Josh Middleton

Boston’s position as New England’s most exciting dining city (sorry, Portland) was recently underscored by the arrival of the Michelin Guide. But with just one star awarded locally, it’s clear that accolades don’t always tell the full story. Over the past five years, the city has seen an explosion of ambitious restaurants from rising-star chefs and seasoned industry vets alike—places that span global cuisines, celebrate regional flavors, and put real thought into where their ingredients come from and how they’re used. The result is a dining scene that feels more confident, more personal, and far more interesting than any fancy guide could capture. This list looks beyond hype and stars to focus on where we think you should actually be eating right now. Our picks are shaped by the same criteria Time Out uses to review restaurants globally—taking into account food, atmosphere, service and value (you can read more about how we review places here). We’ve covered everything from polished, special-occasion dining rooms to casual neighborhood spots worth planning a night around, with prices that range from weeknight-friendly to full-on splurge. Our recommendations span the city and beyond—from the South End and Back Bay to Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline and Jamaica Plain—and reflect the chefs, cultures and communities shaping how Boston eats today. Whether you’re after a bar seat and a great plate of pasta, or a knockout seafood dinner, these are the reservations that matter—no mat

Despite its 2am closing times and historical love for blue laws, Boston certainly knows how to drink. Even with the Hub's high expectations when it comes to alcohol access, the city's best bars deliver with stellar ambiance, top-tier cocktails, and fantastically curated beer and wine lists. While Boston might be best known for its Irish pubs and dive bars, it now boasts award-winning cocktail joints and craft beer emporiums that are well worth a visit. We've rounded up our top picks for the best places in town to enjoy a drink, so take a look and raise a glass. Cheers! RECOMMENDED: Guide to Boston's best restaurants  

It's no shock to those braving the winds and chilly temps - winter is in full swing in Boston. Parks and city trails have quieted down with activity, and restaurants and bars are filled with patrons who want to escape the chilly temps while enjoying what the city's dining scene has to offer. Museums and other indoor attractions are also welcoming an influx of visitors who want to enjoy what the city offers from the comfort of heated confines. Below, find your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Boston this winter for tourists and locals alike.   

Brunch isn't just a meal: It's an occasion. Typically a weekend centerpiece (though Boston has some great weekday breakfast options, too), a good Boston brunch is an excuse to go big over filling (and maybe hangover-curing) plates of bacon and eggs, piles of decadent French toasts, Bloody Marys and mimosas galore, and a stiff cup of joe as you recount all the juicy gossip about your weekend shenanigans. We've found the best Boston brunch options, so all you have to do is make a reservation (if possible) and show up.  

We're gonna shoot straight: Boston is not the nightlife capital of the world, but what we lack in plentitude is made up in spades in energetic dance clubs and lounges that keep the city alive when the early birds are snoozing. Below, we round up all the best clubs and lounges (and some great pubs-turned-nightclubs) in Boston right now so you can dance the night away to live DJs and bands. You'll find music of all kinds here in The Hub—hip-hop, disco, house, bachata, and more. Fuel up for your evening by starting out with a meal at one of the best restaurants in Boston. Head to one of Boston's best bars for a quick cocktails for some liquid courage, then head over to packed dance floors. Late night followed by a late morning? Check out our list of the best brunches in Boston to recuperate.

We'll never stop singing Boston's praises for the A-plus perks it bestows upon us — from the natural beauty in our multitude of green spaces to urban amenities in the form of stellar restaurants, bars, and nightlife. But sometimes, even the most devoted city dweller needs a break. Thankfully, you don’t have to veer too far from city limits for a weekend getaway that feels decidedly far-flung. Within a couple of hours' drive, you could find yourself chilling on a pristine island beach, riding a funicular to soak in views from a mountain peak, or shopping 'til you drop in a New England town that positively drips with charm. If a weekend getaway is calling your name, we’ve rounded up some of the greatest within a close-ish drive from Boston, complete with suggestions for where to crash, what to eat, and what to get up to. The destinations are listed in order of distance from Boston, not accounting for traffic, so maybe factor in a longer drive, just in case. Looking for something even quicker? Check out our recommendations for the best day trips from Boston.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston. 

While it's easy to find amazing things to do in Boston any day of the week, with an endless supply of outstanding restaurants, bars, and museums, sometimes a change of scenery can be just what the proverbial doctor ordered. Thankfully, our city is situated right at the gateway of New England, putting us within striking distance of so many quaint seaside villages, historic towns, and a couple of urban oases that make for perfect day trips when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of The Hub, or simply explore what our region has to offer. So grab your pals or significant other and hop in your car—or on a ferry or train—to visit one of the lovely destinations below. We've listed them in order of driving distance, not accounting for traffic, which will surely add time to your drive. For each spot, you'll find a rundown of the most popular sites to visit, along with a few other insider tips and recommendations on where to grab a bite or two when the day-tripping hunger sets in. Looking for something more active than perusing sites and shops in a nearby town? Head over to our list of best hiking near Boston for a dozen-plus ideas for amazing trails.  Once you're back in town, you'll once again feel ready to take advantage of the best Boston attractions and best free things to do in Boston. And when you need a little longer time away check out our list of the best weekend getaways in New England. RECOMMENDED: The Best Hotels in Boston

Perhaps it’s the history, rooted in the decadent and famously roaring 1920s, that lures us to speakeasies in Boston. Perhaps it's the romance and mystery of the process—whispering passwords, entering through secret doors. Whatever the reason, we can all agree that there's something about visiting a speakeasy that gives us a tingle of adventure, not to mention delicious, perfectly concocted cocktails from bartenders who really know their way around a spirit cabinet. Thankfully, among the best bars in Boston, there is a healthy selection of these hush-hush cocktail dens to try. We've rounded up the finest among them below, so you'll know where to go the next time you and some friends want to elevate your cocktail experience. Keep reading so you'll know where to go (and how to get in) the next time you crave that alluring speakeasy vibe.

We could go on and on about why Boston is one of the best cities in the world, but we'll start with one biggie: its access to both the incredible benefits of urban living—world-class restaurants, arts and culture, stellar bars—and, thanks to its location at the doorstep of New England, direct access to miles and miles of the great outdoors, where you can get away from the hustle bustle of city life, stretch your legs, and hit some open trails in peace.  There are plenty of picturesque hiking spots near Boston—whether it’s climbing scenic wooded preserves or exploring waterfront trails, these local hikes are perfect for walking off the bustle of The Hub. No time to leave the city limits? Head over to one of Boston’s best parks. If you want to turn an afternoon stroll into a full-on escape, check out the best weekend getaways and day trips from Boston.

Whether you were born here or are visiting for the first time, odds are you’re well aware: Philly knows how to have a good time. The City of Brotherly Love offers plenty of history, entertainment, and adventure, but there’s more than museums and monuments to explore. Case in point? A big night out. Spent at a hole-in-the-wall bar or a swanky, glitzy nightclub, an evening on the town is one of the best ways to experience the energy of this largely underrated city.  The best clubs in Philadelphia may vary by design, crowd, vibe, and style, but what they all have in common is that they bring people together with good music, fresh cocktails (which are likely more affordable than you think), and an ever-growing sense of community. Nothing is basic here, from top-tier restaurants to multi-level venues with all sorts of music. But if you ask locals like me, the best part about a night out is that you get all the glamour and fun of a larger metro, like NYC, minus the steep price tag and fussy transportation. When the sun goes down, Philadelphia lets it rip, and the result is a dancing extravaganza like no other. My favorite nightclubs include the cult-favorite Dolphin Tavern, which is perhaps most famous for its ABBA-themed dance nights, the Gayborhood’s eclectic Franky Bradley’s, and Dahlak, an Ethiopian-Eritrean restaurant in West Philly that’s beloved for its lively evening programming. So, put on your favorite outfit and comfy-yet-cozy shoes for a night of beats and bevs—I’ll mee

Whether you’ve lived here all your life or are visiting for the first time, odds are you know some of Philadelphia’s most famous sites, like the Liberty Bell and the Rocky steps. As a semi-recent transplant from North Jersey, I can attest that Philly has so much more to offer tourists and locals alike. Want to stop and smell the roses at an Instagram-worthy garden or arboretum? Check. Craving a James Beard-approved meal? Take your pick—we have tons of restaurants to choose from. Want tickets to a one-of-a-kind live performance? Got you. How about a day spent at a museum…or five? This gritty-yet-gorgeous, famously unpretentious city has it all.  Sports fans, budding gourmands, history buffs, and art nerds alike visit from all over to foster their respective hobbies and interests, while everyone else comes to trek the historic cobblestones for cheesesteaks, street murals, landmarks, microbreweries, and more. Philly strikes a unique balance between the days of yore and the present—it’s not every day that you can see something as antiquated as the Betsy Ross House (where she is said to have sewed the first American flag) or Elfreth’s Alley (one of the oldest continuously inhabited streets in the U.S., dating back to 1703) and something as modern as the tree-lined Race Street Pier (which was upgraded into a park in 2011), mere minutes apart.  Below are 33 of the best things to do in Philadelphia whenever you’re in the area, as well as a few May-only events worth planning ahead for

When it comes to creating a properly outstanding bar, good vibes and even better drinks are a necessity, but a stonking good view? That’s a real gamechanger. After all, if the sun is shining, there are few things better than sitting up high, cocktail-in-hand admiring some glorious scenery.  And while there are plenty of bougie spots on this roundup, there’s a tonne of variety as well – rooftop bars can be anything from a glamorous, nineteenth-floor ‘trade’-themed bar to the top floor of a London car park – and our favourite ones range from chilled to cha-ching. One thing is guaranteed, though: views for days. Read on for our favourites from across the planet. RECOMMENDED:🥪The best sandwiches in the world🥩The best steaks in the world🍕The best pizzas in the world🍝The best cities in the world for food

An imposing red doorway just off Charles Street takes you inside BCB3 Hospitality’s cozy nod to pintxo bars in the Basque region of Spain. This is BCB3’s only concept outside of Temple Street near Downtown Crossing, where they run Asian-food hotspots like Somaek and Sushi @ Temple Records. As such, ZURiTO carves its own path with a menu of traditional Spanish tapas, heavy on meats, seafood, and cheeses. The vibe: The streets of old-town San Sebastián provide inspiration for ZURiTO, which is divided into two distinct sections. A buzzy bar in the front of the house caters to first-daters and friends catching up over an intimate dinner at the bar, high-tops, or a standing counter in the center of the room. Move farther back to find the dimly lit dining room with tavern-style tables and seating, chalkboard menus, and bottles of wine lining the walls. Servers are welcoming and attentive, eager to guide you through the menu and recommend wines from a list that received a Wine Spectator 2025 “Best of Award of Excellence” for its extensive Spanish-focused selection of blancos, rosados, and tintos. The food: Begin your meal with a couple of bite-sized pintxos, such as the croissant de ibérico, stuffed with melt-in-your-mouth acorn-fed jamón, or the pan con tomate, a traditional hunk of bread rubbed with garlic and topped with crushed tomato, olive oil, and sea salt. The pintxo menu runs deep, with anchovy-forward bites, rich spreads, and seafood toasts perfect for mixing and matching.

Rooted in the fire-driven cooking of Greece’s mountainous interior, Bar Vlaha brings a deeply rustic, hearth-to-table sensibility to Washington Square. Inspired by the food traditions of the Vlach people—an inland community of nomadic shepherds whose customs stretch back centuries in Greece—the menu emphasizes bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and unfussy preparations that let the food shine. The vibe: The space feels like a modern-day tavern: homey, minimally styled, and designed to draw you in rather than impress you. The room fills with the decadent aromas of charcoal-grilled and spit-roasted meats, setting a welcoming tone that's perfect for lingering over shared plates and drinks. The food: This is Greek cooking far removed from your neighborhood souvlaki. Expect a spread of impeccable breads, creamy spreads, succulent meats, and boldly flavored veggie dishes, alongside heartier plates like wild boar shank and grilled rainbow trout. Depending on the night, specials may lean even further into game-forward territory, with venison or even elk making an appearance. The drinks: A lively bar anchors the dining room, pouring a stellar menu of Greek wines and knock-out cocktails infused with unique ingredients such as Greek pineapple liqueur, fig- and ginger-infused tsipouro, and pine pollen. Time Out tip: The charcoal-grilled lamb is essential, allowed to shine with simple, enhancing herbs and spices like rosemary and garlic, or olive oil, lemon, and oregano. Bar Vlaha’s dail

Chefs Kim Vo and Lukas Dow first created Judy's Bay as an Asian BBQ pop-up before taking over the former location of Bondir in November 2021 to bring to Cambridge a bonafide New England izakaya specializing in local seafood infused with Japanese and East Asian flavors. The new location, right on Broadway, gives hole-in-the-wall vibes in all the right ways, making it a perfectly intimate dining experience with a special someone or small group of besties. The vibe: Stepping inside Judy's Bay is like entering a cozy seaside tavern. The miniature space exudes character, with an exposed-brick fireplace casting a warm glow (when it's cold outside) by the window. Plain wood tables, colorful seat cushions, and charming sea creature-themed Japanese prints give the space an approachable-yet-cool aesthetic. The food: At its heart, Judy's Bay celebrates fresh, regionally sourced seafood that "arrives by boat, not planes." Try two to three plates per person for the full experience. The menu feels authentically Japanese, but don't expect sushi. Instead, options include starters such as Maine mussels swimming in gochujang butter; a spicy squid salad with fried chiles, scallion oil and fried sweet potatoes; monkfish katsu served with yuzu kosho tartar sauce; and, for meat lovers, pork shoulder with umami and cabbage. For dessert, the wonderful kinako mochi is pounded in-house from whole grain glutinous rice, azuki, sesame and strawberries. The drink: This diner was disappointed that there's

At Talulla, husband-and-wife owners Conor Dennehy and Danielle Ayer create a charming, hospitable experience where a passion for travel and connections to farmers and winemakers influences their contemporary, seasonal cuisine. The vibe: Friendly, hospitable, comfortable. With just 12 white-tablecloth-laden tables, Talulla offers the kind of intimate dining experience that feels less like a restaurant and more like dining at a chef friend's home. Mismatched plates and exposed brick walls adorned with family photos further punctuate the homey vibe. The restaurant is even named after Dennehy and Ayer's daughter, Talulla. The food: The focus on fresh, local, and seasonally inspired ingredients means Chef Dennehy, a 2024 James Beard nominee for best chef in New England, changes his menu daily. Expect just-plucked vegetables, greens, and herbs in beautifully prepared soups and salads; fresh, homemade sauces and pastas; and responsibly sourced meats, fish, grains, and cheeses. Recent menus have included a strawberry soup with rhubarb and pickled green strawberry, pepitas, and herb oil; burrata with stone fruits and duck prosciutto; rotolo pasta with rabbit, spinach, ricotta, and lemon; and swordfish with red curry, celeriac, asparagus, and pickled nectarine. Diners can choose a la carte or a five-course tasting menu. The drink: Ayer, a trained sommelier, has thoughtfully curated a wine list from vineyards they know and/or have visited. Imbibers can find a variety of champagnes, whit

Known colloquially as Boston's "lesbian bar," Dani's Queer Bar opened on Boylston in 2024 in the former location of Pour House. It's the first brick-and-mortar venture for Thais Rocha, a founder of the ongoing Sapphic Nights event series in Boston, who wanted to create a permanent space for LGBTQ+ femmes (and their friends) to connect, create community—and let loose. The Back Bay haunt hosts frequent dance nights, mixers, drag performances, and more events, and also serves lunch and dinner daily. The vibe: In the afternoon and early evening, Dani's is your everyday neighborhood pub that just so happens to be queer friendly. The space is awash in shades of pinks and purples, neon signage, and pop art showing women in various forms of embrace. A pretty rad-looking motorbike floats above the bar. Seating is plentiful at the bar and at tables in the front of house. The rear of the venue features a lounge that fills up pretty fast when party crowds start pouring in. It starts to get packed on weekends when the downstairs bar and dance floor open up for raucous dance parties in the basement, where DJs spin hip-hop, Top 40, Reggaeton, Afro Beats… the kind of music that makes you want to bump and grind. The basement is expansive, but the bar takes up most of the room. The dance floor is TINY, so be prepared for sweaty shoulder-to-shoulder, hair-in-your-face encounters. The food: Dani's serves a classic pub menu from open until 11:30pm daily, with fries, wings, mozzarella sticks, sala

Alibi is an ultra-trendy nightclub experience located within The Liberty Hotel, which used to be the Charles Street Jail. The vibe: Housed in the jail's former "drunk tank," Alibi fully embraces its criminal past. You'll find brick walls, barred windows, and cell doors, creating a feeling like you're partying somewhere a little forbidden. Comfy couches are scattered throughout the space, perfect for you and your friends to relax with a drink and people-watch. While it's not a full-blown club, Alibi features live DJs spinning bumping beats every Thursday through Saturday, with plenty of space to dance the night away. Time Out tip: When the weather warms up, Alibi opens up its chic and spacious outdoor patio, which can hold up to 100 guests. This off-street spot is a rare gem in the Beacon Hill area, so be sure to check it out!

A go-to brunch spot in Boston since it opened in Cambridge in 2014, The Friendly Toast has since expanded to seven locations in and around the Boston area, including a particularly buzzy outpost in Back Bay. This is the first spot people think of when they think of brunch in Boston. Customers love the restaurants' quirky, eclectic vibes, and the huge breakfast and lunch menu makes sure everyone in your party is satisfied. The Friendly Toast has mastered the art of breakfast and makes everything in-house, from their freshly baked bread to their hollandaise sauce. The vibe: Vintage diner meets your favorite thrift store, where every surface is covered in retro relics, such as album covers, funny old signs**,** and pop art, and the furniture is delightfully mismatched. This isn't your grandma's brunch spot (despite the vintage decor). The venue is often rocking with loud music playing over the chatter of diners, and plates clinking in the kitchen. The food: Filling, delicious, diner-style. The menu is massive, so be prepared to pore over it when you arrive—or scan it before you go to save some time. Breakfast is served all day in the form of omelets, French toast, pancakes, chicken and waffles, and no fewer than four types of Eggs Benedicts. Lunch crowds can find a variety of sandwiches and burgers, along with rice bowls and salads. The drink: The drink menu is equally as bountiful as the food one, with several types of cocktail flights, 14 flavors of mimosa (acai, watermelon mo

Perched on the 17th and 18th floors of Boston's glitzy new Raffles Hotel, Blind Duck is a sophisticated and intimate speakeasy-themed bar that boasts panoramic views overlooking the city's Theater and Financial districts. To find this hidden gem, take the elevator to the 17th floor. From there, ascend the spiral staircase, turn left, then right, and look for an unassuming door that resembles a fire exit. A subtle duck logo will confirm you're in the right spot. Step inside, and a maître d' will greet you in a small, heavily curtained room before leading you down another set of stairs to your seat or the bar, depending on availability. The vibe: Sophisticated, contemporary, and upscale, the decor sets a refined tone that makes you feel like you're somewhere special. However, it's the jaw-dropping panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing the sky and the bustling city below, that truly captivate. The space itself is compact, featuring plush, banquet sofas and additional chairs at the bar for direct contact with the bartenders. While there's a small area for standing, it can quickly become crowded as servers navigate the aisles to attend to their tables. The food: Blind Duck offers upscale small plates to complement their cocktails, including okonomiyaki fries ($18), lobster tartine ($39), a duck bao bun ($23), and, at $130 a pop, 30 grams of Osetra caviar served with housemade potato chips, crème fraîche, and chives. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth

Descend the stairway at the very back of Downtown Crossing listening bar Temple Records to discover chef Kenta Katagai’s impossibly cool subterranean sushi den, where you'll be in store for an intimate Japanese dining experience in stylish, dimly lit surroundings. Katagai, a bright, cheerful presence, presides over the 22-seat sushi counter, preparing nigiri and rolls in a style called Edomae, meaning that fish is cured, marinated, or lightly torched to boost flavor and safety. Rolls come already brushed with soy sauce, and a dab of wasabi is placed between the fish and bed of rice. Katagai’s dining room is almost overstaffed, which affords guests the kind of personalized experience you get at much pricier omakase joints. This isn’t omakase, per say, but it feels like it. Waitstaff is eager to walk you through menu items, which range from traditional nigiri to inventive rolls, to help you put together a delicious spread based on your flavor profile. The vibe: Sleek and sophisticated yet simple. The sushi counter only holds 22 people, so service is intimate and, with a full staff on board to suit customer needs, almost personalized. Traditional Japanese design elements are inspired by Wabi Sabi, a Japanese design philosophy that celebrates the beauty in imperfection.  The food: A true standout on the Boston sushi scene. Rolls, prepared in the style of Edomae, are likely to suit even the staunchest sushi-resistant, with slightly cooked rolls and unique Japanese small plates bur

Chickadee, named after the Massachusetts state bird, may be located at the far reaches of the Seaport District—in the former waterside storehouse turned Innovation and Design Building—but that hasn't kept those in the know from taking notice. It quickly notched a place on the James Beard Awards semifinalist list for Best New Restaurant right after opening in 2018, and in 2025, its chef, John DaSilva, was named a semifinalist in the Best Chef: Northeast category. The vibe: Industrial meets contemporary, with elements such as concrete columns and exposed ductwork juxtaposed with warm blue and gray tones on the walls. Homey elements like bright woven rugs, tall plants and bookshelves lined with vases, tchotchkes, extra silverware, plates, and glassware add a cozier touch. The food: Chickadee's seasonally changing menu takes ingredients from local farms, markets, and producers and gives them an exciting Mediterranean twist. Like any true Mediterranean restaurant, dinner could begin with a rotating selection of mezze: house-made dips, spreads, and bites served with fresh-baked pita. From there, you can work your way through a selection of small plates (parmesan garlic bites, striped bass crudo, chickpea panisse fries) and pastas (squid ink fusilli, lobster campanelle, harissa lumache), or go all out with a filling large plate, which recently has included options like roasted black bass with asparagus, tangerine, hazelnut dukkah, and mint; and slow-roasted porchetta with broccoli d

Owned and operated by the team behind Greek restaurant Krasi, Hecate is a cooler-than-cool subterranean speakeasy that feels a bit more Salem than Boston. Named for the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, the stylish 24-seat bar offers exciting and unique boozy concoctions crafted by bartenders referred to as "spirit guides." The vibe: Dark, mysterious, alluring, elegant—lit with candlelight and furnished with plush, Art Deco-inspired furniture with gold and brass accents. A sleek black marble bar centers the room. The food: The menu includes 10 "snack" options, including "pickled things," stuffed dates, fried chicken, and chickpea fritters. The drink: Open Hecate's leather-bound book of spells to find a collection of curious concoctions with names such as "Snake Oil" (vodka, gin, eucalyptus, buckwheat, cedar smoke, tobacco bitters), "Dragon Gate" (Erguotou, Kota pandan, ginger, sesame, coconut, astragalus, wasabi, lime), and "Hagalaz" (Elderflower Svol Aquavit, sea buckthorn, dogrose, sea moss, aquafaba, wine vinegar). The glassware is just as exciting as the drinks, featuring bowls, goblets, and other inspiring vessels. Time Out tip: Hecate does not take reservations—it doesn't even have a phone—so plan your night accordingly. We'd even suggest arriving 30 minutes before opening to avoid wait times. Also, order wisely. You won't be cast out if you order something basic like a vodka soda, but you may be the recipient of some side-eye.

In a narrow alleyway off of 13th Street in the Gayborhood lies this gem that’s just loaded with character. You’ll see that as soon as you walk in the door, as you look over the dimly lit dining room that’s decorated with vintage artwork—mostly of the female-focused, soft-porn variety—frilly lamps and even taxidermy fish. Grab a table for dinner or sit around the bar for a selection of beer—available on draft or in a bottle or can—wine and cocktails. The food menu features upscale bar fare that ranges from skirt steak and shrimp scampi to chicken wings and burgers. Upstairs, a performance space hosts a variety of shows throughout the month—from burlesque and drag shows to dance parties presided over by a solid lineup of local DJs.

If you’re in West Philly, beeline to 4545 Girard Avenue right now to check out the brand new Will Smith mural being sketched and painted by London street artist Richard Wilson. According to a rep from Mural Arts Philadelphia, which broke news about the mural this afternoon on Twitter, Wilson was inspired to do the work after seeing some of Will Smith’s feel-good, togetherness-inspiring posts on Instagram. SNEAK PEEK: London artist Richard Wilson is in #Philly creating a mural honoring Will Smith! Check it out at 4545 Girard Ave. pic.twitter.com/dyzzy5LNB8 — Mural Arts (@muralarts) May 29, 2018 This isn’t a Mural Arts Philadelphia project, but the nonprofit has helped Wilson with essential organization and connected him with a nearby school, the Global Leadership Academy Charter School, where he will teach some art-making classes in conjunction with the mural’s creation. We haven’t been able to track down Wilson for comment, but this Instagram post from last week offers a few more clues in his own words as to what he has planned. Beautiful day in Philadelphia! Ready to start sketching up tomorrow, and yes there is a reason why that brick at top right has no paint ☺️ This wall belongs to a warehouse but I’m working in and this view is from a school, its an amazing place and i’m pretty sure all the kids just think the walls getting a coat of paint and thats it! I’m going to do a class with some of the kids and an Art teacher here which makes this really special #spraypain

Dust off your white threads; pull out your fanciest table linens and candelabras: Dîner en Blanc is returning to Philadelphia for its seventh year, and the waiting list is officially open. For those new to the game, Dîner en Blanc brings together upwards of 5,000 attendees dressed head to toe in white. All participants are required to tote their own white dining supplies: a table, chairs, linens, silverware, china and a picnic basket full of food and drinks. They’ll set up everything and have a fabulous meal together under the stars while the rest of us watch it unfold on Instagram (#dinerenblancphilly). Photograph: Georgi Anastasov The date for the 2018 festival hasn’t been announced yet. That will happen at a special party aboard the Moshulu on June 12. As fans know, the location of the soiree won’t be announced until moments before Dîner en Blanc takes place. But perhaps the Moshulu party offers a hint? Maybe something along the waterfront? I doubt organizers would be that obvious. The one bit of information we do know is the theme: “Passport to Le Dîner en Blanc,” a nod, says co-host Natanya DiBona, to the 30th anniversary of the party, which began in Paris 30 years ago before making its way to 80 cities around the world. As such, the party will celebrate the towns and cultures around the globe that participate in Dîner en Blanc, including Philadelphia, which was one of the first cities to take part when the party went international. Photograph: Courtesy Du Soleil Phot

Outdoor-drinking enthusiasts, take note: This summer the Good King Tavern is opening charming secret patio. Opening June 6, the space is tucked away just behind the restaurant, which sits at the corner of 7th and Kater Streets in Queen Village. General Manager Chloe Grigri says the patio will be decked out with market lights, greenery and casual garden furniture, where guests can hang out to sip a lineup of refreshing, summer-approved beverages. Drinks include Kronenbourg ($6), Aperol Spritz ($10), and rosé, red and white wines by the glass for $9. A selection of shots will be available for $5. Those include the TGK Fireball (Wild Turkey bourbon, cinnamon and chili) and TGK Kamikaze (Appleton Reserve, Grand Marnier and fresh lime). As good as all that sounds, the vino is truly where it’s at. The restaurant recently won the 2018 Time Out Philadelphia Bar Award for Best Wine Bar. Our judges were especially impressed with the Good King Tavern’s wine selection, because it’s just downright approachable. “While wine lists can be intimidating, the Good King Tavern has broken up its menu into flavor profiles, rather than listings by region or by grape, said judge David Powell. “This allows even a wine novice to find an incredible bottle without having to be a connoisseur. There’s also great diversity in the price points, inviting everyone to enjoy a bottle without breaking the bank.” If you’re itching to check out the secret patio before the grand opening, Grigri is hosting a Negroni

No city does the patriotic holidays quite like Philly, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, sealed and delivered. Accordingly, there’s an abundant list of Memorial Day events in Philadelphia to cipher through. We’ve done the job of narrowing down the essential things to do in Philadelphia over the long weekend—from fireworks shows and Philadelphia concerts to street festivals. If you’re looking for a more laid back way to celebrate our troops and the unofficial start of summer, consider checkout out one of the beer gardens in Philadelphia, or scurry up to one of the city’s rooftop bars to check out those aforementioned fireworks. The Bok Bar opens this weekend, FYI. Find our full guide to the top Memorial Day weekend events in Philadelphia below. Friday, May 25 Sail Philadelphia at Penn's Landing; noon; $7–$125Nine tall ships from along the eastern U.S., Bermuda and Portugal will dock at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia. The four-day festival includes tours of the traveling boats, admission to the Independence Seaport Museum and optional 90-minute or two-hour cruises. Tickets to sail aren’t cheap ($90-$125 for a day pass), but you don’t have to get out on the water to experience the vessels. On Deck ship tours are $10 for adults, or you can admire the beauties from land at the accompanying Sail Philadelphia Waterfront Festival, which costs $7 to enter. —Jared Brey Photo Pop Philly at the Philadelphia Building; 3pm; $25 Photograph: Briana Sposato A towering office

Put your hands together, folks, and pray that the rain-filled weekend forecast is all a hoax. There are way too many things to do in Philadelphia this weekend to be dealing with all that precipitation—including major outdoor street festivals along Rittenhouse Row and in the Italian Market. Art in the Open also transforms the Schuylkill Banks into one big open-air art gallery all weekend. If the rain does come, you’ll have to grab a poncho or an umbrella and play along, or opt for some of the weekend’s more-sheltered to-dos. Like what you, ask? Well, there’s the amateur porn fest, Hump! Film Festival, at FringeArts; big-time comedians Hannibal Buress and Jay Leno perform along the Avenue of the Arts; on-the-rise Philly indie rockers Hop Along perform at Union Transfer; and tons of local theater companies debut new shows, such as the Arden Theatre Company’s Fun Home and Mamma Mia! at Walnut Street Theatre. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding, stop by the Dandelion on Saturday for a prix-fixe meal that includes English classics, cake and champagne. Find details on all that and more in our comprehensive guide to the (hopefully dry!) weekend below. Friday, May 18 Free admission at Philadelphia museums; all day; freeA handful of local museums celebrate International Museum Day by opening their doors to guests for free. Participating spots include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Penn Museum, the Rodin Museum and the Pennsylvania Academy of the F

Lovers of donuts and fried chicken, get excited. Federal Donuts announced today that it’s opening a new location in Center City. 🚨NEWS FLASH🚨 FedNuts is coming to @eastmarketphl❗️Excited to be in the historic #StephenGirardBuilding in the great East Market neighborhood coming 2019 ☕️🍩🍗 pic.twitter.com/e2jMnlEQnH — FederalDonuts (@FederalDonuts) May 14, 2018 The expanding comfort-food chain run by CookNSolo’s Steven Cook and Chef Michael Solomonov will take up residence in a 1,180-square-foot space in the Stephen Girard Building, part of the pedestrian-oriented development project known as East Market that takes up an entire city block—from Market to Chestnut Streets and 11th to 12th Streets. The building is quickly filling up with a well-curated mix of shopping, dining and living spaces that developers hope will revitalize the area just east of City Hall. Federal Donuts will join other Philly favorites in the building, including MOM’s Organic Market, Wawa, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Little Baby’s Ice Cream and District Taco. ROOST Apartment Hotel will also run 60 stylish extended-stay rooms in the adjoining residential building, the Ludlow. Those are expected to open later this summer. This will be the seventh location of Federal Donuts, which became the self-proclaimed world’s first fried chicken and donut shop when it opened its inaugural storefront in Pennsport in 2011. In the years since, it has expanded to Rittenhouse, University City and beyond. The menu at t

There are a ton of things to do in Philadelphia this weekend to keep you busy around the clock, but folks from the Friends of Rittenhouse, a group that works to maintain Rittenhouse Square, would appreciate a few extra hands on Saturday morning as they work to spiff up the popular square for summer. If you can spare a few hours, they’ll even give you a handful of delicious treats for your hard work.  All volunteers who swing by to help between 9am and noon on May 12 will receive a free 16-ounce salad from sweetgreen, custard from Shake Shack and macaroons from Sofitel Philadelphia. Duties for the day include planting impatiens, pulling weeds, raking leaves and picking up litter around the park. All supplies are provided, so all you need to bring is a willingness to help (and maybe a little green-thumb expertise if you have it). Photograph: Courtesy Friends of Rittenhouse The cleanup is part of the spring iteration of Love Your Park Week, which kicks off on May 12 and lasts through the 20th. The initiative is a way to get folks out of the house to engage with the city’s green spaces—through volunteer cleanups like the one at Rittenhouse Square on Saturday, but also events such as bird-walking tours, plant sales and an excursion to spot amphibians in Carpenter’s Woods. (See the full lineup of events here.) Most of the cleanups won’t come with free Shake Shack custard, but at least you’ll leave feeling good that you put in some time to keep Philadelphia parks clean and thrivin

This weekend in Philadelphia brings about all kinds of ways to get out and have some fun in the sun. Among the major events happening this weekend is the opening of Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest along the Delaware River. Both attractions bring enough activities to the waterfront—from live music and beer gardens to general hammock-lounging—to keep you busy all summer long. Over in Fairmount Park, adventure seekers will find plenty to love at the debut of Treetop Quest, an outdoor adventureland filled with zip-lining, rope courses and more. If you’re looking for neighborhood block parties, beeline to the IPA, Champagne and Rosé Block Party outside Hawthorne’s Cafe in Bella Vista; and if it’s art you’re after, swing by the PAFA Annual Student Exhibition at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Looking for ways to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend? Tons of restaurants are rolling out special menus, but if you failed to snag a reservation, consider taking her to do some shopping at the Art Star Craft Bazaar at Penn’s Landing, or lounge along the Schuylkill Banks to watch the Dad Vail Regatta. The Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Fair is also open all weekend at 18th and Walnut Streets. On the live-performance front, check out the debut weekend of Brian Sanders JUNK’s innovative Dancing Dead IPX show in an old church, or the equally trippy Séancers at FringeArts. Comedian D.L. Hughley performs at the Merriam Theater, and DJ Marshmello (who you may hav

Last night, at the Trestle Inn, we brought together bar industry folks from across the city for our first-ever Time Out Philadelphia Bar Awards ceremony. With the help of a panel of in-the-know judges, the awards gave us a chance to dole out prizes to the best bars in Philadelphia at this very moment—from promising new joints to iconic dives and even the bartenders and cocktails you need to get acquainted with pronto. We couldn’t have picked a better spot than the Trestle Inn, which is always a blast, with its go-go dancers, old-school funk and soul music and some of the friendliest drink-slingers in town. Spirits flowed all night, courtesy of Bar Awards sponsors Hendrick’s Gin, Flor de Caña and Segura Viudas, who each brought specially made cocktails (or a small bottle of straight up Brut, in the case of Segura) for guests to enjoy. When it came time for the awards presentation, everyone gathered on the dance floor to cheer on all the winners and nominees. It’s clear that bar industry folks make up a tight-knit, supportive community in this city. That fact only helped make the night one big, kick-ass celebration—with winners and nominees alike getting back-pats and high-fives all night long. Check out the full list of winners here, and some photos from the evening below. All photos by Margaret Ferrec David Powell from Flor de Caña serves his special cocktail, the Translation, made with Flor de Caña 4 White, fresh lime, simple syrup, angostura bitters and a lime garnish.

Starting on Friday, swarms of folks will head like mosquitoes to the Delaware River waterfront, which will glow with the lights, sights and sounds of two of summer’s most popular hangouts: Spruce Street Harbor Park and Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest. Here’s what’s in store for this year’s attractions. What’s happening at Spruce Street Harbor Park in 2018 Photograph: Matt Stanley The beer garden and carnival-like promenade opens for the season on Friday, May 11, with all the tidbits you’ve come to know and love. The Boardwalk will buzz with food stalls manned by folks like Franklin Fountain, Village Burger, Chickie’s and Pete’s, Distrito and more selling pizza, tacos, cheesesteaks, fried chicken, funnel cake, doughnuts and ice cream. The floating beer garden known as the Oasis is back with a TBA food and drink lineup, and a whole new display of greenery decorating the barge. Then of course, there are the hammocks, 50 of them to be exact, that hang from light-filled trees throughout the park. Relax there and take in the scene, or take part in some onsite games like bocce, ping pong and shuffleboard. Photograph: Matt Stanley Spruce Street Harbor Park will also play home to a staggering number of events throughout the season, including paddle board yoga, a Jazz in the Park concert series and an event every Friday night called Lights + Flights, which is essentially a beer tasting and light show all in one. The Punk Rock Flea Market and a farmers’ market from Greensgrow Farms

Hot damn! We’ve hoped and hoped for it for weeks and it’s finally here: a weekend that calls for sun and warm temperatures for three days straight. Get out and enjoy it; there’s plenty to do around the city. Of particular note is the opening of three popular beer gardens in Philadelphia—Uptown Beer Garden and both locations of the stunning PHS Pop-Up Gardens. Traveling beer garden Parks on Tap is still rolling around town, too, this time moving out to Mt. Airy for ample suds and BBQ-style grub under the sun. It’s First Friday in Old City, which is perfect, because the nearby Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is all aglow for its first weekend at Franklin Square. Check out some galleries, then head over to take in the illuminated pandas, dragons and samurais. Saturday is going to be one big citywide fiesta, with Cinco de Mayo events and food and drink specials happening all around town (find 10 of our favorite picks here), and the South Street Spring Festival draws thousands to one of Philly’s busiest thoroughfares for a day of outdoor eating, drinking and merrymaking in the streets. Get excited, because that’s one of the first spring and summer festivals in Philadelphia of the season. There are many more to come. On top of all that, there are a handful of theater and art openings, namely the new Renoir exhibition at the The Barnes Foundation (which you can peep for free on Sunday). Get details on all those things and more in our roundup of things to do in Philadelphia thi

On August 11, eight miles of Philadelphia streets—on North Broad Street between City Hall and Erie Avenue—will close to vehicular traffic for the third annual Philly Free Streets event. Mayor Kenney and the city of Philadelphia announced plans today, saying that this will be the largest event of its kind in the city yet. If you’ll remember, the Free Streets event in August was only seven miles, so this time around you’re getting a whole extra mile. Make plans now: Roads will be open that day from 8am to 1pm for pedestrians, bikers, joggers and general gadabouts to stroll freely without the fear of any motorized disturbances, and local organizations and businesses will host events along the route throughout the day.   Photograph: Courtesy Philly Free Streets Philly Free Streets was inspired by the Pope visit in 2015, when much of the city was closed to traffic, allowing folks to walk and pedal wherever they wanted—including, and perhaps most memorably, across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. People loved it so much that the Philly Free Streets initiative was born. The first one happened last September. Then, 10 miles of streets closed—mostly along South Street—and about 30,000 people showed up to take advantage of a blissful, car-free stroll through their city. Like most Philly Street Events, which have drawn tens of thousands of spectators, the August event is meant to highlight a part of town that tends to get overshadowed by more popular areas like Center City. Organizers ho