By Brenda Hillegas
Photos by Big Ts House of Photos
Manayunk’s Main Street always shines brightest during the holidays with twinkling lights, festive storefronts, and neighbors bundled up as they stroll to their favorite spots. The street is packed with delicious dishes and creative cocktails year-round, but the holidays make our little pocket of Philly even more magical. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a work party, an annual friends’ night out, or just avoiding cooking on a cold night, Manayunk’s bars and restaurants are ready to welcome you. Start planning now because here are the must-try bites and sips that will keep you feeling festive all season long.
Taqueria Amor
Birria Tacos
If “warm and cozy” were a taco- it would be this dish! Birria tacos are back for the winter at Main Street’s colorful Mexican restaurant (keep reading to find out all about the holiday decor they have planned). Their birria tacos are stuffed with short rib, chuck roast, queso mixto, consommé, salsa tomatillo, onions, and cilantro. Consider this the winter comfort food in Manayunk.
Señor Grinch Pop-Up
Señor Grinch is ready to make your holidays even merrier! From November 13th to January 4th, experience lights galore, themed food, drinks and decor, and a nostalgic projector show of Christmas classics. No matter what you order, don’t forget a round of Gizmo’s Gingerbread Cookie Shots to end the celebrations- Cazadores Coffee Tequila Liqueur, Rumchata, butterscotch, whipped cream, and Christmas jimmies.
Lucky’s Last Chance
Boozy Hot Chocolate
We all know Lucky’s has award-winning burgers, but did you know their hot chocolates deserve a ribbon too? Come in from the cold and get a cup, spiked of course for extra warmth! Chocolate Cherry- hot chocolate with rum, delicious chocolate and cherry syrups, topped with whipped cream; The John McClane- yippie ki yay! This hot chocolate includes vodka, Bailey’s, and Kahlua topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce; Leopold Butters Stotch- hot chocolate with Screwball Peanut Butter Whiskey and Buttershots, topped with whipped cream, caramel, and Butterfinger crumble. Regular hot chocolate with whipped cream is also available.
Bar Jawn
Patty Melt
Bar Jawn throws it back to childhood with a grilled cheese-meets-burger! The Patty Melt is 8oz. of chuck blend between toasted marble rye, four slices of cooper sharp, and a balsamic onion jam. This one hits hard on a snow day!
Cheesesteak Nachos
Sure, you’ve probably had loaded nachos before. But you’re going to want to try these, topped with Bar Jawn’s famous ribeye cheesesteak meat, house made tri-colored chips, onions, cherry peppers and cooper cheese sauce. You’ll never look at nachos the same way again!
SOMO
Salmon B.A.L.T.
Start planning your time off and lunch dates now. Savor this combo of salmon, bacon, avocado, iceberg lettuce and beefsteak tomato on brioche bread with herb aioli while catching up with your best friends.
Cold Brew Coffee Martini
Are you one of those people who enjoy iced coffee year round? Then SOMO is ready to welcome you! The cold brew coffee martini includes vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Irish cream and cold brew from Backyard Beans. If you’re pulling an all-nighter to wrap gifts, visit SOMO first for late-night cocktails.
Kismet Bagels
Cranberry Ginger Schmear
Fuel up before the holiday gatherings! Kismet Bagels recently opened in Manayunk and we’re super thankful for this early gift to the neighborhood! Add the limited time festive schmear to your favorite bagel and if you’re feeling nice, maybe bring some to the office party.
Mia Ragazza
Fried Artichoke Hearts
If you’re eating here, sharing an appetizer is a must! The Italian restaurant puts a Philly spin on their food and the fried artichoke hearts with pickled red onion, parmesan, and red wine vinaigrette. This is a dish you’re going to have a hard time finding elsewhere.
Tiramisu Espresso Martini
Skip dessert and sip this instead! Vanilla vodka, espresso, and sweetened mascarpone combine to create a creamy, decadent jolt of holiday cheer. It tastes amazing with brunch too.
Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory
Gingerbread Sundae
It doesn’t matter how cold the temps get outside, Tubby Robot’s small-batch ice cream is worth the extra chill! And since it’s the holidays, this sundae comes with a hearty gingerbread cookie baked by local bakers, My Sweet Gluttony, plus your choice of ice cream and whipped cream.
Peppermint White Chocolate Ice Cream
A perennial holiday favorite at Tubby Robot! The flavor begins with a stark white peppermint base and mixes in crushed candy canes and ribbons of white chocolate to create a decadent treat that evokes the feeling of sitting next to a fire. Elevate your scoops with their Italian pizzelle waffle cones, also only available during the holiday season. They’re sealed at the bottom with white chocolate for extra festivity!
The Couch Tomato
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Basil Bisque
Snow day? Trek down to Main Street for a nostalgic lunch. The Couch Tomato is elevating your childhood with a signature tomato basil bisque and a blend of cheeses and arugula on house-made focaccia.
Nashville Pizza
Leave the frosty weather at the door! This pizza, made with house-made Nashville hot sauce, chicken, diced pickles, and a creamy ranch drizzle, will bring the heat to any party.
The Rook
The Bear
Have you had a sandwich from The Rook?! They’re practically a holiday feast! Breaded chicken cutlet with house-made pesto, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, roasted red peppers, parmesan, and balsamic reduction…and you might even have leftovers.
Honey Habanero Wings
The Rook has plenty of flavors to choose from when it comes to wings, but getting them tossed in their signature honey habanero sauce is definitely one of the ways you can stay warm this winter.
Hen Solo
Inferno Supreme
Crispy chicken cutlet, chipotle mayo, topped with sweet roasted peppers, fiery long hots, pickled onions, crispy fried onions, and fresh spinach, all drizzled with bold habanero sauce and served on a fresh seeded roll. The best part- at Hen Solo, you can choose your fiery spice level! And did we mention that the whole menu is inspired by Star Wars?
Vodka Pesto Rebel
Can you imagine curling up on the couch with your favorite holiday movie while taking bite after bite of this crispy chicken cutlet sandwich? It’s topped with house-made vodka sauce, pesto, arugula, and your choice of mozzarella, provolone, or Cooper Sharp cheese on a fresh seeded roll. Pick one up on your way home!
Blondie
Mistletoe Margarita
Make your day cheery and bright by bringing your sweetie to Blondie for this seasonal margarita made with tequila, cranberry, triple sec, agave, and lime. Clink glasses, and seal the night with a kiss under the mistletoe.
S’mores Martini
Your favorite campfire treat just got a well deserved glow-up. Vanilla vodka, crème de cacao, marshmallow syrup, and Irish cream, finished with a graham cracker rim and ready for you after all of your shopping at nearby stores.
Manayunk Brewing Company
Slow-Braised Short Rib Pappardelle
A comforting winter meal at Manayunk’s spacious taproom- enjoy a dish of slow-braised short rib pappardelle tossed with sautéed asparagus spears, genovese sauce, pecorino cheese and fresh herbs, while sipping on a frosty pint of your favorite beer and taking in views of the snow-kissed river.
The Spiced Bourbon
Holidays in a glass! Maker’s Mark bourbon, cranberry juice, orange juice, and cinnamon syrup are topped with ginger beer and garnished with an orange wedge and cinnamon stick. It’s the ideal night cap after a meal at the brewery.
The Goat’s Beard
TGB Nuggets
This spot and these nuggets are just as classic as a Christmas song! If you have friends and family visiting for the holidays, make sure they try this neighborhood staple- free range chicken, buttermilk marinated, sriracha, honey, lime, and blue cheese crumbles.
The Friendly Neighbor
This sparkling mix of vodka, elderflower, lemon, cucumber, mint, and champagne is the perfect thank you for whichever neighbor is kind enough to shovel your stoop this season. Make sure you do it for them next time!
Boostin’ Bowls
Winter Wellness Bowl
A vibrant blend to boost your health through the chilly months! Boostin’ Bowls serves us the freshest açaí bowls and smoothies in Manayunk and this one features an acai and pitaya to provide a refreshing burst of antioxidants and nutrients. It’s topped with fresh berries, crunchy almonds, energizing cacao nibs, nutrient-rich hemp seeds, bee pollen, and drizzled with honey. A perfect balance of sweet and wholesome!