Four Things In Philadelphia Not to Miss This Month
- Viva la Mexico: It’s a great month to celebrate Mexico, and its drinking and dining traditions. El Techo Philly has a rooftop fiesta planned for, yes, Cinco de Mayo, with free tacos included in your ticket, and Cinco parties are also planned at Cantina La Martina in Kensington and Jenkintown — each with food and drink specials and a DJ. A few days later on May 8, Jose Garces’ foundation is hosting a Latin Night Market-themed fundraiser at Live! Casino & Hotel. Keep the Mexican love going all month by checking out LMNO, Sor Ynéz, Tequilas Restaurant (new to the Hit List this month), and La Chinesca, with its cool scene at this warm-weather time of year.
- The Mother of All Celebrations: Your mom called … May 11 is Mother’s Day and it’s time to make plans. Options we’re especially into include brunch at Rex at the Royal or Lacroix, lunch at South (ideally, paired with a jazz show featuring Warren Oree’s Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble), an upscale vegan dinner at Vedge, or an alfajore-making class at Jezabel’s. And of course, if you’re feeling yes to brunch but not necessarily for Mother’s Day, our comprehensive guide has all the suggestions you could want.
- Sundays, Settled: The second Sunday of every month at Fond is now Prime Rib Night. For $65, you get French onion soup or an endive salad with warm bacon dressing, a 12-ounce prime rib with potatoes au gratin, seasonal vegetables, au jus, horseradish cream, and dessert, like a slice of chocolate cream pie. Stop for a nightcap — like a Philthy Martini with pickle brine — at Two Fourteen in the nearby town Media, known for its cute, strollable downtown. If you’re still in a meaty mood this May, we also love Alpen Rose, one of our splurge-worthy restaurants, for its 38-ounce tomahawk (and baked Alaska).
- Flavors of the Month: With both Jewish American Heritage Month and AAPI Heritage Month in May, consider visiting a Jewish- or Asian-owned establishment. Among the latter: Little Fish is one of Philly’s best BYOBs, while Libertee Grounds makes for a great, activity-driven date spot. As for Jewish-owned spots, Michael Solomonov’s array of Israel-inspired restaurants — Zahav, Dizengoff, Jaffa Bar, and Laser Wolf, with its breezy outdoor dining option — will keep you busy.
New to the Hit List (May 2025)
Hannah K Cafe, Meetinghouse Bar and Beer Company, Sergeantsville Inn, Tequilas Restaurant.
