Manayunk Neighborhood Guide
By Todd Hovanec on May 27, 2020
Located in the northwestern section of Philadelphia, Manayunk derives its name from the Native American word "Manaiung," which means "river" as well as "where we go to drink." This neighborhood’s hilly topography next to the Schuylkill River was an attractive place to set up encampments by the Lenape Indians and later by the European settlers in colonial times.
Since then, Manayunk has emerged as a popular destination for anyone who seeks some greenery and access both to Center City and the surrounding areas of the city in Montgomery and Chester Counties and beyond. Most recently, a multi-year wave of gentrification has attracted upper middle class working professionals to Manayunk.
Its Main Street offers wonderful entertainment and dining opportunities in a quaint small-town feel. On top of all that, Manayunk has a bakery that was visited by Frank Sinatra, a park where Bruce Willis was filmed in M. Night Shyamalan’s "Unbreakable" and an old theater where the Three Stooges once performed.
Where is Manayunk in Philadelphia?
Manayunk is situated northwest of Wissahickon, south and west of Roxborough and east of Belmont Hills. When looking at a map, the neighborhood is bounded by Schuylkill River on the west side, Manayunk Avenue on the east side, Fountain Street on the north, Silverwood and Terrace Street on the north and east, and Ridge Avenue to the south.
Architectural Appeal
Manayunk is a dense neighborhood with countless blocks of historic row homes (some of them Victorians with original details) on hilly streets rising up from the river toward Roxborugh. Many homes feature incredible views down toward the Schuylkill River and beyond.
Main Street and Cresson Street have some small mixed-use buildings and there are also some condo loft buildings, which offer a glimpse back into the neighborhood’s industrial roots. In the past 10 years or so, new construction developments have appeared in the neighborhood as well.
Browse homes for sale in Manayunk
Getting Around Manayunk
Manayunk is serviced by two SEPTA Regional Rail stations (Wissahickon and Manayunk) on the Manayunk/Norristown line.
The SEPTA Route 27 bus services the area along Manayunk Ave and the 35 also runs along Main Street, Umbria Street, Leverington and Manayunk Avenue in a loop to service the neighborhood. The SEPTA 61 bus also serves Main Street/Flat Rock Road and Center City.
Manayunk is well known for its tight street parking. Metered spots are available in certain commercial districts such as on Main Street and nearby. Many stores validate parking at several private parking lots and valet parking is available occasionally at several of the restaurants in the neighborhood.
Drinking & Dining
Winnie’s offers tasty crab cakes, savory burgers, a great selection of desserts, and -- weather permitting -- the joys of outdoor seating. If you are feeling crapulent after a Friday or Saturday night of excess, make sure to try Winnie’s famous dish called "The Cure." It may not make you feel any better about your debauchery from the previous evening, but it might help you feel a little better physically. Bacon, ham, eggs, homemade buttermilk biscuits, home fries and chorizo gravy -- that should do the job!
This beautiful American small plate restaurant offers inventive, fresh plates rooted in traditional American cuisine. On top of the delicious eats you’ll find an impressive selection of craft beers and whiskeys. Goat’s beard serves up great drinks, food and ambiance. Make sure to try the full rack of eight hour slow smoked sticky ribs.
This warm and inviting space on Manayunk’s Main Street is a popular destination for Taco Tuesdays (and any other day of the week). Taqueria Feliz serves contemporary and classic Mexican dishes in a colorful and convivial atmosphere. Make sure to try the Guacamole Traditional, "Ensenada Style" fish tacos or the grilled shrimp sizzling fajitas. A panoply of margarita and tequila options round out the imbibition options.
Best Cheesesteak in Manayunk
You’re close enough that you should just go to Dalesandro’s in nearby Roxborough (or Chubby’s across the street). Sorrentino's Grocery will also work in a pinch.
Things to Do
Visit the Manayunk Bridge Trail...
This elevated former train line bridge has been converted into an elevated and graded urban park that spans the Schuylkill River and bridges Manayunk to Bala Cynwyd. It’s a delight to explore and take in the sweeping and scenic views!
Attend the Manayunk Arts Festival…
The Manayunk Arts Festival is one of the largest gatherings of art lovers in the Greater Philadelphia area. This annual event showcases the works of over 300+ creative artists. Support your local artists as it helps keep cities authentic and diverse!
Go to a farmer’s market…
The Pretzel Park Farmers Market features vendors who offer fresh and organic fruits, foods and vegetables to the public. The market is open every Saturday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) from mid-May through November. There is also a great playground for the kiddos and a spacious dog run for Fido!
Visit Main Street Manayunk…
Manayunk has a small-town vibe in a vibrant neighborhood in one of the largest cities in the country! Philadelphia is truly a city of neighborhoods.
Main Street is packed with dozens of restaurants, boutiques, bars and galleries and on a Friday or Saturday, foodies and revelers alike will enjoy cruising the strip to check out new menu items at restaurants or just enjoying a cocktail or two among friends and family.
Main Street closes to automobile traffic each spring and fall for the Manayunk StrEAT festival. Food trucks and vendors fill the area and you can eat to your heart’s content. This event features live music and sidewalk vendors as well.
Market Snapshot
Like much of Philadelphia, Manayunk has seen an increase in home values as pricing has crept up across the rest of the city. Much of the housing stock is traditional, historic rowhouses, but you will also find luxury offerings as well, with some properties even fetching over $1,000,000.
Here are 4 homes for sale in Manayunk that recently caught our eye:
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