At Penn Dining, we’re proud to serve the best—and that includes YOU.
Pret: Best Quick Bite
Fuel Your Penn Experience with the Best in Campus Dining!
Fuel Your Penn Experience with the Best in Campus Dining!
Commons Starbucks: Best Drink Register for your meal plan on Campus Express beginning May 1 and make the most of every meal!
Thank you for voting for Penn Dining!
Fuel Your Penn Experience with the Best in Campus Dining!
At Penn Dining, we’re proud to serve the best—and that includes YOU. EAT SMART. upenn.edu/dining
Thank you for voting for Penn Dining!
Pret: Best Quick Bite
EAT SMART. upenn.edu/dining Register for your meal plan on Campus Express beginning May 1 and make the most of every meal!
Fuel Your Penn Experience with the Best in Campus Dining!
Commons Starbucks: Best Drink Register for your meal plan on Campus Express beginning May 1 and make the most of every meal!
Thank you for voting for Penn Dining!
Thank you for voting for Penn Dining!
Pret: Best Quick Bite
Pret: Best Quick Bite
Pret: Best Quick Bite
At Penn Dining, we’re proud to serve the best—and that includes YOU.
Thank you for voting for Penn Dining!
Commons Starbucks: Best Drink Register for your meal plan on Campus Express beginning May 1 and make the most of every meal!
Commons Starbucks: Best Drink Register for your meal plan on Campus Express beginning May 1 and make the most of every meal!
Pret: Best Quick Bite
Commons Starbucks: Best Drink Register for your meal plan on Campus Express beginning May 1 and make the most of every meal!
EAT SMART. upenn.edu/dining
At Penn Dining, we’re proud to serve the best—and that includes YOU.
Commons Starbucks: Best Drink Register for your meal plan on Campus Express beginning May 1 make the most of every meal! Penn Dining, we’re proud to serve best—and that includes YOU.
Commons Starbucks: Best Drink Register for your meal plan on Campus Express beginning May 1 and make the most of every meal!
At Penn Dining, we’re proud to serve the best—and that includes YOU.
EAT SMART. upenn.edu/dining
At Penn Dining, we’re proud to serve the best—and that includes YOU.
At Penn Dining, we’re proud to serve the best—and that includes YOU.
Fuel Your Penn Experience with the Best in Campus Dining! SMART. upenn.edu/dining you for voting for Penn Dining!
EAT SMART. upenn.edu/dining
EAT SMART. upenn.edu/dining
EAT SMART.
upenn.edu/dining
Content by: Jenna Adiele
Photos by: Devin Khemalaap Abhiram Juvvadi
Arts & Entertainment
Penn’s Choice: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Best Art Gallery Best Date Spot
Website: philamuseum.org
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to masterpieces by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Pablo Picasso. Famous for its “Rocky Steps,” it showcases diverse collections spanning centuries, from American and European art to immersive period rooms and contemporary works. A must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Barnes Foundation Arthur Ross Gallery 2 2 nd nd
Address: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Website: barnesfoundation.org
Address: 220 S. 34th St.
Website: arthurrossgallery.org
Penn’s Choice: White Dog Cafe
Address: 3420 Sansom St.
Website: whitedog.com
This cozy restaurant is a popular spot on campus that’s known for its farm-to-table menu that features locally sourced ingredients and cool dog-themed decorations.
2
nd
The Dandelion
Address: 124 S. 18th St. Website: thedandelionpub.com
rd
3
Barcelona Wine Bar
Address: 1709 East Passyunk Ave. Website: barcelonawinebar.com
Karaoke Spot
Penn’s Choice: Ken’s Seafood Restaurant
Address: 1004 Race St.
Known for its no-frills atmosphere and BYOB policy, it’s the go-to spot for groups looking to enjoy some karaoke while eating fresh seafood and classic Chinese dishes.
Pelicana 2 nd
Address: 4002 Spruce St. Website: pelicanausa.com
3 rd
Sang Kee Noodle House
Address: 3549 Chestnut St.
Website: sangkeenoodlehouse.com
Drinks
Penn’s Choice: Pattaya Restaurant
Address: 4040 Locust St.
Website: pattayarestaurant.com
Pattaya offers a wide range of Thai dishes, with a hint of French influence. They serve traditional Thai dishes, but also specialty menu options such as a rack of lamb or alligator. Their dessert options include mango sticky rice, crispy banana rolls, and thai coconut pudding.
2
Don Barriga
Address: 4443 Spruce St.
nd rd
Website: donbarriga.com
Ambrosia Ristorante
Address: 231 S. 24th St.
Website: ambrosiaphilly.com
Penn’s Choice: Copabanana
Address: 4000 Spruce St.
Website: copabanana.com
Copabanana is known for its delicious margaritas, creative cocktails, and unbeatable happy hour deals. With a fun, laid-back vibe and delicious bar bites, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a long day.
2 nd
Smokey Joe’s
Address: 210 S. 40th St.
Website: smokeyjoesbar.com
3 rd
El Vez
Address: 121 S. 13th St. Website: elvezrestaurant.com
Penn’s Choice: Gong Cha
Address: 3925 Walnut St.
Website: gongchausa.com
Gong Cha is a bubble tea shop known for its customizable drinks and high-quality teas. The menu includes milk teas, small bites, and fruit teas, making it a great spot to grab a drink.
Tea-Do 2 nd
Address: 3816-36 Chestnut St.
Website: teadocafe.com
3 rd
Poké-Man
Address: 3737 Chestnut St.
Address: 43800 Locust Walk
Located conveniently on Locust, with 1920 Commons and Gourmet Grocer right above, “Stommons” is always bustling with students hard at work. It has all the
Address: 3400 Spruce St.
Address: 3901 Walnut St. Penn’s Choice: Haraz Coffee House
Address: 3421 Chestnut St. Website: harazcoffeehouse.com
This coffee shop is known for its rich Yemeni coffee and inviting atmosphere. It’s a great place to go to study, try a different type of coffee, or grab a snack while you hang out with friends.
nd Address: 3816 Chestnut St. Website: parisbaguette.com Sabrina’s Cafe
Address: 227 N. 34th St. Website: sabrinascafe.com
nd
Address: 3675 Market St. Website: elixrcoffee.com
Food
Penn’s Choice: Paris Baguette
Address: 3816 Chestnut St.
Best Bakery Best Brunch Food
Website: parisbaguette.com
Need a quick, convenient cafe to grab breakfast or a sweet treat? Paris Baguette is a fast-casual bakerycafe that serves delicious pastries, cakes, and brewed beverages. It has something for everyone, whether you prefer savory or sweet pastries, and it even has seasonal specials throughout the year. Be sure to also check out their cakes for any upcoming birthday parties!
K’Far Cafe
2 3 nd rd
Address: 110 S. 19th St.
Website: kfarcafe.com
Maison Sweet
Address: 2930 Chestnut St.
Website: maisonsweet.us
Penn’s Choice: Sabrina’s Cafe
Address: 227 N. 34th St.
Website: sabrinascafe.com
Sabrina’s Cafe, located near Drexel University, is known for its extensive brunch menu, including a tasty tofu scramble and multiple savory burger options. It also offers a variety of classic dishes, such as french toast, waffles, and eggs benedict, as well as vegan options.
2 nd
White Dog Cafe
Address: 3402 Sansom St. Website: whitedog.com
Best Burger
Penn’s Choice: Five Guys
Address: 3714 Spruce St.
Website: fiveguys.com
3 rd
The Board And Brew
Address: 3200 Chestnut St. Website: theboardandbrew.com
For a juicy, customizable burger with fresh toppings and hand-cut fries, Five Guys is a fan favorite. With generous portions and good quality ingredients, it’s the go-to spot for a satisfying burger fix.
Shake Shack
1 st Address: 3200 Chestnut St. Website: shakeshack.com
2 nd
Copabanana
Address: 4000 Spruce St.
Website: copabanana.com
Best Cheesesteak
Penn’s Choice: Cleavers Philadelphia
Address: 108 S. 18th St.
Website: cleaversphilly.com
Entering its tenth year, Cleavers Philadelphia is located near Rittenhouse Square offering a modern twist on the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak. Looking for a vegetarian option? They have you covered with a portobello mushroom cheesesteak that’s sure to satisfy your cheesesteak cravings.
Dalessandro’s Steaks
Address: 600 Wendover St.
Website: dalessandros.com
Best Late Night Food
Penn’s Choice: McDonald’s
Address: 3935 Walnut St.
Website: mcdonalds.com
2 nd
Raising Cane’s
Address: 3925 Walnut St.
Website: raisingcanes.com
Best Dessert
Penn’s Choice: Kiwi Yogurt
Address: 3606 Chestnut St.
Address: 214 Market St.
Website: camposdeli.com
This McDonald’s, conveniently located on Penn’s campus, is a reliable go-to for quick, satisfying bites. With 24-hour service and classic favorites like fries, nuggets, and burgers, it’s the perfect spot to curb those midnight cravings.
Wawa
Address: 3744 Spruce St.
Website: wawa.com
Mango Mango Dessert Campo’s Deli
Website: kiwifrozenyogurt.com
This self-serve frozen yogurt spot offers endless topping options and is the perfect place for a sweet and refreshing treat. Whether you keep it classic or get creative, it’s a fun and delicious way to satisfy your dessert cravings.
Address: 1013 Cherry St.
nd nd rd rd nd
Website: mangomangodessert.com
Paris Baguette
Address: 3816 Chestnut St.
Website: parisbaguette.com
Address:
Website:
Best Fine Dining
Address:
Website:
Website:
Best Pizza
Address: 3942 Spruce St.
Website: allegropizza.com
Address: 4438 Chestnut St.
Website: dominos.com
Address: 125 S. 40th St.
Website: zestopizzaucity.com
Address: 248 S. 11th St.
Website: middlechildphilly.com
With
Address: 227 N. 34th St.
Website: sabrinascafe.com
Address: 3601 Market St.
Website: schmearit.com
Best Salad
Penn’s Choice: Honeygrow Just Salad
Address: 3401 Walnut St.
Address: 3728 Spruce St. Website: honeygrow.com
Honeygrow offers fresh, customizable salad bowls, which are great for a healthy yet filling meal. It has a variety of options, so it’s a great choice for students who want something easy and fresh.
Penn’s Choice: EMei
Runners-up: Han Dynasty, Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House
Penn’s Choice: Greek Lady
Runners-up: CAVA, South Street Souvlaki
Penn’s Choice: Amma’s South Indian Cuisine
Runners-up: New Delhi, Virasat Haveli
Penn’s Choice: Giuseppe & Sons
Runners-up: Osteria Ama, Angelino’s Resturant
Penn’s Choice: Double Knot and Terakawa Ramen
Website: justsalad.com
This is a great choice for a fresh meal where you can mix in a wide variety of greens, proteins, and toppings. This is a convenient location for students to grab something quick yet satisfying.
Penn’s Choice: Bonchon
Runners-up: Pelicana, Kimchi House @ Koreana
Penn’s Choice: Don Barriga
Runners-up: South Philly Barbacoa, Loco Pez
Penn’s Choice: Monster Vegan
Runners-up: Goldie, HipCityVeg
Penn’s Choice: Pattaya Restaurant
Runners-up: Grandma’s Philly, Thai Singha House Runner-up: UNI Japanese Cuisine
Penn’s Choice: Phở & Café Saigon
Runners-up: Phở 75, Vietnam Cafe
Housing
Penn’s Choice: The Chestnut
Address: 3720 Chestnut St.
Website: thechestnutucity.com
This premier apartment community offers top-tier amenities, such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop lounge, and modern co-working spaces. With luxury living and convenience in mind, it’s a top choice.
University Realty Domus
Address: 4200 Ludlow St.
nd rd
Website: universityrealtyapartments.com
Penn’s Choice: The Quad
Address: 3700 Spruce St.
Website: collegehouses.upenn.edu
Address: 3411 Chestnut St.
Instagram: domus_apartments
One of Penn’s most iconic first-year dorms, the Quad is known for its classic college feel and for offering a good sense of community for new students.
Lauder College House
Address: 3335 Woodland Walk
Website: collegehouses.upenn.edu/lauder
Penn’s Choice: Apartments at Penn
Address: 416 S. 41st St.
Website: apartmentsatpenn.com
2 2 nd nd
Paloma
Address: 3600 Lancaster Ave.
Website: palomauniversitycity.com
The Clark 3 3 rd rd
Hill College House
Address: 3333 Walnut St.
Website: collegehouses.upenn.edu/hill
All of the properties managed by Apartments at Penn are pet-friendly — a rarity in University City. It has been around for more than 30 years and continues to be a top choice for students when they move off campus.
Address: 4519 Chestnut St.
Website: theclarkphilly.com
Address: 3720 Chestnut St.
Website: thechestnutucity.com
The Chestnut is a
Address: 4043 Walnut St.
Website: livecampusapts.com
Founded
Address: 780 S. 52nd St.
Website: irvineapt.com
Linden
Address: 4224 Baltimore Ave.
Website: thelinden.life
Cleavers,
Rittenhouse
Address: 4104 Walnut St.
Website: universitycityassociates.com
Address: 3418 Sansom St.
Website: universitycityhousing.com
Self-Care
Best Gym or Fitness Studio
Penn’s Choice: Barry’s Philadelphia
Address: 1911 Sansom St.
Website: barrys.com
For a high-intensity, full-body workout, Barry’s Philadelphia offers top-tier training with its signature Red Room experience. Combining cardio and strength training in a motivating atmosphere, it’s the go-to spot for a fun and effective workout.
2
3 nd rd
YogaSix Rittenhouse Fit Gym
Address: 1701 Walnut St.
Website: yogasix.com
Best Barbershop
Penn’s Choice: Philly Cuts
Address: 4409 Chestnut St.
Website: phillycuts.org
Address: 4419 Ludlow St.
Website: fitgymphilly.com
This barbershop and beauty salon is known for offering clean cuts and friendly service for both men and women. Located near campus, it has flexible appointment times and accepts walk-ins.
Joseph Anthony Hairstyling
Address: 3743 Walnut St.
Best Hair Salon
Penn’s Choice: Crimson Hair Studio
Address: 1710 Sansom St.
Website: crimsonphilly.com
2 2 nd nd
Joseph Anthony Hairstyling
Address: 3743 Walnut St.
3 3 rd rd
Michael’s Custom Cut
Address: 4002 Spruce St.
This salon is known for offering quality cuts, coloring services, and a good overall experience. It’s a great place to go if you want to change up your hair and treat yourself.
Salon Oko
Address: 1943 Callowhill St.
Website: salonoko.com
Best Eyelashes
Address: 244 Bala Ave.
Website: dreamslashbar.com
This lash shop has a relaxing atmosphere and offers polished lash work, allowing clients to feel
Address: 1302 South St.
Website: lashbarphila.com
Address: 1104 Spring Garden St.
Website: alpha-luxelashes.com
Best Waxing/Threading
Address: 2007 Chestnut St.
Website: threadbarsalon.com
This minority- and women-owned threading salon is located in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. From threading to tinting to brow lamination, this salon will have you looking your best when you leave.
Address: 1733 Chestnut St.
Website: sugaredandbronzed.com
Beauty Studio
Address: 14 S. 40th St.
Website: rubyzbeautystudio.com
Penn’s Choice: House of Our Own Books
Address: 3920 Spruce St.
Website: shopsatpenn.com/house-our-own-books
This cozy, independently owned bookstore near campus has a lot of charm. It is a great place to browse different books or find a specific title.
Address: 3601 Walnut St.
Website: upenn.bncollege.com
Address: 220 S. 40th St.
Website: shopsatpenn.com/last-word-bookshop
Penn’s Choice: The Second Mile Center
Address: 214 S. 45th St.
Instagram: secondmilecenter
Affordable and full of hidden gems, The Second Mile Center is a favorite for thrifting in Philadelphia. With a wide selection of clothes, books, furniture, and more, it’s the perfect spot to score great finds on a budget.
Address: 2804 W. Girard Ave.
Penn’s Choice: Hello World Modern Mercantile Penn Bookstore
Address: 3661 Walnut St.
Website: shophelloworld.com
Vintage
Address: 617 E. Passyunk Ave.
nd nd nd
Address: 3406 Sansom St. Website: retrorewindvt.com Instagram: raxxvintage Website: avril50.com
Chic, quirky, and full of charm, Hello World Modern Mercantile is the perfect place to find unique gifts, home goods, and accessories.
Address: 107 S. 13th St. Website: openhouseliving.com
Address: 1720 Walnut St.
Website: lululemon.com
Combining performance and style, Lululemon is the go-to brand for high-quality athleisure wear. From comfortable leggings to sleek workout gear, it’s perfect for everything from hitting the gym to running errands in style.
Address: 1608 Walnut St.
Website: laloyoga.com
Address: 1619 Walnut St.
Website: newbalance.com
Address: 3551 Chestnut St.
Website: uofprosesflorist.com
Known for stunning arrangements and fresh flowers, Roses Florist delivers beautiful bouquets for every occasion. With friendly service and creative designs, it’s Philadelphia’s go-to spot for all things floral.
Address: 500 S. 22nd St.
Website: puredesignflorist.com
Address: 1020 N. 5th St.
Website: riehsflowers.net
Penn Related
Best A Cappella Group
Penn’s Choice: Penny Loafers
Instagram: upennloafers
Website: thepennyloafers.com
The Penny Loafers, or Loaf, are celebrating 40 years of a cappella this year. Loaf is a self-described allgender indie-pop group, who competed in the International Championship of A Cappella for the first time in 2024.
Penn Off The Beat
Instagram: pennoffthebeat
nd rd
Website: pennoffthebeat.com
Best Dance Group
Penn’s
Choice:
Instagram: strictlyfunk
PennYo
Instagram: pennyoacappella
Website: pennyo.us
Strictly Funk Pan-Asian Dance Troupe
Strictly Funk is a hip hop and contemporary dance group that is known for having high energy and amazing performances. This group brings dancers of different styles and backgrounds and creates performances that are unforgettable.
Penn Club
Website: panasiandance.com &
Founded in 2001, this Asian fusion dance troupe puts on annual shows on-campus, teaches workshops on traditional, modern, and fusion choreography, and performs at events both on and off campus.
Penn’s Choice: The Mask And Wig Club
Instagram: maskandwig
Website: maskandwig.com
The Mask and Wig Club delivers hilarious, high-energy performances with a rich tradition. Known for sharp wit, original music, and standout talent, it’s a Penn institution that never fails to entertain.
SPEC Film 2 nd
Instagram: specfilmpenn
Website: specevents.net/film
The Signal Society 3 rd
Instagram: signal.penn
Website: thesign.al
This department is loved by so many because of its wide offerings. You can take a class on everything from world film history to screenwriting and production. The department also offers a twoweek program abroad to the Cannes Film Festival.
2
3
Starting in 1973, Spring Fling has been the largest student festival at Penn. The annual event consists of two parts: the night time concert on Friday and the themed-festival on Saturday afternoon, both held at Penn Park.
2
Wharton Finance Hey Day! Computer and Information Science Housing Fair
( We ' r e ke e p i ng i t a nyw a y. )
( We ' r e ke e p i ng i t a nyw a y. )
( We ' r e ke e p i ng i t a nyw a y. )
T h a nk y ou, P e nn. Wi nni ng Be st C lub a nd Be st P e r for m i ng Gr oup
T h a nk y ou, P e nn. Wi nni ng Be st C lub a nd Be st P e r for m i ng Gr oup t th 'll p p l p
m e a ns m or e to us th a n we 'll e ve r p r op e r ly e xp r e ss.
T h a nk y ou, P e nn. Wi nni ng Be st C lub a nd Be st P e r for m i ng Gr oup
( We ' r e ke e p i ng i t a nyw a y. ) T h a nk y ou, P e nn. Wi nni ng Be st C lub a nd Be st P e r for m i ng Gr oup
B
m e a ns m or e to us th a n we 'll e ve r p r op e r ly e xp r e ss. w w w mas k and w ig com
Best Quick Bite Between Class
Penn’s Choice: Pret A Manger
Address: 3730 Walnut St.
Website: pret.com
This is the perfect spot for a quick drink, meal, or snack in between classes. They have a range of sandwiches, soups, coffees, and baked goods that are delicious and they also accept dining dollars.
Address: 3401 Walnut St.
Website: shopsatpenn.com/franklins-table
Best Study Spot
Penn’s Choice: Van Pelt Library
Address: 3420 Walnut St.
Website: library.upenn.edu/vanpelt
Address: 255 S. 36th St.
Instagram: williamscafe
Van Pelt is the primary library of Penn, and for good reason! You can book group and solitary study spaces, print your class readings, and borrow anything from camera equipment to musical instruments.
Address: 3317 Chestnut St.
Address: 3610 Hamilton Walk
Best Professor
Penn’s Choice: Anne Duchene
Department: Economics
Duchene is one of the most widely known professors on campus, teaching hundreds of students in ECON 0100 every fall. She connects classroom concepts to real-world applications and regularly updates the textbook to reflect current events.
2
Robert Ghrist
Department: Electrical and Systems Engineering & Mathematics
3 nd rd
Rajiv Gandhi
Department: Computer and Information Science
Best Penn Pre-Professional Club
Website:
Website:
Website:
Penn’s Choice: The Mask And Wig Club
Runners-up: Pan-Asian Dance Troupe, Arts House Dance Company
Penn’s Choice: Pottruck Center
Runners-up: Fox Fitness Center, Penn Park
Penn’s Choice: The Daily Pennsylvanian
Runners-up: Williams Cafe, The Record
Penn’s Choice: Penn Traditions
Runners-up: Bridge To Math, STEP
Most Instagramable Spot
Penn’s Choice: Fisher Fine
With its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere, Fisher Fine Arts Library is known for its creative atmosphere and character. This is a beautiful place to admire and take pictures which is why it’s the best instagramable spot.
3 nd rd
Address: 220 S. 34th St. Penn Bookstore, 2nd Floor | www.upenn.edu/penncard 215-417-CARD | penncard@upenn.edu
Address: 433 S. University Ave.
Website: kaskeypark.bio.upenn.edu
Kaskey
Address: 3000 Walnut St.
Address: 4000 Woodland Ave.
Shop Penn offers 60+ stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, all set in a beautiful, historic campus. With a mix of popular brands and local favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Shop Penn offers 60+ stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, all set in a beautiful, historic campus. With a mix of popular brands and local favorites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
