Germantown has a ton of history. It was the first German settlement in America, has an Underground Railroad station, and even features the site of an old battlefield from the American Revolution. As diverse as the industrial, political, and cultural history of the district’s past is, you can see the same range in its current residents, shops, and restaurants. From spots located next door to landmarks like Cliveden or near 18th-century storefronts, here are five places in the neighborhood to grab a slice, burger, and more.
The Spots
When going on a hike at Wissahickon Valley Park, knowing about a healthy option nearby is always a plus. At All The Way Live, there’s plenty of fresh, raw, and tasty vegan dishes and juices. One of our favorites, and a necessity in cold weather, is their hearty chickpea chili. This delicious blend of tender chickpeas with onions and peppers will probably do more to save you from the cold than any North Face jacket could.
This Black-owned neighborhood cafe and pastry shop, which is open for takeout and delivery Tuesday through Saturday, is known for their sandwiches. While a good sandwich may be the quickest way to put a smile on our face, the all-day breakfast, specifically the French toast, is the main attraction. The slices of French toast are thick, perfectly sweet, and are mixed with cinnamon. And whether you stick with the seasonal berry compote that comes with each batch or drown your slices in maple syrup, you can’t go wrong.
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Zion’s Cuisine is one of our go-to spots in the city for Jamaican food. The oxtails here are extremely tender and smothered in a tangy gravy, and each platter is made to order and has the perfect amount of spice. The platters also come with your choice of two sides, our favorites being the creamy mac and cheese and cabbage that’s both smoky and well-seasoned.
Years ago, the idea of a vegan soul food restaurant might’ve been as unthinkable as clear roads on I-95. But since Nile Cafe opened and started serving stew fish made with wheat and soy proteins, it’s clear today is a new day. This spot is Philly’s oldest vegan restaurant and makes perfectly-spiced vegan jerk chicken with a meaty texture that’s dripping with a sweet and spicy sauce.
Can you ever have enough pizza places to order from? They’re essential, and like a 1-up mushroom in Super Mario, can end up being a lifesaver. Maker Artisan Pizza is one of the spots you should add to your list. One of our favorite pizzas here is the Philly cheesesteak pie, with each slice having mounds of ribeye, peppers, and sauteed onions. It’s a bold move to deconstruct maybe the only thing more sacred in the city than the Philly Special, but unlike a lot of other pizza spots in town, they really pull it off.
PHL Guide
