1. Koch's Deli (43rd and Locust)
The best sandwiches in Philly - hands down. Though Bob Koch is dead (RIP, man), the new ownership has maintained ALL of Koch's tradtions, from making you wait in line for hours to handing out enough free samples of meat to make you full by the time you get your food.
2. Wizzards (38th and Chestnut - downstairs)
If you were looking for David Copperfield, you're in the wrong place.Wizzards is a (there's no kosher way to say it) strip joint. If you're looking for voluptuous beauties or a great place for a bachelor party, look no further than the basement of Chili's.
3. Beijing (Spruce between 37th and 38th)
On the outside it looks like traditional mediocre Chinese fare and on the inside it is.except what you don't know is that Beijing is a BYOB - so stock some wine, beer, or moonshine and turn that Sweet and Sour Chicken into a Midori Sour and Chicken.
4. Video Library (4046 Locust)
You don't need to be "like so indie" to love this store, but you should have an appreciation for quirky and classic flicks. Don't expect the vast selection of Blockbuster, but do expect great recommendations from the hipster staff.
5. Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore)
If you need some fresh air, remember that if a tree can grow in Brooklyn, then three dozen can grow in West Philly. From independent music makers (banging on a trash can, drumming on a streetlight)) and hippies feigning athletesicm at the volleyball net, to frisbee-chasing dogs and youth soccer games, Clark Park is a little piece of utopia right here in West Philly.
6. The Beer Distributor (43rd and Walnut)
Yeah, you want beer. They got beer. They scare the crap out of you at the door by photocopying your fake ID, but then they let you shop - so don't be afraid.
7. Wine and Spirits (41st and 42nd on Market)
So PA sucks and all the liquor stores are run by the government, which means they close at 9 p.m. and are not open on Sundays and the prices are high and the selection is "ehhh," but this is the best of what's around. Remember they don't sell beer here, only wine and liquor!
8. Trade Winds Aquarium & Pet Center (29 S 40th St.)
If you want to buy a ferret to put in your arch nemisis' room, some cat to fry for dinner (ahhh, those Shanghai nights) or a cuddly goldfish named Greggers, this is the one-stop shop for your grimy pet-fiend needs.
9. The Bio Pond (behind the Quadrangle)
For a spot to blaze, some inner-city fishing or a place to take your date for a creepy one-on-one chat, check out this nature reserve. It's nestled between the radiation-emitting buildings of the Biology Department.
