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City Cast Philly

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

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 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

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.

 will be streaming some matches in its 200+ seat theater, with dates and times to come on its website and social media.

, the restaurant and mini-golf course will provide guests with a passport book to track which matches they watched. Updated menus and hours are to come.

While tailgating at the Linc (I’m sorry, I mean “Philadelphia Stadium”) is reserved only for fans with tournament tickets, the lots won’t be the only places to party. For 39 days, Fairmount Park’s Lemon Hill will be the 

Philly is the only host city operating the fan festival for the entire duration of the World Cup. Catch live broadcasts on game days, along with concerts, local vendors, and other family-friendly activities.

Entry is free but tickets are required. Fans can 

If you can’t wait until game day, get a taste of the World Cup excitement at a 

 on May 29. Help paint a new mural commemorating the big event.

 during the tournament and free rides back home from the stadium. 

 will offer direct service to the fan festival on its Downtown Loop. Passengers can get off at Stop 9, at Pennsylvania and Fairmount Avenues. The fare is free for SEPTA pass holders, seniors, and children under four years old. Other riders can pay $5 to ride all day.

🎧 Learn more about how Philly’s preparing for the big event, and whether the city’s actually ready for it, on 

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

Your Guide to the 2026 World Cup in Philly

What To Know About the FIFA World Cup in Philly

May is National Bike Month, when we’re reminded of cycling’s multiple benefits, from exercise to transportation. While biking can be a solitary activity, Philadelphia has a strong community of cyclists who host meetups throughout the city for riders to safely cycle together. If you’re looking for a group near you to explore with, here are a few local clubs.

Have you ever heard of a walking school bus, where a group of students walks to school with chaperones? Similar to that concept, bike trains consist of cyclists commuting together to jobs, school, or other destinations. 

 has six main routes around the city, with riders meeting up weekly.

Riding your bike at night can be intimidating due to lower visibility and other dangers. But just because it’s dark out doesn’t mean you can’t go out. 

 organizes biweekly social bike rides throughout the city. Interested cyclists can learn about an upcoming ride and the designated route on the organization’s website and social media channels. The miles vary with each ride, and routes will note their difficulty levels.

this group hosts evening social bike rides

 but focuses on Northwest Philadelphia. Riders meet up every other Wednesday at 7 p.m. Upcoming dates and routes are posted on Instagram and 

Sometimes, to get people out of the house, you need to come up with a good theme. 

 leans into its name by organizing monthly themed bike rides. Past themes have centered on Earth Day, the spring equinox, and Valentine’s Day. Riders meet at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps at 8 p.m. and head out at 8:30 p.m.

 promotes gender inclusivity and racial equity in biking and the great outdoors. The Philadelphia chapter has organized bike campouts, picnic rides, and “carb crawls” to local bakeries. The group also runs a gear library, sharing bike bags and camping equipment.

Want to join these groups but don’t know how to ride a bike? Adults and kids alike can practice biking in Hunting Park’s 

. And the Philadelphia Bicycle Coalition hosts two-hour adult learn-to-ride class every month at Lloyd Hall along Boathouse Row – 

Why bike solo when you can join a community that also loves exploring the city on two wheels?


Where To Ride a Bike With Others in Philly

Ride a Bike and Make a Friend at These Philly Biking Clubs

Find the best of everything that Philadelphia has to offer.

Philly’s Best

Philly's Best

It’s warming up in Philly! Rising temps may have you eager to grab a swimsuit and head down to the Jersey Shore, but there are plenty of opportunities to splash around this spring and summer in the city itself. As we wait for the city to reopen our pools and spraygrounds (help them open quicker by 

 offers free community boating on Saturdays now through Oct. 17. Rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are available for 30-minute rides. Instruction is provided, so beginners are welcome! No signup required. The organization also hosts free family fishing every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Fairmount Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Independence Seaport Museum, hosts community paddle boating at FDR Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

 are on May 16, June 6, July 18, and Aug. 15.

Over in Torresdale, you can boat along the Delaware River and Poquessing Creek. Rowboats, kayaks, and canoes are 

 on a first-come, first-served basis on select days through September.

Just outside of Philadelphia and a short walk from the Regional Rail’s Cheltenham Station, you can learn to fish. The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, which covers both Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, 

 on Tuesday evenings from now through Sept. 15. Rods, tackle, bait, and instruction are provided.

 two weeks before your preferred event date to register.

 leads several kayak excursions along the Delaware River. This includes an introductory lesson ($25), a 2-3 mile excursion ($65), and a 6-mile excursion ($75). The museum also offers special events such as an ecotour, teaching about the river’s ecosystem and how to better the environment, and a morning paddle paired with coffee.

You can also head to Penn’s Landing Marina and 

 during the day or night, taking in the views of the harbor.

Riverfront North Partnership, in partnership with MidAtlantic Youth Anglers & Outdoor Partners, will 

teach you how to fish along the Delaware River

, right by the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Lessons every other Thursday until June 18  are capped at 35 participants.

You can learn how to fish every other Thursday until June 25. 

. There’s also a public boat launch at this site.

Located in Philly’s Kingsessing neighborhood, 

 is not just home to the oldest surviving botanical garden in the U.S. Here, visitors can enjoy the water. Free boating is available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., equipment and instruction provided. If you have your own boat, you can launch a non-motorized boat from Bartram’s dock. Free fishing occurs on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with weekly catch-and-release fishing on Wednesdays. Rods and tackle are available for free.

locations along the banks perfect for fishing

 near Center City, Grays Ferry, and Southwest Philly. Fishers must abide by state law and have a current, signed fishing license.

You can take a professional guided tour with 

 along the Schuylkill River. Basic kayak tours are $40 per person, and sunset/moonlight tours are $45 per person. You can also catch a movie after you finish kayaking right along the riverbank.

 for upcoming fishing lessons, tours, and other activities.

Row merrily down Philly’s rivers or learn how to catch a fish at these seasonal programs. 


Where To Boat and Fish in Philly

Free and Low-Cost Aquatic Activities in Philly

Philly’s cocktail scene is ever-growing, from cozy corner neighborhood spots to upscale lounges mixing innovative, specialty drinks. To celebrate World Cocktail Day on Wednesday, here are some places we recommend.

Get a bird’s eye view of the city from atop the Cambria Hotel. Attico is making World Cocktail Day extra special by 

. Drink Prohibition-era signature cocktails inspired by the 1920s. Dress to impress and enjoy an open bar and hors d’oeuvres.

More Philly restaurants and bars are offering zero-proof “mocktails,” but at this bar there is no alcohol at all. 

, with mocktails including a Moscow Mule (ginger, lime, coconut blossom nectar, and Topo Chico) and Philadelphia Thursday (ginger, lime, yuzu, grenadine, and Topo Chico).

 is perfect for an intimate night out with its moody and chic interior. City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz recommends the Fig Around, an olive oil-washed vodka with lemon, fig, and black pepper. For Milk Punch fans, try either Stay Grassy Philly (rum, creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and lime) or Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn (

rums, pineapple, apricot, coconut, citrus, and bitters).

 focuses on a farm-to-table menu, with seasonal offerings. City Cast Philly executive producer Matt Katz recommends the stiff P&K Old Fashioned (bourbon, demerara, bitters).

Whether you’re a guest at Hotel Anna & Bel or just 

 offers a respite to all. The bar is known for well-balanced cocktails with light and breezy vibes, but also has drinks with savory flavor profiles. The menu now features Over the Garden Wall (a floral and bubbly drink) and Ulivo e Limone (perfect for martini fans). City Cast Philly newsletter editor Siani Colón recommends pairing your drink with one of the small plates, like the cheese and charcuterie.

Your new favorite drink could be inside this former gas station. 

 offers a Mexican-Chinese fusion menu with speciality cocktails that lean into its location: Spark Plug (arbol-infused mezcal, lime, and sugar), Fender Bender (mezcal, strawberry-rhubarb, mint, Aperol, and citrus), and Gas Guzzler (mezcal, Campari, orange grapefruit, and lime).

 is a must-visit for brunch with an extensive 

. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri recommends the Nashville Sunrise, a bourbon and blood orange smash with Aperol, citrus, and honey.

🎧 Want even more recommendations? Check out our episode on 

, the trend that’s replacing your typical happy hour.

Take a sip of classic and creative cocktails from Philly’s best mixologists.

Where To Grab a Cocktail in Philly

Celebrate World Cocktail Day at These Philly Bars

Philly is a sports town, and that includes golf. Its history runs deep, producing top athletes like 

, the first American-born golfer to win the U.S. Open, and 

, the first Black golfer to win a PGA Tour event. Philly’s also home to the 

 in U.S. courses since 2020, a 21% increase, the sport’s popularity isn’t slowing down. In the Philadelphia area, amateur and professional golfers alike can choose from several local ranges and courses to play a round. Here’s where to golf in Philly, whether it’s your first or 100th time picking up a club.

’s range features 63 stalls to show off that swing. Need lessons before you start the game? 

 from local teaching professionals on-site. If you need something easier for the kiddos, the center is also home to an 18-hole mini golf course. The center is open daily. Clubs are available for rent.

 to allow men and women of all ethnicities to play. The site reopened in 2025 as a new and improved hub for golf and STEM education. Golfers can play on a 68-bay driving range and 

. Additional courses are expected to reopen in 2027 and 2028.

. Open to the public daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., reservations are only required on weekends and holidays.

 is located right in East Fairmount Park. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., prices start as low as $5 for a bucket of 25 golf balls. Golf clubs are complimentary to use on-site if you don’t own a pair. Lessons are also available.

Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, test out your skills at these local golf ranges and courses. 

things to do

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars and Cafés in Philly

What To Know About the FIFA World Cup in Philly

Latest articles

Play Our Philly Crossword Puzzle

Your Guide to New Restaurants, Bars and Cafés in Philly

What To Know About the FIFA World Cup in Philly

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Free and Low-Cost Aquatic Activities in Philly

Celebrate World Cocktail Day at These Philly Bars

Where To Golf in Philly

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