Featured Critics Archive
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This place is really good. They have a great selection of rolls that will keep you entertained as well as full. They have lots of great choices such as the dragon and tiger rolls. Especialy the philly roll is good here, hehe, of course! Very yummy and wholesome sushi, not dinky portions, and the soup is also very good (miso).
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This place is super weird but it works well. I think that is it definitely interesting that you can get your hair cut while sipping on a latte, but yeah, you know, complete relaxation! I really enjoy the people who work there, too, they are fun and they make the hair cut seem effortless (i hate hair cuts). Fun times here, coming back soon!
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
If you are a biker in the city, you should definitely check out Fairmount Bicycles. They are a great source for information on bike routes, but of course, they also do repairs and you can purchase parts and all that from them. They are really helpful and they are truely the best in the city. It is hard to find any better even close to campus. Very hard.
Featured Critic
Drexel Grad
If you want to get some great Cuban inspired food than I recommend going here. It is one of the best places around. It is very good for soups, too, they are truly gourmet, though. I really like them as much as the main course. Expect to be paying a pretty penny, it is really good and well worth it.
Featured Critic
Drexel Grad
I stopped by here when my sneakers were getting a little bit too worn out for comfort. I found a great new pair and they were even on sale! The staff is very friendly and helpful when you need it! They keep all the shoes in the back so they are always willing to go and grab you what you need. Lots of other things here too like back packs, socks and clothes.
Featured Critic
Drexel Grad
This place has a great cause and it allows for people to trade their clothes for money which is always a plus. I really enjoy the great values that they have there including their clearance rack. They have a great selection of shoes and accessories too. even jewelry! I really enjoy going there it is definitely an awesome place with good stuff.
Featured Critic
Drexel Grad
This place is a cute little decorated hole in the wall up lancaster ave. I find it very random, but it is a great place to go! I love the pad thai, as boring as I may sound, but it is truely delish. THey have a bar which is pretty awesome too, although i wish this place was byob (or somewhere close to campus). Great food, service and evertyhing. 5 stars.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This is one of the best little coffee shops around. They have a lot to choose from and yeah they are really vegan. They have art shows occassionally with different artists switching out from time to time so yeah it is always good to go there and see what is up. Great soy lattes, too, mm mm. Good stuff and highly recommended.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
So if you haven't been to a brazilian steakhouse it is quite the experience. You get an endless buffet of greens, cheeses, and more. You get appetizers brought to your table. And then you get the meat buffet which is brought around on skewers and you get it cut off right on your plate. Great service, amazing, try it!
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
Living in UV was pretty much what I needed after spending my freshman year in the dorms at Temple. It wasn't the "free for all" that an apartment can be, with the renting of single rooms rather than an entire apartment with a group of people. However, the act of signing guests in and out made the entire stay their seem more dorm-like. Finally, it seemed as, at least when I stayed their, they were constantly doing maintenance everywhere in the building.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
Great greek food. It is a small little hole in the wall kinda place and it has a lot of culture in it. I like going here and getting family style portions and greek hospitality that you might only get from a true greek family. THey seem really into making their restaurant as awesome and possible and I am glad to be a customer at this fine eating establishment. Go here and bring friends!
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
If you are looking to spend some quality time with someone special, let me recommend rittenhouse square. I have had many fine dates here. You can go out somewhere really nice for dinner and then spend some quality time in the park. It is cold now, but in the spring and summer you can have something to look forward to! Look out for dogs!
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Their brunch is amazing, especially the pancakes. Ethiopian lunch is good too. Staff is very friendly. The cafe is very unassuming, so not the place to go if you're looking for a "cute brunch spot". However, if you want good, quick food and service, and don't want to worry about there being a wait, this is your spot.
Featured Critic
Drexel Grad
This is one of the safest place for the Drexel Students to live in. Also, just minutes away from the Drexel University City Campus. It is the cheapest 3 bedroom Apartment in the area. Has Drexel Garden just across the road. Nice & cool atmosphere. Village & California Pizza just in the adjoining lane. Worth living for Drexel Students.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
Great place to grab a cup of coffee when you are on South St. They have great espresso drinks from lattes to cappuchinos. Very good coffee too, it is not too strong and not too weak. I really like it. They also have great food here too. Good atmosphere for hanging out and or studying up for a test.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
I recommend going here on the morning of a weekend if you want to get a buch of stuff and feel the real Italian market atmoshphere. Everyone sells stuf on the street so when you walk around you can get a ton of stuff for cheap and good values. Lots of vegetables that are fresh, you can get prices that even beat reading terminal market. Pastries and pasta shops tooo and of course pizza!
Featured Critic
Drexel Grad
This is a pretty good book store to go to if you are in the need for something to get someone at temple in a hurry, otherwise i wouldn't go here just go to Drexel B and N! I went here to get a gift for someone really quickly when i found out that i forgot their birthday. got a nice calendar and t shirt! Great cafe in here too.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
I remember when I first came to Philly this was the first place that I hung out. It is located by a lot of food and shopping places so you can eat ouside. In the winter it is not so great but oh well! Fun to go here with friends or on a date, walk around, explore, feed some pigeons and people watch. Highly recommended site in Philadelphia.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Pluses: Least expensive in the area (utilities included); Spacious rooms; Best location. Minuses: Older building; Loud.Overall, it’s the best value for money in the Rittenhouse area (1 block away from the square). The interior is somewhat oldish, but I personally found it rather cozy and charming. Staff is very friendly and will fix things for you. No roach problems. Laundry machines are in thebasement. Windows are big and rooms get a lot of light. The location is the best – it’s on the corner of 20th & Walnut and buses come every10-15 minutes (~10 min ride, or 25 min walk to school). The only problem is that the building is on a busy street and it can get loud sometimes. Nevertheless, I really liked the place and would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a good value.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
Good pizza, i live nearby so I've had it once or twice. It has a very unique crust and flavor. Their sandwiches are also nicely toasted and the meat and vegetables are nicely covered by cheese as if they mix them all up before putting them in the bread. Super good and super tasty. I like them better than most but cali pizza is great for after drinking, covered in nice greasey goodness
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This is one of my favorite lunch trucks for desserts. I love going here and i get a ton of cupcakes to bring back to my room mates. The staff is fun and friendly and you have to track them down online on their twitter or on their website. They are good and i love desserts so you've got to check em out. there is no describing them to others.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This place is really good and it is one of the best pizza places ever. They serve breakfast too which many do not knowabout. Located a short walk up from Sev and from Locust Walk. Great location with an outdoor patio. They now sell beer too which is great and they have a bar. Not sure how they afford that liquor license b/c it doesn't seem like it is ever packd. COuld potentially be awesome for night clife.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
This is the bottom unit of a 2 unit brownstone. It is located 1 block for Rittenhouse square on Spruce St. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, washer/dryer, A/C, eat in kitchen, den, and extra room. The unit is 2 floors, finished basement level contains 1 bedroom, 1 bath, extra room, lots of storage. Unit was renovated about 3 years ago. My roommate and I love our location and each only pay $1,000. Utilities are not included.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
There is a lot to like about the Dorchester and very little to complain about. The location is great. Cabs are always waiting outside and it is walking distance to virtually everything. I'm in a renovated, junior-one, paying a lot less than friends in other buildings. Search craigslist and rent straight from the owner for best deals.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
cons: expensive, cannot negotiate rents because units are in high demand, guest parking is often reserved far in advance, so don't be fooled that it is constantly available. pros: close to school, large and well-maintained. the fitler 1-br floor plan units are a relatively good value, if you can get one (there are only 6, I believe). washer/dryer in unit is a big plus, and there is ample closet space. also, most of the units have large, built-in desks which saves on furniture costs.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Great appartments, large with modern appliances. Building management is also very good, common areas are always clean and any request is quickly handled. Location is also a big plus compared to other popular Wharton buildings.Cost is relatively high, but it is largely compensated by appartments quality.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
Huge spaces for their studios, also they hold fun events all the time like dances and concerts. I think they are very professional but down to earth. In a great culturally rich area. They also have a ton of info from local shops and services that you can grab when there. Also free tea!
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
Sort of an upscale pizza place to compete with the already many pizza places in the area. This place has a unique crust and pizza tends to be a bit more pricier. Very good fresh food, too, like veggies, salads and wraps. Also good grilled sandwiches, evrything here seems pretty healthy.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Good: location is fantastic, it is right on the square. Cheap for being on the square. Includes gym and pool in summer (M-Thr). Internet is $20 a month (building package) and you get free cable/HBO. 7-11 downstairs is amazingly convinient to get stuff because it is open 24/7. Bad: Move in fee of $300 (coming from NYC, I've never heard of this), many senior citizens who live here complain often so they are very strict about move in/move out policy. Rooms themselves are owner owned and can vary considerably so you need to see the specific location before renting. Walls are thin so sound travels easily. Laundry is not always in unit, must check before renting.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
These dentists are really friendly. I go here every six months and I always look forward to it! They also do teeth whitening which is a plus. They seem to be very busy though with clients, so sometimes it is hard to get an appointment. And you always get a free toothbrush.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
I love Green St, it is a hidden little area below Fairmount with a couple of cool places to hang out. A lot of people go here to meet up with friends, get a drink and eat some good food. I know a few meetup.com groups that do just that! They have really good food at pub prices, so not too bad, overall fun to hang out there. I like Walking along green st too afterwards, right to the Art Museum.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
In competition with Monk's Cafe, the BELGIAN Cafe is pretty good but a quieter version with less hipsters. It is located in a weird area which is hard to get to but fun to walk to when it is warm out. The staff is friendly and the foodis great. There really is nothing not to like about this place. Enjoyable and fun for a dinner or date, too.
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
The Crepe truck on temple’s campus is one of the best food options around. The food is cheap, filling, and absolutely delicious. What more could a college student ask for? Whether you are in the mood for something sweet or savory, the Crepe truck has you covered. Check them out if you haven’t!
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
Best pizza in PA. I have very good memories of heading into the wafting smells of mozzarella cheese upon warm baked bread. The pizza has a unique flavor, and the margherita is fantastic. Covered with basal leaves. Enhances the dish and I can never order anything because my first taste of Pietro's was such, and I have trouble trying to find something else on their great menu.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
Your typical B and B Works. Friendly staff that is not too pushy and will help you pick out the best products. They have great sales for the holidays, for example, I got a free item with the purchase of $15! WOW. Such good deals, good stuff. Try their holiday smells.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
Moshulu is truly one of a kind. Located along the delaware on Columbus Blvd, you can really have a good time here, eating or drinking at the bar right connected to it! I went here a few times and every time I had great and constant service. food was very fresh and very tasty! They had a nice variety from different ethnic backgrounds, too!
Featured Critic
UPenn Undergrad
One of the most authentic Sichuan Food restaurants outside of China. The spiciness is authentic, not toned down. Since I had real Sichuan food before, it really brought back nostalgic memories of home cooking. Highly recommended! Best is family style sharing so that everyone can sample all the dishes.
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
It's the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before or after a show at the TLA. You basically only need one slice because they are gigantic and absolutely yummy. The place is small though so plan on eating outside. Don't ask for toppings because they dont have that here. Plain only, but it's one of the best in Philly!
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
Banana Republic is a great place to get good quality clothing that will last you years. The customer service is great too. They have employees there that will work with you from the door to the register! The 15% student discount and the 15% off for signing up for the brand credit card is a plus also!
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
Insomnia offers up sweet, gooey goodness until the early hours of the morning. While I wouldn’t say the cookies taste quite like ones you could make from scratch, they’re superior to most store-bought varieties, and come still warm from the oven. My favorite: The peanut butter cup, an oversized cookie filled with a massive amount creamy peanut butter and topped with a just beginning to melt chocolate peanut butter cup.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This place is the best. They have huge portions and delicious food to the max. I love the gyros and they are super frseh from the meat spit that they have! You order and the food is pretty much done instantly which is another plus. They just remodelled and now there is a ton of room to sit around and hang out with friends. Definitely worth it.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I got an apartment at the Wanamaker House as it was highly recommended by an alum. I lucked out as an apartment freed up just as I wanted to move in. Having stayed in this building and seen many others, I cannot endorse this building highly enough. The doormen are awesome, I always felt so safe, the location could not have been more convenient, the building is very well maintained and the admin staff really goes above and beyond to ensure this is one of the best properties in Philadelphia. Highly recommended.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
This barber shop/hair salon does a great job. They are kind of hidden near Fitler Square, but the stylists are talented. The dog that inhabits the salon is awesome and a great way to kill time if you have to wait. It is a little pricey at about $30 for a men's cut or else I'd give it 5 stars.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
One of the best situated buildings for Penn. Really nice to be on top of the running/bike path along the river, and next to the bridge to walk to school. Depending on which side you're on, trains can be loud if you leave windows open, but it's brief. Nice to have parking on site, too. The amenities are excellent, and the building is really nicely maintained. Definately look around and make sure to compare features--I don't think other buildings have the whole package like here. Wish I had lived here both years.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Zahav's take on Israeli food is one of a kind. The food is so tasty and the menu allows the table to order many different small dishes which enables a multitude of flavors. I would absolutely recommend it for a special occasion that justifies the above average cost.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Affordable apartment given its awesome location. Step outside and you are right on the Rittenhouse Square. Good weather always calls for some bench time at the park. I heard management was bad but I haven't had to deal with them since moving in (yes, they have strict move-in regulations). Very cool mail room staff who are super prompt about calling you and leaving a message about your package. Doormen all seem pretty cool except they have never stopped any of my friends that were visiting. They just recently remodeled the entire lobby and hallways. The 7/11 downstairs is so clutch!
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
One of the best values if you want to be <2 blocks away from the square. I was looking for a doorman building that had bright apartments and hardwood floors - many of the other doorman buildings in the area have old carpets and small, dim units. Studios are sizable (500sqft). The free PennBus East drops off 1 block from here. The landlady Susan from Rittenhouse Management is a sweetheart.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
I go here all the time, back in the day, I used to go every week! They have fresh popcorn and snacks, all if you are willing to pay the price tag. yes they even have ice cream. I usually go to superfresh before hand and stock up on stuff, which is always a fun time. I enjoy getting some really awesome candies to bring in, hehe. Movie theaters are clean and people lead u to seats.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Pros: Location (both to Penn's campus and Rittenhouse square); strong Wharton community; very safe; generally quiet (not a significant amount of street noise); friendly management; large living spaces (lofts w/ 17+ foot ceilings). Cons: Common amenities (gym, business center, meeting room) are frustrating to use (e.g. no wifi in the conference center, no ink in business center printers); lofts feel, on the whole, rather poorly made (fixtures are certainly not "top notch"); price (definitely on the higher end)
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
This nail salon is new (been around less than 1 year) but unlike Rittenhouse Nails does not assign a unique set of tools for each client and doesn't include a massage. The location is very convenient and it's never very crowded and the staff is kind but it sometimes smells of acrylic nails. Ask for an "Grand Opening Special" coupon which brings manicure and pedicure combined to $24.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Fantastic barber in a very cool area. There are two chairs and barbers work on different schedules during the week so more than two barbers are available. Very chill and not fussy at all, perfect for guys who don't want to deal with salons (washing hair, tons of people, etc.). If you're looking for a traditional old school barber, this may be it.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
The Good: The location is pretty good and the building is well maintained. The views from the upper floors are decent. They keep the building rather warm in the winter and so you are never cold. Pretty quiet on the 21st floor (with windows closed with white noise at night). Gym is usable. Friendly staff. The bad: You pay alot for what you get. The apartments are on the small size. The heating vents are covered aesthetically; however, that and the wall unit air conditioners jut out to reduce your overall livable space. Building also tries to charge 10% for late rent payments (I did get a one time waiver on this...haven't tested it a second time!) . No washer/dryer in apartments. All in all...I would recommend this place if you can get a fair deal on rent.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This place has everything you can expect from an art museum and a good one. This is one of the best things that philadelphia has to offer. the place is huge and it is really fun to look around. i tend to get lost there every time. I still don't think it is as big as nyc or washington dc, but it is still pretty huge. Go on the first sunday of the month for "free' entry.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Very elegant condos. Hardwood floors, beautiful finishing, excellent appliances, and a gym in the building. 1.5 bedroom floor plan is a great option if you are here with a partner. Get two full bathrooms and lots of space for the price of a one bedroom in other buildings.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
pros: great location right on the park, new lux building, beautiful apartments, nice gym and sundeck, dog friendly, attentive staffcons: units can get hot in the winter when the AC is turned off, some units have odd layouts, it's a condo building so you're experience will vary depending on your landlord, there was a mouse issue early on but it was resolved pretty quickly and they never came back
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
1) Great value for money - hardly any Wharton students know about this place and hence rentals are at least 15-20% lower than 1500 Locust which is right next door 2) Apartment is pretty close to the trolley station, 21 bus stop and is right above the PATCO station (to NJ).You can always get onto the 21 at this stop at peak hours. However, the bus totally fills up a couple of blocks after this - which makes for much longer waiting times at stops starting from 17/18th 3) Apartment is very close to Broad Street/ Kimmel Center/lots of great restaurants.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Positives:- Quiet, barely hear neighbors at all.- 1 Block from trolley and bus station- 20 mins walk to Wharton- 2 blocks from traders joe- Good security - 24 hr doorman Negatives:- Central heating, pipes are loud in winter (but you get used to it)- Condo building so large variability in rent
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Beautiful hardwood apartments with high ceilings, great building staff, and a perfect location. The views are not ideal--mostly looking into other tall buildings--but a great place to live otherwise. Could not imagine being anywhere else!
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
2400 definitely offers bang for the buck and, if you're looking to save a bit while in school, it makes some good financial sense. 20 minute walk to Huntsman Hall, 10 min by shuttle. I pay a ~$1350 for a 1br on a high floor. The rub: the shuttle has limited capacity, so waiting 10 min for it + riding 10 min in it is the same as walking. Bldg offers amazing views on the river side, but can get noisy with the interstate so close by. Watch out for the utilities - terrible insulation means high AC costs in summer, high heat costs in winter. Parking for residents is probably the cheapest of any place in center city. Gym reasonable and free. Can be inconvenient for going out in Rittenhouse late-night, as its a bit of a walk. Can be an issue to grab a cab out front. Amazingly convenient to NYC/DC commuters, as its the closest big building to the 30th street train station - you can walk in 7 minutes, so you're saving cab $ whenever you do the trek.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
The tailor did a great job on my jeans, keeping the original bottom with no visible seam. Dry cleaning was as expected - clothes got clean. Bonus: They delivered my clothes to my apartment (2121 Market) for no
extra fee.
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
I've been to Riche's on many occasions, the best part is he remembers everyone that stops by and what they order. Sometimes you end up waiting a couple minutes but the food is definitely worth the wait. I feel the prices are pretty fair for the portions served.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This place could easily be Drexel's best pizza place. Everything is fresh and pizza actually tastes good. Not made for bulk and to be served at free pizza events, no siree! This place also has good coffee drinks, salads and cheesesteaks, too! OVerall, they've got it all! STaff is friendly, too, always attentive.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
LOCATION : Fantastic. Right on Rittenhouse Square, 2 blocks from the 21 & 42 bus lines, 4 blocks from the trolley. UNITS : Good. Everything functions very well. The floors are hardwood. Tons of closet space. The rooms don't have the newest fittings (i.e. there is no air vent above the stoves, there is no overhead lighting), but most things work without problem. MANAGEMENT : Great. There is a lot of management, so somebody is always in the lobby. And if something in your apartment breaks, the repairmen are very responsive. AMENITIES : Adequate. Gym is okay for a casual user (about 4 treadmills and a handful of weight machines). There is a pool, which is exciting, but it is only open from Memorial to Labor Day.
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
This place is so modern and chic. I love the blue lights and the simple decor. They have such a great variety of rolls to choose from at a decent price. The quality of the rolls is superb. The service is friendly and nice. I have been to other sushi restuarants before but this is my favorite.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
great apartment with lots of space, good light, view of park on north side, not too noisy on higher floors. mine has renovated stainless steel galley kitchen, 3 enormous closets, and brand new carpet. oddly there's not a lot of hard-wired lighting, but a couple lamps fixed it up. there's a great little gym downstairs with a couple ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, and weights -- never waited once for a machine. there's also a conference room with free starbucks every morning and laundry on every floor (charge card, no quarters needed). rent includes gym, heat/ac, water, electricity, garbage, internet, cable, and hbo. sadly no rooftop pool, but otherwise can't complain! i got a 13 month lease with the first month free; apparently 22-month leases weren't possible at the time.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I have loved my time in the RiverLoft. Location is perfect, apartments are as nice as you'll find anywhere in Philly, plus there are always people to share a cab with. Conference room downstairs and free guest parking are a big plus too. Gym gets a 3.5/5 but that's the only real downside. Of course price is really high too but you get what you pay for. Would definitely recommend as a place to live.
Featured Critic
St. Joe's Undergrad
Continental has some amazing food. Lobster Mac&Cheese, Cheese Steak Eggrolls, Market Chicken Salad Sandwich, Calamari Salad just to name a few! So reasonably priced for a nice lunch and the food is great. Larger portions than other Steven Starr Restaurants too.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Great location next to a few top philly restaurants. Across the street from the rittenhouse park. Apartments all have washer/dryer in unit. Small units in comparison to other buildings and very pricey. Great building facilities (pool, full service gym, conference rooms, etc).
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
One of the few "new" buildings in philly. All units are one bedroom and are somewhat small but layout is great and perfect for one person. Kitchen is great with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Real hardwood floors and exposed brick on outer wals. Washer/dryer in units. Large walk in closets (although other closet space is limited). Location right on Walnut is great (close to restaurants and bars) but a bit further from Wharton (although it means you can get a seat on the bus). There is some street noise but its doable. There is no doorman but never had a problem with receiving packages (can be sent to management office if need to be signed for with is 1 block away). There also is no gym in the building but Bally is across the street and the Bellevue is a block away. The cost is also more reasonable given no doorman/gym.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
The location is gorgeous, the view is spectacular, the apartments are clean, the maintenance staff members are responsive, and the apartment representatives are very pleasant. I have nothing but great things to say. This complex is right next to the river, allowing a quick bike ride to campus or anywhere in Center City. The doormen are incredibly helpful and kind. The management staff has been very accommodating. I would choose no other place to live.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Can't beat the location and the renovations have made the apartments really nice. Suggest getting an apartment above the 18th floor, since they give you control of your own AC/Heating and it cuts down on the noise from the street. Rental office is slow and difficult, but maintenance staff and doormen are great. There aren't a ton of modern amenities, but as long as you're willing to go elsewhere for a full gym there's everything you need. Occupants seem to be a mix of students and octogenarians--definitely not a loud building. Incredibly neighborhood and very convenient to buses that run to University City. Would definitely recommend.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
This building is very nice, friendly staff, no bugs/rodents, they fix things quickly, etc. The gym is decent. If you go to Drexel or UPenn, there's a shuttle you can take from the apartment, which is pretty convenient. There are several good restaurants nearby. I think it's a great place especially for Wharton students. Most Wharton grad students live closer to Rittenhouse square, but they pay a lot more, and don't get as much as you would here. And since there's a shuttle, it's even more convenient than taking the crowded bus to class. I lived in Philly in two other spots for a total of about 5 years before moving here when school started - so I've seen different neighborhoods and quality of management. This place is really good.
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
The Italian Market is a remarkably cheap place to shop at, with a ton of culture througout the streets to experience as well. This is a great place to get all your essential fruit, vegetables, and even meat. You save big time when there! I highly recommend this place for all students nearby that can either bike or drive on down. You gotta check it out!
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
An amazing place, affordable, extremely convenient for a music student like myself, and really amazing food. Great for breakfast or lunch, depending on what type of crepe you get, but all in all, it's a spectacular place that everyone should try!
Featured Critic
UArts Undergrad
Dim Sum Garden is a place that is hidden underneath an overhang and tucked away in a shady looking area. The restaurant itself has an odd green paint job to it and other odd appearance quirks. Who knew that this would be one of my favorite restaurants! I usually just order the pan-fried pork dumplings or some actual Dim Sum, and it is truly amazing. There are a lot of restaurants in this town that try to be cool and hip, but this place makes honest food and serves them with a very honest price!
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
Insomnia cookies have the BEST snickerdoodles on campus. The cookies are always served warm making you feel as if you were at home. They now accept debit cards and the cookies are only $1!! Definately Reccomend
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I go to Deluxe to get my hair cut because they always do a really good job. They are the one barber in center city who has somehow managed to not mess up my hair. That said, their prices are quite high: $45 for a men's haircut is just really expensive. NOTE: They give a $5 discount for paying cash instead of with credit cards.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
They are very friendly and helpful when you first get a cellphone. The only negative is unrelated to the specific store, but has to do with AT&T's policy to request a $500 deposit for international students (or students without a credit history). If you dont want an iPhone there are ways to get around this deposit, insist on getting a Blackberry with no deposit because some people managed to do so.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Fox and Hound is an ideal place to go watch college football games in the fall. Its one of the biggest bars in center city and shows games from all conferences and regions throughout the country. Moreover, alot of people have school meetups at Fox and Hound because it is big enough to host certain sections dedicated to a specific school/team.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Great Value for money. Rittenhouse is a 5 min walk. There is a free shuttle that operates from the apt to UPenn every 15 min in the morning hours (up to 10.30 AM). If you have a car, it is ideal - It costs $120 per month for residents. Apartments facing the Schuykill river offer a great view from the apartment. Trader Joe's is very close by. The management is very friendly unlike the Left Bank!
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UPenn Undergrad
I've ordered from numerous pizza places in the South Philly area and have found Salvatore's to have the best food. Delivery is usually within 45 minutes and the food is still hot. The pizza is good and only $10 for a large plain. Their chicken cheese steaks (regular and buffalo) are worth trying too.
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UPenn Undergrad
This is one of my favorite weekend spots for its PBR specials and good atmosphere. Couches in the back of the first floor make it a nice spot for groups to hang out and grab something to eat. There's another bar and pool tables upstairs as well. Try their chicken quesadillas. They're extra spicey!
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I rented a 1-bedroom (~850sq ft) place from an individual condo owner who is a Wharton MBA alum. The apartments in this building vary in condition from unit to unit because they are individually owned but most of them are great. My unit happens to be one of the "smart home" units, which have hardwood floors throughout the apartment, a Sonos sound system to stream music through speakers in the ceilings (living, bedroom and bathroom), thermostat and lighting that can be controlled remotely, etc. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and it's a large open concept kitchen so it's a pleasure to use. The doormen as absolutely amazing and go out of their way to help in case of any issues. I can't speak highly enough of them. As for the location, I think it's wonderful. Some may say that it's further from Rittenhouse but it is only 3.5 blocks away and I personally prefer this location more because it's closer to places such as Reading Terminal Market, where I often go for my groceries. Plus, you can actually get a seat on the bus when you get on at 15th and Walnut (1.5 blocks away). The trolley station is also nearby but I've never used it since I ride my bike for the most part. You can't go wrong with this building but be prepared to pay a premium!
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UPenn Grad
I just stopped by this place, and wow--very good. I'm a fan of Red Mango in Korea, and although I still prefer Red Mango over Kiwi, I really love the variety of flavors. What's even better is that they let you try the flavors.. very very fun to do with your friends! I ended up trying almost all of them. The people there were incredibly friendly and helpful. I was pleasantly surprised to see that there are also so many toppings to choose from. Aside from the fruits and the basics, there was mochi, cookie dough, cheesecake, walnuts... very, very hard to choose. and so good.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I'm living in Edgewaer, and totally satisfied. Pros - very family and pet friendly environment (fenced garden, great river side road), Great condition (inside is very new). has Great view (river, city, art museum view), enough parking space for resident, now providing promotion (free parking for current + future wharton students), very friendly staffs Cons - close to rail road (sometime train makes noise), expensive, less convenient to access center city and school (take 15+ minutes by trolley, 30+ minutes by walk)
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom is the perfect set up for roommates. Each roommate has their own floor of the apartment and share the eat in kitchen (with stainless steel appliances) and 2 living rooms. The apartment is beautiful and the location can't be beat. It is one block from Rittenhouse Square and also one block from two grocery stores, restaurants, laundry/dry cleaning service, and the heart of all that Center City has to offer! The apartment also has a washer and dryer, hardwood floors, plenty of storage, and the price can't be beat. ($2,000 per month not including utilities)
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UPenn Grad
Living at the Riverloft is simple, easy and enjoyable. The building is located at 23rd and Walnut which is close to campus and close to the social life of Center City. The apartments are well layed out and pretty big. I have a studio which has a nook near the front door that will fit a queen sized mattress. The main living area is big and the ceiling is really high which makes it feel even bigger. The walls are a bit thin so you can hear if your neighbors have parties. Don't expect to have a lot of parties if you live here because security will shut you down pretty quickly. Overall, the management is responsive and friendly. I had a few problems when I moved in. One issue took a bit too long to resolve (the blinds didn't work properly) but my other complaints were addressed right away. Maria, the building manager is really nice and has one of the hardest jobs which she does really well. I really love living here and would highly recommend it.
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UPenn Grad
This is one of my favorite places in Philadelphia. It's delicious, cheap, amazing for groups, you can always get a table (it's huge), and BYO! And living in Rittenhouse Square, I could use the walk back after stuffing my face with appetizers, main course and of course dessert. Menu must-haves: Martabak (App), Mango Chicken (Main Course) and Fried Banana (Dessert). There is a liquor store a few blocks on 12th and Chestnut so you can pick up your BYO on the way.
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UPenn Grad
These classes are AMAZING. Lithe does a terrific job of SCULPTING your body in areas that you are likely not to hit on our own (the love handle area, back fat trouble, the annoying jiggle by your triceps). I now rely on Lithe classes to sculpt me away, and only have to incorporate running on my off days to stay in shape! The instructors are terrific, the location is unbeatable and the price is worth every penny!
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
It's a good theater in the evenings, but a great theater during the day (when the popcorn is still fresh). Skip the stale condiments from the staff that are less than friendly, and enjoy the best screens in Philadelphia. If there's a glitch in the movie, they will give you a voucher for another flick. That's service.
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
Peking Garden Chinese Restaurant 
As a temple university student i can speak for everyone when i say Peking Restuarant is a "hunger" saver. The hours are so convenient especially when we are up late hours studying or partying. They have affordable prices and finger licking meals. My favorite would have to be their chicken teriyaki sticks. I would recommend people try it. Also they deliver with an $8 min and the delivery person is always so nice. Also they take little to no time to deliver but their restuarant is usually crowded at night with hungry college students. I am not from philly and i had given up on chinese food from philly until i stumbled upon Peking and now i have a little hope.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Cedars has some of the best Lebanese/Middle Eastern food I've tried in Philly. Also, waiters are friendly, place is not too packed, good part of town to grab drinks after dinner. Be sure to order their kebbeh (bulghur stuffed with minced meat/pine nuts), fattoush (tangy salad) and shish taouk (grilled marinated chicken cubes)!
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Drexel Undergrad
I had a Red Velvet Deluxe cupcake and almost died it was so delicious! The cream cheese frosting had just the right amount of sweetness to it. These cupcakes are good for a quick pick me up and treat in between classes. And I love that you can buy just frosting; I am a frosting addict!
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UPenn Staff
This hidden gem of a gallery/museum is far more impressive than you might expect... The exhibitions of the last 30ish years have been really fun to check out and REALLY progressive considering their financial and art-world positions. What makes this place even more impressive is that they are offering free admission, due to a whopping gift from a very, very generous donor. A current show, Tim Rollins and K.O.S. (Kids of Survival) is a touching and beautiful retrospective of the artist who wrangled some young Brooklyn kids into making expansive and surprisingly well-versed works. I highly recommend ICA if you are interested in contemporary art, for sure, but also, if you have some time to see some very "now" pieces that will knock your socks off. Notes about the space: huge. Some of the rooms seem to dwarf your entire world. Definitely try to check out one of the lectures - the curators at ICA are top-notch and brilliant speakers.
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Temple Undergrad
The Fontain Deli Market is a neighborhood grocery store and deli. The store itself has all of the standard food products that you would expect to find in a North Philadelphia bodega. It does happen to have a good selection of drinks, including glass bottles of Coke and Hanks Gourmet Root Beer. They also sell a selection of nice Incenses. The deli in the back makes sandwiches ans some hot foods. Their sandwiches are nothing special, but fine if that's what your in the mood for. The cheesesteaks are actually quite good, mostly because the light airy bread that they use differentiates them from other corner store cheesesteaks. They also have good cheese fries. The prices are very cheap, but the service is very slow. If you are willing to wait though, this is definitely a good place to grab some cheap food in the area.
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Temple Undergrad
If you have a meal plan or Diamond Dollars or just feel lazy and don't want to leave 1300, this is a rather convenient place to grab something to eat. The options are a fraction of what they have at the SAC (some sides and entrees from the Charleston, some meals from the Chinese place, sushi, salads, cereals, ice creams, beverages) but they also have additional items that aren't available at the SAC (instant/cup noodles, Campbell's soup, Pringles, Oreos, and candy). I especially like their potato wedges.
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La Salle Undergrad
I love Harrys!! I bought my first deck of Tarot Cards there!! The shop is amazing if your into the occult type of stuff and even if your not you can still get candles, incesnse and cool little nicknacks. You can also get your cards read there too for a moderatly cheap price and they are pretty accuart too! Harrys is right down south street by the garden and although the store is fairly small in size, the feeling you get when you walk in is amazing and the essence of the store if quite big! I definietly recommend going there at least once.
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Swarthmore Undergrad
Neighborhood Bike Works aka the Bike Church is on Penn's campus but don't be fooled - it's a low-cost, gritty place to buy a bike from friendly West Philly types, or to get your bike fixed. They're open at night mostly except during the day on Saturday. They have a cool range of bikes and if you ever wanted to pick up some bike expertise without shelling out the big bucks this is the place to do it. If you're more of a do-gooder you can do what I did which is volunteer in a class for kids. It is really fun, although kind of demanding.
Featured Critic
UPenn Undergrad
This cafe feels just like being back home in your cozy living room, complete with inviting couches and a collection of Dr. Seuss books by the window. The strong, Italian-style coffee reminded me of the intense blend I frequently order from Capogiro gelateria. The food is largely made on premises and includes quiche, a not-so-standard coffee shop treat. I sampled the vegan gingerbread, which is made there. The flavor was great, but I found the cake itself a bit dry. However, that is a very minor complaint which should not keep you from venturing over to this spot. The fruit smoothies are also delicious and made with seasonal produce. One of these drinks always accompanies a friend of mine during her study sessions at 40th and Ludlow. This cafe is spacious and has many large windows to let in the sunlight during a long day of studying. However, this place is also great for an evening with friends or new hallmates. You can dine and chat in an atmosphere that lends itself to unwinding as well as hitting the books.
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UArts Undergrad
Zavino Pizzeria and Wine Bistro is a trendy restaurant conveniently located to those who live in Center City, Philadelphia. Although the menu does not include a wide variety of meals, the kitchen staff does an excellent job at including fresh, gourmet toppings that go so well with the mouthwatering wooden-oven taste. The wine menu is large and the waiting staff and bar tender are very knowledgeable with the alcoholic beverages available to the customers. My recommendation: Appetizer- Tasting Board (will include a variety of cheeses, vegetables and meats), Meal-Spinach Pizza, Drink-glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. This restaurant is great for family-style meals or a night out with your friends! It is small, cozy, trendy and provides excellent service.
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UPenn Partner
As a long time fan of "Old Speckled Hen" beer, I will always love Pub & Kitchen for being the only place in the many cities I have lived in to have this delicacy on tap. P&K blends well a trendy dining pub with enough TV's tucked away to keep the score of the game available. Welcoming of shorts and t-shirts or suits and ties, everyone is comfortable and will enjoy great food (especially the burger and fries.) Getting a table is never really an issue unless you have a bigger group on a Friday or Saturday, and the upstairs is available for private parties. Definitely worth checking out, and might I also recommend the Banana Chocolate Pudding for dessert.
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La Salle Undergrad
Located at the top floor, R2L's spacious windows reveal a beautiful landscape of Philadelphia, it will take your breathe away. With the soft lighting and elegant seating arrangements, the atmosphere is both inviting and enticing. The great food, amazing service, and gorgeous view makes this restaurant good for dates or just going somewhere nice with your friends. Linger and lounge all you want in this restaurant, I recommend it!
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Amada is my restaurant of choice for special occasions - their take on Spanish tapas is creative and refreshing, and the service is always impeccable. For your first visit I suggest trying the chef's selection for a balanced mix of traditional and more experimental fares. Don't forget to sample one of their white sangrias! Reservation is a must, and make sure you max out your school loans - the place is very pricey.
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Drexel Undergrad
AWESOME PLACE. I had so muhc fun at a show here the other night, holy crap. One of the best times of my life. The show was sold out, right, but there was still SO MUCH room to dance and have fun. They turned on the AC when it got too hot, too, how perfect! NOthing worse than getting too damn sweaty. Bartenders gave lots of free water, too, so that was extremely perfect.
This is one of the best museums in Philadelphia and the best part is that it is free on Sundays. They have all different kinds of art, from dealing with civil rights to dealing with the children's side of things with lots of interactive stuff. They are great with the gift shop there, lots of stuff to get parents and all that that shows how awesome philly is with LIBERTY!
If you want to check out an Urban farm, go to Greens Grow. They have their own beer, too, what's not to love! They have a very dedicated staff that will give you a tour, show you the bee houses, how they irrigate the farm and other fun things that only insiders know. You can get some awesome flowers for your dorm, too, here. It is really awesome to find something like this in the city.
More Arts, Entertainment & Attraction Reviews in Philadelphia...
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This restaurant has the most delectable pizza in University City, in my opinion. I prefer pizza with very little cheese and mostly sauce and they cook it just the way I like it! They also have a huge selection of different pizzas when eating in and usually have a special where you get a beer and a slice for $3. - Worth it.
Allegro's is the best place to go after a night out on Upenn's campus, they have beer for sale and huge slices of pizza. If you go there on Friday/Saturday around 2AM you'll find the place is packed but there usually won't be a line, most people will be hanging out and eating. Grabbing a slice of their huge selection is a great way to wind down.
If you want Buffalo Chicken pizza, this is the place to go. They put bite size pieces of chicken on top and let the pizza ooze (oozing is a good thing in this scenario) with buffalo sauce and blue cheese, sooooo good! I've also had vegetarian pizza here and that isn't bad at all either.
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Drexel Undergrad
The green line cafe is really cool. They have a cafe that looks like a wooden, clean, place with lots of cool art and the feeling of nature all around you. They are really quick with your drink orders and make sure they get eveyrthing you want perfectly. THey are super cool and fun and I love going to clark park when up here too.
The chapterhouse is really awesome, I love the staff, the roominess, the basement, the clean bathroom and all the delicious foods and drinks they can make! :) They are really friendly and are always well stocked with a lot of great pastry items that are always freshly made. I really enjoy the wonderful coffee drinks too it is really a great thing to do.
If you want to get some coffee that is super good and fresh, then go here to la columbe. It is legitimately one of the best places to get some delicious brewed coffee or espresso drinks that are really good. The staff is really smart and they know all about the history of coffee and all that so it is really a good place to go ! Love it.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
But I only give it 3 stars. It is really good as in the prices are FANTASTIC but otherwise this place suffers greatly by taste being so horrible. The pizza is really flat and weird, it reminds me of a lunchable! The service is pretty slow too. But once you know this you will only eat there when the time is right and all is well. GOod price, bad flavor, OK!
I realy love village pizza in UC it is definitely one of my favorite places around. I enjoy going here and just asking for a slice and getting one to satisfy me! I've only been here a few times though and i feel so horrible because it is SO GOOD. OH well. I love the place and they are also really friendly and enjoyable to be around (the staff).
If you are looking to get out of the city and get some goood pizza that is really tasty, you should go here. The crust is perfect. Not too doughy and not too thin. Just. Right! :) I love it here. They are definitely family owned and super nice to everyone who comes in. They also have great salads that are worth the pice. Love it.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
If I always have a place on the back burner it is Medusa. Their no cover policy is always a winner, although it is not always the case, it is often free to get in and listen to some great music. Local djs and artists play here and I really enjoy it a lot. I have spent a lot of time here in the past and I will probably be going back in the near future. Hit me up!
So much fun to dance at Shampoo! If you're not a music snob and just want to go out and have a good time listening to top 40 beats and maybe having a drink or two or three, then definitely go here! They have themed nights and even some under 18 nights i believe so there is something for everyone. Warning, bouncers cna be intimidating but that is what they are there for! Deal with it righT?!
If you are looking for a traditional "chinese japanese korean vietnamese karaoke bar" then this is the place and hey it is even pretty damn swanky. They have a great atmosphere and everything is dark and ultra violet. The karaoke room is really awesome and sucluded. THe bar is huge, the floor is huge, the bathrooms are pristine. I love it here, so beautiful !
Featured Critic
Drexel Grad
lots of a variety of food. lots to choose from. i enjoy their beer selection because god damn, they have just about every damn beer in town! excellent. including micro brews. so that is cool. you should check it out because it is truly one of the best places to get some fine brews and great food and fun times with friends. go here!
I love this place and it has some of the best whiskey that i have had. It is full of variety and definitely has some good food. i have spent a pretty penny here though and that is never good! not many specials and not many happy hour times, which stinks, but you know. whiskey is good and i'm willing to pay for it. good stuff. got to go here.
Something that wasn't mentioned is the great events that people have here. They have fundraisers and all that stuff. it is really cool. on top of that they have great beer that is to die for. menu changes often so there is always something new. i love it here. i love getting food to eat and beers to drink and chillin with friends after work. Great stuff.
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
If you are someone who is looking for chic, sophisticated living that will not kill your pockets with extra costs, this is the perfect residence for you. The apartments are both cozy and classic with exposed brick (in some units), granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, Jacuzzi tubs, and the list goes on. It is located just a few blocks away from the Avenue of the Arts and also all of the fantastic night life that Center City has to offer you. Those are the reasons that you will love the Marine Club, but the reason why your pet will also is because of the convenient on-site dog park. Perfect for those late dog walks that some of us find ourselves going on... Also, there is no additional cost for pets. No size or breed restrictions either.. So Go Wild!!
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
This place is seriously for everyone and has everything you can possibly imagine. From foods to health stuff to books to shoe shiners! Once you go here you won't shop anywhere else! I love the Iovine Brothers for cheap produce. Great discounts for students if you hunt around. I also love the honey place there, mm, such good stuff! Go here!
If you are looking to be healthy for 2011, look no further! Whole Foods look out, trader joes is here! Woo! They are really close to campus although it is a treck if you have a lot of groceries. Great if you are taking that trolly that goes right next door! Excellent place, love the free samples and i love the prices, not too shabby!
We go here all the time and I really like it to get my supermarket! I am so elated that we have a great healthy supermarket here. I am really excited that they have a parking lot on the top of the thing. I am going here otnight actually to go shopping, got to stock up on fruits and veggies! Great dried fruits.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I moved into Old Quaker when I first came to the city and my wife and I have been very pleased. The apartment is spacious, with modern everything but the feel of a charming old place. The staff is friendly and genuinely helpful; they actually want to make tenant's lives easier. Penn is only a few minutes walk, the trolley stops right at the corner, there is food across the street and the grocery within walking distance. Old Quaker is a fine place to live for any grad student or professional; no wild party noises here! Plus, it has a real parking lot and basement storage. I've been to other buildings, and not been tempted to move; all my friends who live in other buildings become jealous when they visit. This is a genuinely nice place to live.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
If you are looking for a quick place to grab a bite to eat and you are off the meal plan, look no further than Pete's Little Lunch Box! Great place. It has switched locations a bunch since I Have been to drexel but it is now on 33rd st right off of locust walk. They have perfect grilled chicken sandwiches that are enough to fill you up all morning and afternoon. Great deals.
Oh man. You have got to go here. Italian food. Oh. My . God. It is sooooooo good. Way better than olive garden. Let me recommend that you get the pizza, although pizza is highly overdone, it is great here. It is crispy and not too doughy with the perfect amount of cheese and sauce. Great to go here for a birthday or a celebration of some kind. Highly recommended by yours truly ! :)
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
Oh! Shea's is a great place for Happy Hour. $4 well drinks and $3 lagers 5-7, with food/app specials too. They have great Karoke on fridays with locals really showing off that Philly talent. Recommended for a fun night out!
Fox and the hound is around the corner from me, yet I only frequent it on Tuedays. This is when Tuesday night Pint Night occurs. All draught beers are only $2, a great deal. Good for watching sporting events, but on most nights besides Tuedays it's pretty dead. Tuesday night it is a mixture of college singles-great hangout!
Fado is a great place for getting down in the early hours. Drinks are pricey so go there already ready to party (or with someone else's credit card). If in the right mood, Fado is a great place to enjoy your night. Perfect for meeting people and getting your groove on.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I've lived at the Old Quaker for the past two years and have really enjoyed it. It's about a 12 minute walk to Wharton, a 8 minute walk to Penn Law, and a couple minutes away from the subway. The whole place was recently renovated, so every apartment has brand new stainless steel fixtures, granite countertops, etc. This place is worth a look for any Penn grad students because the apartments are much nicer than 2400 and Left Bank and a couple hundred dollars cheaper and closer to school. I like having the ability to walk to school, plus the subway makes it really easy to get to Center City.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I love my apartment - the location is excellent, it's convenient to both the bus and the trolley, it's across from a deli/convenient store that is open till 3am or later, and its close to both a 24-hr CVS and Trader Joes. The building is clean, the maintenance man is nice and quick to respond and I haven't had any problems with insects, rodents or faulty appliances. The Pros: 1. Great closet space 2. Modern appliances, clean apts. 3. Large bathroom 4. Washer/Dryer in apartment 5. Big windows/ lots of light 6. Nice views 7. Great location 8. Helpful maintenance man 9. Lots of Wharton students The Cons:1. The doormen are more like security guards (they aren't very helpful) and they do tend to let anyone up without stopping them. I haven't seen anyone "shady" in the building but I have had food delivery people knock on my door without ever getting a phone call from the front desk. 2. The street noise can be heard through the windows on the lower levels. I am pretty high up so this is not a huge problem but depending on the location of your bedroom (Chestnut is louder than 20th street) it could be an issue. 3. Central air and central heating means that it's all or nothing so utilities can be expensive. 4. No gym or central conference room like some of the other luxury buildings Bottom Line: I would choose to live here again if I had to do it all over again.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
The building itself is very old (built in 1929) but it was completely renovated a few years ago so kitchen and appliances are like new (also include microwave and dishwasher).Rent is very reasonable relative to buildings in the area (current rent was actually lowered this year) and includes 24 hr doorman, laundry room on 1st floor, gym, heating and gas utilities (does not include water and electricity but those add less than $40 to the monthly payments) and office services (such as copy, fax, etc.). Building management is on site and If you travel, they will even water your plants and feed your pet (yes, pets are allowed).Avoid apartments up to the 7~8 floors on the west side of the building unless you don't mind a view of the building next door. Otherwise, the view is amazing.Some apartments have windows in the bathroom (great perk that is very rare in apartment buildings).Maintenance service is prompt and good and everyone is very friendly.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I am an MBA at Wharton graduating in May 2011 and have absolutely loved living here! The building is a quiet, 4-unit Victorian brownstone with central air/heating. The landlord lives in a large 3-story apartment in this 4-unit building and is also my roommate (she is an entrepreneur in her mid-20's and awesome). This means that not only do I get a much-needed non-business school outlet, but also that if there are issues with the apartment, in our apartment or in the building, she is available to quickly rectify the situation or issue. Being in an old buildling, the apartment itself also has a lot of character and detail, but has been modernized so that it's not full of problems. The apartment itself came furnished (since she lives here!) with non-IKEA furniture, and there is a ridiculously large, beautiful, and modern equipped kitchen on the basement floor, along with a laundry room and a huge storage room. There is also a small private patio with a new grill. The ground floor is the living room and the landlord's master bedroom. The best part is that the top floor (2nd floor in terms of street level) consists of only my bedroom. It a is huge bedroom (bigger than my entire 2-bedroom NYC apartment before school!), with two giant windows that let in natural light, a private bathroom with separate tub and shower and lots of counter space, two walk-in closets. If the next tenant wants it furnished, that can be arranged too. I only wish I could take this apartment with me. The landlord is a great roommate who takes weekend trips once a month or more, and loves to clean. She is also just a great person in general and we have become friends while living together. She can also answer questions about the other apartments in the building that may become available as well. Bottom line - everyone who visits the apartment is genuinely impressed at what a nice place it is and, maybe they are just being polite, but many say it's one of the nicest apartments of Penn grad students. Which is great, since I get to live here!
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
Location is the key reason to live here. Next to walnut st shops, Barnes & Nobles and right in front of the square which has a farmer's market on tuesdays and saturdays and a great place to hang out when the weather's nice outside. Maintenance people are also great and you can call them to fix anything in your apartment at any time of day.
Fast service, usually never a wait (or a very short one) on weekends. Love the omelettes (try to crab, roasted veggie or corn & poblano) and comes with roasted potatoes. Coffee is re-filled frequently, and definitely checkout the rooftop seating when the weather is nice in the summer!
Jose's Garces best restaurant. The dishes are flawless, my favorite being the chicken and egg dish. Atmosphere is also great and perfect for sharing with a small group of friends.
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
The edge was a very great place to live in when I was a FRESHMAN, and it was counted as room and board on my tuition. Now as a junior, I couldn't imagine living there. The rent is way to high and the rooms are way too small. Think of a dorm room with its own stove unit and bathroom and than shrink it! That is pretty much the size of the rooms in the edge. I advise those who are going to share a room with someone else, that they know the person very very well because you even share a tv.
It is great if you like to be in a crowded environment sweaty and sticky. The music is the latest and it is very hip. If you don't have work or school on Monday, you should go and enjoy yourself its very different to go on a Sunday.
Hey temple students I know there are time when your hungry and think hmmmm which truck shouldI order from. Have you ever contemplated going to the SAC?? Now all that is fine but once you walk past that truck you don't care anymore that you want burger king. All you can think of is getting one of those delicious insomnia cookies. They are yummy. A great in between class snack or an even greater "I'm late for class anyway" snack.
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Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
I've been to Roberto's twice over the course of two years living in the Grad Hospital area and both experiences were consistently enjoyable. There's a fair selection of delicious classic seafood and pasta dishes but what we usually went for were some of the daily specials depending on the availability of seasonal ingredients. There are typically 3 or more choices each for the special antipastos, pastas, and entrees. They also offer a prix fixe menu when we were there but it didn't show up on their website as I'm writing this review (ask the friendly server). The service is very friendly, they're not in a hurry to turn tables and will time the courses according to how fast (or in my case, how slow) you get through them. Another big plus is they're BYO and you can bring your best Chianti along and not have to pay a premium to dine and wine. The setting is bistro style, not fancy at all, and there are a few outdoor tables in the tiny backyard for al fresco dining. 5 stars all round!
Sang Kee Noddle House a recent addition to the Sang Kee chain, offers an authentic Chinese dining option for U-City students looking for better Chinese food than what food trucks can offer. Go for one of the dozens “Big Bowl Broth Noodle” or “Asian Rice Bowl” dishes that are mostly priced at $6 to $8 (tax is applicable) – reasonably budget-friendly for the good quality. Most noodle dishes include a hearty portion of yellow noodles in a flavorful soup, and a choice of classic toppings such as shrimp dumplings, roasted pork or duck, and braised beef. Try the tasty Shandong Ramen (hand-drawn noodles) too. The rice bowls are equally satisfying, with fragrant rice and various meat and vegetable toppings. The outlet also has a selection of Thai and Vietnamese dishes. The Thai curry and noodle dishes I have tried on other occasions were forgettable in my opinion. For these cuisines, there are other authentic places elsewhere (check out other reviews on this site for ideas). One last thing – sign up for their monthly newsletter and enjoy modest discounts on various dishes.
Had the Meal Deal both times that I went to Maoz which includes the Royal Maoz Sandwich, hearty serving of Belgian fries (how patriotic...) and soda for under $8. You top up your pita pocket sandwich (has a few falafel balls in it) with your choice of over a dozen different pickled and fresh greens, cous-cous, and dressings and voila! you've got a personalized pita sandwich. Absolutely tasty and will give Magic Carpet a run for their money if Maoz sets up shop in U-City.
Featured Critic
Rutgers Undergrad
While at Rutgers-Camden, this is my favorite place to go during lunch. It is a small, cozy cafe with a energetic owner who has home made (Korean) specials everyday. There's a flatscreen TV in there that plays movies, TV, or music. My only complaint is that it is a little expensive, but it is the same price as the school lunches (which are expensive also) but better/bigger and great customer service.
This is a English style pub in an historic building, so it looks and feels pretty authentic. I started going here to watch USMNT matches, and there were always a big crowd for the games. If your a soccer fan, and want to watch some games with people who are hardcore soccer fans, then try this place out. The atmosphere is awesome, people singing, chanting, and the rivalry.
I love going here after whatever event is going on in Philly, whether thats a concert, rave, sports game, whatever it is this is a great spot to go to if you want some cheap, yet good pizza. This place seems to always be open when you need it to be. The slices are huge and the prices are cheap!
Featured Critic
St. Joseph's Undergrad
Milkboy is great any night during the summer or weekends during the rest of the year. Open mic night is generally pretty good, but some of the acts can be very strange. It has the coffeehouse feel and is a nice change of pace for the Ardmore area.
Excellent choice for both a date or a night out with friends. The service is a bit slow and the servers are not too personable, but the quality and quantity makes up for it. It is BYO, so it is perfect if you want to drink before going out later.
Overpriced and crowded. I was hungry an hour after I left because the portions are appetizer sized. The atmosphere was loud and dark, but the decor was pretty cool. The food is pretty good also.
Featured Critic
UPenn Grad
There are not a ton of Cuban restaurants to chose from in Philadelphia and I definitely prefer Alma de Cuba to Cuba Libre, its Old City competitor. Alma de Cuba has a more cozy, more sedated atmosphere. It's a great place to go on a date or in the afternoon for some cocktails. The menu is full of classic Cuban dishes, but prepared with a little more delicacy and care than I'm used to at other Cuban restaurants. I also love the cute little yellow facade right out there on Walnut Street. It makes me smile.
This chain serves up classic Mexican fair - burritos, tacos, naches, etc. The meals are cheap and hearty. Ingredients are fresh enough. Qdoba is right on the corner next to Ben & Jerry's, Greek lady, etc. This whole street is teeming with undergrads most of the time and all these places get very crowded during lunch hour.
Everyone knows about Greek Lady because it's awesome. It can get a bit crowded for weekday lunches - but not so much that I haven't been able to find a table when I go with a friend or two. The gyros and greek salads are not to be missed. Their fries are also nice and plump and tasty. Prices are reasonable. This place should be a regular go-to for any student - seriously!
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
Good place for groups. Nice atmosphere with friendly staff. Hummus, baked macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese with apples were all good. Large drink selection. Grilled cheese changes daily.
Decently priced, big portions. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Stuffed French Toast was very, very good. Also, the Barking Chihuahua was delicious. It was basically a Spanish /Western omelette in a grilled tortilla wrap. It comes with sour cream, tortilla chips, marinara sauce, and a side of potato wedges. Good place for groups.
Love the Line! I usually get the spicy chicken with wide rice noodles. The tangsoodo is also pretty good. Cute asian atmosphere, although I'm not really sure why they're always playing America's Funniest Home Videos on the t.v. A bit expensive for an undergrad's budget, but definitely worth a trip every so often. Call and order ahead for pick up or delivery.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
Classic American diner with a creative, southern twist. Soups, salads, breakfast, lunch, dinner, bacon, scrapple, sausage, barbecue, eggs, fried chicken, pulled pork. Go here if you don't mind being rushed, crowded and busy . . . Very southern food, comforting, filling.
Basic Four Vegetarian Snack Bar 
Vegetarian & natural foods plus baked goods. Retail sale of vegetarian foods, herbal iced tea, vegeburgers, tofu turkey, mock tuna fish, muffins and pies. A must go if you're a vegetarian stuck in cheese steak land, but I've had better vegetarian food. Better for the raw foody types.
By George! Pizza, Pasta and Cheesesteaks
Brick oven pizza, stromboli, lasagna, salads, sandwiches, Cheesesteaks, Italian specialties, fresh pasta, homemade sauces, catering, lunch and dinner. Lots of delicious comfort foods in the non-traditional sense. Will definitely fill you up with wholesome goodness.
Featured Critic
Temple Undergrad
I am a big sushi person and this place, when I am not too lazy to go to West Philadelphia, is the place I go to for great sushi. They take their time to make the sushi and make sure it is presentable (unlife the people in the SAC) and the prices are reasonable. They do not charge extra for spicy-mayo, which is always a plus and are very respectful. Great Service, a must try!
Lorenzo has such a warm welcolming enviroment when you step into their door. Although the place isn't as big as some would expect it to be, their pizza are quite the contrary. They have these jumbo NYC slices that are amazingly great! Every time I am on south street, I make sure to go to Lorenzo! You should too!
Steaks on South is alright. I don't think their cheesesteaks are the best in the city, but they are pretty descent. If you are looking for a bite and it happens to be the closest restaurant to you, then go ahead and get a bite. But I wouldn't plan to go there.
Featured Critic
UArts Undergrad
The grindcore house is my favorite coffee shop. It just open up in August and already getting pretty popular. Its an all vegan place which is kind or ironic considering the space they now occupy used to be an old butcher shop in the 1900s. They have tons of cakes and treats, a good bagel selection with some very yummy tofutti cream cheese flavors, and a few sandwich chooses as well. I also love that for they’re coffee and tea, they have coconut, soy, and almond creamer. They have some great art hanging up right now, a nice book selection, and host the occasional event. its a great place to get some good food and do some homework.
super cheap vegan food! yes, you heard me right this place is all vegan! They have a great menu, from warps to sushi to vegan ice cream and cake even bubble tea! the most expensive thing on the menu is less then $7, most thing are around $3. this place is so worth checking out.
used to love going here as a kid, but defiantly wasted alot alot alot of my parents money on cheap prizes. Basically there is food and a arcade. Its like a nicer chuckie cheese minus the playground stuff. I think for anyone over the age of 8 its probably a waste of time and cash unless you have kids.
Featured Critic
Drexel Undergrad
Everyone who works here is very friendly. They have everything you need here, seriously. Huge place that you can get lost in! For college students, light bulbs, fly paper, mouse traps, house plants and more!
This place is much better than the one in the Gallery. It is less crowded and it has a better selection. Their clearance rack is always filled. The staff is friendly and eager to help you. Tip: If you are making a big purchase here, try to sign up for credit card!
Everytime that I come in here the staff is friendly and is always willing to help you. They have a great selection and surprisingly their prices aren't too bad, even when I compared them to Walmart. Not much else to say, it's just a Staples! :)
Featured Critic
DanielleMiess starstarstarstar
Temple Undergrad
Insomnia cookies are great for those that will be up late and just have a craving for a midnight snack. It can be a little on the pricey side for just a cookie but very worth it for those having a craving in the middle of the night. The cookies are usually very tasty and at 1 in the morning, it will definitely satisfy.
Saxby's, conveniently located on the Liacorus Walk, is a little bit on the pricey side but in good competition with other coffee shops nearby. Although I honestly wish it was open 24 hours, it is great for a cup of coffee when you really need it. The pastries are also fantastic. It has a nice atmosphere and is a nice place to meet with friends and talk or just grab a cup of coffee when you are on the run before classes. It also has a lot more frozen drink choices than many other coffee shops (Starbucks included) and I tend to like Saxby's drinks a lot more.
The Owl's Nest is very popular among most Temple students. It is open late at night and offers great food. The staff is usually really friendly and the price is very reasonable. The pizza is pretty good and the atmosphere is fun with lots of loud music and other students coming in to have a meal. It's great for groups on a budget and conveniently right near a lot of the Temple housing. I highly recommend it. I do wish they had a bigger variety of food, but it is fine the way it is.
Philadelphia Nail Salon Review
Chestnut Nails - Aboslutely love this place! $25 for great mani/pedi and $7 for a pretty decent eyebrow wax. Never have to wait and always good quality. – powersam
City Nails - This nail salon is new (been around less than 1 year) but unlike Rittenhouse Nails does not assign a unique set of tools for each client and doesn't include a massage. The location is very convenient and it's never very crowded and the staff is kind but it sometimes smells of acrylic nails. Ask for an "Grand Opening Special" coupon which brings manicure and pedicure combined to $24. – dkates
Jean’s Nails - Not particularly friendly, although manicure stayed on for a good amount of time– ckarin
Central Nails - Went here for a manicure/pedicure with my friend from out of town. The manicures were mediocre at best and the pedicure was awful. The water was cold and they said that the hot water had run out (it was only 2pm on a Saturday). The polish job was decent (I had to ask for a toe to be retouched) but the exfoliating/pumicing was practicly non-existent. Definitely would NOT go back to this place. – cleopatra10
Rittenhouse Manicure & Spa - More expensive than other Asian nail salons in Philly (I think $35 pedi, $10 mani) but worth the price. The massage chairs are great, plus they give you a shoulder massage with manicure and calf/foot massage with pedi. Staff is good, decor is more upscale and pleasant than the cheaper places. – nschu
Guide to Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment
Fairmount Art Center - Very good value art classes that run in the evening so perfect for students. Range of classes from painting to sewing and with kids options too. Really quite cheap especially as they supply the materials too. – nicholasf (UPenn Grad)
Painted Bride Art Center - I saw the Kun Yan Lin dancers at the Painted Bride last spring and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Painted Bride is a really pretty building in the heart of Old City. I recommend going an hour or two early, when planning to go to see a show there and check out some of the shops, restaurants and sights in the area. The staff of the Painted Bride were also very nice and friendly. The Kun Yan Lin dancers were what really made the night, however. I highly recommend going to see them if they come back to the venue. For someone who wasn't really a fan of dance, my opinion was drastically changed. If you would like to spend an affordable and fun night out in Old City, the Painted Bride is the place. – DanielleMiess (Temple Undergrad)
Curtis Institute of Music - Curtis in Philly and Juilliard in NYC are two of the country’s top music academies. Curtis is less well-known only because of less media coverage. It is located right by Rittenhouse. Throughout the year, there are free or low-priced student concerts offered by Curtis. Better still, during spring/summer, it is the graduation recital season, where there are 1 or 2 free concerts almost every afternoon/evening for about 3 months. These concerts are truly precious because: 1. small performance hall with intimate seating, so that the audience can more fully embrace the music-making experience; 2. Curtis always knows how to select great masterpieces to play (that are not often heard on larger stages); 3. for some major concertos, the orchestra is substituted by the piano accompaniment, giving the audience the rare opportunity to absorb more details in the solo instruments that could be lost when played with a full orchestra. 4. every year, there are always one or two student performers who stand out from the crowd, and it is exhilarating to discover that they soon become master-level musicians. 5. the enthusiasm, dedication, discipline, and freshness of the student performers are truly inspiring, and will definitely end your day on a high note.– EconPlusMusic (UPenn Grad)
Walnut Street Theater - This place has got a great history and is really cool! Go in and check out all the old pictures. Some stuff is from the 1800s! Its super cool. Plays are affordable too especially if your college offers discounts! – strawberryfields (Drexel Alum)
Barnes Foundation - A bit out of the way to get there, but a worthwhile trip. There is a lot of lovely Impressionism and 20th century works. The atmosphere is less like a museum and more like a regal nobleman's house. But best of all are the gardens at back, designed to accentuate the natural beauty of the place! – munchimonster (Drexel Undergrad)
Philadelphia Orchestra - What is not to enjoy? As a gift I was given free tickets to sit in the front row of one of their evening performances. Acustically, it may have not been the best place to receive all of the sounds, but being able to see the performers and their facial expressions close up, to see them play, and not just hear was extraordinary, and made me want to start playing violin. At least while I daydream. – Joey (Temple Undergrad)
Old City Restaurant Reviews – Pt. II
Mizu Sushi Bar - The sushi here is amazing. They take their time and prepare the sushi. They have great lunch specials and weekend specials. The platters are also amazing! Overall, this is a very good place! – Badavies (Temple Undergrad)
Amada Restaurant - Amada is my restaurant of choice for special occasions - their take on Spanish tapas is creative and refreshing, and the service is always impeccable. For your first visit I suggest trying the chef's selection for a balanced mix of traditional and more experimental fares. Don't forget to sample one of their white sangrias! Reservation is a must, and make sure you max out your school loans - the place is very pricey. – Mountolive (UPenn Grad)
Fork - I've been to Forks two times already and I can say that I have not been disappointed both times. I first went for their bite sized desserts and some tea/coffee, the dessert was scrumptious and really worth my money. The second time was Easter's Day Brunch. THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD DEAL. It was 35 dollars for practically a 5 course meal and i'm not talking about some lame course but think smoked salmon, halibut, and more. The regular entrees are delicious and they give large servings. Their service is pretty mediocre! i loooved the food there.– NinaL (UPenn Undergrad)
Cuba Libre - When you are looking over the banister at the mass of salsa dancers sipping on a Caribbean cocktail, you don't feel like you are in Philly anymore. I've heard mixed reviews on the food and the cocktails are pricey. But this place is worth a visit if you're feeling like taking a break from the normal college bar.– Kool (UPenn Grad)
Continental Restaurant & Martini Bar - Continental serves up a trendy atmosphere with delicious food and drink. Unique lighting and seating arrangements give the interior a revitalized retro feel. Individual meals can be ordered, but the tapas dishes are great to share as a group. Perfect spot for a date or dinner with friends, especially if it is still nice outside and you can take advantage of the great roof deck. – s.pants (UArts Undergrad)
Dave & Buster’s - used to love going here as a kid, but defiantly wasted alot alot alot of my parents money on cheap prizes. Basically there is food and a arcade. Its like a nicer chuckie cheese minus the playground stuff. I think for anyone over the age of 8 its probably a waste of time and cash unless you have kids. – JaimeV (UArts Undergrad)
Old City Restaurant Reviews
El Fuego - Much better than Qdoba, Taco Bell and Chipotle, because it is not a chain and they spend a lot of time creating great food options. Even if there is a long line it goes pretty quickly. Be prepared to pay a lot of money, but it is well worth trying at least once! – neiller (Drexel Undergrad)
Fat Salmon - We used to go here all the time when it was the smaller restaurant called Shinju. The food is still great at the new location, with even more variety. I've never been disappointed. – DTPenn (UPenn Grad)
Buddakan - Buddakan probably serves some of the best food in the city. I've never had anything here that I haven't enjoyed. From the way they prepare seafood to the delicate preparations of the veggies on the side, everything is great! Save room for dessert too.– Deirdre (Temple Undergrad)
Zahav - Zahav's take on Israeli food is one of a kind. The food is so tasty and the menu allows the table to order many different small dishes which enables a multitude of flavors. I would absolutely recommend it for a special occasion that justifies the above average cost. – mhervitz (UPenn Grad)
Han Dynasty - a very authentic, defiantly a place worth trying. when you say make it spicy they make it SPICY! which is awesome because other places never listen. take your friends or boyfriend or girlfriend or mom or dad out to this place and have a nice night with some very yummy food. – JaimeV (UArts Undergrad)
Rittenhouse Square Apartment Reviews – Pt. II
The Town House - One of the best values if you want to be <2 blocks away from the square. I was looking for a doorman building that had bright apartments and hardwood floors - many of the other doorman buildings in the area have old carpets and small, dim units. Studios are sizable (500sqft). The free PennBus East drops off 1 block from here. The landlady Susan from Rittenhouse Management is a sweetheart. – wensixu
2121 Market - I rent 1br in the building. I think this is the best value for money for a Wharton MBA student. Pluses: spacious, very high ceiling, trolley is next to the door, relatively close to center city. Minuses: not in the Rittenhouse square. – slava739
Locust on the Park - i used to live at 2121 market. building is essentially the same, but 60-70% of the price. if you are indifferent to the price, LOTP is worth it. there is on-site parking, a nicer gym, a study lounge. a fulltime doorman. closer to school (though NOT as close as you think as you have to loop around to bike or drive there). there are also small things like a cart for moving in. mgmt is a bit anal - way to serious about noise complains, etc. they fix things quickly.– falconjournal
1600 Walnut - One of the best values in Center City. Big apartments in a prime location for a very affordable price. Only pb is that there is no doorman which can be cumbersome when receiving packages that require signature. Also, cable, water, and electric are extra.– albert
Rittenhouse Claridge - Can't beat the location and the renovations have made the apartments really nice. Suggest getting an apartment above the 18th floor, since they give you control of your own AC/Heating and it cuts down on the noise from the street. Rental office is slow and difficult, but maintenance staff and doormen are great. There aren't a ton of modern amenities, but as long as you're willing to go elsewhere for a full gym there's everything you need. Occupants seem to be a mix of students and octogenarians--definitely not a loud building. Incredibly neighborhood and very convenient to buses that run to University City. Would definitely recommend. – mmccann
The Wanamaker - I got an apartment at the Wanamaker House as it was highly recommended by an alum. I lucked out as an apartment freed up just as I wanted to move in. Having stayed in this building and seen many others, I cannot endorse this building highly enough. The doormen are awesome, I always felt so safe, the location could not have been more convenient, the building is very well maintained and the admin staff really goes above and beyond to ensure this is one of the best properties in Philadelphia. Highly recommended. – delhirox
Rittenhouse Square Apartment Reviews
The Wellington - I live in one big one bedroom in the 12 th floor. Pros:- Location is great. - Lots of light through all the apt, full of windows.- Utilites, water included in the rent.- Great maintenance- Great doormans, friendly- AC/Heaters working great- Not many people of Wharton know it. Good value for money in my opinon Cons:- Sometimes noisy if you face 19th and Sansom.- Not modern kitchen/bathroom- If your apt does not have a carpet, you are oblied to put one.- no washing machine/dryer on the apt- No gym – arivolta@wharton.upenn.edu
Edgewater - I'm living in Edgewaer, and totally satisfied. Pros - very family and pet friendly environment (fenced garden, great river side road), Great condition (inside is very new). has Great view (river, city, art museum view), enough parking space for resident, now providing promotion (free parking for current + future wharton students), very friendly staffs Cons - close to rail road (sometime train makes noise), expensive, less convenient to access center city and school (take 15+ minutes by trolley, 30+ minutes by walk) – ssong2
2400 Chestnut - Great Value for money. Rittenhouse is a 5 min walk. There is a free shuttle that operates from the apt to UPenn every 15 min in the morning hours (up to 10.30 AM). If you have a car, it is ideal - It costs $120 per month for residents. Apartments facing the Schuykill river offer a great view from the apartment. Trader Joe's is very close by. The management is very friendly unlike the Left Bank!– svishwas
Riverloft Apartments - Great appartments, large with modern appliances. Building management is also very good, common areas are always clean and any request is quickly handled. Location is also a big plus compared to other popular Wharton buildings.Cost is relatively high, but it is largely compensated by appartments quality.– staw
Lofts at 1835 Arch - The Lofts is a perfectly-maintained apartment complex with very reasonable and responsive management, modern facilities, gym, storage and parking. Materials used throughout the building are of high quality (best carpeting I have seen), ceilings are very high, and the apartments are nearly sound-proof. The location may not be ideal for everyone (5-minutes walk from the Rittenhouse Square), but it's only two blocks from a trolley stop, which means that it takes me less than 20 minutes to get to Wharton. Convenience store in the building is terrible, so you may wish to shop at Trader Joe's on Market St. or Di Bruno's on Chestnut (pricey, but oh so worth it). – Mountolive
222 Rittenhouse Square - I love living here! The location is unbeatable (there is a delicious coffee shop downstairs with free wireless and a super friendly staff). Utilities, cable and internet are included in your monthly rent. My apartment has a terrific view overlooking the park. One of the very few buildings that is DOG FRIENDLY! And if you have a roommate, one of the few 2bd/2ba that actually has fairly equitable room sizes. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! – AChoquette
Philadelphia Italian Restaurant Review
La Viola - I went to this place on an impromptu trip with a few girlfriends. This place was really quaint and nice! It had really good service, very very close to Penn, in walking distance! It wasn't too expensive either, I definitely enjoyed a good BYO with a 10 dollar meal! – Ace (UPenn Grad)
Melograno - Melograno is one of many BYO Italian restaurants in the neighborhood. However, it distinguishes itself with excellent food and generally available seating. I highly recommend this restaurant for a nice dinner out. – AZalkin (UPenn Grad)
Maggiano’s Little Italy - If you want authentic Italian, this is not the place. If you want decent American Italian food, Maggiano's will cut it. It's comparable to an Olive Garden. Decent, but nothing special.– Deirdre (Temple Undergrad)
Spaghetti Warehouse - I went here a couple times with my parents, and I can not complain at all. The actual restaurant is an old factory, modernized a bit, but keeping its historical background. Alot of memoriabilia throughout, showing its historical roots of Philly. The food is very delicious, and the service is just as good. I recommend the Fried Calamari. – ETrenkner (Temple Undergrad)
Branzino - In a neighborhood where there's a nice string of Italian BYOs this is definitely not the best of the bunch.Who likes to eat branzino anyway? That's not a particularly good fish – fatal (UPenn Grad)
Philadelphia Auto Service Review
Park & Polish Auto Detailing - I love my Audi with the fire of a thousand suns. So when a tree rained down some ugly sap all over my honey I was very upset. I took it to Mike at Park & Polish and he immediately started pulling out his tools to spot treat it and figure out what was going to clean it off. He recommended that I leave it there overnight and he gave it a strong effort. I was really impressed by the attention he gave it. – Sheez (UPenn Grad)
Upper Darby Wash and Lube - I honestly try to time my oil changes so I'm always in Philly and can use this place. They do many more things than your average Jiffy Lube or Sears Auto Center, their prices are dirt cheap, and their employees are friendly and professional. They'll top up all of your fluids, even ones you didn't come in for, for free, and if they notice something's wrong, they'll let you know without pressuring you to have them fix it. Every service also includes a free car wash. There, they hand polish the entire car and even do the insides of the windows. Once you register, they mail you coupon cards as well. This is a first class operation all round. – dhieronymus119 (UPenn Undergrad)
Safelite Auto Glass - I took my car here yesterday to get the windshield replaced. It was all much easier than I expected it to me. I could book the appointment online. The were very quick and speedy in getting my insurance approval. The replacement took only about 75 minutes and they did a high-quality job. In their office next to the garage, the posters on the way say they want customers to be "delighted" with their level of service - and I was!– Ace (UPenn Grad)
High Tech Wash & Detail - Nice people for hand wash 25~30 box for inside and outside wash – minchoi (UPenn Grad)
Firestone - I went here for an oil change a few weeks back. They were able to get me in and out in under an hour. The prices were fair and people friendly. Definitely recommend this place for anyone on campus who needs basic auto maintenance. – jschom (UPenn Grad)
Philadelphia’s Best Sandwich Spots
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches - JJ's is a great little place tucked underneath the Edge Apartments, with a nice selection of sandwiches for a pretty cheap price. The service is unbeliveably fast, and the people are very friendly there. Also a nice selection of chips and other sides to go with your sandwich. And they deliver! You can't beat that, subway. – ETrenkner (Temple Undergrad)
The Coventry Deli - This place has a ton of posters in their store that is enough to make a nerd cry! Funny stuff, you must see for yourself. Also, from their website:10.A FAMILY RUN business with incredible customer service.9.Of course CORPORATE ACCOUNTS available.8.The best breakfast in town... Eggs, Bacon and Pancakes $5.00.7.The DONUT BREAK with mouth watering donuts, O.J., Coffee and Paper Goods.6.The unbelievable BASKET LUNCH with choice of salad or deli sandwich, fruit, baked goodies, gum, hard candy, chips, condiments, paper goods and wet-nap... and YES, you can keep the basket.5.Soup Made Daily-While they last!4.From the Bakery... BIRTHDAY CAKES & GOODIES... YUMMY.3.We DELIVER to you...2.Or have your event in our beautiful sun filled PRIVATE ROOM.1. IF WE DON'T HAVE IT, YOU SHOULDN'T EAT IT! – Micro (Drexel Undergrad)
Sarcone’s Deli - Delicious hoagies on great bread. They put just enough meat on each sandwich and don't overdue it with the cheese or toppings. The Fresh Roasted Turkey with Spinach was just as good out of the fridge the next day as when I first ordered it. Stop here for lunch and you'll have a new favorite spot.– chrisburke (Temple Alum)
Lee’s Hoagie House - Not the best for vegetarians. But! Very good. They have some cute advertisements out there, too, to show that they aren't just your typical hoagie place! They have a large selection and great milkshakes! Definitely good if you're craving carbs! – forchrissake (Drexel Undergrad)
Potbelly Sandwich Works (Walnut) - This a decent place to get a sandwich, but it is not phenomenal. Plus, they don't have much of a variety. I feel like I could have made a better sandwich in my apartment for a lot cheaper. – Bridget Brabson (Saint Joseph’s Undergrad)
Philadelphia’s Best Bakeries
Beiler’s Bakery - Great for those homemade Amish tasty delights! Bread, bread, and more bread. Nothing is more comforting! The Amish food selection at Reading Terminal Market is excellent, so you should definitely check out the many options here! There will be many listed on Chattersouce, too, so try them out!
Le Bus Bakery - Definitely good if you want to get some fresh baked bread and you're sick of the white stuff! Try out all different stuff from bagels, rolls and even pastries. There are many different bakeries in Reading Terminal Market, so try them all, and write reviews! I'd like to know what other people think, too!
Metropolitan Bakery - Got carbs? Breads, foccacia, cookies, muffins, tarts, cakes, pastries, granola, sweets, housemade spreads and tapenades! They specify that they are "world bakers" so they use recipes from around the world. Truly delicous. Spunk up your typical sandwich with some bread from here! Mm, hearty, healthy and good!
Termini Bros. Bakery - Italian pastries, cakes, cookies and cannolis . . . for over five dollars each! Alright, I'm exaggerating, but seriously, you have to be RICH to afford this stuff! Not worth it when there is a lot of different selections in RTM. Not to mention Tiffany's in the Gallery! Save your money!!!!!!
Flying Monkey Patisserie - Some of their unique selections include: Vanilla rooibos cake, green tea pound cake, brownies, chocolate marshmallows, pate de fruit, almond pear tart, and brioche florentine. A must try! Be willing to spend a little money here. Located in Reading Terminal Market where the competition is fierce, but this place is very gourmet!
Credit: forchrissake (Drexel Undergrad)
Philadelphia Café Review
Ants Pants Café - Really good brunch place, but be careful - if you arrive after 10a.m., the line will be massive. They have good coffee, great food, and the atmosphere is really laidback. Oh yeah, plus they have tim-tams! For some reason, that's a plus in my book. – remamo28 (UPenn Grad)
Gia Pronto - This place has excellent coffee, it is from the place La Columbe which is a Philadelphia coffee roasting company. It has great food, all organic, and now that it is fall they are promoting their soups! Very good stuff. Also try their sandwiches, the bread is very fresh and many different kinds! – Micro (Drexel Undergrad)
MilkBoy Coffee - Milkboy is great any night during the summer or weekends during the rest of the year. Open mic night is generally pretty good, but some of the acts can be very strange. It has the coffeehouse feel and is a nice change of pace for the Ardmore area.– Bridget Brabson (Saint Joseph’s Undergrad)
Old City Coffee, Inc. - From their website, "Whole bean 100% Arabica Coffee (roasted on site, ground to order), brewing accessories, urn-brewed coffee, espresso bar, baked goods, bulk teas, coffee and tea gift baskets, internet ordering shipping FRESH coffee five days a week via U.P.S." Seating is available, which is awesome, because you can have a really fresh cup of coffee or espresso! SO good. Enjoy the hub bub of Reading Terminal Market while sipping a caffeinated specialty. They have quite the selection of beans! – forchrissake (Drexel Undergrad)
Saxbys Coffee - Saxby's takes Diamond Dollars, which is always a plus for Temple Students. Their coffee is decent, but it's their location that draws in students. Situated right on Liacorus Walk, Saxby's makes it easy for Temple students to grab a pick-me up. – Colin (Temple Undergrad)
Guide to Philadelphia Nightlife
Medusa Lounge - This place is a lot of fun, they often have themed parties and dance nights. It is also a bar. You can meet some great people who are into the same kinds of music you are if you go on one of themed nights. Definitely a good time. – noits9 (Drexel Undergrad)
Sakeya - We were having a girls night out and ended up here. They told us they were having a huge party at 10 so they put us in the karaoke room. This was cool, but at 10 and even 11 NO ONE showed up. I felt bad, but what can you do. Try their saketinis. They also have pre made stuff for sake bombs, but it kinda takes the fun out of it. – forchrissake (Drexel Undergrad)
Shampoo Night Club - Gotta love Shampoo. From its Indian dance parties to gothic nights, there's always something fun going on! Definitely check it out. Prices keep going up, but what can you do? Go out of your element!– strawberryfields (Drexel Alum)
Voyeur Night Club - The best parties I went to while at Wharton were those hosted at Voyeur. The 2-story layout with a circular dancing podium in the middle is genius. The bars upstairs on the 2nd floor balcony are generally not too crowded. The acoustics are great and the TV screens are awesome to use if your hosting the party and what to run special video loops. I'm not sure about the scene on any random night, but for special events this place rocks! – Ace (UPenn Grad)
Woody’s Bar & Restaurant - I absolutly love Woody's. I've only been there on Wednesdays, which is "college night" or an 18 and over night but I've still always had a lot of fun. It's usually about ten dollars and Woody's makes you check in your coat or purse at the front desk, which will be another 2 dollars I believe. It is well worth the money, however. Although it's a gay night club, regardless of your sexual orientation, it is just a fun place to get out with friends and dance for the night. – daniellemiess (Temple Undergrad)
Philadelphia’s Best BYO Restaurants
Audrey Claire - For a high-end place, you can come out of Audrey Claire not entirely broke. Some of the entrees are reasonably priced, and the food is pretty high caliber. It's a classy atmosphere and a fun place to take a date. – Deirdre (Temple Undergrad)
Banana Leaf - Excellent choice for both a date or a night out with friends. The service is a bit slow and the servers are not too personable, but the quality and quantity makes up for it. It is BYO, so it is perfect if you want to drink before going out later. – Micro (Saint Joseph’s Undergrad)
Farmacia - I went to this place for a friend's birthday dinner. There was a big group of us, about 12, and it was wonderful. I love the atmosphere - it's got a very unique sort of antique-y greenhouse-y feeling. I had fish which was lovely, but there are also a lot of great vegetarian options. It's BYO wine every night, but I think they have beer on the menu. I'm just looking for an excuse to go back soon! Oh yeah, beware it's closed on Mondays.– Harmelooper (UPenn Prospective)
Fat Salmon - Great little sushi place. Recently renovated and looks pretty modern. Unfortunately they are getting a liquor license soon so go soon while its still BYO! Creative rolls and i like the agedashi tofu there. – jake (UPenn Grad)
Melograna - Great Italian food that is BYOB. Their pastas are homemade and delicioius. Tried their mussles dish as well - plenty of mussels in the dish. Service is attentive although chefs are reluctant to change the dishes. – sarena (UPenn Grad)
Top University City Bars
New Deck Tavern - This place is awesome for groups and awesome for watching sports. It's also nice for a lunch date with a friend. It's sort of your all purpose spot near campus with good bar food (and some pretty good salads and pastas) and lots of beer on tap. I love how spacious it is too. Definitely recommend! – Kyla H (Temple Undergrad)
Drinker’s West - They have specials on game days but get there early because even if you get their all you can drink and $5 appetizer specials they are so busy that you rarely get refills and it takes the food a long time to come. They really need to bump up their staff on football days. – jcotter (UPenn Alum)
Local 44 - I first came here after finding out that the cops raided this place because they had AWESOME international beers that supposedly were not licensed through the EVIL PA Liquor Control Board. So, even being only 20, I went there and bought some AMAZING food to help this place out. Great, unique beers. Must go if you're a beer enthusiast/snob. ;) – forchrissake (Drexel Undergrad)
City Tap House - Go for the drinks, not the food. The drink menu is out of this world, and for someone who usually dislikes beer, I must say that this place changed my views on beer COMPLETELY. Definitely somewhere to try! – ILoveGoodFood (UPenn Undergrad)
Blarney Stone - A local college hangout, the Blarney Stone offers daily food and drink specials, 10 beers on tap, 10 TVs, pool tables, and wings, burgers, salads, sandwiches and wraps. – NinaL (UPenn Undergrad)
Philadelphia Dry Cleaning Review
Cleaner’s 21 - Very responsible, never lost anything of mine and it is always ready when they say it will be. Sometimes the wait is a little long, but they always tell you up front and usually can rush it if you ask specifically. – stewarta (UPenn Grad)
Loft Cleaners - Great dry cleaner. The only one in Center City that I have found can return your shirts and cleaning within 24 hours! Good prices too. Highly recommend this cleaner. Have never had any issues. – oxydrl (UPenn Grad)
British Imperial Dry Cleaners - People are very nice. Service is fast and cheap. They often do next day cleaning for the same price. I have never had a problem there. – DTPenn (UPenn Grad)
Sansom Cleaners - Use the POS system so you don't have to have a handwritten ticket every time. Had them sew my backpack when it ripped and they did a great job. Always on time and have never lost anything. –kipclifton (UPenn Grad)
Ye Olde Clean’ry - When I brought my favorite white coat in with a huge streak of blue ink across the back, I thought it was done for. They set my expectations low and warned that it was probably not going to come out. A week later, the coat was pristine again and they had cleaned a stain on the inside of the coat too. I have shown up at Ye Olde in desperation many times since then, toting a favorite piece of clothing that I have ruined with ink, wine, or an impromptu mud fight, and they have worked magic every time.– Sheez (UPenn Grad)
Philadelphia Spa Review
Rescue Rittenhouse Spa - My wife bought me a massage there for Christmas. While the massage was ok, and besides the fact that they charge a premium, I find that having to wait in the hallway in your robe while everybody walks by is a little uncomfortable. They just make you wait outside the changing room where everyone is. I actually walked in to my marketing professor (male) who was going for a manicure.... awkward...
– Frenchie (UPenn Grad)
Shanti Medical Spa - I used to rent a philly car share and drive to jersey to get my eyebrown threaded (i'm indian). Then I found this place. They are pricey compared to a regular Indian threading place, but cheaper than renting philly car share and driving into Jersey! Hours and days open are tough to work with at times (can't just walkin), so need to make an appointment, which I'm not used to doing at most traditional threading places. – dkny (UPenn Alum)
Rittenhouse Manicure & Spa - More expensive than other Asian nail salons in Philly (I think $35 pedi, $10 mani) but worth the price. The massage chairs are great, plus they give you a shoulder massage with manicure and calf/foot massage with pedi. Staff is good, decor is more upscale and pleasant than the cheaper places. – nschu (UPenn Grad)
Topper Spa/Salon - Great haircut, price is a little higher, but you get all the benefits of a professional salon. I also received a 60 minute Swedish massage and it was wonderful. Very serene and calming setting. You can get away from the busy Center City life and relax upstairs at Toppers massage sanctuary before and after your massage. – Ace (UPenn Grad)
Philadelphia Yoga Review
Dhyana Yoga - I've tried a few yoga studios in the city and for those looking for normal temperature and varied yoga classes, this is a great studio. Every instructor has a different style, so it's important to try different instructors. There are 3 studios in Philadelphia, each with a ton of different classes each day, so there are lots of options. And first-time students get 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $30. – ESReich (UPenn Grad)
Philly Power Yoga - I <3 Philly Power Yoga. Steve and the group of instructors are great at teaching, I always walk out of class feeling challenged, relaxed, and inspired. They are personal and friendly. the yoga practiced here is power yoga, with lots of flow, and the room heated up a bit (not as hot as Bikram), which really helps with flexibility. the studio space is bright and spacious. the best deal is the $200 3 months unlimited pass. – Navlyn (UPenn Grad)
Yoga Child - My wife and I took pre-natal classes there and my wife did pre natal yoga. They are unbelievably nice and knowledgeable. Highly recommended for any future parents. – Frenchie (UPenn Grad)
Bikram Yoga on Sansom - OK, so I'm a little biased here because I'm friends with the teachers there and I am an avid Bikram fan. The people working there are really nice, and they have a lot of classes throughout the day. The place itself is not as nice as other Bikram studios, say in New York, and it's kind of bare boned. But, it has showers, two studios, and the owner (Joel) is the most chilled out and awesome guy. Oh yeah, they also have free food there on Mondays. It's 20 bucks for a week for new students, so it's worth checking out, too. – gsjahrir (UPenn Grad)
Barbershop & Hair Salon Round-Up
2B Groomed - Fantastic barber in a very cool area. There are two chairs and barbers work on different schedules during the week so more than two barbers are available. Very chill and not fussy at all, perfect for guys who don't want to deal with salons (washing hair, tons of people, etc.). If you're looking for a traditional old school barber, this may be it. – El-Dude (UPenn Grad)
All About Hair - Name says it all! This place is ALL about hair. Get a cut, color, highlights, blow out, whatever you want. Staff is open to whatever you want, they won't criticize your choices! – strawberryfields (Drexel Alum)
HeaD AreA - Jo at HeaD AreA has been my hair stylist and colorist for over six years; needless to say, I think she is awesome. The other stylists are also excellent and the staff are very friendly; I have seen many happy clients at HeaD AreA. This salon is strong in both color and styling. – kelsey (UPenn Grad)
Michael Burke Hair Salon - This barber shop/hair salon does a great job. They are kind of hidden near Fitler Square, but the stylists are talented. The dog that inhabits the salon is awesome and a great way to kill time if you have to wait. It is a little pricey at about $30 for a men's cut or else I'd give it 5 stars. – pmcbrear (UPenn Grad)
Phoenix Salon - I was looking for a good place to get a haircut last year and a friend recommended Amelia at Phoenix Salon. I've been really happy with her- would highly recommend her. She does a great job, and cuts for guys are only $24. – davev (UPenn Grad)
Ranstead Barbershop - Love the haircut at Ranstead, it is good, cheap and fast. – bmontu (UPenn Grad)
Silvio Hair Styling for Men - Silvio's Barbershop is top notch. $25 for a great haircut. He is a local Philly guy so the stories are great. Pictures of his home land, Sicily cover the walls which offer good talking points if you need 'em! – Ace (UPenn Grad)
Stephen Starr Philadelphia Restaurant Round-Up
Alma de Cuba - There are not a ton of Cuban restaurants to choose from in Philadelphia and I definitely prefer Alma de Cuba to Cuba Libre, its Old City competitor. Alma de Cuba has a more cozy, more sedated atmosphere. It's a great place to go on a date or in the afternoon for some cocktails. The menu is full of classic Cuban dishes, but prepared with a little more delicacy and care than I'm used to at other Cuban restaurants. I also love the cute little yellow facade right out there on Walnut Street. It makes me smile. – Wharton4Life (UPenn Grad)
Buddakan - Buddakan is great for a group dinner or a one-on-one with a friend. The sushi rolls are fresh and interesting. The egg rolls and spring rolls are not greasy and are packed with flavor. I recommend ordering sort of tapas style and sharing a bunch of things. The crowd is upscale, stylish and hip and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. – Kyla H (Temple Undergrad)
The Continental - Continental serves up a trendy atmosphere with delicious food and drink. Unique lighting and seating arrangements give the interior a revitalized retro feel. Individual meals can be ordered, but the tapas dishes are great to share as a group. Perfect spot for a date or dinner with friends, especially if it is still nice outside and you can take advantage of the great roof deck. – s.pants (UArts Undergrad)
El Vez - Yes, their special guacamole is awesome, and so are the chips that come with it. It's not cheap but they give you a lot. The guava mojito was good, but small, and a quarter of the glass was mint leaves. Cool place though and the service was good. – mmd024 (Drexel Grad)
POD - Question: where have I been to more Wharton club happy hours, recruiting dinners, and professor lunches than I can even count? Answer: Pod. This is THE place for those looking for a bit of a fancier, hipper dining experience in U-City. Steven Starr brings his usual catchy decor and solid menu to Sansom Street. The cocktails are not bad either ;-) All the sushi is good and, if you go for lunch, I recommend their specials with 2-3 courses. Yum! – Ace (UPenn Grad)
Parc - Perfectly situated on the corner of Locust and 18th Street, Parc benefits from prime real estate. As soon as the weather is bearable, Philadelphians flock to this spot to nab a seat outside for people watching and to be seen. However, the food and wine/beer selection will not disappoint. Try the warm shrimp salad or the delectable burger with a carafe of crisp white wine. Another tip: if you are ever looking for a place to meet people for a drink and actually want to chat with them, try Parc late on weeknight. It certainly isn't bustling but you can easily get a drink and snag a table. – Kool (UPenn Grad)
Staying Fit in Philadelphia
12th Street Gym - This is a great gym that meets all your needs and is also a unique, pleasant experience. They could forgive some of their fees - eg if you lose your ID card - but in general the staff are nice and the roof deck completes the deal. – kkelman (UPenn Grad)
Bally’s (15th & Walnut) - For the price, Bally's can't be beat. Not a great gym, older equipment and no individual TV's, but only $30/month so a great option to supplement a Pottruck membership (to use on weekends when you're not on campus) – nschu (UPenn Grad)
The Sporting Club at the Bellevue - I love this gym! What get me there are the classes and the amazing locker room facilities including the whirl pool and the steam room. Even though it's classy, the workers are not stuck-up. Everyone is down to earth and sweet. – jcotter (UPenn Alum)
Sweat Fitness - Solid gym. Good weight room, though lacking in some benches (not enough hammer strength-type machines). Cardio machines are ample though can get crowded. Fairly small and probably a bit expensive if not interested in weight room. – hksharma (UPenn Grad)
Rittenhouse Square Fitness Club - Never crowded, equipment isn't brand new but perfect for those who exercise regularly and don't want to battle crowds to do it. – ckarin (UPenn Grad)
Philadelphia Pizzeria Review
Allegro’s Pizza - The pizzas here are decent , the only advantage is that they are open pretty late at night and you can stop by for a quick slice of pizza if your working late on your projects. The calzones here are pretty good. Nice place to hang out with your friends if you want to take a break from the Papa John's and Domino's. – punitg (UPenn Grad)
Lorenzo & Son Pizza - For the price, Bally's can't be beat. Not a great gym, older equipment and no individual TV's, but only $30/month so a great option to supplement a Pottruck membership (to use on weekends when you're not on campus) – nschu (UPenn Grad)
The Owl’s Nest - The Owl's Nest is on Broad on the North side of campus. They're open late and always deliver on time. Also, during the day they offer an all-you-can-eat on any slice and a never ending soda for 6.50$. It’s a great place to hang out, they project movies on the wall. If you've got a lot of time to kill, try the Owl's Nest. – 3d_glasses (Temple Grad)
Savas Brick Oven Pizza - Secret Greek influences here. Go there and ask for a coffee frappe. Mm mm. Love the salads, nice and big! Pizza is really good, too.Expect to pay more than the local Ed's or California Pizza, but definitely well worth it! – forchrissake (Drexel Undergrad)
Mama Palm’s Gourmet Pizza - Mama Palma's is my favorite pizza place in Rittenhouse. It is a little pricier than other pizza shops but totally worth it. Because a lot of locals attend this pizza joint, it can be crowded on Fri/Sat. But this is a great place to go as a group on a weeknight because it is less crowded and it is BYO. Don't mess with the staff though, they are good at their job but they can be a bit ornery. Other good menu items: BBQ Chicken pizza and salad with beets.– Kool (UPenn Grad)
Thrifty in Philadelphia by forchrissake, Drexel
Retrospect - Huge selection, but like most Philly thrift shops, expect to pay an arm and a leg. Definitely fun to go in here for old style stuff. T shirts galore. Lots of jeans. Not a huge selection of skirts!
Buffalo Exchange - Come prepared to spend some money! But well worth it. Always a good selection of dresses and skirts for the girls. Guys, you'll look like a crazy, neon colored hipster if you shop there, be warned.
Second Mile Thrift Store - Pretty bad selection and pricey. You can tell this place is definitely struggling. They need to start opening up to the students, too, we HAVE stuff for them! Come flyer on our campuses!
AIDS Thrift - Don't get me wrong! I love the cause. It is just if you want a better selection and better prices, you need to go outside of this city. The thrift stores here are all bought out and not much good to them. Some of the higher end ones are pretty good, but expect to pay retail price. But at least you get something unique!
Guide to Buying Textbooks by Chris Burke, Temple 09/2010
The first thing you will learn freshman year is that buying textbooks will put a rather large dent in your wallet. Each class has a seemingly endless list of books to purchase and read throughout the semester. None of them are cheap and some you will not even read!
Once you know which books you definitely must get for the next class, buy used. Your best bet for saving money on college textbooks is going online. The traditional options, Amazon and Barnes and Noble, are both great options for someone buying textbooks online for the first time, but to truly find the lowest prices you must comparative shop using these sites and others. Here are some good sites to use based on my experiences.
Top 5
1. Book.ly - The easiest and most comprehensive interface provided by any of the sites. I was able to track down my textbooks by simply entering the name of my college, the department and the course number.
2. BestBookBuys – It is rather unassuming design returned some of the best price of all the services. They also have a sister site that sells music, electronics, movies and even bikes.
3. ValoreBooks – Finding a good deal here is largely subject to what third party retailers have listed rather than Valore’s own prices. Luckily, there are a decent amount of sellers using the site offering deals that you might not find on Amazon or BN.
4. BookFinder – BookFinder is an extremely basic site that relies on other online textbook retailers rather than its own marketplace to provide its prices. No frills here.
5. Chegg – Chegg made their name by renting textbooks for lower prices than buying them brand new, but it’s still more expensive than used books and you have to return them at the end of the semester.
Honorable Mention:
BetterThantheBookstore – This site offers the novel idea of buying and selling textbooks through a neutral location on campus. Currently, they only cater to five universities: UPenn, Drexel, Temple, Rutgers (New Brunswick) and CCP. I could not find the book I was searching for on their website but you may have better luck if the site catches on at your school.
Comfort Food Brunch In University City by Patrick Chung, UPenn 08/2010
For what it’s worth, I never did Sunday Brunch and I never believed in it. I believed in sleeping in on weekends, as most sane people do. But God, Owner/Chef Robert Halpern made a believer out of me. Rx (45th and Spruce) is definitely one of the more popular joints on campus and I have to say it’s boss. But so does everyone else; by 12pm, the place is packed. That’s when you realize that you can walk down the block to a quaint, converted Victorian home and get an equally-amazing hangover cure with no hassle at Marigold Kitchen. The Eggs Benedict is some of the best money can buy, the Hollandaise is sinfully perfect. I tried to buy some of their strawberry jam, but no success… The menu is New American, with Comfort Food origins and you’ll feel right at home amongst the knowledgeable and supremely-kind staff. With the recent price drops, it’s even more affordable than ever to have some of the best brunch in University City. Charming, relaxing, and reliable, it’s a place you’ll fall back to again and again. Oh, and if it wasn’t good enough, it’s a BYO for dinner (and brunch too, if you party that hard).
West Philly Java by Elizabeth O'Brien, UPenn 08/2010
I arrived at Penn interested in the culture and dining of Philadelphia’s eastern areas. In the next two years, however, I discovered the haven of unique coffee shops just west of my campus. Lovers and Madmen, at 40th and Ludlow, is spacious and furnished with couches and even a few children's books. It’s as inviting as a friend’s living room and serves strong coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, and authentic baked goods including quiche Green Line Cafe, just west of 44th and Locust, has the colored furniture and student artwork of a school setting. When a local band isn't playing there, it is a quiet place to study and enjoy delicious, vegan treats like whoopie pies and cookies. Cafe Clave, which boasts Cuban-themed cuisine and salsa music nights, is about a block east of Green Line on Locust Street. The atmosphere is social and friendly, and they bake an amazing sweet potato cookie with cream cheese icing and coconut topping. Remember to bring cash when exploring these places; Green Line and Cafѐ Clavѐ are cash-only. The cafѐs of West Philadelphia offer inexpensive and eclectic experiences to enhance college life in a new city.
Tip #2 for Philly Foodies by Patrick Chung, UPenn 08/2010
Know your surroundings: University City and Penn are home to some great places if you know where to look. Some of my favorite stomping grounds are just a block away from my dorm: organic American at White Dog Cafe (their Bar Menu is delightful), quality Chinese at Sang Kee Noodle House at the Sheraton, and two of my favorite Sunday Brunch stops: Marigold Kitchen and Rx(45th Street). You don’t need to take a taxi to find a quality meal.
Tips for Freshmen Foodies by Patrick Chung, UPenn 08/2010
1. Understand Restaurant Week: It’s one of the best times to get into the restaurant scene in Philly. Some of the finest and more expensive restaurants like LaCroix and Le Bec Fin take part in the week-long, $35-dollar fixed-price dinner specials and it’s a great way to try out these extravagant places. That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind. Portions will be smaller, service won’t as good (fixed tab, larger crowds), and you’ll need to get a reservation (sometimes weeks in advance). It’s a great way to try out restaurants for the first time without risking too much of your money on food/cooking styles you may not end up liking. Note: It happens two weeks in a year.
2. Know your surroundings: University City and Penn are home to some great places if you know where to look. Some of my favorite stomping grounds are just a block away from my dorm: organic American at White Dog Cafe (their Bar Menu is delightful), quality Chinese at Sang Kee Noodle House at the Sheraton, and two of my favorite Sunday Brunch stops: Marigold Kitchen and Rx(45th Street). You don’t need to take a taxi to find a quality meal.
3. Dine for free with SEPTA: While we’re on the topic of taxis, let me say one thing: be prepared to drop a fortune if you dine out frequently. If it’s a special occasion like a date, don’t skimp and hail a cab. If you’re going out with friends or decide to indulge yourself, save some cash and take SEPTA’s trolley and rail line when you can. For two bucks, you can get to within a block of a majority of the finer joints in the city. The Blue/Market Line, in particular, is the one to watch: it’ll take you right into Center City where a lot of heralded chefs have set up shop or to one of my favorite locales, Penn’s landing and Old City (Cuba Libre!) A penny saved is a penny earned or, in this case, an entrée. Oh, and you’ll get there faster than with a cab – need any more reason?
Noodles by Andy Tan, UPenn 07/2010
Sang Kee Noodle House, a recent addition to the Sang Kee chain, offers an authentic Chinese dining option for U-City students looking for better Chinese food than what food trucks can offer. Go for one of the dozens “Big Bowl Broth Noodle” or “Asian Rice Bowl” dishes that are mostly priced at $6 to $8 (tax is applicable) – reasonably budget-friendly for the good quality. Most noodle dishes include a hearty portion of yellow noodles in a flavorful soup, and a choice of classic toppings such as shrimp dumplings, roasted pork or duck, and braised beef. Try the tasty Shandong Ramen (hand-drawn noodles) too. The rice bowls are equally satisfying, with fragrant rice and various meat and vegetable toppings. The outlet also has a selection of Thai and Vietnamese dishes. The Thai curry and noodle dishes I have tried on other occasions were forgettable in my opinion. For these cuisines, there are other authentic places elsewhere (check out other reviews on this site for ideas). One last thing – sign up for their monthly newsletter and enjoy modest discounts on various dishes.
Fight the Freshmen 15 or the MBA 25! by Ita E, Upenn Grad 05/2010
Lithe Method from the first class. I'm the kind of person who loves the feeling of being in shape, but hates working out. That's why I loved playing sports so much because I loved game day. However, once college and life hit, I got lazier and lazier. I mean, take moving to Philly for instance. I signed up the second day I moved here at the Rittenhouse Square Gym and went diligently for two weeks and then after the 2nd day of pre-term never went again. Lithe has been different. I have literally since March 16th only missed two classes, once because I came down with a really bad cold and the other because I overslept (hey, it was a 7am class; I should have known better anyway!). But what has kept me going is the results. I can literally feel that my body is tightening and more toned. I make all my friends feel my stomach and how firm it's gotten. Seriously, it's like I've become some apostle of Lithe. Everyone I send there also becomes hooked. Post my Immersion, they give you a one month unlimited pass for a special rate of $125. I bought this and used it as much as I could to get the most of the money. I went to 21 classes in 30 days and I can see the results and feel more confident about putting on a bathing suit in a couple of weeks for our graduation trip to South Beach. My only regret is that I didn't discover Lithe sooner. I can only imagine how great I could have looked and felt over the course of these two years had I known sooner! I'm hoping Lauren brings it to NYC so I can keep doing Lithe when I move back there this summer. So I'm spilling the secret to you ladies of Penn and Wharton. Try Lithe and I'm telling you, you won't be sorry!
P.S. I strongly recommend not jumping right into classes but taking the full Immersion class. If you jump right in, you might get discouraged because the moves can be really hard. You don't want to quit after one class so ease your way into it and gradually build up to the hard stuff.
