"This Rittenhouse icon started the city’s French bakery trend way back in ‘93. But it gets bragging rights for more than just its age—Metropolitan makes the city’s best canelé. Even if you’re just popping in for a baguette, get one of these caramelized little guys with a custardy center, and grab an airy almond croissant, too. The 19th Street location has an adjacent cafe that sells blistered thin-crust pizzas and sandwiches made with their incredible bread. There's also a stand at Reading Terminal Market where you can grab a sour cherry chocolate chip cookie after a roast pork sandwich." - candis mclean, alison kessler