The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll welcomes more $1 vendors than ever at its June event, Thursday, June 13. (Photo by J. Fusco for GPTMC)

University City District’s highly anticipated Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll makes a grand return this summer with more vendors than ever before.

This year, a whopping 35 businesses are set to offer dollar food, drinks and other goodies.

West Philadelphia favorites like Dock Street Brewery, Milk and Honey Market, Mariposa Food Co-op, The Gold Standard Cafe and newcomer Little Baby’s Ice Cream will all be on hand to suppply attendees with super deals.

Get excited, seven-ounce beers from Dock Street Brewery will be available for a mere 100 pennies!

Stroll the avenue to find a cluster of food trucks offering dollar deals, too. Jimmies Cupcake Company, Lil Dan’s Food Truck, Sunflower Truck Stop and Sweet Box Cupcakes are slated to take part in the frugal festivities.

Entertainment abounds at the dollar stroll. Live music, fire artists and other street performers will fill the avenue as well.

The festivities don’t end there, though, as Clark Park hosts its weekly Farmers Market from 3 to 7 p.m. filled with farm-fresh food and food trucks.

The first Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is on Thursday, June 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. With a second stroll scheduled for September 12.

Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
When: Thursday, June 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Between 42nd and 50th Streets on Baltimore Avenue
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.universitycity.org

The prime corner of 18th and Walnut will soon be home to a.bar, a jewel-box raw bar and cocktail bar adjacent to a.kitchen at AKA Rittenhouse Square. (Photo courtesy AKA)

Dining on chilled seafood and sipping cool cocktails is an exceedingly appealing notion as summer weather slips in to Philadelphia.

And now that we’ve seen the new food menu at AKA Rittenhouse Square’s soon-to-open a.bar, we know just where those fruits of the sea will be savored.

The curated selection of snacks, raw shellfish and oysters, small plates and some charcuterie focuses heavily on seafood, with the raw bar section as the obvious cornerstone.

From a read of the menu, a few of the dishes we can’t wait to try are Caputo Brothers burrata with trout caviar and black mint, razor clam ceviche with pink peppercorns and mussels escabeche in a sherry vinegar sauce. The oyster lineup appeals, too, with a lovely list of mostly East Coast varieties.

The sophisticated-yet-straightforward fare of a.kitchen seems to extend to a.bar’s menu, too. Naturally, since the two spots will share a kitchen team and staff under AKA’s food and beverage director, David Fields.

As far as decor, look for a.bar to have a similar aesthetic as a.kitchen (the two were both designed by architect Edward Asfour of New York’s Asfour Guzy), with natural finishes, coffered ceilings and a 17-seat pewtered bronze bar.

Stay tuned for more as a.bar receives its final touches and opens this summer.

For the complete menu, see below.

a.bar at AKA Rittenhouse
Where: 18th and Walnut streets
More info: www.akitchenphilly.com

Spend an evening shopping and tasting farm-fresh food and produce at Terrain at Styer's in Glen Mills this Thursday, May 23. (Courtesy of Terrain)

This Thursday, spend a dreamy evening beyond city limits at Terrain at Styer’s in Glen Mills.

The enchanting nursery and garden shop is part of the Philadelphia-based Urban Outfitters group, and is a treasure trove of plants, greenery and home-and-garden items, as well as the site of a charming cafe featuring elegant-yet-simple fare from chef Keith Rudolf.

This week, help the cafe christen its new patio with a Patio Party and Twilight Farmer’s Market. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., enjoy alfresco shopping, live music, cocktails and farm-fresh hors d’oeuvres.

A number of area farms and vendors will be on hand with locally produced goods.

Look for veal and pork from Birchrun Hills Farm; handmade preserves from Green Aisle Grocery; local wines from Paradocx Winery; artisan breads from Wild Flower Bakery; and heirloom produce from Culton Farms. Plus, shoppers might find Little Baby’s Ice Cream and Thornbury Farm, as the vendors are rumored to be headed to the market, too.

Following the soiree and market, reserve a seat for the five-course tasting dinner from chef Rudolf at 7 p.m.

The chef’s tasting menu starts with an English pea soup, followed by a scallop-stuffed squash blossom, striped bass, duck with ramp puree and a berry clafoutis with basil ice cream.

The dinner runs $60 (plus tax and gratuity per person) and reservations are available with the cafe by calling 610-459-6036.

And though the market and party are free and open to the public, visitors can RSVP here.

Terrain Patio Party and Twilight Farmer’s Market
When: Thursday, May 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Terrain at Styer’s, 914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.shopterrain.com

Come for the Italian Market Festival, stay for the neighborhood. Bella Vista is filled with great restaurants, bars, markets, cafes and more, so be sure to plan a return trip not long after this weekend's event. (Photos by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

[This spring, Visit Philly launched a new effort to promote 14 different neighborhoods surrounding Center City Philadelphia. With our new complementary "Philadelphia Neighborhoods" post series, Uwishunu is teaming up with Visit Philly to promote all the awesome dining, shopping, arts, nightlife, events and more within Philly's many exciting neighborhoods.]

This weekend, the 9th Street Italian Market Festival is set to bring thousands of festival goers from all corners of the city to experience the vibrant dining and eclectic culture of the Bella Vista neighborhood.

A traditionally Italian area that’s now ethnically mixed, Bella Vista spans 6th to 11th streets, and stretches from Lombard Street to Washington Avenue, but its best-known feature is the 9th Street Italian Market, the oldest operational open-air market of its kind in America.

The cultural harmony of the area has created a hugely diverse dining scene — brimming with traditional “red gravy” Italian restaurants alongside hip new American joints and casual Mexican eateries.

Head out to the festival this weekend, then stick around or make a return visit to experience the eclectic dining offered up in our Bella Vista neighborhood guide, below.

To explore more in Bella Vista, and to view these places on a interactive map of Bella Vista, check out the full Bella Vista guide in the new Philadelphia Neighborhoods section on visitphilly.com.
 

Restaurants and Bars

 
• Bainbridge Street Barrel House: This handsome seven-days-a-week newcomer credits craft beer with its existence (with 25 brews on tap,180-plus bottled options, plus wine and classic cocktails) and lists smothered fries, pickled veggies, stuffed sandwiches and hearty mains as its staples. The owners of the Barrel House are the guys behind Bella Vista Beer Distributors on South 11th Street.

• Brauhaus Schmitz: Details: The premier German beer bar in Philly, the Brauhaus packs in European soccer fans on the regular, but it’s also a top-notch restaurant, with modern German cooking from chef Jeremy Nolen.

• Cucina Forte: This homey Italian BYOB is best known for chef-owner Maria Forte’s amazing ricotta gnocchi, pillow pasta that Philadelphia Inquirer restaurant critic Craig LaBan referred to as “weightless wonders of the dumpling world.” After those doughy delights, regulars to Cucia Forte recommend any of the day’s specials.

• Dante & Luigi’s: One of the city’s oldest trattorias, Dante & Luigi’s celebrates Italian-American cuisine with homemade lasagna, hearty veal chops and other traditional treats slathered in famous “red gravy” (South Philly-speak for marinara). Also famous here: On Halloween night of 1989, it D&L’s was the site of an attempted hit on local mob figure Nicky Scarfo, Jr – things have quieted down a bit since.

• The Dive: This casual over-21 hangout has a vast beer selection – from cans of Schlitz to local microbrews – rock-filled jukebox, inexpensive pool tables and friendly barkeeps. But it’s The Dive’s exemption from the citywide smoking ban that makes it earn its name.

• Fitzwater Café: Transformed from a vintage gas station, Fitzwater Café is a quaint satellite to the Saloon (see below) and a Bella Vista go-to for breakfast and lunch, and, on Friday and Saturdays, casual Italian dinners. Patrons fill café tables and a bar for airy French toast, crunchy-topped banana muffins, roast pork sandwiches and, at night, homemade pasta.

• Growlers: A spacious “living room for the neighborhood,” Growler’s has tons of great beer on tap and a cracklin’ fireplace to warm up your bones, but not your pint. A pub menu flecked with thoughtful touches keeps many appetites satisfied.

• Hawthorne’s Biercafe: On a wide stretch of 11th Street, Hawthorne’s is half beer boutique, half sandwich shop and has become a popular breakfast-through-dinner spot. A chalkboard menu offers panini, salads, burgers, cheese and meat boards, pierogies – and growlers (of beer) to go.

• Monsu: Another Italian Market BYOB, this corner spot prides itself its Sicilian roots. Monsu’s brunch and dinner menus offer the mild – airy eggplant parmigiana, ricotta-and-zucchini ravioli, osso buco – to the slightly wild – sweet-and-sour tripe.

• Nina’s Trattoria: A long vacant Italian Market storefront gained new life as this under-the-radar, authentically Italian BYOB. Lunch, brunch and dinner menus at Nina’s feature farm-to-table fare, including homemade meatballs, grilled radicchio and asparagus patties.

• Nomad Pizza: Born of a food truck (which was born of an at-home $10,000 wood oven) this simple, upscale pizzeria has a pies-first focus. Aficionados have fallen for Nomad’s airy Neapolitan-style ’za, as preceded by a crisp salad, washed down by a hoppy ale.

John's Water Ice is a summertime staple in Bella Vista. (Photo by R. Kennedy)

• Paesano’s II: The second location of Northern Liberties’ gourmet Italian sandwich shop resides – where else? – in heart of the Italian Market. Bread-swaddled choices at Paesano’s include roasted suckling pig adorned with long hots, sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, or fried lasagna topped with a fried egg (that’s some sandwich). Tip: gluten-free rolls are available, too.

• Paloma: Haute Mexican – mushroom flan, huitlacoche mousse-stuffed duck, poblano-touched corn chowder – is the draw at this refined BYOB. Dinner at Paloma ends with no-kidding desserts – mojito layer cake with a scoop of mango habanero sorbet, anyone?

• Percy Street Barbecue: James Beard-winning chef Michael Solomonov parked his penchant for all-American barbecue at this laid-back South Street joint. Meaty, smoky platters at Percy Street include pork belly, brisket and barbecue chicken, with to-share sides of pimento cheese, skillet cornbread and turkey tails.

• Ralph’s: America’s oldest Italian restaurant – and immensely proud of it – Ralph’s is a two-floor tribute to old-school Italian-American fare and still packs in the crowds, more than a century after opening its doors. Loyal patrons go for the basics – sausage and peppers, mussels red or white – and usually go home with doggie bags.

• Royal Tavern: The neighborhood’s steadfast gastropub serves up truffled popcorn and piled-high nachos, vegan sloppy Joes and meatloaf sandwiches to go with its major beer list. Loud and always busy, the Royal’s a no-brainer for an easy night out.

• Sabrina’s Café: The Sunday morning line of people waiting for tables – and massive, massive plates of food – at this Italian Market attest to its brunch-time popularity. A fancier-than-a-diner spot, Sabrina’s is known for its breakfast-all-day menu of mega omelets, huge pancakes and very big salads.

• Saloon: This polished, splurge-worthy Italian-American stalwart knows its way around a filet mignon, veal chop and lobster. Unlike many of Saloon’s BYOB neighbors, this gentlemanly venue boasts a major wine list and a beautiful bar for sitting and sipping.

• Sam’s Morning Glory: Bella Vista’s original brunch spot calls itself a “finer diner.” And, it’s true: the daytime-only MoGlo turns your average omelet into a delish skillet frittata, bakes some serious biscuits, and flips a heavenly flapjack, known there as a “glory cake.”

• Santucci’s Pizza: Square, upside-down pizza (where the cheese hides under the sauce) is the signature of this casual eatery. Also on the menu at Santucci’s: Stromboli, hot wings, and garlic bread-cheesesteaks.

• Sarcone’s Deli: Details: Ninth Street’s legendary Italian bakery, Sarcone’s, produces some of the best bread and rolls in the region, and serves its own line of sandwiches and snacks, too.

• Supper: At their handsome two-tiered eatery, chef-owners Mitch and Jennifer Prensky take farm-to-table to the next level. The refined menu at Supper – from “mostly meatless” Monday night harvest dinners to Thursday night’s blue plate specials – gets many of its components from the couple’s very own local farm.

• 12 Steps Down: A dozen stair treads belowground, this drinkers’ pub inhabits the northern tip of the Italian Market. Three beers on tap – one microbrew, one big-name, one low-priced – and a rock-stocked jukebox aim to please patrons on all types of budgets at 12 Steps Down.

• Villa Di Roma: With red brick tiles outside and murals of old Italy in, this reliable Italian Market old-timer is a charming tribute to the Philadelphians who call their tomato sauce “gravy.” The lengthy menu at Villa Di Roma serves up the full roster of classics, from spaghetti and meatballs to clams casino to veal Marsala to baked ziti to Chianti by the glass.

• Wishing Well: A dozen microbrews on tap and a menu featuring scrapple-topped burgers and prosciutto-dressed Caesar salads are the draws at this straightforward bar and grill. Weekend brunch at the Well includes a gravy slathered “hangover bowl” and a make-your-own bloody Mary bar.
 

Cafes and Markets

 
• Anthony’s Italian Coffee & Chocolate House: For those who prefer their cafes with a strong Italian accent, report directly to Anthony’s, which offers panini, sweets and from-scratch gelato in addition to killer espresso drinks.

• Bean Exchange: Sure, this part of the city has its fair share of Starbucks, but it’s places like this friendly, day-through-night corner spot that make it feel like Philly. The Bean Exchange has dubbed its mild, signature, addictive small-batch roast “Morning Bell Blend.”

• Chapterhouse Café & Gallery: A historic townhouse transformed into a cleanly modern venue for cutting-edge art shows, and great fair trade coffees and teas. Though Chapterhouse is big –four white rooms in all – its many tables are typically crowded with students and lingerers.

• Claudio’s Specialty Foods: A salad bar’s worth of olives, a half dozen cases of cheese and salumeria, and more than a few shelves of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dry pasta, canned tomatoes and other specialties that Italians do better are for sale at this friendly, well-priced Italian Market store. Next door, Claudio’s vends its homemade mozzarella.

• DiBruno Brothers: Narrow and jam-packed, this circa 1939 gourmet shop – also known as “the House of Cheese” – draws lines out the door and down the street for its unparalleled selection of international formaggio, plus cured meats and myriad other gourmet groceries. The DiBrunos have a second, newer and more expansive location near Rittenhouse Square.

• Fante’s Kitchen Shop: Before Walnut Street had Williams-Sonoma, the Italian Market had this multi-room storehouse of everything and anything for the home cook. And, more than just vending freshly-ground coffee beans (and every possible maker to brew them), essential to esoteric cake-making tools, top-of-the-line Le Creuset and Henckels, and gadgets galore, Fante’s often discounts them, too.

• Gleaner’s Café: A Hershey’s Kiss comes with every cappuccino, latte or plain ole Joe at this petite beatnik Italian Market hangout. Bagel sandwiches and vegan baked goods provide ample sustenance to balance out customers’ caffeine buzz at Gleaner’s, too.

• Isgro Pastries: More than a century ago, baker Gus Isgro established this Italian Market-area shop, a take-a-number spot whose unmistakably buttery aroma wafts down Christian Street. Customers swear by the pound, Italian cream and strawberry shortcakes – and kids love the cookies, but filled-to-order cannoli are Isgro’s top sellers.

• John’s Water Ice: Since 1945, this warm-weather takeout-ery has been transforming fruit, sugar and frozen water in to water ice – known elsewhere as “Italian ice.” Loyal patrons choose from lemon, chocolate, cherry or pineapple water ice; vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or butter pecan ice cream; or a combination thereof that John’s dubs “gelati.”

• Shot Tower Coffee: Named for the still extant old structure a few blocks away, Shot Tower is a “third wave” coffee-centric cafe and gets its Strada espresso machine from La Marzocco, its beans from Counter Culture and its artisanal sandwiches from East Passyunk’s Plenty market.

• Tortilleria y San Roman: Details: It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but San Roman is known far and wide for its calentitas (hot and fresh tortillas), delicious tortilla chips and spicy scratch-made salsa.

Night Market Fairmount lived up to the hype.
(Photo by K. Harty/@VisitPhilly)

Night Market Fairmount did not disappoint. How could it, really? The weather was gorgeous. The food vendors were out in droves. The beer was flowing. There were multiple stages with live music. Eastern State was open late and rocking out. And people came out in force.

And sure, there were some lines at a lot of the trucks. But that’s part of the fun … grabbing a beer, hanging out with friends while waiting to be rewarded with some of Philadelphia’s best street food.

Night Market is truly an awesome event. One that Philadelphia has completely embraced. Congratulations to The Food Trust for putting on another excellent evening — the latest of about a dozen Night Markets to date.

Congratulations to the Fairmount Community Development Organization for showing off its amazing neighborhood to the more than 20,000 estimated attendees last night. Congratulations to the food trucks, vendors and restaurants for feeding the masses. Basically, congratulations to everyone involved.

Night Markets rule. We can’t wait for the next one. Speaking of which, here is the lineup for the scheduled Night Markets this year:

• Night Market West Oak Lane, Thursday, June 20
• Night Market South Street, Thursday, August 15
• Night Market Chinatown, October 2013 (Date still to come)
• Mt. Airy Street Fare, Thursday, September, 19 (Modeled after Night Market)

And now for the photos. Instagrammers were out in full force at last night’s event and we can’t think of a better way to show you the scene than to let the Instagrams do the talking. Below is a gallery of some of the best Instagrams that were tagged with #NightMkt and #Fairmount from last night’s festivities.

Visit Philly was on site with a booth where people could pick up a free mini print of their Instagram. If you missed it, don’t worry — Visit Philly will surely do something similarly fun at an upcoming Night Market.

And don’t forget to plan a return trip to Fairmount — Fairmount killed it last night, showing off the neighborhood to a lot of newcomers. Consult our brand new guide to the restaurants, bars, markets and cafes of Fairmount and head back there soon.

 
Philadelphia Night Market
When: June, August & October
Where: See above
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.thefoodtrust.org

Previously:
Night Market Philadelphia Hits Fairmount Avenue Tonight, May 16, With More Than 50 Food Vendors, Local Beer, Live Music, Extended Hours At Eastern State, Free Instagram Prints And Much More

Come for the Night Market, stay for the neighborhood. Fairmount is filled with great restaurants, bars, markets, cafes and more, so be sure to plan a return trip not long after tonight's big event. (Top left photo courtesy Eastern State Penitentiary, other three photos by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

[This spring, Visit Philly launched a new effort to promote 14 different neighborhoods surrounding Center City Philadelphia. With our new complementary "Philadelphia Neighborhoods" post series, Uwishunu is teaming up with Visit Philly to promote all the awesome dining, shopping, arts, nightlife, events and more within Philly's many exciting neighborhoods.]

Tonight, Night Market Fairmount expects to draw thousands of hungry urbanites from all corners of the city to experience not only the fine food at the festive event, but also the charms of the ever-developing Fairmount district.

What better time to kick off our new series spotlighting Philadelphia Neighborhoods? In the coming months, we will bring you neighborhood guides on the remarkable restaurants, brilliant bars, independent boutiques, funky art galleries, historic green spaces and more within each vibrant district.

Fittingly, our first neighborhood guide offers up a post-Night Market primer on the fabulous dining in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Below, we look beyond the cool cultural destinations (like Eastern State Penitentiary, The Barnes Foundation and the Philadelphia Museum of Art) to take a look at some of the many excellent eating and drinking options in Fairmount.

To explore more about Fairmount, and to view these places on a interactive map of Fairmount, check out the full Fairmount guide in the new Philadelphia Neighborhoods section on visitphilly.com.
 

Restaurants and Cafes

 
• Alla Spina: Chef Marc Vetri’s latest restaurant, Alla Spina offers a variety of tasty Italian gastropub-inspired fare, beer and cocktails. The garage door-style windows open up to welcome fresh air in the warmer months. Tip: Order up a classic negroni cocktail — served here on tap!

• Angelino’s Restaurant and Pizzeria: Those with a craving for pasta with homemade sauce, oven-baked pizzas, fresh sandwiches and a neighborhood atmosphere go to Angelino’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, a bring-your-own-bottle shop.

• The Belgian Cafe: From the same people responsible for lauded beer bar Monk’s, The Belgian Cafe maintains a selection of cool and interesting beers on tap, as well as an extensive selection of mussels.

• BlueCat: The husband-and-wife restaurant veterans who own this sunny BYOB share their love of Latin food, along with their affection for their Russian Blue cat, evidenced by the huge mural of the feline. BlueCat’s lunch, dinner and brunch dishes range from empanadas and arroz con pollo to salads and sandwiches.

• Era Bar and Restaurant: It might look like the average neighborhood bar at first, but Era distinguishes itself by offering an Ethiopian menu full of traditional dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out the dorowat chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful red pepper sauce; or kitfo, steak tartare flavored with traditional berbere spice.

• Fare: Dedicated to healthy, organic and local food, Fare’s dinner, lunch and brunch menus contain small plates, salads and main courses sure to keep a clear conscience.

• Figs: Still a relatively well-kept neighborhood secret, cozy corner BYOB Figs dishes out Mediterranean food in a Moroccan setting.

• Hickory Lane: The menu changes frequently at this neighborhood fave, which uses in-season ingredients for lunch, dinner and brunch, but with Chef Matt Zagorski — who gained local fame for the Rouge burger — in the kitchen, guests can be sure to find a burger on the list. Those craving quick bites or leisurely meals are equally pleased at Hickory Lane.

• Isabel: Isabel, a BYOB, from the owners of nearby Asian fave Trio, doesn’t stick to one avenue of Mexican cooking — traditional dishes have their place alongside modern twists on Latin flavor.

• Jack’s Firehouse: Set in a 19th-century firehouse — the fireman’s pole is still standing — Jack’s has been serving innovative American cuisine, along with impressive whiskey and scotch selections, to neighbors and visitors for more than 20 years.

• La Calaca Feliz: Sibling of Fort Washington’s Cantina Feliz and boasting muraled walls, La Calaca Feliz, a highly praised and brightly colored spot, dishes out modern Mexican cuisine and pours a few dozen tequilas. The carnitas tacos are a must-try.

• Lemon Hill: A recent addition to the neighborhood, this pub and restaurant opened with consulting by Mike Welsh (The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.) and Mitch Prensky (Supper), and is named for the famous mansion nearby. Lemon Hill serves fresh takes on more traditional dishes with local ingredients and modern pub food.

• London Grill: A neighborhood staple since 1991, London Grill is one part pub, with local microbrews on tap and a classic cocktail menu, and one part white tablecloth restaurant.

Alla Spina, Marc Vetri's Italian beer bar, rocks some awesome alfresco seating on Mt. Vernon Street. (Photo by J. Zale)

• Mugshots Coffeehouse & Cafe: The first location of this local chain, dedicated to the community and the environment, offers organic and fairly traded coffee and tea and locally grown vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast, lunch and dessert. Plus, Mugshots Coffeehouse and Cafe sells eggs, cheese, bacon, milk and cider from local farms.

• OCF Coffee House: One of three coffeehouses run by realty firm OCF, this cafe provides Fairmount with top-notch coffee and espresso, light fare and a warm, welcoming place to gather.

• Rembrandt’s: While grabbing a quick bite at the bar or enjoying a leisurely lunch, dinner or brunch in the dining room, Rembrandt’s patrons admire European fixtures, hardware and windows dating as far back as 1907 — plus a great view of the city skyline.

• Rybread: Father and son teamed up to share their passion for food at this sandwich-centric cafe. Rybread’s sandwiches, made with fresh ingredients, are loosely based on the son’s seven-week “unemployment opportunity” road trip across the U.S., and pictures of his journeys adorn the walls.

• Sabrina’s Cafe & Spencer’s Too: South Philadelphia’s Italian Market darling for brunch boasts an outpost northwest of Center City, where hungry diners fill up on oversized portions of comfort food during brunch, lunch and dinner. Hint: Sabrina’s brunch line is worth the wait.

• Trio: Opened in 2006 by three friends, Trio is a Thai-inspired, Pan-Asian paradise. In addition to three floors of dining, it offers a takeout/delivery menu, so fans can eat drunken noodles in the comfort of their homes.

• Water Works Restaurant and Lounge: Located behind the Art Museum and situated in the very same Fairmount Water Works that pumped water to the city until 1909, Water Works Restaurant and Lounge overlooks the Schuylkill River and the famous Boathouse Row.

• Zorba’s: Loved for the authentic Greek food and atmosphere (maybe it’s the three generations of Greeks speaking in their native tongue), this spot is one of the neighborhood’s well-kept secrets. The family-owned and -operated Zorba’s keeps its lunch, dinner and dessert menus classic and reasonably priced.
 

Bars and Entertainment

 
• The Arts Garage: One of the city’s most distinctive event venues, the Arts Garage is many things to many people: gallery, under-the-radar bar, dance club, presentation space and marketplace. Its “plug and play” accessibility means it appeals to a wide range of performers and creators.

• The Bishop’s Collar: “The Collar” is a great place to grab a quick bite during the day, and it’s an even better place to drink and make new friends at night — thanks in part to one of the best jukeboxes in the city.

• Bridgid’s Bar and Restaurant: Quite possibly the first bar in the city to put its menu on a chalkboard, Bridgid’s pairs an outstanding selection of Belgian and craft brews with delicious lunch and dinner dishes. The later happy hour keeps loyal locals coming every night from 9 to 11 p.m.

• Kite & Key: Named for Ben Franklin’s famous experiment with electricity, Kite & Key has one cask, 16 taps, countless bottles and even some cans of local, domestic and foreign beers. The full bar and wine menu keeps the non-beer drinkers happy too.

• North Star Bar & Grille: Delicious comfort food, a fantastic microbrew selection, weekly Quizzo and live local and national music acts make North Star Bar a neighborhood favorite and a great reason to visit the area.

• Rose Tattoo Cafe: Family-owned and -operated, the greenhouse-inspired Rose Tattoo serves American cuisine in four romantic dining areas, including a balcony with plants and flowers.

• St. Stephen’s Green: The owners of The Black Sheep and The Bishop’s Collar teamed up to open St. Stephen’s Green, featuring an extensive beer list. Executive chef David Shuman adds the “gastro” to the pub experience.

• Urban Saloon: One of the largest bars in the neighborhood, Urban Saloon is a popular place to catch a game on several flat-screen TVs or enjoy a relaxing meal. On weekend nights, the scene shifts from locals’ bar to dance club, complete with a DJ.

The ever-popular Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival is set to fill Walnut Street with food, vendors, music and fun this Saturday, May 18.(Photos by E. Mencher for GPTMC)

The Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, one of Philadelphia’s most-anticipated and best-attended festivals of the year, returns this Saturday, May 18 from noon to 5 p.m.

More than 50,000 people are expected to attend the daylong fest, which takes over Walnut Street from Broad to 19th streets and showcases the neighborhood’s finest food, fashions and live entertainment.

Come hungry, as dining and drinking are the main attractions. More than 40 restaurants will set up shop along the sidewalks of Walnut Street to serve up samples of spring fare. Beyond the eats, there’s also lots of live music, free wine tastings and more.

Read on for our complete guide to the annual Walnut Street extravaganza.

The Layout

 
Spanning six blocks of Walnut Street, the festival brings street closures from Broad to 19th streets, and to 18th street from Sansom to Locust streets.

Count on every foot of Walnut to be filled with festival fun, and look for restaurants on 18th street to overflow from sidewalks with additional outdoor tables and service on 18th south of Walnut from Devon, Rouge and Parc, plus seating on 18th north of Walnut from a. kitchen, a.bar and Smith & Wollensky.

And for a complete block-by-block lineup to plan your day, see below.

The Food and Drink

 
Graze along Walnut Street with options from more than 40 Rittenhouse-area restaurants and bars. Look for a.kitchen to serve a delicious miso-glazed octopus, Vernick Food and Drink to dish a spread of marinated meat and veggie skewers and Rouge to serve a decadent Kobe beef hot dog.

Also look for fare from restaurants including: 500 Degrees, a. Bar, Alfa, Applebees, Ben and Jerry’s, Capogiro Gelato, Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Corner Bakery Café, The Corner Foodery, Devon Seafood Grill, Di Bruno Bros., Happy Rooster, Hip City Veg, Honeygrow, Lacroix, Le Bec Fin, Marathon Grill, Oyster House, The Prime Rib, Pub and Kitchen, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Rotisseur, Rouge, Sbraga, Schlesinger’s, Shake Shack, Smith and Wollensky, Square 1682, Tavern 17, Termini Brothers Bakery, Underdogs, Vernick, Village Whiskey, Wok and XIX.

For wine, beer and cocktails, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will pour tastes of 20 Chairman’s Selection wines with a concierge and onsite store, plus Peroni beer, Rex Goliath wines, Cintron and festive cocktails will flow.

With eight Starr Restaurants in the neighborhood, it’s fitting for the group to host its own festivities within the main event. Sample food, drink and desserts from Alma de Cuba, Barclay Prime, Butcher and Singer, Continental Mid-town, The Dandelion, El Rey, Il Pittore and Parc on the 1800 block of Walnut.

Huge crowds flock to Walnut Street for the annual Rittenhouse block party. (Photo by E. Mencher for GPTMC)

The Fashion

 
In addition to its fine dining opportunities, Rittenhouse houses serious shopping spots. During the festival, seek out alfresco outposts of Joan Shepp, South Moon Under, Knit Wit, Town Home, Kembrel, Hope Chest, Born Yesterday, Heads and Tails, Duke and Winston, The Children’s Boutique, Tumi, The Shops at the Bellevue and others.

The Entertainment

 
But don’t stop with eating, drinking and shopping. A terrific range of entertainment lasts all day for both wee ones and adults. Live music will rock all afternoon from the stage at Sydenham Street between 15th and 16th streets.

On the 1500 block, the Infiniti Lounge hosts author and culinary personality Hope Cohen of Fast, Fresh + Simple, who will be onsite with samples of one of her recipes.

On the 1700 block, check out the Whisper Outdoor Lounge with its DJ and specialty cocktails from G Lounge, Whisper and The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., and snacks from the Corner Foodery.

On 18th street between Walnut and Sansom, bring the kids to the Center City District craft pavilion to get hands-on with make-and-take crafts and create a mock radio newscast with KYW Newsradio. Family-friendly activities are sponsored by such cultural organizations as the Arden Theatre Company, Please Touch Museum, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Historic Philadelphia, Philadelphia Art Alliance, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Walnut Street Theatre and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops.

Finally, check out the Starr Culinary Demonstration Stage at 19th and Walnut, with entertainment from balloon twister and storyteller Allyn Gordon.

Also, Starr Restaurants gives back to Philabundance this year. Bring a non-perishable food items or a monetary donation (10 cans, $10, or both) for Philabundance and to enter a raffle to win one of three dinner and/or getaway prizes. Check out the Starr Smallwares Sidewalk Sale, too, to purchase discounted china, glassware and accessories from Starr Restaurants with the proceeds benefitting Philabundance.

Be sure to follow Uwishunu on Twitter and Instagram for throughout the day for more.

And for the complete block-by-block lineup, see below!

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
When: Saturday, May 18, noon-5 p.m.
Where: Walnut Street between 19th and Broad Streets
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.rittenhouserow.org

1400 Block
XIX
A Taste of the Bellevue
611
European Wax Center
Philadelphia Orchestra
Dunkin Donuts giveaways
Fado
Flywheel
Zipcar
Duke and Winston
500 Degrees
Corner Bakery Café
Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Kings Hawaiin giveaways
J Laxson
American Laser Skincare
The Body Klinic
PNC

1500 Block
Butcher and Singer
Sbraga
Fast Fresh + Simple by Hope Cohen
Schlesinger’s
Elixr
Music Stage by Norma Michaels Entertainment
Sun Myst Tanning
Roxy Theater
Oyster House
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Termini Brothers Bakery
Beneficial Bank
Senator Larry Farnese
City Space
Le Bec Fin
Be Well Philly
Peroni Beer Tasting
Infiniti Lounge: with Hope Cohen

1600 Block
Happy Rooster
Dermacenter
Rittenhouse Womens Wellness Center
Sweat
Adolf Biecker
Helium Comedy Club
Square 1682
Underdogs
Town Home
Joan Shepp
Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board-Fine Wine and Good Spirits: Tasting
Capital One 360 Café
Capital One 360 Café
Rotisseur
Alma de Cuba
Keller Williams Realty
Pub and Kitchen
Rex Goliath Wine Tasting
Wok
South Moon Under
Honeygrow
Sony Electronics
The Market and Shops at Comcast Center
Body Cycle Studio
Capogiro Gelato

1700 Block
The Prime Rib
The Children’s Boutique
DiBruno Bros.
Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse
Vernick
The Corner Foodery
Whisper: G: Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company
Rouge
Lacroix
Village Whiskey
Marathon Grill
TD Bank
a. Bar
Tumi
Knit Wit
Pure Barre
Shake Shack
Heads and Tails
Kembrel
Alfa
Hope Chest
Hip City Veg
The Prime Rib
Tavern 17
Radisson Blu

1800 Block
Alma de Cuba
Barclay Prime
Butcher and Singer
Continental Mid-town
The Dandelion
El Rey
Il Pittore
Parc
Starr Sweets
Culinary Demonstration Stage
Cocktail tasting Tent
Starr Smallwares Sidewalk Sale for Philadbundance
Philabundance

18th Street South of Walnut
VIP Tent
Rouge
Devon
Parc

18th Street North of Walnut
A. Kitchen
Born Yesterday
Rittenhouse Square Flower Market
Arden Theatre Company
Please Touch Museum
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Koru Yogurt giveaways
Historic Philadelphia Inc.
Philadelphia Art Alliance
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Walnut Street Theatre
Peter Nero and the Philly Pops
Friends of Rittenhouse Square
Center City District
KYW Kidcasting
Ben and Jerry’s truck
Smith and Wollensky-Cintron

Awesome Event Alert: more than 50 food vendors will converge on Fairmount Avenue tonight for the Food Trust's first Night Market of the year from 6 to 10 p.m. (Top photo courtesy Eastern State, bottom left and right by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

Sensational street food festival Night Market Philadelphia returns tonight with the first event of its 2013 season, transforming Fairmount Avenue into an alfresco eating and entertainment destination from 6 to 10 p.m.

Tonight’s Night Market is set to take over Fairmount Avenue between 19th and 22nd streets, Corinthian Avenue between Fairmount and Brown, and 22nd Street between Fairmount and Aspen avenues. These streets will be closed to vehicular traffic from 3 p.m. on to prepare for the eating and drinking extravaganza.

More than 60 vendors are slated to set up shop along the Avenue, with more than 55 food vendors, beer by Yards Brewing Company and food trucks stationed at each market entry point — on Corinthian Avenue south of Brown Street, at 19th and Fairmount and at 22nd and Fairmount. (See below for a full Night Market map.)

Alongside the eats and brews, check out live entertainment and visit The Food Trust’s Fairmount Farmers’ Market and Eastern State Penitentiary, which will remain open until 8:30 p.m.

And for all of the photo-happy market goers snapping Instagrams, be sure to use the hashtags #NightMkt and #Fairmount and then stop by the Visit Philly booth at Fairmount and Corinthian Avenues to pick up a free mini print of your Instagram photo. Details below.

Read on for our complete guide to Night Market Fairmount Avenue. See you there!

The Food

 
With food and drink options from more than 55 vendors, it’s best to come early (to try and avoid long lines) and come hungry (to taste everything). The fine street food ranges from delicious standbys like tacos al pastor from Los Taquitos de Puebla and pepperoni pizza from Nomad to more imaginative fare like barbecue brisket-stuffed biscuits from Supper’s Scratch Biscuits and lobster poutine from Le Bar at Le Bec Fin.

In addition to Night Market staples like Pitruco Pizza, Dapper Dog and Lucky Old Souls, a slew of new participants are setting up shop in Fairmount.

New Night Market vendors include: Bonjour Creperie, Cupcake Carnivale, Farm Truck Philly, Jin-Ja, Le Bar at Le Bec Fin, Mac Mart Cart, Mesa Fresh, Poi Dog Snack Shop, Street Food Philly, Sum Pig, Taco Mondo, The Cow and the Curd and The Tot Cart.

Among the 50-plus vendors coming to Night Market Fairmount tonight will be Nomad and their insanely delicious pizzas baked on site. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)

Night Market Map:
Click here to check out the full Night Market Map (PDF).

The Drinks

 
No one will go thirsty on Fairmount Avenue tonight. Yards Brewing Company will be on hand will three booths serving locally crafted brews like Brawler and Philly Pale Ale. (See map below for locations.)

In addition to Yards beer, look for more beer at Urban Saloon, cocktails from Alla Spinna, hard cider from Frecon Farms and local wine from Penns Woods Winery.

For tasty drinks without the booze, seek out frozen lemonade from Stella Jeanne’s or The Cow and the Curd, fresh-fruit lemonade from Made in the Shade, Thai tea from Tyson Bees and salted caramel milkshakes from Lucky Old Souls.

The Live Music and Entertainment

 
No festival is complete without live tunes to keep crowds grooving. At the main stage on 21st Street and Fairmount, four bands are set to entertain: At 6 p.m. see country band Mudslide; Blues guitarist George Urgo goes on at 7 p.m; post-punk trio The Downtown Club rocks at 8 p.m.; and to wrap up the music, Johnny Showcase and the Lefty Lucy Cabaret finishes out the night with a 9 p.m. set.

Beyond the stage, look out for roving performers from the always-impressive artists of the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.

Instagram Your #NightMkt #Fairmount Experience

 
Night Market is a delicious and extremely photogenic event, so while you’re out there tonight be sure to Instagram the scene and the eats you enjoy and tag your photos with the hashtags #NightMkt and #Fairmount. Then stop by the Visit Philly booth — located at the corner of Fairmount and Corinthian; look out for the big green sign in front — and pick up a free mini print of your Instagram (or Instagrams) of the event.

Meanwhile, Visitphilly.com will be feeding in the best shots online at visitphilly.com/NightMkt for everyone to see.

Inside Eastern State Penitentiary

 
With the entire event taking place in the shadow of Eastern State Penitentiary, folks should definitely make time to head inside. Admission is reduced to $12 (saving $2!) and the last entry will be 8 p.m. with the penitentiary remaining open until 8:30 p.m.

Admission includes not only the eerily cool sights of the historic prison — including Al Capone’s cell and TowerCam! — but also a free beer or soda, access to eight artist installations and six Hands-On History activities including How to Open a Cell, Exploring the Underground Punishment Cells, The Operating Room and Tunnel Escape.

Plus, don’t miss the reenactment of the Pen’s annual Bastille Day celebration at 7 p.m. or live entertainment from Dena Miranda and the Mellow Tones and DJ Scopitone’s Talking Machines.

Getting There and Parking

 
Traveling to the Fairmount neighborhood is simple via walking, biking, public transit and taxi/Uber. Parking is going to be limited so driving is probably not the best option.

Septa: For travel by SEPTA, check out the trip planner here, or hop on the number 33, 48 or 2 bus heading north. Or hop on the Broad Street line, hop off at Fairmount and walk the six blocks west.

Uber: New Uber members can get $20 off their first ride tonight to Fairmount when they sign up using the code FAIRMOUNT13. Details here.

Parking: Street closures are going to mean limited parking; however, the lot across from Francisville Recreation Center at 19th and Brown streets will be open from 2 p.m. to midnight on Thursday for the Night Market. Parking is $10, but this lot may fill up.

Walking: It’s about a 20/25-minute walk from Center City West to Fairmount. It’s a nice walk that will take you past Swann Fountain and many of the awesome new additions to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. And Fairmount’s tree-lined streets are pretty awesome this time of year, so walking gets our vote for the most highly recommended mode of transport to tonight’s event.

Where To Hang Out In Fairmount After Night Market

 
Want to keep exploring after Night Market ends? Fairmount has a ton of great restaurants and bars to check out after you wrap up your visit to Night Market. Check out the Fairmount Neighborhood guide on Visit Philly’s new Philadelphia Neighborhoods section for a great map of places to stop by afterwards.

Follow Uwishunu

Be sure to follow Uwishunu on Twitter and Instagram for updates throughout the evening. We’re completely psyched for this event — it’s going to be a great one!

And check out the official Night Market map below.

Night Market Philadelphia: Fairmount Avenue
When: Thursday, May 16, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Fairmount Avenue between 19th and 22nd streets
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.thefoodtrust.org

Night Market Fairmount Map

 
Click here if you want to view the map and program in full size. (PDF)
 

Click here to view the map and program in full size. (PDF)

Full Food Vendor List:

• ALLA SPINA
• BONJOUR CREPERIE
• CANTINA DOS SEGUNDOS
• CHEWY’S
• COSMIC CAFE
• CUPCAKE CARNIVALE
• DAPPER DOG
• DASANI
• DELICIAS
• ESPOSITO’S PORCHETTA
• FARM TRUCK PHILLY
• FOO TRUCK
• FRECON FARMS
• FROBANA
• GIGI & BIG R
• GOZEN FROZEN YOGURT TRUCK
• JIMMIES CUPCAKES
• JIN and JA
• KA’CHI TRUCK
• LE BAR AT LE BEC FIN
• LIL DAN’S LUNCH TRUCK
• LIL’ POP SHOP
• LITTLE BABY’S ICE CREAM
• LOCAL 215
• LOS TAQUITOS DE PUEBLA
• LUCKY OLD SOULS BURGER TRUCK
• MAC MART CART
• MADE IN THE SHADE LEMONADE
• MAMA MARIA ITALIANO
• MESA FRESH
• MINI TRINI
• NOMAD PIZZA
• NOT BY BREAD ALONE
• PAYNE CATERING
• PENNS WOODS WINERY
• PITRUCO PIZZA
• PLENTY CAFE
• POI DOG SNACK SHOP
• REMBRANDT’S
• SAMMY CHON’S KTOWN BBQ
• SAY CHEESE PHILADELPHIA
• STELLA JEANNE’S
• STREET FOOD PHILLY
• SUGAR PHILLY
• SUM PIG
• SUPPER’S SCRATCH BISCUITS
• SWEETBOX CUPCAKES
• TACO MONDO
• THE COW AND THE CURD
• THE TOT CART
• TYSON BEES
• URBAN SALOON
• VERNALICIOUS
• YARDS BREWING COMPANY
• YUMTOWN
• ZEA MAY’S
• ZSA’S ICE CREAM

Center City Sips returns on Wednesday, June 5, featuring 89 participating bars and restaurants with drink and food specials all summer long. (Image courtesy Center City District)

Raise your glasses, folks, the sweet summer happy-hour series Center City Sips is back for the summer of 2013.

The fun meter on your Wednesday nights is about to improve exponentially. Every Wednesday evening beginning on June 5, tons of Center City bars and restaurants offer awesome deals on drinks and food from 5 to 7 p.m.

That’s $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half-priced appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m. We’re in!

Discounted drinks and food is the perfect excuse to explore new Center City bars and restaurants like Pennsylvania 6 and Bru Craft and Wurst.

A number of participating restaurants offer a dinner discount of 15 percent after 7 p.m. on Sips evenings. Bru, Chima, The Elephant and Castle Pub and Restaurant, The Melting Pot and Milkboy are just a few of the restaurants to offer the dinner discount.

The full list of participating bars and restaurants, and their specials, is available here.

Pagano’s Market and Bar hosts the official Center City Sips kick-off party on Wednesday, June 5, but all 89 participating bars and restaurants will welcome guests with open arms (and plenty of snacks and libations) on Wednesday, June 5.

Center City Sips
When: Wednesdays beginning on June 5, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Participating bars and restaurants
Cost: $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half-priced appetizers
More info: www.centercityphila.org

The Porch at 30th Street Station kicks up its offerings this week with food trucks on Wednesday and Friday and The Porch Beer Garden on Thursday and Friday. (Photo courtesy University City District)

This week, make a promise to yourself to check out (or return!) to The Porch at 30th Street Station in University City.

The space that was once 34 parallel parking spaces is now a lively public space, chock-full of springtime fun.

On Wednesday and Friday afternoons through September, four Philly mobile food vendors will park at The Porch, offering a wide range of gourmet and home-style lunch fare from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This month, Wednesdays bring Taco Mondo, Vernalicious (pulled pork grilled cheese!), Nomad Pizza and Buttercream. On Fridays, look for Pitruco Pizza, Dapper Dog, Local 215 and Sum Pig.

Check out the complete lineup of food trucks set to be stationed at The Porch in June, July, August and September here.

Also on tap this week, 30th Street Station’s Bridgewater’s Pub takes it al fresco and sets up shop for The Porch Beer Garden on Thursday and Friday, May 16-17, from 3 to 8 p.m.

This week, look for the four tasty featured beers to be Hofbrau Maibock, Brooklyn Brown, Konig Ludwig Weisse and Yards IPA.

In addition to brews and pub grub from Bridgewater’s, enjoy live music into the early evening. From 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, hear live jazz from The Red Hot Ramblers. After 6 p.m. on Thursday, take in the sounds of the Perseverance Jazz Band, a group hailing from West Philly that specializes in New Orleans-style tunes from jazz to ragtime.

On Friday, The Porch hosts classic German brass band Polkadelphia, playing both traditional oompah tunes and modern cover songs by artists like Radiohead and the Beatles.

Grab your crew and check out tasty fare, live music, fresh air and — of course — beer at the sweet public space outside of 30th Street Station.

For a complete schedule of all the events occurring at The Porch — like the free XPN Philly Local Wednesdays concert today at noon — check here.

Food Trucks and Beer Garden at the Porch at 30th Street Station
When: May 15-17, 3-8 p.m.
Where: 2955 Market Street
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.universitycity.org

Celebrate Mother's Day in Philadelphia with special menus, outdoor festivals and family-friendly events -- including brunch at the Betsy Ross House. (Photo by E. Savaria for Historic Philadelphia)

Little-known fact: Mother’s Day was founded by Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia and first officially observed in 1908 to honor motherhood and family life during the early days of feminism. Supported by John Wannamaker, Mother’s Day was given federal recognition in 1914.

In 2013, take time to honor the woman who brought you into the world this weekend on Mother’s Day, May 12

Be it with brunch, with Betsy Ross or with a 5K, there are plenty of ways to celebrate mom throughout the weekend.

Read on for our picks for Mother’s Day events, festivals, tours and meals.

Festivals and Events

 
• Mother’s Day Tea Party with Betsy: Bring mom to enjoy fine teas and colonial treats with hostess Betsy Ross on Saturday, May 11. City Tavern provides the fare and Betsy provides the entertainment during the annual Mother’s Day Tea Party at the Betsy Ross House. Advance reservations are required and tickets are available online. The event begins at 4 p.m. and tickets are $20 per person.

• Mother’s Day Brunch in Franklin Square: For another historic celebration, spend Mother’s Day with Sunday brunch in Franklin Square. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., enjoy brunch, rides on the carousel, rounds of Philly Mini Golf and make-and-take crafts. Advance reservations are required and tickets are available for $20 per person.

• Art Star Craft Bazaar: Treat Mom to a handmade gift at this year’s Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penn’s Landing. More than 100 local and national artists are teaming up with Art Star Gallery and Boutique to present handmade paper goods, dolls, housewares, prints, clothing, paintings and more. The outdoor festival also incorporates live music, food vendors, family-friendly art and craft stations and much more.

• Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair: Rittenhouse Square welcomes back fine artisans to the Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair. From May 10 to 12 (perfectly falling on Mother’s Day weekend), browse 140 booths from talented artists. The fair differs from Rittenhouse Square’s annual Fine Art Fair, that is slated for early June. The Fine Craft Fair boasts modern furniture, clothing, jewelry, porcelain, blown glass and more.

• Mother’s Day at National Museum of American Jewish History: On Sunday, May 12 the National Museum of American Jewish History is offering free admission to all mothers who visit with their families. The museum is also offering special themed tours about women throughout history to celebrate.

• Mother’s Day Mural Tour and Lunch: Art-loving moms will enjoy a special Mural Arts Program Mother’s Day Murals & Meals Tour on Saturday, May 11. The tour travels through Center City, showcasing gorgeous murals on a two-hour guided tour, and ends with a three-course prix fixe lunch at Positano Coast.The tour departs from and returns to Positano Coast Tour, and runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $65 and available online.

• Family Jams at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens: The whimsical Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a fantastic family-friendly destination any day of the year, but on Sunday, May 12, the sparkling sculpture garden comes to life with Family Jams and make-and-take crafts inspired by Julia Zagar, the matriarch of the Gardens. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. and is free with admission.

• Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K: In honor of mothers (and sisters, daughters and grandmothers) who have fought breast cancer, the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure turns Eakins Oval at the Philadelphia Museum of Art pink on Sunday, May 12. The race departs from the Museum of Art at 7 a.m. and runs its course through the city through noon.

• Mother’s Day at Penns Woods Winery: On May 11 and 12, mom receives the royal treatment at Penns Woods Winery. Spend all day at a ceramics workshop and wine tasting on Saturday or a yoga and wine tasting event on Sunday. Or arrive for a regular wine tasting on Sunday, when moms receive the vino for half price and can groove to live music from noon to 4 p.m.

• Spirit of Philadelphia Mother’s Day Cruises: Join mom aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia on Sunday, May 12, for a two-hour brunch or mid-afternoon cruise, or three-hour dinner cruise on the Delaware River. All cruises include a buffet, DJ and dancing and city skyline views from the ship’s decks and rooftop lounge. Reservations are recommended and tickets start at $30 for children and $50 for adults at are available online.

• I Am (Not) My Mother at Society Hill Playhouse: Visit the Society Hill Playhouse to take in this work, an ensemble piece that follows the familiar story of a mother and daughter. Tickets are $30 and available at the box office.

• It’s My Party: The Women and Comedy Project at 1812 Productions: Laugh your way through Mother’s Day by taking in a performance of this new comedic extravaganza at 1812 Productions by Philadelphia’s own Jennifer Childs. See a Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon performance of this hilarious work. Tickets start at $34 and are available online.

Brunch, High Tea and More

 
• Swann Lounge at the Four Seasons: Brunching with mom is the quintessential Mother’s Day to-do, and the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia’s Swann Lounge offers one of the city’s most elegant brunching locales. The sumptuous $73 buffet — stacked with caviar, smoked fish, lobster tartlets and endless desserts — includes plated entrees.

• Liberté Lounge: For moms and families who prefer a mid-afternoon celebration, reserve a spot for afternoon tea at Liberté Lounge at the Sofitel Philadelphia. Chef Jim Coleman prepares dainty delicacies, including classic tea sandwiches and scones and pastries with the requisite double Devonshire cream and preserves. The traditional English tea service is served daily from 3 to 7 p.m., with extended service on Mother’s Day Weekend.

• Chez Colette: At the Sofitel Philadelphia’s charming brasserie, brunch is a decadent affair, complete with a raw bar, carving stations and — perfect for Mother’s Day — fresh crepes. Reserve a spot at Chez Colette for brunch with a French accent.

• Red Owl Tavern: The tony Hotel Monaco’s go-to restaurant, Red Owl Tavern, hosts a Mother’s Day brunch buffet featuring items like hand cut meat, fresh pastries and other brunch favorites. After the meal, guests are invited to the Monaco’s Stratus Rooftop Lounge to enjoy champagne and dessert while overlooking Independence Mall. Brunch is $50 for adults and $16 for children 12 and under.

• 10 Arts Bistro and Lounge: At 10 Arts Bistro and Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia, chef de cuisine Nathan Volz is serving a specially prepared Mother’s Day brunch menu, in addition to an early breakfast buffet or shareable dinner menu. For brunch, enjoy a $35 buffet, or go a la carte with pancakes and French toast from the griddle bar or the Philly cheesesteak and eggs entree.

• R2L: Treat mom to brunch or dinner and sweeping city skyline views with a Mother’s Day meal at R2L. For brunch, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a three-course meal includes a buffet-style first course — go for the raw bar or egg custards — as well as a plated entree and dessert for $65 per person. Dinner service features three courses for $75 per person, with elegant entree options like wild striped bass and Lancaster-raised lamb.

More Mother’s Day dining, below.

• Granite Hill: Spend Mother’s Day among an extensive collection of at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Granite Hill restaurant. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., indulge in tasty items like creme brulee french toast, beet carpaccio salad, a cheese spread, slow-roasted duroc pork loin and more. The meal is $55 per adult and $24 per child. Reservations are required for this art-filled meal. Members, take part in this meal for a 10 percent discount.

• Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing: Head to the Delaware River waterfront for an elegant Sunday brunch buffet at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing (maybe pre- or post-browsing Art Star Craft Bazaar?). An extensive array of brunch fare, from antipasti and spring vegetables to a carving station and seafood display, runs $50 for adults and $25 for children under age 12.

• XIX at The Hyatt at the Bellevue: Indulge in the brunch buffet on the 19th floor of The Hyatt at The Bellevue at XIX on Sunday, May 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pair lovely city views with a buffet of salads, charcuterie, seafood, dim sum, eggs and omelets, carving stations, an array of desserts and more for $65 per adult and $32.50 per child.

• Bistro St. Tropez: Transport your taste buds to St. Tropez, without the pricey plane ticket, at Bistro St. Tropez located on the fourth floor Marketplace Design Center, a stone’s throw from 30th Street Station (making this a perfect option for those traveling into town for Mother’s Day brunch). Enjoy a three-course meal and a decadent bread and pastry basket for $35 per person. Menu offerings include a crab omelet, filet mignon, pancakes with fresh fruit and much more. The full menu is available here.

• Bar Ferdinand: Northern Liberties’ Spanish tapas restaurant, Bar Ferdinand, hosts its Dia de la Madre four-course brunch. Menu items include a crab and asparagus tart, heirloom tomato gazpacho, french toast with fresh berries and whipped cream, morcilla and chorizo hash with poached egg and much, much more. For a meal later in the day, enjoy Bar Ferdinand’s dinner menu from 5 to 10 p.m.

• Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse: From 1 to 8 p.m., Davio’s serves up a brunch celebrating mom’s across the globe. For $55 per person, enjoy your choice of a number of seafood, steak and vegetarian options at Davio’s three-course Mother’s Day meal. Select items from its a la carte menu will be available as well.

• Bistrot La Minette: Enjoy French bistro fare at Bistrot La Minette. The restaurant’s lunch and dinner menus will be available in addition to specials served up specially for Mother’s Day.

• Amada: Iron Chef Jose Garce’s presents Moms and families alike with a delicious meal at Amada. Stop by the Spanish tapas restaurant for a celebratory brunch or dinner for Mom. Be sure to treat her to a glass of Amada’s famous Sangria as well.

• Cafette: Chestnut Hill’s Cafette serves up a tasty brunch menu this Mother’s Day. There are plenty of vegetarian options for the omnivore Moms out there like apple and candied walnut salad and the mushroom and fontina omelete and also meatier options like huevos con chorizo and the waldorf chicken salad.

Philadelphia's waterfront beer garden, Morgan's Pier, opens for the spring season on May 9. (Photo courtesy Morgan's Pier)

With its sweet Delaware River waterfront views, scores of alfresco tables, busy entertainment schedule and epicurean picnic fare, Morgan’s Pier is an ideal outdoor hangout.

Reopening for the season on May 9, Philly’s sprawling waterfront destination is back for its second year.

With room for more than 300 alfresco diners, there’s plenty of space for folks to experience chef George Sabatino’s new menu for the 2013 season, a fresh entertainment lineup and the new elevated “Crow’s Nest” viewing area.

Chef Sabatino, formerly of East Passyunk Avenue’s Stateside, has taken charge of the kitchen and created a polished picnic menu, as well as a vegetarian menu, kids menu and a new nightly prix-fixe menu.

The picnic menu, comprised of snacks, salads and sandwiches, is written to provide surefire eats for sun-soaked afternoons and balmy evenings.

Look for riverside-apropos fare like oysters and shrimp, as well as creative finger food like peel-and-eat peanuts, cheese-and-kale croquettes and blistered shishito peppers. Follow appetizers with a ginger-dressed carrot salad or classic burger.

The prix-fixe option, offered nightly 5 to 9:30 p.m., dishes two creative courses for $30 — think scallop crudo with blueberry dust, poached lobster salad and steamed whole fish.

Both casual and fine fare pairs with an extensive drink menu, including craft brews, house-made sangria, wine and cocktails.

But Morgan’s Pier is so much more than just a great restaurant and hangout. An already-packed calendar of live entertainment will keep folks dancing until the wee hours all season.

This Thursday, opening night brings out DJ and entertainer extraordinaire Dave P of Making Time to start the party at 10 p.m.

Following opening night, a solid array of live music — both DJs and bands — is already on the calendar.

With tons of free and cheap shows (admission is generally $5 Thursday through Saturday), expect crowds to come out en force.

The complete lineup of shows in May and June is still evolving, but free shows are lined up every Wednesday, June 5 through August 28. Already on the books are Scottish band We Were Promised Jetpacks on June 12 and contemporary electronic performer Cold Cave on June 19.

Morgan’s Pier Opens for the Season
When: Thursday, May 9
Where: 221 N. Columbus Boulevard
More info: www.morganspier.com