A retro-inspired restaurant-bar, is the latest hotspot from business and life partners Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran. Inspired by Turney’s restaurateur grandparents, the restaurant serves new takes on American classics like meatloaf, the wedge salad and chop suey, paired with cocktails like the Blinker, a whiskey sour made with rye, and Marilyn’s O-F, a brandy old-fashioned.

The venue that once housed Philly’s only lesbian bar stays true to its roots with a regular lineup of gay-friendly events in its upper level lounge. Kitschy artwork decorates the downstairs dining room, where patrons can mingle at the bar at happy hour or grab a table for dinner.

This delicious creole diner brings New Orleans flavor to an otherwise uninspired neighborhood. You have to get the stuffed beignets for brunch. No choice.

Amazing wood-fired pizzas, affordable wines, what’s not to love about Zavino? It’s a welcome upgrade to the uninspired pizza chains.

Right below Tavern on Camac is a little gay-owned American restaurant. A small, but lively menu may have just the thing you need before venturing upstairs.

Asian fusion meet the small-plate crazy here. There are a lot of interesting combinations; each dish is like a reality TV food challenge.

This ultra-sleek Japanese place is a luxurious take on the sushi and sake bar. Don’t worry, not everything’s raw. There are other Asian food options on the menu.

Fresh and local, cash-only and BYOB, this beloved Italian spot is worth all the praise. They don’t take reservations, so take your chances.

Cramped but ultimately worth it, this is the real, flavorful Mexican you’ve been craving. And BYOT (bring your own tequila) to pair with fresh margarita mix.

Authentic Mexican it is not, but this restaurant still packs them in. Even if you don’t stay for food, the margaritas and sangria are always popular.