Bryce Harper asked for it, so we made him a list of Philly hot spots

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Bryce Harper is going to be a new resident of the Philadelphia area in the coming weeks and with that, he wants to know, well… he pretty much wants suggestions for EVERYTHING about Philadelphia.

So we’re here to help.

Harper took to his Instagram earlier this week to ask for recommendations from Philly residents on the best of what Philly has to offer, from food to art to music.

We thought we’d go through his list pictured below and try and help a slugger out. We want Bryce to be more comfortable in our city than he is playing right field.

And while sports bloggers are traditionally known for having the best taste in everything, we’ll also link out to some resources we find very useful.

Restaurants

Philadelphia is a truly wonderful food city. Ask 10 residents and you’ll get 10 different favorite restaurants. Use Eater.com’s Essential 38 Philadelphia restaurants as a jump off point. And follow Philly.com’s Craig Laban. Read everything he writes about food in this wonderful city. He will very rarely steer you wrong. Mike Klein is another good resource on new spots in town. Philly Mag is also solid for lists.

Personally, I can’t wait to eat the spicy pizza and hoagies while washing them down with some natural wines at the new Joe Beddia pizzeria set to open in Fishtown. Any day now.

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First pizza.Second pizzeria

A post shared by joe beddia (@pizzacamp) on Mar 4, 2019 at 4:47pm PST

And I know you athletes love steak. Barclay Prime and Butcher and Singer are both tops. Pricey, but we know you can afford it. Let me know if you need a dining companion. I’m very polite. 

Breakfast

LeBron James is a fan of Sabrina’s Cafe when he’s in town and you can’t go wrong with one of their locations, preferably the original. A lot of people will tell you Green Eggs Cafe and Honey’s Sit and Eat. They’re fine, perhaps overrated. The best breakfast spot is the one around the corner from your new crib. Ask one of your new neighbors. If you happen to land near South Street, give Ant’s Pants Cafe’s sweet potato hash a chance — 100% sports blogger approved.

Lunch

It’s hard to go wrong in the Reading Terminal Market. Options abound here and you can pick up some cannoli or cookies for later to share with the team while they’re playing Fortnite in the clubhouse. DiNic’s roast pork is worth seeking out. John’s Roast Pork isn’t too far from Citizens Bank Park either. What we’re trying to say is get to know the joy of a roast pork sandwich. Federal Donuts’ chicken sandwich is a quick and easy tasty treat if you’re in a pinch.

Dinner

We got you started above under “restaurants.” And I hear the Phillies’ chef at CBP can make a mean plate for your postgame plane ride though.

If you’re taking the wife out: Zahav, Vernick, Suraya, Laurel, Vetri. Do a tasting downstairs at Double Knot. So many options. We hear Ben Simmons and Kendall Jenner like Parc. If you can’t get a rez anywhere, pop in to Cheu Noodle Bar. All wonderful and delicious.

Ice cream

If you end up near Little Baby’s or Weckerly’s, you’ll scream with happiness. I’m partial to Big Gay Ice Cream’s cone where they inject the soft serve with a salted caramel. It’s so wrong, it’s right. Then there’s Franklin Fountain in old city. Get one of the brownie sundaes and thank us later. Just DON'T go there with Gabe Kapler whatever you do.

And Bryce, this is Philadelphia. WOODER ICE. Definitely seek out John’s Water Ice. And from anywhere in the city, be cool, eat a Rita’s.

Things to do

You’ll likely want to ring the bell at a Sixers game or sit next to your pal Mike Trout at an Eagles game. Otherwise, give the folks from Visit Philly's Uwishunu a click and check out their frequently updated list of events around town. Did you hear there’s a bell with a crack in it? It’s true. Watch the Nic Cage classic “National Treasure” for a quick history lesson.

Have you seen our rivers? Take a jog passed Boat House Row up towards Manayunk. Enjoy the summer vibes at Spruce Street Harbor Park. Go ice skating at the River Rink in the winter. Just don't get hurt. PLEASE. Maybe pull a Joel Embiid and show up at the softball fields in Fairmount Park and take a few swings with the people.

Pilates places

Sorry, sports blogger here. Maybe ask Gabe? He's in decent shape.

Best art and live music venues

There is at least one famous museum in town you’ve likely seen in a movie. Don’t just run up the steps. Get in there. And don’t miss the Barnes down the street. Get to know First Friday for the smaller local artists. And take in all the murals around town, maybe on a tour.

Philly has so many options for live music. The Fillmore, Union Transfer, World Cafe Live, the newly refurbished Met, whatever they’re calling the Electric Factory these days, the Mann Center, Union Transfer, Boot and Saddle, the TLA, the Kimmel Center and the Academy of Music, etc.

I bet you can get good seats to see The Who at Citizens Bank Park this summer too. If you can’t, I’ve got a guy.

Local hot spots

Basically the entire city in the months of July and August. Hit up the Jersey shore to cool off.

We know you don't drink, so the plethora of beer gardens and breweries may not be your thing, but your friends from Vegas may enjoy.

Farmers market

We mentioned Reading Terminal earlier. Good spot for some fresh groceries. There’s a good chance you may end up living near Rittenhouse Square, so check out their weekend market. You may enjoy a day trip to Lancaster or the Green Dragon in Ephrata. Like breakfast, the best farmer’s market tends to be the one closest to your new crib. Ask a neighbor.

Best Italian market

Sorry. Philly doesn’t have any of those.

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