The 13 Best Restaurants Near Germantown, Philadelphia: “Youse Guys Should Eat Here”
|Nestled at the base of Chestnut Hill, five geographic miles north of The Liberty Bell, resides one of America’s most historic neighborhoods and the epicenter of one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant culinary sectors.
Amid a backdrop of historic properties, Germantown is a laid-back neighborhood overflowing with unique eateries, local coffee shops and a smorgasbord of “youse-guys-just-have-to-try” restaurants (extra points for reading that last part in your best Philly accent).
In addition, Germantown’s main strip, Germantown Avenue, connects the neighborhood to nearby Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill, both of which also offer tasty eats and a slew of delicious dining experiences.
From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, keep reading to learn where the best restaurants near Germantown are located and map out where you will be eating during your next trip to the area.
1. Jansen
Address: 7402 Germantown Ave
Phone: 267-335-5041
The brainchild of Chef David Jansen, this elevated restaurant offers sophisticated dishes such as Duck Confit and Braised Lamb Shank and an elaborate array of starters and wines. Jansen’s delicious menu is only lofted higher by the restaurant’s charming atmosphere. Book a reservation at Jansen for a one-of-a-kind dining experience as you enjoy your meal on the property of the historic Cresheim Cottage, which outfits the restaurant with a beautiful outdoor patio and historic interior architecture.
2. McNally’s Tavern
Address: 8634 Germantown Ave
Phone: 215-247-9736
This historic eatery was once situated along the trolly route and became popular as a quick lunch stop for Philadelphia Rapid Transit workers in 1921. Now, more than 100 years old, McNally’s Tavern continues to offer flowing taps and a stacked menu all served out of its white-washed building adorned with cedar shakes on Germantown Ave. The Schmitter®, a local favorite and a take on the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak, is the restaurant’s most-famous sandwich.
3. Young American Hard Cider & Tasting Room
Address: 6350 Germantown Ave
Phone: 215-406-5307
Cider and savory handpies take center stage at Young American Hard Cider, both of which honor a different characteristic of Pennsylvania’s rich personality and history. The ciders flowing at Young American are all made from Pennsylvania-sourced apples, while the handpies are a nod to the state’s working-class roots. Enjoy both on the restaurant’s year-round patio or take an order of each to-go.
4. Pitruco Food Truck
Food Truck Address (Wednesdays): Winston Rd & Germantown Ave
Phone: 484-602-5454
While the brick-and-mortar restaurant operates from Franklin’s Table in University City, Pitruco uses its mobile food truck to bring its specialty, Neapolitan personal-sized pizzas, to various locations across Center City. Once a week, the food truck sets up in Chestnut Hill to serve made-from-scratch pies topped with a blend of savory ingredients such as garlic, house sausage, soppressata, mozzarella and several seasonal additions. A fan favorite is the cacio e pepe pizza. Catch the food truck at the corner of Winston Road and Germantown Avenue every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
5. Malelani Café
Address: 6734 Germantown Ave
Phone: 267-766-2396
Offering the best of Mediterranean cuisine and Hawaiian Poke, Malelani Café’s menu is a dual-threat possible of winning over even the most scrutinizing of taste buds. Those looking for falafel, hummus or chicken shawarma will be transported to Greece after one bite of either one of the café’s rice bowls, pitas or elaborate platters, while those looking for a taste of the sea can build a Poke bowl that rivals those served on the Big Island.
6. Bruno’s Restaurant & Catering
Address: 9800 Germantown Pike
Phone: 215-242-1880
A neighborhood hotspot for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bruno’s Restaurant offers classic diner food all day. The diner’s lengthy menu is complete with omelets, sandwiches, Italian entrees, wraps, chicken wings, salads and even desserts, such as root beer floats and banana splits. Around lunch and dinner, Bruno’s turns into BYOB, under which guests can enjoy their own frosty drinks inside or outside on the restaurant’s patio.
7. The Frosted Fox Cake Shop
Address: 6511 Germantown Ave
Phone: 267-900-5453
When it comes to baking, The Frosted Fox Cake Shop is a sly operator. Over the years, the shop’s style and innovation has earned it several awards, all of which have helped cultivated its esteemed reputation. The shop even took home first place in the Netflix original baking contest Sugar Rush. While best known for its made-to-order cakes and treats, The Frosted Fox also sells a selection of cookies, cupcakes, pies and other tasty desserts on the daily. If you are looking to taste the work of one of the best bakeries in Philadelphia, check out The Frosted Fox on Germantown Avenue.
8. The Nile Café
Address: 6008 Germantown Ave
Phone: 215-843-6453
Vegans rejoice! The Nile Café is not only the longest-running vegan restaurant in Philadelphia, but the café specializes in vegan soul food. The café serves a vegan take on ginger chicken, jerk chicken, roasted duck and a number of sides true to traditional soul food cuisine. Pair any one of the cafe’s entrees with a slice of cheesecake or a bowl of coconut milk ice cream, and you will have a meal worth savoring.
9. All the Way Live Café
Address: 6108 Germantown Ave
Phone: 215-821-7298
Another one of the best vegan restaurants in Germantown, Philadelphia, All the Way Live Café serves a creative menu complete with jackfruit burgers, squash tuna and grain bowls. All the Way Live Café specializes in offering raw-food alternatives that match the taste profile of a traditional American diet. To do this, Nyeisha, the owner of All the Way Live Café, combines organic fruits and vegetables with tasteful herbs to produce guilt-free plates
10. Mount Airy Tap Room
Address: 300 W Mt. Pleasant Ave
Phone: 267-766-6668
The Mount Airy Tap Room pairs festive pub flare with creative and tasty eats. Say goodbye to generic bar burgers and test out the restaurant’s expansive menu. Notable entrees include the shrimp po’ boy, the bourbon bacon BBQ grilled chicken sandwich and chicken penne bake. For dessert try a slice of homemade apple pie, cheesecake or a few beignets topped with chocolate sauce and berry coulis. The bar has also recently expanded to accommodate sidewalk dining.
11. Bistro on the Mall
Address: 40 Maplewood Mall
Phone: 267-278-3271
Located just a block off Germantown Avenue, Bistro on the Mall offers its guests a true American bistro experience with a touch of creative flare. The restaurant’s dinner menu includes several innovative dishes such as their jerk chicken cheesesteak, salmon Rasta pasta, and sriracha turkey burger. Stop in and try one of these dishes, and make sure to wash it down with one of the bistro’s signature lemonades.
12. Tipsy Café & Catering
Address: 5227 Germantown Ave
Phone: 215-399-4042
Enjoy some of the best contemporary American food all within the comfort of your own home by ordering takeout from Tipsy Café & Catering. This takeout-only restaurant serves up a variety of dishes that draw upon several influences and styles of cuisine. The restaurant’s breakfast menu includes standouts such as brioche French toast, cheesy spiced grits and fried chicken and waffles, while for dinner the restaurant serves everything from banh mi sandwiches to freshly prepared cobb salads.
13. Tyemeka’s Soul Food Restaurant
Address: 5920 Germantown Ave
Phone: 267-368-6025
Specializing in soul food, Tyemeka’s offers some of the best fried fish and sides you can get in Philadelphia. The shop serves platters of fried whiting and flounder complete with southern sides such as yams, greens, potato salad, and yes, good ol’ baked macaroni and cheese. Other standouts from the restaurant’s menu include jerk chicken, crab cakes and Tyemeka Punch, a lemonade-based house specialty.
Germantown Philly Restaurant FAQ
What food is Philadelphia known for?
Philadelphia is well known for the Philly cheesesteak. Soft pretzels, hoagies and roast pork sandwiches are also popular in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What are the best vegan restaurants in Germantown, Philadelphia?
The best vegan restaurants in Germantown, Philadelphia are The Nile Café and All the Way Live Café. Both restaurants serve a tasty menu of vegan options.
What are the best takeout restaurants in Germantown, Philadelphia?
Most restaurants on our best restaurants in Germantown list offer takeout. If you are looking for a sophisticated meal, order dinner from Jansen. If you are looking for soul food, try Tyemeka’s Soul Food Restaurant or check out Bistro on the Mall for American flare.
Where is the best place to get coffee in Germantown, Philadelphia?
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books is one of the best places for coffee in the Germantown area. Ultimo Coffee and the Germantown Espresso Bar are also local favorites for an early morning cup of joe.
Grab a Bite to Eat at One of the Best Restaurants in Germantown, Philadelphia
Now that you have read our list on the best restaurants in Germantown, its time for you to get out and decide which is your favorite. If you live in Germantown or Mt Airy, our self storage facility in Germantown is close by for all your storage needs.
Are you going to go with the sophisticated charm of Jansen or are you going to cast your allegiance to a historic eatery such as McNally’s?
The choice is yours, and no matter what you decide, we are curious to hear what your favorite restaurant in the Germantown area is.
Cast your vote for either Jansen, McNally’s or Young American Hard Cider by taking our poll. Or vote for another restaurant on our list, or one we missed completely, by letting us here your thoughts in the comments below.
Nicholas Sollitto is a contributor to Store Space who also enjoys rooting for the Detroit Red Wings, reading Vonnegut, and hiking.
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