🍔 Where to find Philly’s best burgers

Order Up at These Burger Joints

We know cheesesteaks are the sandwiches that Philly is famous for, but we have mouth-watering burgers, too. And yet with the price of beef up, we need to find burgers on a budget. Thankfully City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and food contributor Alisha Miranda shared their top cheap burger recs (and don’t worry, veggie burgers are mentioned, too). [🎧City Cast Philly]

Mayor Parker’s 2025 Report Card

As this year winds down, so does Mayor Parker’s second year as Philadelphia’s 100th mayor. It was a big and challenging year for the city, from the opioid epidemic and citywide strike to increased ICE enforcement and a big rollback in federal funding. So how did our mayor address these issues, and was it the right approach? [🔒The Inquirer]

• Related: Here are the other major news stories from 2025 in Philly. [🎧City Cast Philly]

Philly’s Housing Victories

One of the mayor’s major challenges this year was getting her H.O.M.E. initiative off the ground. And there were other smaller changes in housing policy this year, from the creation of an anti-displacement fund for tenants to a law allowing renters to pay their security deposits in installments. [🎧City Cast Philly, WHYY]

Community Mourns Death of Local DJ Killed While Biking

Philadelphia Police are searching for the driver who struck and killed 54-year-old June Rodriguez in Overbrook on Saturday. Rodriguez was riding his bike along 56th Street and Lancaster Avenue, returning from a shift at Bob and Barbara’s. He is the seventh person killed while riding a bike in Philly this year. [NBC10]

• Related: Philly Bike Action organizer Dave Talone recently spoke to us about the push for more protected bike lanes to prevent cyclist deaths. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Party on the Parkway

If you’re searching for New Year’s Eve plans, Mayor Parker announced details for the city’s New Year’s Eve concert. Gates open at 6 p.m., with no ticket required. The concert, with musical guests LL Cool J and Philly’s own DJ Jazzy Jeff, will begin at 8 p.m. [6ABC]

Philadelphia has one of the hottest food scenes in the country — just ask the Michelin Guide, which awarded three Philly restaurants a Michelin star this year.

Since our culinary landscape is constantly growing and changing, we’re here to help you stay on top of it all. Here’s a recap of some of the Philly restaurants, bars, cafés, and other food spots that have recently opened.

Manong | 1833 Fairmount Ave. (Fairmount)

The Phillypino food scene continues to grow. Fans of Filipino BYOB Tabachoy will be excited to hear that its “big brother” restaurant is finally open. Manong is ‘90s-inspired grillhouse with menu items including prime rib, blooming mushroom, and lumpia. Nostalgic guests will recognize details from a decade gone by, including a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade game and a playlist with the ’90s’ biggest hits.

Banshee | 1600 South St. (Graduate Hospital)

Get a taste of Europe while staying stateside. Banshee, the latest addition to South Street West’s bustling restaurant scene, takes inspiration from France, Spain, and England. Enjoy Spanish mackerel, Berkshire pork collar, and great white oysters. If you’re headed for the bar, seats are available for walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis.

Second Hand Ranch | 1148 Frankford Ave. (Fishtown)

Head down to this bank-turned-saloon for a full cowboy experience. Second Hand Ranch is your one-stop shop for vintage threads, hot dogs, and beer. The hybrid space’s saloon is serving up Western inspired cocktails like Gold Rush and Spicy Saddle. A full food menu will be available in February.

Trung Nguyên Legend | 113-117 Washington Ave. (Pennsport)

Move over, Starbucks. One of Vietnam’s biggest coffee brands is setting up shop in South Philly. Popular drinks include affogato, tiramisu latte, and a sparkling espresso. If the beautiful interiors aren’t enough for you, go upstairs for rooftop views. This is a good spot if you need a caffeine boost late in the day or a place to hang out after work that isn’t a bar. This cafe is open until 8:30 p.m.

Old City Kava | 40 S. 2nd Street (Old City)

If you’re looking for more alcohol-free options as Dry January approaches, check out this new botanical beauty in the city. Stocked with tea from Northern Liberties’ Random Tea Room, customers can pick blends that match their needs from digestive relief to immune resistance. This is another space open late, opening some days at 8 a.m. and closing as late as 2 a.m., giving Philadelphians more places to socialize without the booze.