OLD CITY. Where do they mix Philly's top martinis? Many folks'd tell you it's at the white-toned bar of Market Street's über urbane diner, The Continental. Without question, the evocative elixirs served up here have few rivals. What's more, they're perfect complements to the global tapas prepared by the kitchen ­ dishes like beer-battered shrimp and calamari with saffron aioli, grilled octopus or crab pad thai. As for the scene, try to envision a Kubrick-esque take on the diner concept, complete with sleek olive-green banquettes and olive-shaped halogen lamps.

NORTHEAST PHILLY. Aside from the catchy name, what does this checkerboard sock-hopper have that all the other burger joints in Philly don't? Well, of course, there's the nostalgia factor ­ from the music down to the Coney dogs and onion rings, Nifty's is straight out of the Eisenhower days. Be sure to tap into the soda fountain; they offer over 100 flavors and free refills! And while all that is fine and dandy, what truly sets this cool cat apart from all the pretenders is elementary: Flat-out, they make mind-numbingly delicious shakes and malts. Try one. You'll see.

SOUTH PHILLY. Judging from the ambience, you may expect to see Rocky in here chowing down on a roast pork sandwich. In point of fact, the joint's as good as any when it comes to serving up a cheese steak. And even though Shank's and Evelyn's is a "hole in the wall," this is also where the locals and the city's politicians gather for home cooked breakfasts. Yo! Hows 'bout two over easy with a side of browns?