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Manayunk Development Corporation
On the fringes of Northwest Philadelphia — running along the Schuylkill River and nestled among the hills — is a hamlet that’s anything but sleepy.
The fun and energetic Manayunk is one of Philly’s most popular neighborhoods, closely connected to its sister neighborhood Roxborough and known for its outdoorsy community, sprawling green spaces, chic boutiques and vibrant festivals.
Named after the Lenape word meaning “where we go to drink,” Manayunk is a culinary haven packed with restaurants, bars and cafes — especially along Main Street.
Read on for a guide to Manayunk, curated with help from the Manayunk Development Corporation, a non-profit supporting the success of businesses and communities in Manayunk.
Manayunk is perfect for satisfying your wanderlust.
Stroll the scenic Manayunk Towpath — a verdant creekside promenade and boardwalk ideal for biking and fishing, or walk the iconic (and car-free) Manayunk Bridge, towering six stories above the Schuylkill River with stunning Philly skyline views.
Visitors can also bring their pups to the dog-friendly Pretzel Park (known for its pretzel sculpture) and shop for fresh produce and handmade goods at the weekly farmers market.
Manayunk Towpath — Photo by Alex Nahas Photography
The Philly food scene is no joke, and Manayunk delivers.
Try award-winning burgers at Lucky’s Last Chance, curated wines at Jake & Cooper’s Wine Bar, bold Asian flavors at Yanako and Chabaa Thai Bistro, European eats at Zesty’s and Mia Ragazza, themed margaritas at Taqueria Amor, a cone by the canal at Chloe’s Corner — and much more.
Taqueria Amor — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia
Manayunk hosts some of Philly’s top seasonal street fests.
Highlights include the Founders Philly Freeze Out, an ice sculpture winter wonderland; the springtime Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival, with dozens of food trucks; and early summer’s Manayunk Arts Festival, attracting over 300 artists and more than 150,000 visitors each year.
Manayunk Arts Festival — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name. Grab a frosty brew and unwind at neighborhood hotspots like Fat Lady Brewing, Dawson Street Pub, Twisted Ginger’s Brewing Co., Ryan’s Pub and The Union Tap House.
Fat Lady Brewing — Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia
Philly’s Main Street is full of charming small businesses.
Hunt for treasures at independent boutiques and vintage shops like the Euro-fashion-inspired LILA Philadelphia, the whimsical gift-laden Little Apple, the quaint and artisanal Jinxed, the all-things-nerdy Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex, the all-romance Cupid’s Bookshop, and the women-owned Crust Vegan Bakery.
LILA Philadelphia — Photo courtesy Manayunk Development Corporation
Need a boost? Manayunk’s eclectic cafes have you covered.
Grab a plant (and an evening cocktail) at Artesano, tuck into paninis at Volo Coffeehouse, sip on smoothies at Valerio Coffee Roasters, savor Scandinavian-style espresso at Pilgrim Roasters, mix and match bobas at Tsaôcaa, or support the mission-driven Unity Java.
Speaking as a long-time resident, Manayunk offers so much in such a concentrated area. I’m talkin’ cozy coffee shops, massive street fests, international cuisine and super easy access to nature.
The Manayunk Towpath is a sleepy creekside oasis, and you don’t have to walk far to find affordably priced restaurants and dives.
Pro tip: Cap off a night out with the welcoming folks at The Union Tap House, which has a top-tier food menu (seriously), a fantastic whiskey selection, constantly rotating drafts and — my favorite part — board games.
Along with bed-and-breakfasts, Manayunk is home to boutique hotels like the LGBTQ-owned Manayunk Chambers Guest House.
Prefer something bigger? Hotels like the Residence Inn Philadelphia Bala Cynwyd are just a few minutes’ drive away.
Parisienne Suite at Manayunk Chambers Guest House — Photo courtesy Manayunk Chambers Guest House
Ready to experience the neighborhood firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
— Photo by S. Ramones for Visit Philadelphia
For more information, visit the Manayunk Development Corporation site below.
Official Website
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