with deals on a rose gold margarita, frosé, and select dishes.

If you’re looking for waterfront views, you can find it on all three levels of 

. Forget the flight to Hawaii; this summer you can visit Liberty Point’s pop-up bar, 

. The restaurant and bar regularly hosts live music and community events. On Aug. 1, the venue is hosting its third annual 

, celebrating Puerto Rican culture with salsa lessons, cultural performances, and food.

Want more opportunities to drink outside? Check out our 

Take advantage of the late-evening sun this summer and party on these Philly rooftop bars.

Best Rooftop Bars in Philadelphia

Catch the Best Views in Philly at These Rooftop Bars

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

 in Old City, you’re immediately hit with the smell of sweetness: melted chocolate, creamy caramel, the slightest hint of fruit.

You’re also hit with the feeling that you just stepped back in time: the creaking and original hardwood floors, the intricate blue-and-white fixtures, the old-timey cash register, the 19th-century stained glass. This chocolatey, nostalgic sensation feels right for a visit during America’s 250th celebration.

As she walks me through the storefront and into the kitchen, Pavia Burroughs, Shane’s creative director, rattles through a list of the confectionery’s owners since 1863: The Herrings, the Denglers (Daniel Dengler allegedly dabbled in the fireworks trade during the slow summer chocolate season), the Wescotts, and the Shanes, who held onto the business for 99 years before bequeathing ownership to the Berley Brothers (who had opened the nearby Franklin Fountain) in 2010.

“(The Shanes) had really made an impression in the city… and in order to pay homage to the really ingrained legacy at that point, the Berleys decided to keep it named ‘Shane,’” Burroughs said.

Today, all of the chocolate and ice cream at Shane Confectionery, 

The Franklin Fountain and The Franklin Ice Cream Bar

 next door is made in-house. The cocoa beans are ethically sourced from Uncommon Cacao, ground in the back of Shane’s, melted down and turned into everything from passionfruit caramels (Boroughs’ favorite) to the popular Schnickelfritz peanut butter crisp in dark chocolate (a crowd favorite). The packaging, also done in-house, is designed by Burroughs, who first started working there as a candy clerk.

In addition to buying chocolates, candies, and cookies, customers can drink seasonal hot and cold chocolate in the cafe between the storefront and the kitchen. The cafe’s 1880s wooden counters are all salvaged from shuttered local candy shops.

For America's 250th, The Franklin Fountain is serving up two patriotic specials: 

, named after the highly potent drink served at America’s oldest angling club that allegedly made George Washington hungover for three days (the Franklin version swaps brandy and rum for black tea, lemon, and peach), and a 

 featuring layers of lemon sorbet, vanilla ice cream, mango sorbet, and raspberry compote.

America’s Oldest Confectionery

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 

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

food

The Only Thing Better Than Coffee? Coffee With Plants

This Plant and Coffee Shop Serves One of Philly's Most Unexpected Menus

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars & Cafés in Philly

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America’s Oldest Confectionery

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