Wonder, a new kind of food hall which lets customers enjoy dishes from some of the world’s best chefs and award-winning restaurants in one order, is opening its newest location in University City next week. This will be Wonder’s third location in Philadelphia and eighth in the greater Philadelphia region.

Wonder allows customers to order from multiple restaurants in a single transaction, with all items prepared fresh in one location. The University City kitchen will feature the full roster of Wonder’s chef partners, including Bobby Flay, Jose Andres, and Marcus Samuelsson, all of which are available for dine-in, pickup or delivery through Wonder’s app throughout University City.

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If you have wanted to explore University City/West Philly area restaurants, here’s a great chance.

University City Dining Days, is returning from July 17th through July 27th. This year’s event, organized by University City District (UCD), will include over 25 local restaurants and eateries. During these 11 days, guests can enjoy three-course meals for lunch or dinner for the set prices of $20, $30, or $40.

Dining Days offers a great opportunity to sample the area’s diverse restaurant scene at reduced prices while boosting business for eateries during the slower summer months. This is a great chance to try something new or revisit a neighborhood classic.

Participants this year include returning favorites Han Dynasty, Sabrina’s Cafe, and New Delhi along with first-time participants Haraz Coffee House, Lulu Cafe, and Corio.

Please note that all the reservations should be made directly at a restaurant of your choice. See the full list of participating restaurants and their contact info, plus Dining Days menus by visiting ucdiningdays.com.

The June 2025 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll map featuring the participating businesses, activities and specials.

The first 2025 Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll is set to return on Thursday, June 5. As usual, you can stroll up and down Baltimore Avenue (between 40th and 51st Streets) and enjoy $1, $3, and $5 deals from dozens of local businesses and neighborhood vendors. The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.

In addition to the deals, there will be live music and entertainment all along Baltimore Ave. Check out a jazz performance by Gretchen Elise at Trolley Portal Gardens (40th and Baltimore), an activity zone at the HMS School parking lot (44th and Baltimore), the All Love Block Party at 48th Street near Calvary Church featuring DJs, interactive activities, and food and merchandise from community vendors, plus Double Dutch at 50th and Baltimore.

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UPDATE (5/20/25): The restaurant began dine-in lunch service on Tuesday, May 20, and now offers takeout and dine-in lunch on Mondays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

(5/16/25): Corio, a neighborhood restaurant and takeaway serving pizzas, homemade pastas, curated wines, craft cocktails, and more in an Italian Modernism-inspired space, will open this spring in uCity Square at 3675 Market St., next door to Liberty Kitchen and Two Locals Brewing Company.

The new restaurant is a collaboration between three Vernick Food & Drink alumni: Chef David Feola (former Chef and Partner of Ember & Ash), General Manager and Beverage Director James Smith, and Ryan Mulholland, who is also currently the Director of Operations at CookNSolo.

Corio’s menu features creative twists on Italian cuisine with regional American specialties. It will include a variety of small plates, salads, pizzas, and pastas. Lunch will have an addition of sandwiches and dinner will have several entrees. A seasonal and classic cocktail menu will include flavors that complement the food menu with inspirations from Italy, and the wine menu will include selections from well-known staples to unique varietals.

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The University City District (UCD) has recently announced the dates for its popular summer events, from the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll to Movies in Clark Park. Each summer, UCD partners with local businesses, restaurants, arts and culture organizations and performers to bring these fun events to community members. So mark your calendar with these dates and stay tuned for more details.

• The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll will return on Thursday, June 5 and Thursday, Sept. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. During this unique event, Baltimore Avenue businesses and community vendors offer $1, $3, and $5 bargains between 40th and 51st Streets.

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Schmear Bagel Parlor is now open at 44th and Spruce. (Schmear Instagram photo)

The wait is over. Spruce Hill-based bagel lovers can finally get their daily fix of fresh bagels and schmears at a newly opened Schmear Bagel Parlor at 265 S. 44th Street.

The shop owners, Penn alumni Dave Fine and Brett Weinheimer, announced their plans to take over the space, formerly occupied by Lil Pop Shop, last spring. They also announced a cooperation with Lil Pop Shop which continued selling popsicles at that location through the fall. After being closed for renovation since December, the store has reopened this week as Schmear Bagel Parlor.

Philadelphia’s first Schmear Bagel Parlor location will have a brand-new menu, plus “you can enjoy Lil Pop Shop popsicles, Weckerly’s Ice Cream sandwiches, and Rival Bros. coffee all day,” according to Schmear’s Instagram post. Initial hours of operation will be Monday and Tuesday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and Wednesday-Sunday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

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