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City Cast Philly

Siani Colón

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

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

City Cast Philly staff

✏️ 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

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

Philly parks want you to go outside this summer, whether it’s to 

have some drinks at a rotating pop-up beer garden

. The good times don’t have to end once the sun goes down. But your neighborhood park is the destination to catch some flicks, whether it’s a family-friendly film or a romance perfect for a date night. So bring a blanket or lawn chair, some snacks, and relax at these upcoming screenings.

’s Under the Stars Festival brings together moviegoers in West Philly’s Clark Park on Friday nights, showcasing independent films. The remaining two screenings in this series are 

 on June 13, plus “TCB - The Toni Cade Bambera School of Organizing” and 

 on June 19. Outside of this series, cinéSPEAK has other pop-up screenings at The Lawn at UCity Square and at Freedom Greens & Garden later this summer.

If you missed the Under the Stars Festival, that isn’t your last chance to see movies at this beloved park. The 

University City District will screen movies

 on Fridays in August. With 2026 being the semiquincentennial, this year’s theme is “freedom.” Come and watch “A League of Their Own” and “The Matrix.”

Get a bird’s eye view of the city while watching your favorite movie. Located at Cira Green Rooftop, Sunset Social hosts 

 on Saturdays. Upcoming evening films include “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” “Jaws,” and “Iron Man,” and daytime screenings include “Encanto” and “Ponyo.”

At Independence Mall, you can retrace the steps of the country’s Founding Fathers, see where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and watch a movie about a group stealing said document. The 

 takes over Independence National Historical Park from June 19 through Oct. 19. On the lineup are “Harriet,” the “National Treasure” franchise, and “Hamilton.” Sign up in advance and come early for a pre-show.

. Screenings will take place either at the Grays Ferry Crescent Esplanade or in a grassy area by Walnut Street. The film lineup features “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Dirty Dancing.” And before the movie take a stroll by the water or rent a kayak for a tour.

The city’s network of over 100 park friends groups is committed to keeping your parks clean and making them true gathering spaces

. More than 20 of those groups are hosting movie nights

 in neighborhood parks like Mifflin Square Park, Benson Park, and Harrowgate Park.

From now through September, residents can watch everything from cult classics to samurai 

. The series runs primarily on Saturdays. Attendees can come at 7 p.m. to hear music from D.J.s and shop at local vendors before the movie starts.

Grab some popcorn and your coziest blanket to watch movies with your neighbors at your local park. 

Your Guide to Outdoor Movies in Summer 2026 in Philly

Where To Watch Free Movies Outdoors This Summer

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

It’s time to finally use your PTO and get outside! June kicks off a jam-packed summer season throughout Philadelphia with outdoor festivals, the world’s biggest sporting event, and seasonal pop-ups. Here’s how to make the most of the official start of summer.

 is back, now pedestrianizing streets in Midtown Village. This iteration is switching things up with evening hours every Tuesday in June. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live music, double dutch, and pop-up mini-golf.

Eat seasonally by stocking up on summer fruits and veggies! Take a day trip outside of the city to nearby farms like 

 to pick your own strawberries, cherries, and raspberries. Be sure to visit Shadybrook on June 6 and 7 for 

As the semiquincentennial approaches, from now until July 2 artists across the city are responding to the question 

 as we ponder what’s next for the United States. Explore more than 30 performances and installations from Art Philly on topics ranging from the climate crisis to the contributions of Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

It’s Pride Month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s 

 will be June 7 on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway instead of the typical Gayborhood location. There's a $10 admission. If you can’t make it, 

 on June 7. For sapphics looking for love in a sober setting, 

Celebrate and Learn About the End of Slavery

June 19 commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The annual 

 will depart from the Highmark Mann Center at 12:30 p.m. and conclude at Malcolm X Park, where a marketplace will already be in full swing and a music festival begins at 5 p.m. At Bartram’s Garden, there’s a 

 on June 14 with free workshops and storytelling. And over in Germantown, the 

Johnson House is celebrating its 20th Juneteenth Festival

 on June 20. Continue learning about the 

history of slavery and abolition in Philadelphia with these tours

Although we’ve been feeling summer temperatures for weeks now, we don’t officially transition seasons until June 21, when you can soak up the sun on the longest day of the year. 

 is hosting a celebration ahead of the solstice on June 18 with food, music, and free archery. On June 20, 

 is throwing a block party with an opportunity to view the sun through the museum’s telescope. In Torresdale, 

 is leading an eco-craft event on the actual solstice, making art with sun printing and natural dyes.

Wander Philly’s museums, pick fresh fruit, and celebrate the solstice throughout the month.

Your Guide to Philadelphia in June 2026

How to Spend June 2026 in Philly

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.

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.

The dessert shop opened its third location this month after gaining a following in Pennsport and Fishtown. The new storefront offers indoor and outdoor seating, evening coffee hours, and its signature mousse cakes. Need something savory? The shop has breakfast and lunch options, with expanded grab-and-go service at the Center City location.

Cleo Bagels’ loyal customers in need of coffee to shake off their sleepiness can stop right next door at Little Bean. Grab some bagels, bialys, or espresso and hang out in the new sister location.

 | 1537 Spring Garden St. (Spring Garden)

South Sichuan is bringing the heat with its authentic Sichuan meals. Munch on dandan noodles, cumin-style lamb, and dry pepper wings. The restaurant also provides several 

If you used to be a regular at Franny Lou’s Porch in Kensington, its spirit lives on at d’griot cafe. Blew Kind’s gallery and community space has already been operating workshops and storytimes, but the wellness cafe is the newest addition. Grab a yogurt bowl or biscuit breakfast sandwich before going about your day.

You no longer have to schlep over to West Philly or Port Richmond for this taproom experience. Carbon Copy has officially expanded to South Philly, serving up locally-made beers and wines. The menu also has a variety of non-alcoholic options. Don’t just go for the drinks — the pizza and wings are pretty solid.

If you need something sweet that’s vegan-friendly, stop by 

’s new location. Grab ice cream, brownies, and custom cakes that are free of animal products. And if you try one of Crust’s toaster tarts, you won’t ever think about Pop-Tarts again. Plans for the new location include cake-decorating classes.

Philly’s bar scene just got bigger. Serving up drinks from Human Robot and channeling an eclectic vibe with decor from Thunderbird Salvage, the bar’s keeping things local by inviting patrons to come and ponder in good company. Ponder also has a takeout wine and beer shop if you’re on the go.

Another new addition to the neighborhood is the latest venture from 

. Taking inspiration from travels in Italy and collaborator Meri Medoway’s heritage, this restaurant offers handmade pastas, crudo, and antipasti with seasonal ingredients.

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, May 2026

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars and Cafés in Philly

The biggest global sporting event is finally about to start, and Philadelphia is going to be a big part of it. The FIFA World Cup, which occurs every four years, will feature 48 teams competing in June and July. This year’s U.S. men’s national team has 

five players from Pennsylvania and New Jersey

, and Philadelphia is among 16 host cities across three countries. With the whole world watching Philadelphia, here’s how you can jump on the bandwagon.

 (which do not include the U.S.), and a Round of 16 match on Independence Day (which 

 include the U.S.). Tickets are still available through 

. You can also try your luck on third-party reseller sites like 

If you’re watching the games from home, English broadcasts of the matches will be on 

. You can also stream all matches on the FOX One app and 

. The Spanish broadcast will be split between 

 and Universo, with all matches streamed on 

If you have access to none of those or want to watch with others, watch parties will be taking over bars across the city. We’ll continue to share more as the Cup approaches, but here are a few on our radar:

 will air matches throughout the entire tournament, opening the bar an hour before kickoff and staying open until 2 a.m. If that isn’t enough, the 700 block of South Street will be closed for five days for outdoor viewing parties.

. The Chinatown bar lists watch parties by country if you’re looking for a particular country to root for.

 promises “nonstop action,” with the Irish pub airing the tournament throughout June and July.

Philadelphia is gearing up for the big sporting event this June. Here’s how you can be a part of it.

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