Society Hill Playhouse advertises itself as ‘theatre for people who don’t think they like theatre.’ No angst ridden, hard to decipher dramas hit the stage here, in fact, comedies are the majority of their productions, because after all, few people object to having a good laugh. Their long-running production of Lafferty’s Wake is an interactive play that uses audience involvement to pull off its theatrical hijinks. Upcoming productions include Motherhood, the Musical: the Good, the Bad and the Laundry and Cooking with the Calamari Sisters. The small, intimate theatre is housed in a Victorian building with pressed tin walls and high ceilings, which lends a charming, cabaret-style ambiance. 

Giorgio on Pine is a rustic trattoria featuring a savory menu of authentic Italian fare. Settle in with a glass of wine – it’s BYOB, but they’re happy to uncork and serve it to you. Fire up your appetite with an antipasti like Mussels & Clams with cognac & herbs, Grilled Caesar Salad, Carpaccio Salad with thinly shaved beef, and Sauteed Calamari with baby shrimp. Move on to a pasta course with something sumptuous like Linguini & Clams, Spaghetti with Baby Shrimp, or Ravioli with fresh basil cream sauce. Other entrees include Veal with Lemon, Loin of Pork, Chicken with Spinach, Grilled Salmon, Grilled Ribeye Steak, and Stuffed Chicken Breast. Pizza is also on the menu. Lunch specials feature three courses for $20.

Giorgio on Pine
1328 Pine St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-6265
http://www.yelp.com/biz/giorgio-on-pine-philadelphia

This lovely Fairmount restaurant has become a local favorite for a number of reasons. When owners Jean-Luc and Rachel emigrated to the United States, they began to miss the simple, flavorful street food of Europe. In 2008, they decided to do something about it and opened the doors at Café L’Aube. The restaurant quickly built up an impressive collection of regulars who rave about the high-quality coffee and delicious crepes. If you’re hungry, the Complete is one of the best savory meals in town – filled with bacon, eggs, and Emmenthaler Swiss cheese, it’s great for breakfast or lunch. The Normandy, stuffed with turkey, Camembert fondue, and caramelized apple, is also a must-try. Diners with a sweet tooth rave about the fresh-baked muffins. There is plenty of comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi internet if you want to make a day of it, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are reasonable.

Café L’Aube
631 Wallace Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 235-2720
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-l-aube-philadelphia-3