A new third space is coming to Old City

Starting a series on the need-to-know happenings in Philly + beyond

Hello, happy Friday. I’m starting a series about what’s going on in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs - two places you’ll often find me. (And maybe beyond beyond, if I feel like it). I think this type of thing is missing when it comes to Philly. New York recommendations are always sliding across my desk, often without even trying to seek them out, but I think the Philly area could use more of that. I can’t promise “breaking news” (although my DMs are open if you want to give me that) but can promise low stakes gossip for the group chat or something fun to add to your saved folder on Instagram.

You should trust me about these things because I’ve lived here my whole life and have been going out to dinner my whole life. This won’t solely be restaurant chatter but I am most interested in the restaurant scene and what’s going on there. I’ve had this gossipy idea for a recommendation dispatch for a while, longer than I’ve even had the general newsletter idea. At one point in college, while writing listicle after listicle about food, I debated making a “foodie instagram” but remember thinking it was oversaturated, even then. Alls to say this is my 2025 version of doing that, with maybe a little bit more of an authoritative, edgy voice.

• By now you’ve probably heard the Glu Hospitality news (the restaurant group behind Figo in Northern Liberties, among others) but what I’m thinking about is how whenever I’m at Almonst Home, these GH guys are always on phone calls looking stressed out.

• Old City is getting a third space called Maisy’s Meeting House - “a new kind of clubhouse”. Its focus will be on “game nights, book clubs, open mics, and themed events”, and it sounds like their first big event is for the Derby. I think people like the idea of third spaces more than actually putting in the effort to make them a part of daily life, but I’m rooting for this place. The name is cute!

• Madis, a University City coffee house, just opened near Washington Square in the Curtis Building. Honestly, the area was in need of a large coffee place like this. Go here for high ceilings, huge windows, and good WiFi without the Penn study groups (I could see it getting quickly crowded with tourists, though). I didn’t try the food but the menu looked pretty extensive.

• If you haven’t been to Ace Outpost on South 4th yet, push it higher up on your list. Coffee on one side, an impeccably curated vintage store on the other, and they’re both open at the same time. I don’t know where else in this city you can vintage shop at 8 AM. It’s seriously my dream, and I will be spending my first paycheck from this thing there.

  

• Despite Craig LaBan’s somewhat recent searing review of Dear Daphni, I went for the second time last week and enjoyed myself. Two things were different: it was happy hour, and it was warm and sunny out. I don’t think they shine for dinner, but go for strong $7 cocktails and $5 hummus at 5 PM (ask for extra pita). Is there an end to this tidal wave of mid Mediterranean restaurants though? Would like to know Captain Sandy’s reviews on all these.

• Isgro Pastries is moving its production to a 20,000 square foot warehouse in South Philly. Funny, I was just thinking about going there this weekend to get a bunch of Italian cookies and cannolis for a family party. Nice to see a place with a 100+ year history expanding, my great grandmother went here all the time.

I’m toying with the idea of naming this series or just pushing one out when necessary. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments!!! I have one in mind…

Tell me what you’re up to this weekend. I’ll most likely be going to an old favorite for brunch but won’t be saying where unless their line is once again over an hour long and then I’ll have nothing nice to say.

XX,

Rebecca