Where to Eat in and Around Manayunk
This hilly neighborhood on the banks of the Schuylkill River has small-town vibes but a big dining scene.
Photograph courtesy of Lucky’s Last Chance
There’s an exciting and eclectic food scene percolating along the banks of the Schuylkill River where you can partake in Mexican, Mediterranean, and Tibetan cuisines as well as tons of great bars serving up American classics. With its bustling Main Street, contagious community spirit, and picturesque walks along the river, Manayunk and the surrounding neighborhoods are perfect for Philadelphians looking for a small-town vibe that still has big-city entertainment.
If you’re new to town, a long-time resident looking to switch up your dining routine, or just visiting, here are the places in and around Manayunk you should check out.
Lucky’s Last Chance
Ever since it opened back in 2011, Lucky’s Last Chance has been the go-to place for both simple and extravagant hot dogs and burgers. Always served between toasted New England-style hot dog rolls, you can get your hot dogs with Cajun chicken, mac and cheese, chili, or pulled pork smeared on top. Meanwhile, its burgers have been deemed a local favorite and are just as alluring and fulfilling. If you’re just looking for a drink, Lucky’s Last Chance is also one of the warmest bars on Main Street, with a long list of beers, cocktails, and spirits to choose from and indulge in. 4421 Main Street.
At Ramen MNYK
While the ambiance is relaxed and casual, the ramen broth is so rejuvenating it’ll give you the energy you need to walk up Manayunk’s many hills. It’s easy to see why: Its spicy katsu ramen is one of its most popular dishes, as the chicken comes with a crunch, and the broth is simmering with flavor. Its takoyaki, pan-fried octopus balls, are also a must-try, as they come drizzled with savory sauce and mayonnaise and are topped with bonito flakes. This is the perfect bowl of ramen for a chilly day. 4357 Main Street.
Photograph courtesy of Taqueria Amor
Taqueria Amor
With an approachable menu filled with casual favorites like chicken tinga tacos, brisket enchiladas, and Mexican street corn, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Its colorful and vibrant atmosphere makes it a great spot to bring the kids, who can munch on cheesy quesadillas and nachos while parents flock to its lengthy cocktails, beer, wine, tequila, and drink specials. They also offer lunch combos, happy hour, and daily specials, each of which provides much more Mexican food than usual for your buck. 4410 Main Street.
Come for White Yak’s momos, stay for everything else. / Photograph by Mike Prince
The White Yak
Tibetan might not be the cuisine that first comes to mind when you’re thinking about Roxborough, but one taste of their momos will change that. Ever since Trelay and Tsering Parshingtsang opened it in July 2019, The White Yak’s sumptuous dishes, which include Tibetan steamed dumplings, spicy soups, and stir-fried bacon with green garlic and cilantro, have made it one of the jewels of the Philly restaurant scene. Tibetan is regarded as the convergence of Chinese and Indian cooking, and The White Yak’s popularity has only grown because it mixes the complexity of the former with the richness of the latter to create something truly unique. Of course, the momos are a must, but be sure to try the beef curry, shoko khatsa, and some of their traditional butter tea. Bonus: they have plenty of gluten-free and vegan options, too. 6118 Ridge Avenue.
Inside Lark / Photograph courtesy of Lark
Lark
Though it’s not technically in Manayunk, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Lark, one of our 50 Best Restaurants. From Top Chef winner and James Beard finalist Nicholas Elmi, this Mediterranean restaurant sits just across the Schuylkill River, offering stunning views from the top of the Ironworks at Pencoyd Landing. It’s an ideal date-night spot for new couples looking for a spark and older ones reigniting their romance. Start with a crafted cocktail or one of its curated wines before selecting from its handmade pasta, local vegetables, and meticulously sourced meats and seafood. 611 Righters Ferry Road.
Inside The Goat’s Beard / Photograph courtesy of The Goat’s Beard
The Goat’s Beard
This spot is the equivalent of a warm hug. Located on Main Street, it serves American food made with locally sourced ingredients in a cozy and rustic dining room. The cheesesteak egg rolls, Detroit-style pizza, steak mac and cheese, and smash burger are all on point, plus The Goat’s Beard has a friendly bar where you can boozily whittle the night away. 4201 Main Street.
Bar Jawn
Roundly celebrated as one of the best places to get pizza in the city, Pizza Jawn would have made this list if its owner, David Lee, hadn’t announced back in August 2024 that it was closing later this spring. Lee will instead focus his efforts on Bar Jawn. Described as elevated bar food with a Philly flavor, Bar Jawn serves up gooey, saucy comfort food, like mozzarella triangles, buffalo wings, chicken parmesan, cheesesteak, and burgers, each of which are so filling that you’ll have a lot of leftovers. 4247 Main Street.
Beer and pizza — the perfect combo / Photograph courtesy of Twisted Gingers Brewing Co.
Twisted Gingers Brewing Co.
Located a ten-minute walk off Main Street, this local brewery has both a neighborhood-y and dive-bar feel. You can easily spend the afternoon propped up at the bar, watching sports, and tasting IPAs you know are going to destroy you, all while eating their always satisfying pizzas. 4317 Fleming Street.
Dalessandro’s Steaks
What kind of neighborhood dining guide would this be without at least one good cheesesteak? Luckily, Dalessandro’s, arguably one of the best cheesesteaks in the entire Philadelphia area, is just a stone’s throw away in Roxborough. The legendary steaks are chopped up finely, almost into a kind of minced meat, that melds together with the cheese. Sure, they’ve got hoagies, too. But we all know you go to Dalessandro’s for the cheesesteak. Pro tip: Don’t skip the peppers. 600 Wendover Street.
