11 romantic restaurants for a date night in the Philly suburbs

Philadelphia has no shortage of date-night destinations, but romance isn’t confined to the city limits.

Whether you’re looking to switch up your usual spots or want a standout meal closer to home, the suburbs have plenty to offer. From cozy inns to upscale seafood and steakhouses, these restaurants deliver ambience and flavor.

Here are 11 romantic spots to consider for your next night out.

Lark

In Bala Cynwyd, Lark boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere and stunning views of the Schuylkill from its rooftop terrace. The menu, from Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi, features sustainable seafood, handmade pasta, and standout entrées, like sourdough-crusted halibut. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at the bar, settling into a velvet banquette, or taking in the view from the terrace, this spot delivers an elevated dining experience.

📍611 Righters Ferry Rd., Bala Cynwyd, Pa. 19004, 📞 484-434-8766, 🌐 larkpa.com

Savona Restaurant

For nearly 30 years, Savona has been a Main Line destination for upscale Italian cuisine. Housed in the former headquarters of Vice President Aaron Burr, the restaurant offers a tour of Italy’s flavors with specialty pizzas, house-made pasta, and dishes like Rohan duck breast with butternut squash puree. With seating options that include a wine lounge, outdoor patio, and private dining rooms, Savona is perfect for anniversaries or a special Valentine’s Day dinner.

📍100 Old Gulph Rd., Gulph Mills, Pa. 19428, 📞 610-520-1200, 🌐 savonarestaurant.com

Andiario

Anthony Andiario’s West Chester restaurant is one of the region’s premier farm-to-table experiences. The ever-evolving prix fixe menu is a tribute to Pennsylvania’s seasonal bounty, with locally sourced ingredients — including produce from the chef’s own micro-farm. Preserved vegetables, house-dried ingredients, and meticulously prepared proteins take center stage in this dimly lit, intimate dining space. The restaurant offers a curated wine list and an open kitchen that invites guests to witness the artistry behind each dish.

📍106 W Gay St., West Chester, Pa. 19380, 📞 484-887-0919, 🌐 andiario.com

Departure

Experience a world of flavors at this premier tapas-style restaurant in Media. Departure, led by executive chef JJ Morgan, serves an ever-changing menu of international bites that includes tagine meatballs, lamb lollipops, honey hoisin stir fry, and mediterranean platters, like Philly rarebit and ceviche del dia.

📍2 S. Orange St., Media, Pa. 19063, 📞 610-502-3833, 🌐 departuredelco.com

Hook and Ladder Sky Bar

This Conshohocken restaurant from executive chef Edward Hancock is among the best spots for high-end steaks and fresh seafood the burbs have to offer. The eclectic eatery is housed in a historic firehouse, equipped with a sleek and modern interior and a lush sky bar stocked with premium spirits and wines. There’s also private dining for a more intimate occasion. And with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it may be worth reserving for that special someone.

📍46 Fayette St. Fl 2, Conshohocken, Pa. 19428, 📞 484-351-6522, 🌐 hookandladderskybar.com

Hiramasa

Sam Li, creator of the three Osushi restaurants in Marlton, Wayne, and Ardmore, has added another Japanese destination in the suburbs. The restaurant highlights refined takes on sushi, isiyaki, and kaiseki, offering an intimate, dimly lit setting that enhances the flavors of its carefully curated dishes. The bar features a selection of premium Japanese spirits, rounding out the experience.

📍 3554 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, Pa. 19073, 📞 484-420-4023 🌐 hiramasapa.com

1906 Restaurant

Named after the year businessman Pierre du Pont purchased the grounds that would become Longwood Gardens, 1906 offers a stunning peak inside. Executive chef George Murkowicz’s menu celebrates the local landscape. Seasonal options include a sunflower seed “risotto,” a mushroom wellington, and Parisienne gnocchi. There’s also an extensive list of wines, crafted cocktails, and sultry desserts to match the elaborate view.

📍 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348 📞 610-388-5290, 🌐 longwoodgardens.org

Kimberton Inn

For a cozy, colonial-era dining experience, Kimberton Inn delivers. Built in 1796 in a historic Quaker village, the inn exudes charm with its exposed wood beams and fireplace-lit dining areas. Menu highlights include hazelnut-crusted chicken breast, sautéed calf’s liver, panko-crusted eggplant, and a long list of complementary wines. There’s also live music on select nights from the restaurant’s in-house pianist.

📍 2105 Kimberton Rd., Kimberton, Pa., 19442, 📞 610-933-8148, 🌐 kimbertoninn.com

Portabello’s of Kennett Square

Portabello’s of Kennett Square has a warm interior and array of mushroom-centric bites, reflecting the area’s reputation as the Mushroom Capital. Entrées range from stroganoff with prime beef short rib and cremini mushrooms, to braised lamb shank, lump blue crab cakes, and crispy duck with french cherries and blood orange. When the weather permits, patrons can enjoy a romantic dinner out on the brick streets at East State Street.

📍108 E. State St., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348, 📞 610-925-4984, 🌐 portabellosofkennettsquare.com

At The Table

This Wayne BYOB has some of the best oysters and seafood-centric dishes outside Philadelphia. The menu includes pan-seared branzino, grilled Spanish octopus, ricotta tortellini made with wild mushroom madeira cream, and a coffee-rubbed venison. Thoughtfully prepared dishes, an intimate setting, and a curated drink menu make At The Table a top pick for a special night out.

📍 118 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, Pa. 19087 📞 610-964-9700, 🌐 atthetablewayne.com

DePaul’s Table Steakhouse

This modern Italian chophouse in Ardmore delivers top-tier steaks and seafood. DePaul’s offers everything from filet mignon and sesame-crusted ahi tuna to farfalle with wild Kennett Square mushrooms. The raw bar serves fresh oysters and clams by the half-dozen, and a well-crafted cocktail or wine list completes the experience. If you’re looking for a romantic dinner destination, this is a sure bet.

📍 7 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, Pa., 19003, 📞 610-598-0500, 🌐 depaulstable.com

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

How Future & Metro Boomin Became Trap Music's Greatest Duo

The musical bond between Future and Metro Boomin blazed new paths in Atlanta's rap scene, and transformed trap music into one of music's most expansive exports. The duo first connected on the cult "Karate Chop" back in 2013, and have been on an unrelenting hit streak ever since.

Future's auto-tune-soaked melodies and Metro's ominous trap production has formed an inseparable linkage and some of the biggest records of the past decade. From "Honest" to "Jumpman" and 2024's "Type S**t," the pair have blossomed into music's most in-demand hitmakers and influencers. 

Metro, born Leland Wayne, went from aimlessly sending beats as a teenager from his St. Louis home, to becoming one of the industry's most versatile music producers and a GRAMMY-nominated solo artist. Meanwhile Future, born Nayvadius Cash, has evolved into an international draw with a myriad of No. 1 records, multi-platinum albums, and GRAMMY wins under his belt. 

The two stars have continued to ascend in lock-step, with a new medley of booming street hits and club anthems arriving with each collaboration. But 2024 was their most expansive year to date. The duo cranked out We Don't Trust You in March, and the sequel, We Still Don't Trust You, just weeks later. 

Backed by the Kendrick Lamar-assisted hit "Like That," — and the seismic rap feud it ignited— We Don't Trust You debuted atop the Billboard 100, marking Future's second-largest opening week and Metro's biggest ever. Its follow-up, the more melodic-leaning We Still Don't Trust You, also claimed the No. 1 spot. Together, the joint projects earned the duo four nominations at the 2025 GRAMMYs, including Best Rap Album (We Don't Trust You) and Best Rap Song ("Like That"). 

Future and Metro have hit an artistic zenith unmatched by most rap duos, and it doesn't appear their streak is slowing down any time soon. As their legacy continues to grow, look back at the genesis of their artistic union over the years, and the series of hits that have formed in their wake:

2013

Before Metro became a top-end producer, he was a 17-year-old beatmaker with hopes one of his beats would fall into the hands of a mainstream artist. One faithful email to Brick Squad rapper OJ da Juiceman got him an invite to his Atlanta studio. With permission from his late mother Leslie Wayne, Metro made the eight and a half-hour voyage from St. Louis to the trap music capital. She continued to chaperone him almost weekly until Metro moved to Atlanta full-time to attend Morehouse College in 2012. 

The first-year college student split his time in the classroom and in the studio with Juiceman's mentor Gucci Mane. He eventually crossed paths with Future, who ascended from the disbanded Atlanta group Da Connect and became his own musical entity. Future started meeting up with the teenage producer daily, and the "Tony Montana" rapper hopped on one of Metro's zippy trap beats. He laid down drug-sunken lyrics to the thunderous, heavy-synth instrumental that became 2013's "Karate Chop," but Metro wasn't convinced it was a worthy single. 

"I had no clue from all the records we've done, that [that] s**t just sitting in the studio would be the one. But these days, the people and the streets produce the singles and they was fuckin' with it," Metro said in a 2013 interview with XXL.

Despite Metro's initial hesitancy, the remix featuring Lil Wayne became the lead single of Future's 2014 album, Honest, which featured three other songs from Metro, including the title track and "I Won" with Kanye West. The success of "Karate Chop" convinced Metro to drop out of college and capitalize on the rising momentum. And the musical alchemy between the rapper and producer only strengthened over time.

2015

By 2015, Metro and Future were no longer fighting for attention. The spotlight was keenly focused on the two artists, who, along with figures like Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan, were at the forefront of a booming, melody-infused trap sound. The proof of their collective powers was Future's trap masterwork DS2 and What a Time to Be Alive, an entertainingly disjointed mixtape with Canadian-born superstar Drake. 

Following the release of 2014's Honest, Future dropped a trilogy of album-quality mixtapes. The first was Monster, a darker and more brooding project that saw Future return to his previous form. Metro executive produced the mixtape, and was credited for crafting "Radical," "Mad Luv," "Wesley Pressley" and other tracks.

The duo carried the momentum of Monster into Future's DS2, widely considered the rapper's masterstroke of bleak, self-medicated drug tales and fiery trap hits. Metro, alongside fellow Atlanta trap architects Southside, Zaytoven, and Sonny Digital, handled the bulk of the project. Some of the tracks he produced included the strip club anthem "Freak Hoe," the tranquilizing "Rich Sex," and "Where Ya At" with Drake. 

After the recording session for "Where Ya At" wrapped, Drake and Future began working on the collaborative mixtape, What a Time to Be Alive.  Drake flew to Atlanta for six days with the hopes of recording a handful of songs, but Future's relentless work ethic prompted the Toronto native to match his tenacity. 

The 11-song mixtape surprisingly dropped in September 2015, and fans immediately swarmed to Metro-produced tracks like "Digital Dash," "Big Rings," and "Jumpman." The latter became a top 20 Billboard hit, and Metro's Future-assisted producer tag, "If Young Metro don't trust you I'm gon' shoot you," became the industry's most recognizable calling card.

2017

Just when it felt Future's smoldering hit streak was beginning to cool, he released back-to-back albums FUTURE and HNDRXX in February of 2017. The two projects teetered between pop-inspired tunes and heavy-handed street records, and Metro was the unsurprising maestro behind the biggest song from the two records. 

The Metro-produced "Mask Off" peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Future's highest charting single at the time of its release. A remix of the track, which samples Carlton Williams' "Prison Song" from the 1978 Selma musical, featured Kendrick Lamar. 

The massive hit encouraged generations of hip-hop fans to chant the song's drug-filled hook "Percocets (ya), molly, Percocets (Percocets)." And while Future's HNDRXX takes a more R&B and bright-eyed musical approach compared to the dreadful trap sound of his previous works, Metro was credited for the album opener "My Collection" and closer "Sorry."

2022

After five years without a collaboration, the super-duo linked back up for Metro's "Superhero (Heroes & Villains)." Future's gravelly and unpolished delivery contrasted the song's more cinematic and orchestral production. It was the first single off the producer's comic book-themed album, Heroes & Villains, which echoed an evolutionary turn for the producer-turned-solo artist. 

His transition from rugged trap sounds to grander production was first demonstrated on 2018's Not All Heroes Wear Capes, but his second album and expansion into film showcased it at a larger scale. Metro went on to produce Sony's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack, which featured A$AP Rocky, NAV, Travis Scott, Don Tolliver, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, and his other frequent collaborations.  

In the years since their last record, Future was also expanding his musical reach. He cranked out joint projects with Young Thug, Zaytoven, Juice WRLD, and Lil Uzi Vert, and released another collection of projects while taking a few momentary breaks in between. "​That's because I'm happy," Future said of his occasional hiatuses in a 2022 interview with GQ. "I'm genuinely happy with life. And there was a time where I was only happy when I was on the stage, and in the studio. Like it was my escape." After an album-less 2021, he followed up the next year with I Never Liked You, which earned the rapper his eighth chart-topping album and a GRAMMY win for the mega hit "Wait For U" with Drake and Tems. 

Metro wasn't credited on I Never Liked You, but the "Puffin On Zootiez" emcee circled back with his musical companion later that year. The two reunited on other tracks from Metro's Heroes & Villains album, including "Too Many Nights," "I Can't Save You (Interlude)," and ""Lock On Me." And while it may have seemed like Future and Metro disbanded during the five-year stretch, the producer said they never stopped working together.

 "It's crazy, public perception makes it look like we went our separate ways," Metro said in a 2023 interview with Gangsta Grills Radio. "But neither one of us really went nowhere. It's just about the right moment, and I feel like God just brought this moment together."

2024

More than a year before the release of their joint albums, Future hinted at a potential project with his long-time collaborator. In January 2023, the rapper reshared an Instagram post that read, "Future x Metro OTW with the album of the year." But the subtle endorsement failed to highlight how big the joint effort the following year would be. 

In March 2024, Future and Metro confirmed a two-part album release in a 44-second trailer. The duo is seen hopping out of luxury SUVs in the desert, with the late Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy providing the video's contentious narration.  "A lot of f**king garbage ass rappers running around. These n****s ain't supposed to be rapping, man. This game is meant for a select few." 

The first in the series was We Don't Trust You, a 17-song project that combined Metro's cinematic production with Future's street poetics. Kendrick's verse on the single "Like That" sparked a series of diss records between Lamar, Cole, and Drake, with the Comtpon rapper declaring, "Motherf**k the big three, n***a, it's just big me." 

The result was weeks of musical exchanges between the three artists, including a Drake-directed instrumental from Metro called "BBL Drizzy," which the producer encouraged fans to rap over for a chance to win a free beat. The hotly-contested battle, paired with songs like "Type S**t" and The Weeknd-assisted "We Still Don't Trust You," pushed both albums atop the sales and music charts. 

The pair capped off the year with a 27-date North American tour and a handful of nominations at the 2025 GRAMMYs.

2025

While Metro and Boomin went home from the 2025 GRAMMYs empty handed, the duo’s influence remains undeniable. Between the No. 1 records and recognition redefining modern trap music, they have influenced a new generation while staying true to their signature sound. With undeniable chemistry, their legacy is already cemented — but their reign is far from over.

– Grammy.com

Freezing temps have brought back the backyard ice rink

Philly winters have been streaky in recent years, but homeowners and hockey enthusiasts are making the most of the recent deep freeze to build backyard ice skating rinks.

While many families favor the dependable conditions of an indoor rink, Fox Chase resident David Bara prefers the slow, chilling burn of a homemade skating consortium.

Since 2016, Bara has rolled up his coat sleeves to build a 22-by-48-foot rink for his family and golden retriever Ellie to enjoy. “I’m an absolute fanatic,” Bara said. “There aren’t many people in Philly who are crazy enough to do what I do. It’s definitely something more reserved for Canadians and other people up north.”

For nine straight winters, Bara has built a miniature hockey rink using plywood and a white plastic liner (a black one draws too much sunlight), while navigating the unpredictable forces of Mother Nature. “Half of the passion I have is the challenge of being able to do one where we live,” Bara said. “It’s not easy. It’s me and Mother Nature. If Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, then there is no rink.”

After building the wooden exterior, he puts down the plastic liner and gradually fills it with water over three days. The shapeless plane slowly transforms into a sleek, 10-inch-high surface, which he wraps with beam-supported banners covered in local business ads.

Bara said his outdoor rink (ODR) wasn’t always as well-executed. His first one was made from a torn blow-up pool, with a thin surface just wide enough to fit his son and one other hockey player. But the haphazard experiment inspired him to take the art of ODR-making to the next level.

What started as a one-off project for Bara has turned into an obsession. “I’m out there building ice four or five times a night. I set my alarm for midnight, 2 o’clock, and 4 o’clock in the morning because it’s better to do it when there’s no sun.

I call it passion; some people call it insanity.”

It’s even become a part of family tradition. Bara hosts a broomball tournament every year for his daughter’s birthday, and his shed-turned-warming room is a late-night hang for Philadelphia Flyers fans. It’s equipped with a TV, a fully stocked bar, cozy insulation, and LED-lit walls covered in Flyers memorabilia.

Flourtown content creator Logan Randazzo said her DIY rink, too, has become a winter tradition. The Canada native and amateur figure skater grew up practicing two-foot turns and forward swizzles on her family’s rink. And for the past three Christmases, Randazzo and her husband have joyfully shared those “core memories” with their five children on the back patio of their historic mansion.

“It’s been fun as a parent to see that through my children’s eyes,” Randazzo said. “I used to spend all day out there with my brothers, so it’s really fun to see them [out there]. I hope it’s the kind of stories they can talk about when they grow up.”

While indoor rinks are great for skating year-round, Randazzo said nothing compares to the feeling of outdoor skating, especially when it’s accessible a few feet from a backdoor. “It’s nothing against indoor rinks, but the convenience of a mother of five to just step outside the door is absolutely priceless.”

Since posting an Instagram video of her 20-by-40-foot rink, Randazzo, who’s amassed more than 250,000 followers on the platform, said other Philly-area residents have contacted her to ask how they can make one of their own.

While ODRs are more common among Canadian and Midwestern households, Long Valley, N.J., resident John Greco said it’s become a growing trend on the East Coast since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The former hockey player runs a backyard ice rink Facebook group with Bara. He said people have been seeking new ways to explore the outdoors, and with more DIY tips and resources readily available, Greco said it’s easier than ever to get started.

The biggest challenges for new rink builders are finding backyard space without a slope, or building rink boards without a gap. Differing levels could lead to uneven ice, and cracks in the exterior can lead to “blowouts,” a balloon-like pop that ends in a flooded yard.

“I’ve heard all the horror stories. I try to collect information for people because that was my battle at the beginning. And now there are resources for people to start,” said Greco.

Barring an occasional snow blitz, or a momentary string of ice-capped days, snow in Philadelphia has been alarmingly scarce the past 10 years.

Last winter, Philly registered the lowest snow cover in a decade since the National Weather Service began tracking it in the winter of 1940-41. And the meteorological winter of 2023-24 was ranked the 10th warmest in records dating back to 1872.

Bara said it takes roughly three straight days of freezing temperatures for ODRs to hold. But despite last year’s record-low snowfall, he was able to build his ice rink in less than 24 hours. “I was making new layers every hour,” he said.

While winters have been more difficult to predict, Bara said the past 10 years have been fairly consistent. Some months (and years) are cooler than others, but the lifelong Philadelphian said the recent weather has been close to what it was when he first started making his backyard rink.

After a decade building “natural backyard rinks,” Greco said this year was his first making it with a chiller system, easing some of the pressure that comes with the weather-dependent pass-time.

YardRink CEO Brian Packard, whose company specializes in National Hockey League-licensed ODR kits, said the ease of technology is also encouraging people to build their own iced arenas.

It’s a trend he hopes will reduce children’s phone screen time and spark added interest in street hockey. Its growth, Packard said, could be similar to the popularity of flag football, which makes its Olympic debut in 2028. “It’s about sticks in hands and smiles on faces,” Packard said. “We’re excited about the resurgence of backyard ice hockey. People are going bananas with it.”

Whether it’s an NHL-licensed rink or a frozen retention basin, Maple Glen resident Kristen Warner said the best thing about ODRs are the moments shared with neighbors, friends, and family.

Warner has had rinks flood, and some have required emergency resurfacing. But no matter the conditions, one element always remains the same – the joy.

“[It doesn’t] matter if you get one weekend of solid ice, or an entire winter,” she said, “it’s worth the time and effort for the memories that are made.”

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

Keke Palmer and Tierra Whack bonded over a secret pregnancy

Keke Palmer met Tierra Whack over a game of spades at Jackie Chan’s house in South Philly.

Trust me, the story gets even better.

They started arguing with Rihanna when Eddie Murphy showed up to diffuse the situation.

And if all this sounds too good to be true, that’s because, well, it is.

“All right, we play too much,” Palmer joked to the Fitler Club crowd. The newly published author stopped by on Thursday for an event presented by Harriett’s Bookshop and sponsored by the Fitler Club and The Inquirer. Whack interviewed Palmer about her book, Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative.

The real story? The actress, singer, and KeyTV founder met Whack at Alicia Keys’ house in 2023, bundled up in a puffer coat, which she took off to reveal a baby bump. She was months away from giving birth to her son, Leodis “Leo” Jackson.

Whack kept her lips sealed on the secret pregnancy, and the two multi-hyphenates have built a special bond over the past two years. “I love you girl,” Palmer said as she walked over to hug the North Philly native. “I love you, too,” Whack said.

“I’m here, no payment or nothing,” Whack said to the crowd in the Fitler Club ballroom. “This is my girl.”

Palmer’s memoir delves into her days as a child actor, and the lessons she’s learned on her journey to becoming an Emmy-winning entertainer, entrepreneur, and mom of one.

“Kids bring perspective,” she said. “I have to make sure this baby is good, and then I have the rest of the day. It’s helping me understand what’s really important.”

Palmer and Whack spoke of their love-hate relationship with musicals and their fondness for ’90s and early 2000s sitcoms like The Jamie Foxx Show and The Parkers. And like the rest of us, Palmer can’t get enough of the Apple TV+ thriller Severance. “It’s so good, I had to go back and re-watch season one,” she said.

By the end of the evening, Whack had seemingly found a name for her next project.Whack of All Trades.

“If that’s the next album, I need a feature,” Palmer said.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

How to be an Eagles fan, according to obsessives on the internet

Connecticut native Jenny Meassick moved to Philly in 2017 and fell in love — she started the Instagram account “Old City Love” to highlight the history, food, and people that make up the historic neighborhood she calls home. And while she’s felt “welcomed, accepted, and celebrated” in the city, Meassick said the only link missing is her connection to the Eagles.

Earlier this week she took to the internet to speak the question most Philly transplants are too afraid to ask: How does one become an Eagles fan?

Is it as simple as attending a game at the Linc, revamping a closet with midnight or kelly green, or flipping the bird to anyone wearing a Dallas Cowboys jersey? Or is it purchasing an Eagles Christmas album, getting a tattoo dedicated to the team, or subscribing to a podcast hosted by a former player’s spouse? (We love you, Kylie).

Searching for answers, Meassick posted a Thread asking Eagles diehards for tips on how to join the crazed fan base. “I’m a transplant here in Philly. It’s been 7 years and … don’t come at me … but I have yet to realllly jump into the sports culture,” she wrote. “But I’m here, this is home. So I need some help.”

Hundreds of Eagles fans came to her rescue, creating an online syllabus for newbies to graduate to Bird Gang status. Here’s what they said:

Scream ‘Go Birds’ whenever and wherever

Whether it’s game day or a quick trip to Wawa, stop and give a fellow fan a “Go Birds.” More often than not, you will get a “Go Birds” in return. Then, make it a daily ritual, and “repeat until your last breath,” one commenter joked.

“Shout ‘Go Birds’ to anyone you see wearing Birds gear. Also: Reciprocate that greeting when given to you, another wrote.

Add Eagles gear to your closet

Once “Go Birds” has replaced your regular “hi, how are you” , it’s time to grab some team threads. Not only does it declare your fandom, it helps other fans find you. “Buy some Eagles and Phillies gear, something swaggy and let the love come to you,” one user suggested.

Another suggested getting a throwback jersey to avoid looking like a noob: “Grab yourself a good retired player jersey. [Brian Dawkins], Reggie White, [Jason Kelce] … all good choices.”

Meassick said she’s sprinkling her closet with some Eagles gear, albeit incrementally. The first item will be a kelly green crew neck. “That’s more like my style,” she said.

Find fellow Eagles fans at a tailgate or bar

No “Go Birds” is complete without a group of Eagles to return the favor. There are multiple ways to engage with the fan base, but the easiest way is to start with your local sports bar or pub.

“Go to your local bar and watch a game. Even if you don’t drink. You will immediately get caught up in the infectious enthusiasm and camaraderie,” one user suggested.

If you want to amplify the game-day experience, join the crazed crowd at a tailgate outside the Linc. If tailgating isn’t your thing, Xfinity Live! is another one-stop shop for game-day entertainment. But wherever Eagles fans flock, all are welcome.

“The Eagles fan base is going to meet you where you’re at. If you drink, cool. Go to a bar. If you don’t, cool. You can Google and YouTube the players,” Meassick said.

Do your homework on iconic Eagles plays

Admittedly, Meassick isn’t much of a football fan. She lived in Boston for 10 years and was fatigued by the sports-obsessed town.

The only Eagle she knows is former All-Pro center Jason Kelce, who retired last year. Dozens of fans recommended Googling current players, and the origin of iconic plays like the “Philly Special” and the “tush push.”

“Ask fans here for a short list of their most agonizing defeats and watch them on YouTube,” one fan said. “My suggestion is ‘The Fog Bowl.’ Then watch Brian Dawkins and [Chuck Bednarik’s] highlights. Then watch their Super Bowl victory.”

“Ask fans here for a short list of their most agonizing defeats and watch them on YouTube,” one fan said. “My suggestion is ‘The Fog Bowl.’ Then watch Brian Dawkins and [Chuck Bednarik’s] highlights. Then watch their Super Bowl victory.”

Be a hater of every other NFL team

This one is simple. If it isn’t the Eagles, then don’t mention the team. “Hate every other team in the NFL!” one fan declared.

Buckle up for the ride

While life as an Eagles fan has been great lately, true aficionados know how gut-wrenching a defeat can be, especially in the postseason. “Accept that being a Philly sports fan means oscillating forever between incredible highs and crushing disappointment,” a commenter wrote.

But like sesame seeds on a fresh-baked hoagie roll, fans stick with the Birds through thick and thin. And they expect the same commitment from fans, both new and old.

“Eventually your blood pressure will start spiking while you watch the games. You’ll also have an insatiable urge to fight anyone who talks bad about your team. That’s when you know the metamorphosis is complete and you’re a full-fledged fan,” another fan explained.

Accept your place in the cult

“We meet at our Lady of the Linc on Sundays. Many of us call it our religion … some a cult. Either way we bleed green and at the kiss of peace, we say GO BIRDS and you better say it back 🦅💚,” another fan explained.

Based on fan comments, Meassick is already on the right path. Her desire to be an Eagles fan, they say, is why there’s a place for her in the tribe.

“We’ve adopted you, you are one of us. Now walk into the closest Wawa and yell go birds 🦅,” one user wrote.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

There is a new MJ in ‘MJ the Musical.’ And here’s how he transforms himself for every show

After a year of being an understudy, actor, dancer, and songwriter, Jordan Markus is ready to don the mythical fedora, slip into the rhinestone-encrusted glove, and take on the lead role of the national tour of Broadway’s Tony-winning MJ the Musical, which runs through Jan. 19 at the Academy of Music.

“It just feels right,” he said. “I’m ready to do it.”

Here’s a sneak peek into how Markus becomes MJ.

Becoming the man in the mirror

It all starts, Markus said, with “the man in the mirror.”

To settle into character, he arrives hours before showtime. Once he gets to the theater, he takes a seat in the makeup chair, then “zones in” to character.

Becoming MJ, he said, isn’t as simple as just applying contour makeup or putting on loafers and a densely curled hairpiece. It’s a character and story he’s fully embraced. “I’ve obviously never been Michael Jackson, but we share similarities. Lots of them, actually,” Markus said, whether it’s feelings of loneliness, perfectionism, or the unwavering pursuit of one’s musical dreams.

“Really knowing who I am has helped me become, in quotations, Michael. And I kind of live in it every day.”

Classic wardrobe with a modern twist

Costume designer Paul Tazewell grew up emulating the Jackson 5 with his three brothers. To piece together the show’s wardrobe, he referred to images of Jackson throughout his career.

Jackson’s style, he said, reflected the trends of the times, but always came with a twist that was uniquely his own. The challenge for him lay in styling the character of Jackson, from little Michael (Josiah Benson and Bane Griffith) to MJ the icon (Markus), with many fictionalized moments embedded into the show.

“It was about creating a world the audience could believe and stay engaged within,” said Tazewell, who won a Tony Award for best costume design in a musical for 2016’s Hamilton.

Tazewell’s vision is in full bloom throughout the show. He incorporates classic outfits from Jackson’s career — from his earth-shattering debut of the moonwalk at a Motown 25th anniversary concert, to the iconic outfits seen in the “Smooth Criminal” and “Beat It” music videos.

When the direct references aren’t as readily available, Tazewell takes calculated liberties. During the dance rehearsal scenes, Markus’ MJ wears loose cotton shirts, flowingly trim trousers, and hard-bottom dance shoes.

Moving like a smooth criminal

It helps to have Jackson’s moves, too.

Choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega, who were dancers on Jackson’s “HIStory World Tour," taught Markus the techniques and the “king rhythm” that Jackson possessed.

Rich Talauega said Markus, whom he affectionately calls “too tall,” managed to grasp the dance moves and other idiosyncrasies needed to capture the spirit of Michael Jackson. The movement may appear “simple,” but the two brothers said it requires thousands of rehearsal hours and an unrelenting work ethic to achieve. And Markus embraced it all for the role.

“He’s earned it,” Rich Talauega said. “The amount of work he put in resulted in him being able to walk in those loafers, glide from side to side, hit those notes, and play the role of Michael Jackson so big-time. I take my hat off to [Markus].”

“He did the homework,” Tone Talauega added.

Along with crafting the movement for the musical, the duo also served as authenticators of Jackson’s story.

They talked to Markus about the shared prayers, heated rehearsal sessions, and monumental performances that reflected the man, artist, and cultural phenomenon. And Rich Talauega said the result is an “electrifying, in-your-face, bona fide, and pure” telling of the generation-defying talent.

“It’s really surreal to be able to represent this man’s legacy through his dance style,” Rich Talauega said. “We feel so privileged, honored, blessed, and lucky to be able to replicate this man’s dance style as best we can with this new generation of Michaels.”

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

Espresso martinis are the it drink in Philly. Here’s where to find them.

The espresso martini has become a favorite among Gen Zers, who can often be seen with the elegant elixir in hand. If it were an outfit, it would be a tailored suit with a loosened tie — chic, but approachable.

“It’s just a trendy cocktail,” said Jared Ridgeway, the beverage manager at the Dandelion. “People love coffee and people love alcohol. When you put the two together, you’re going to have a huge crowd. It looks good in a glass, it catches the eye, and for restaurants, it’s pretty easy to execute.”

Whether you prefer the classic recipe or a modern remix, Philly offers plenty of spots to sip on this caffeinated cocktail.

The best espresso martinis in Philly?

Bar 1010

In Northern Liberties’ booming cocktail scene, Bar 1010 reigns supreme with its “cafe tini” offerings — all variations on the classic vodka, coffee liqueur, and espresso cocktail. For the Classic Parmigiano, the restaurant takes a classic espresso martini ($14) and adds a sprinkling of 16-month aged Parmigianoo Reggiano — a surprisingly good combo complete with a dose of rich umami flavor. Other cafe tini offerings include pumpkin spice, topped with cold foam ($16), salted caramel ($15), and dirty chai ($15).

📍701 N. Second St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19123, 📞 267-930-8486, 🌐 bar1010.com

Enswell

After establishing the Rival Bros. Coffee empire, award-winning chef Jonathan Adams and master coffee roaster Damien Pileggi decided to collaborate again on Enswell, a day-and-night cafe and cocktail bar near Rittenhouse Square. And the partnership was tailor-made to be an espresso martini destination. Among the many standouts on Enswell’s drink menu, which includes an orange espresso tonic, the whiskey-based haymaker ($18) is a real knockout. The drink is made with Rival Bros. “Whistle & Cuss” espresso roast, house-made orgeat, Liberty Belle coffee liqueur, Moscatel cask whiskey, instant coffee cream, and a drizzle of flaky Maldon sea salt.

📍1528 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, 📞 215-398-5919, 🌐 enswellphilly.com

Rouge

With the holiday season in full swing, cozy up with Rouge’s pumpkin-spiced espresso martini ($18). This seasonal cocktail is made with Holla vodka, spiced chai, infused pumpkin flavor, Kahlúa, espresso, vanilla, and fall spices.

📍205 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19103, 📞 215-732-6622, 🌐 rouge98.com

The Elephant Bar

The Elephant, Philadelphia’s inaugural espresso martini bar, has evolved from a seasonal pop-up into a permanent establishment. Its menu features inventive variations of the classic cocktail. From fruit-infused tinis to dessert-inspired twists like banana cream pudding ($15) martini and the brûlée all day ($15), made with Absolut vodka, espresso, crème brûlée cold foam, and Southern Tier crème brûlée stout.

📍1500 Locust St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, 📞 267-761-5582, 🌐 The Elephant Bar Instagram

Charlie was a sinner

Charlie was a sinner is known for its vegan delights and sleek environs, but the sultry after-hour hang’s old-school espresso martini ($17) is top of the line. The smooth, medium roast-infused martini can contend with the best the bustling stretch of Midtown Village eateries has to offer. The drink is elevated by house-made crème liqueur and naturally sweet Nizza espresso.

📍131 S. 13th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107, 📞 267-758-5372 🌐 charliewasasinner.com

Blind Barber

It’s no secret: Blind Barber — one of Philly’s most luxurious speakeasies — offers an impressive cinnamon cream-flavored espresso martini ($16) with choice of vodka or tequila. This Center City escape also has an espresso martini-leaning shot called the basic baddie, consisting of espresso-infused vodka, amaretto, house cold brew, and demerara sugar.

📍1325 Sansom St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19107, 📞 215-528-9485, 🌐 blindbarber.com

R&D

Fishtown’s R&D Cocktail Bar isn’t afraid to go venti. It cocktail list rotates every few months, but a mainstay is the classic espresso martini ($15). If you’re joined by a group of espresso enthusiasts, you can level up to a shareable venti ($55) that serves four people.

📍1206 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19125, 📞 215-515-3452, 🌐 rdphilly.com

Char & Stave

Char & Stave, with locations in Chestnut Hill and Ardmore, transitions from a refined coffee shop by day to a sophisticated whiskey bar by night. While it doesn’t offer a traditional espresso martini, the “Hot Dirty Pirate” ($13.50) is a unique twist. This cocktail combines barrel-aged espresso, whiskey caramel, dark rum, and oat milk, resulting in a rich blend of roasted oat and caramel flavors.

📍8441 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa., 19118, and 21 Rittenhouse Place, Ardmore, Pa., 19003, 🌐 charandstave.com

The Dandelion

The Dandelion is an elevated pub that pays homage to traditional British cuisine, with favorites like rabbit pie, deviled eggs, fish and chips, and English-style stouts on its menu. Given the espresso martini is said to have been invented in London in the 1980s, the Stephen Starr-owned eatery serves a classic one ($15) made with Smirnoff vanilla vodka, fresh espresso, Kahlúa, and a touch of simple syrup for a well-balanced sip.

📍124 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19103, 📞 215-558-2500, 🌐 thedandelionpub.com

Bánh Mì and Bottles

Easily one of the city’s prettiest cocktails is from Bánh Mì and Bottles. The Vietnamese restaurant’s signature espresso martini ($16) features natural shades of purple from ube, which gives it a mild nutty flavor. This lavender-tinged indulgence is made from an espresso blend infused blanco tequila, ube condensed milk, and a whole egg.

📍714 South St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19147, 🌐 banhmiandbottles.com.

Rex at the Royal

Rex at the Royal, a Southern-inspired restaurant housed in the historic Royal Theater, offers an espresso martini that reflects its elegant ambience. The Royal Espresso Martini ($19) features vanilla bean-infused Stateside vodka, NOLA coffee liqueur, and Green Street espresso, delivering a rich and sophisticated flavor profile.

📍1524 South St., Philadelphia, Pa., 19146, 📞 267-319-1366, 🌐 rexphl.com

How to make an espresso martini?

If there’s one takeaway from the espresso martini’s popularity, it’s that there’s no single way to make it. However, the classic ingredients remain simple:

1. 2 oz. vodka

2. 0.5 oz. coffee liqueur (Kahlúa is a classic choice)

3. 1 oz. freshly brewed or cold espresso

4. 0.25 oz. simple syrup

5. Three coffee beans for garnish

While some bartenders stick with the original, others experiment with sweeteners, infused spirits, or unique garnishes to elevate the cocktail. However you take it, an espresso martini is a guaranteed way to energize your night out.

– The Philadelphia Inquirer

A karaoke taxi has come to town but some want the plug pulled on the Center City attraction

On a warm September evening, Trenton resident Gabby Douglas and her daughter were aboard Center City’s newest tourist attraction.

They had stepped onto a roofless wagon, hitched to a souped-up pickup truck, and sung their favorite tunes as they toured the bustling corners and residential pockets of Midtown Village and Old City.

Their roaring vocals and impressively timed melodies caught the attention of pedestrians, who cheered them on. Some people looked out of apartment windows while others stopped midstep on nearby sidewalks to applaud them.

“We just had fun. It was a really beautiful experience with my daughter singing. People were cheering, and it seemed like the city really loved that type of atmosphere,” Douglas said.

The musical ride, called FunCab Karaoke Taxi, was driven by founder Dominik Glazewski.

The idea first arose in 2016, when Glazewski worked as an Uber and Lyft driver in Philly. He had a karaoke system set up in his vehicle, and dreamed of the day he could start his own mobile entertainment service.

“We wanted something unique and fun — like typical tourism buses that drive around — but for people to have fun and enjoy in a new way,” said Glazewski, 44, a Poland-born entrepreneur. “We want people to come to the city and enjoy themselves.”

After moving to Charlotte, N.C., in 2020, he put his idea to the test. Glazewski purchased a golf cart-style vehicle and installed a handful of microphones and a speaker, but soon realized it wasn’t generating the excitement he initially envisioned.

The “taxi” wasn’t very safe and only had space for five passengers, which increased the operational costs and added a lot of stress to Glazewski’s fun plan. He returned to Philadelphia last April with hopes the FunCab would turn a profit in a bigger and more familiar city. The regional switch came with notable challenges, including “2-feet deep” potholes and strict city codes to maneuver.

“We weren’t sure if we could maintain the business, or if it was going to be accepted over here,” Glazewski said. “But luckily, there’s been a lot of people who like it.”

Before the FunCab made its first lap around Center City in June, Glazewski managed to do a few upgrades. He added a wagon to the back of the truck, and equipped it with five 5K cameras, LED lights, cushioned seats, a touchscreen song selector, and additional speakers to amplify the karaoke experience.

For the past five months, groups of up to nine people have been belting out hits from Usher, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Miley Cyrus, Mary J. Blige, and others in the back of the supercharged ride. And while screaming is prohibited, riders can often be heard howling their favorite tunes from Old City to Rittenhouse on their 15-mph cruise. One-hour rides start at $100, or $25 per person.

Unsurprisingly enough, some residents want to pull the plug on the moving music wagon.

“Drunk people with microphones riding a slow-moving open vehicle that stops randomly like an Amazon delivery truck, late at night — that’s a NO, THANK YOU,” one Reddit user wrote.

“If I wanted to hear bachelorette parties screaming Taylor Swift songs I would move back to Nashville. It’s an abomination,” said another.

Sheri Klock, who booked a tour for her husband’s birthday, sang Bon Jovi, NSYNC, and Michael Jackson songs throughout the late September evening. And in the coming months, she’s looking to schedule a longer session. “We had people dancing on the sidewalks and jamming to music with us,” Klock said. “It was awesome to see people who don’t know each other come together because of music.”

As social media clips of the late-night mainstay have grown more frequent, the FunCab has garnered more bookings for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other milestones. Glazewski has also received a handful of noise complaints from Rittenhouse and South Street residents.

In response, he said he’s adjusted the FunCab routes to avoid circling the residential corners of South Street and Rittenhouse Square. He has also asked some rambunctious karaoke singers to lower their voices, or if they’re too impaired, to reschedule their trips for another date.

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“We’re not trying to be obnoxious,” he said. “If we’re making noise, I make sure we’re not making as much noise and we’re constantly moving. We don’t sit outside someone’s house.”

As for the loud music, South Philly native Oddess Blockar said that’s an unavoidable part of city life. “If you don’t want to hear noise, move to the suburbs,” she said.

Glazewski plans to expand the karaoke cab in size and scope. He wants to move away from the small, slow-moving vehicle to a bus-sized ride, and offer an interactive city tour for non-English speakers.

The plan is to stop at historic sites in Center City, with an information screen showcasing the history and interior design of each location in various languages. If there’s a question, the device would translate the responses in real time.

Glazewski also wants to develop an alternative version of Philly’s Portal, which would allow guests to sing karaoke in tandem with distant crooners from around the country.

“We have a lot of ideas,” Glazewski said. “And we’re going to try to implement them so people can get to know Philly.”

– The Philadelphia Inquirer