Rumor has it Philadelphia is one of the funnest cities in the country. It may not be as shiny as New York or as star-studded as LA, but darn it, Philly is fun. Now, upon visiting Philadelphia for the first time you may be tempted to wait in line to see the Liberty Bell even if you’re not really sure why. That’s all good and fine, as long as you save time for local watering holes and foodie havens. Using Localicious and Foursquare we’ve complied a list of the most popular haunts in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of central Philly.

Parc

Paris in the middle of Philly? Yeah, why not. This French bistro is a pillar in Steven Starr’s culinary empire in Philadelphia and boasts both fresh Parisian cuisine and chic outdoor seating along the edges of Rittenhouse Square Park. From the omelettes to the mussels to the French onion soup, it’s impossible to go wrong at this place.

Monk’s Cafe

Little known fact – French fries actually originated in Belgium. It’s true. And Monk’s Cafe pays homage to them in the most delectable way possible. They also pay homage to the beers of the old country, and you know what they say about Belgium beers – once you go Belgium you never go Budweiser.

Village Whiskey

The ultimate foodie burgers have a home at Village Whiskey where locals can’t get enough of Jose Garces’ famous Whiskey Burgers. While $26 might seem a bit outrageous for a burger, it’s well worth it. Especially if you, like the rest of Philadelphia, love food.

Good Dog Bar and Restaurant

Good Dog Bar and Restaurant can be summed up simply as – amazing food, comfortable vibe and lots and lots of doggie pictures. It is the quintessential “fun” Philadelphia bar that absolutely will not disappoint.

BONUS

Though not located in near Rittenhouse Square, the most popular Philly cheesesteak spot is Pat’s King of Steaks. Passing this up is borderline sacrilegious.

And yes, it is always sunny in Philadelphia.

We all know the feeling – you’re hungry in a new city or neighborhood, and wander into a big flashy restaurant that is quite obviously a tourist trap.  It doesn’t feel good.  Especially when you know there’s better food around… but where?

Good thing Localicious is launching next week so you’ll never have that problem again.  We make it super easy to quickly find great places to eat, drink and play in thousands of neighborhoods across the county.  And to prove it, we’ve used our Localicious superpowers to devise a handy guide of must-hit haunts in dozens of major neighborhoods.

Our first installment starts in the neighborhoods of Downtown and Belltown in the city of Seattle.  These two neighborhoods have literally hundreds and hundreds of restaurants, but there are just a few standouts that the locals go gaga over.

For Breakfast: Lola

Lola is the first of two Tom Douglas restaurants on this list because he’s just that good.  This Mediterranean inspired treasure serves up mind-boggling breakfasts that you won’t come close to anywhere else.  Tip: Try Tom’s Big Breakfast with braised octopus.

For Lunch: Piroshky Piroshky

As a tourist you’ll no doubt be spending most of your day at Pike Place Market, but don’t be lured in by uber touristy spots with overpriced food.  Instead, head for the Bourdain favorite, Piroshky Piroshky, where locals and tourists alike line up, rain or more rain, for those flaky, buttery pockets of pleasure.  Tip: Beef and Cheese. Period.

For Dinner: Serious Pie

Serious Pie is seriously popular because Tom Douglas is a serious genius.  These Seattle-style pizzas are a bit pricey but those blistered crusts and farm fresh toppings are beyond worth it.  Tip: Get there early because this place has serious lines.

For Happy Hour:  Umi Sake House

Umi’s is a Belltown institution for sake, Sapporo and sushi loving locals.  Although there are probably better Japanese restaurants in Seattle, none come close to the consistent, lively atmosphere that keeps patrons pouring hour after hour, year after year.  Tip: Plan your day around their Happy Hour hours.

For Drinks: Shorty’s

Shorty’s, the mecca for local bike messengers and pinball wizards, is a classic Belltown bar. Embrace the hyper-local vibe of 2^nd Ave with an Oly (Olympia Beer), a Shorty Dog and be prepared to drop some serious quarters into dozens of pinball machines spanning decades. Tip: Check out the Trophy Room in the back (open from Wed to Sun).