Philadelphia Magazine
Philadelphia Magazine is a monthly regional magazine covering the culture, dining, real estate, and personalities of the Philadelphia area since 1908. It's a glossy publication with lifestyle journalism, investigative features, and "Best of" lists that shape how Philadelphians and visitors see the city. Started as a chamber of commerce publication, it's grown into an influential voice covering both celebrations and controversies.[1]
History
The magazine started in 1908 as a business-oriented publication. Then came the 1960s and 1970s. That's when it transformed into the city magazine format we know today: lifestyle features, restaurant coverage, real estate analysis, personality profiles. This shift matched a larger national trend toward city magazines serving metropolitan audiences.[1]
Over the decades, the magazine's changed hands multiple times. Different owners pushed different angles. Some went hard on investigative journalism. Others prioritized lifestyle content. But the core identity stuck: Philadelphia's city magazine. Metro Corp owns it now, continuing that long history.[1]
The magazine's reach extends far beyond subscription numbers through what it chooses to cover. Restaurant reviews determine where people eat. "Best of Philly" lists reshape how neighborhoods, businesses, and services are perceived. Feature articles set the terms for how issues get discussed. This power has made it both respected and controversial, depending on who's getting covered.[1]
Coverage
Dining
Restaurant coverage is central to what the magazine does. Reviews, features, and annual restaurant issues shape Philadelphia's dining landscape. A critic's assessment can make or break a restaurant's fortunes. The "50 Best Restaurants" list alone sparks attention and argument every year. All of this reflects Philadelphia's rise as a serious culinary city.[1]
Real Estate
The real estate section tackles the housing market, neighborhood development, and home design. Neighborhood features influence where people choose to live. The "Best Places to Live" package and real estate analysis help readers navigate housing options while shaping broader views of the region's communities.[1]
Features
Long-form pieces dig into Philadelphia personalities, institutions, and issues. Profiles cover politicians, chefs, entrepreneurs, activists. Investigative work has exposed problems and generated controversy. This kind of depth is what separates magazines from daily journalism.[1]
"Best of Philly"
Every year the magazine publishes its "Best of Philly" issue. Hundreds of "best" categories. Everything from restaurants to hair salons to dry cleaners. Award recipients display plaques. They promote the recognition wherever they can. The sheer scope of the listings makes it an essential reference document for the region.[1]
Digital Operations
phillymag.com publishes daily content that extends beyond the monthly print edition. Online publishing lets them cover news and events as they happen. The magazine's brand pulls digital readers in. Social media and email newsletters extend the reach even further. The digital side supplements the print magazine rather than replacing it.[1]