The Best Restaurants in Germantown, Mt. Airy, and Chestnut Hill

The Northwest technically covers a large section of the city with several distinct neighborhoods (which themselves contain micro-neighborhoods) — Germantown, Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill, Roxborough, Wissahickon, East Falls, and Manayunk — but in this guide, Eater has collected the essential places to eat along the winding cobblestoned strip of Germantown Avenue that sits east of Wissahickon Valley Park. The neighborhoods are organized up a hill that begins in Germantown, transitions to Mount Airy, and summits at Chestnut Hill.

In this area, visitors find plaques that memorialize the early abolition movement, historic houses, and tall trees and blooming flowers galore. Start at either end of the hill and make your way up or down, stopping to enjoy everything from vegan soul food to cold cider to diner omelets along the way.

McNally's Tavern

For those in the know, McNally’s Tavern is the original place to go to find a Schmitter — the other local favorite steak sandwich — made with cheese, fried onions, tomatoes, salami, and a special Schmitter sauce. Contrary to what you’ve heard, it wasn’t named for former Phils player Mike Schmidt — but grab a beer and a sandwich at McNally’s and you’ll find you don’t even care.

Jansen

Operated out of the historic Cresheim Cottage on Germantown Avenue, one might mistake Jansen for a family home if not for the scent of braised lamb shank wafting from its windows. Chef David Jansen turned the 18th-century house into the perfect date-night spot, with the original fireplace and a beautiful outdoor patio to boot. Dishes like crispy stuffed quail and oysters Rockefeller make it a destination for a special dining experience. Jansen also offers takeout for next day pickup. Orders can be made online and reservations are recommended.

Töska Restaurant & Brewery

Some of the best pizza in the Northwest can be found right here at Töska Restaurant & Brewery. Their airy dough bakes the perfect crust on their memorable wood-fired pizza. Look out for their Albanian cuisine that feature delicious sausages and house-brined chicken, with a lively bar that include original IPAs.

Jamaican D's Caribbean & American Restaurant

While Jamaican D’s is a little farther afield from Germantown Avenue, it’s a must-visit for its jerk chicken, caramelized sweet plantains, mac and cheese, and collard greens. There can be lines outside to get the restaurant’s deluxe combo platters, but stay motivated. Customers can preorder online through Grubhub for pickup, so the oxtail and collards will be hot on arrival. Delivery is also available.

Zsa's Ice Cream

Every neighborhood needs its go-to ice cream spot — neighbors in the Northwest are lucky that Zsa’s is theirs. Made in-house at the shop on Germantown Avenue, ice cream fans can enjoy flavors like toasted graham cracker crumble or buttered brown sugar peach. Pints are available, as are cones, cakes, and shakes. There are a few benches outside Zsa’s for optimal people-watching and cone-enjoying.

Young American Hard Cider

Young American Hard Cider’s outdoor patio is a welcoming place to drink one of the brewery’s many ciders (made from Pennsylvania apples), local beers, cocktails, and wines, especially right next to warming fire pits on a chillier night. But don’t stop at just drinks: The food menu at Young American — from chef Robin Admana — is always great. On Thursday and Friday nights, the cidery hosts tasting menus of whatever Admana is into making that week. They’re not to be missed.

All the Way Live Cafe

Veggie-forward visitors to the Northwest will be pleased to stop by All the Way Live Cafe a few blocks north of Chelten Avenue. The vegan cafe focuses on every kind of green thing that Mother Nature has to offer, and jackfruit burgers on spelt pita and grain bowls with squash tuna are highlights.

The Nile Cafe

The Nile Cafe in Germantown is touted as the longest running vegan restaurant in Philly, making all the jerk chicken legs, pepper steak, and macaroni and cheese that a vegan heart could desire. It’s vegan soul food that even the most carnivorous of eaters can enjoy, especially with a side of cheesecake or coconut milk ice cream. Order online for takeout and local delivery.

Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books

There is no more pleasant experience than browsing in a book store while drinking a hot coffee, and at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, you have the best of both worlds. That’s because the store was opened to celebrate books written by marginalized voices (the children’s section is especially great). Uncle Bobbie’s is the best place to get a coffee, specialty lemonade, or pastry from Crust Vegan Bakery as well as the book on your list you’ve been meaning to buy.

Salam Cafe

Open from breakfast until dinner every day but Sunday, Salam Cafe is one of the Northwest’s best destinations for Ethiopian fare, like massive platters of beef stew and rice, or more Middle Eastern offerings like falafel and hummus. Weekend breakfast specials include veggie firfir and shakshuka.

Veelicious Eatery

This lively restaurant serves up memorable soul food and Caribbean cuisine. Whether its their scrumptious spicy salmon sandwiches or their wholesome pepper steak and rice — there’s plenty to choose from (and devour) at Veelicious.

Deke's BBQ

It’s hard to find great barbecue in Philly, but Deke’s put the other joints to shame with their immaculate fire pit. Come for the tender baby back ribs, stay for the finger-licking chopped pork sandwich.

Attic Brewing Company

It’s impossible to go far in Philadelphia without hitting a brewery, but with its recently expanded outdoor seating area and its rotating food trucks, Attic Brewing Company is one worth traveling for. There are over a dozen beers on tap, and Deke’s BBQ is right next door. Plus, there is a calendar-full of weekly events like live music and B-movie screenings. On days with great weather, Attic’s enormous patio is bound to be a worthwhile visit.

Trattoria Moma

This neighborhood classic serves impressive Italian cuisine. Try their exceptional ravioli filled with filled with savory wild mushrooms and served a rich cream sauce.

McMenamin’s Tavern

There’s lot of bars in Mount Airy, but this place is a bonafide stand-out. Try their iconic buffalo wings — or be a little daring daring and experience their signature fish and chips.