A Night Out In Manayunk
Manayunk is situated along the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal, which was, in fact, the first canal in the United States. Once a major working class neighborhood, Manayunk was named an historical district in 1983 and is now home to many college students and young professionals alike. The neighborhood features a number of shops, restaurants and bars and its Main Street is one of the most popular places to go out in Philadelphia.
Bourbon Blue
2 Rector St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 508-3360
www.bourbonblue.com
Bourbon Blue appears to be more of a tiny castle than an actual restaurant from the outside, but once you're inside, you'll realize it's anything but. Perched right on the canal, this upscale restaurant and bar caters to anyone looking to try some New Orleans-style and Cajun-flavored food in a comfortable and classy environment. Every Friday and Saturday, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Bourbon Blue opens up the Canal Lounge, where DJs and live bands perform frequently and tasty drinks are not hard to find. Blue Bourbon also offers valet parking, which is a major perk, considering that parking can be something of a nightmare in Manayunk.
The Goat's Beard
4201 Main St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(267) 323-2495
www.thegoatsbeardphilly.com
The Goat's Beard's name comes from a plant that is native to Pennsylvania. In fact, this restaurant strives to bring local flavors to the Manayunk neighborhood and is doing just that by using locally sourced, fresh and organic ingredients. The draft and bottle/can selection features all domestic beers, and if you like whiskey, this is the place for you, since the Goat's Beard has an extensive list of whiskey and bourbon. There are great specials throughout the week, but if you come in on Tuesday, you can try a flight of three beers for $5 or a flight of three whiskeys for $10.
The Grape Room
105 Grape St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 930-0321
www.graperoommusic.com
The Grape Room is one of the best places in Philadelphia to catch some solid local music. This venue started off on Grape Street before moving to Main Street. However, it eventually ended back in its old location on Grape Street after being bought by its current owner, Scooter. All genres are welcomed here, be it hip-hop, reggae, rap, pop or good-old rock 'n' roll, and its Monday night open mic is one of the best around. If DJs are more your thing, The Grape Room features them, along with some fun dancing, every Friday and Saturday night upstairs. The bar serves both local and national craft beer.
Lucky's Last Chance
4421 Main St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 509-6005
www.luckyslastchance.com
Maybe the luckiest bar on Main Street in Manayunk, Lucky's Last Chance should be on your list of places to go on a night out. While you're here, make sure you grab a burger – this place is known for its innovative ones. For example, try the PB & Bacon burger (peanut butter, bacon, American cheese, side of grape jelly) or the Mak Attack (cheese, mac and cheese and more cheese). If you're not in a burger mood, Lucky's Last Chance also serves creative hot dogs, mac n' cheese, fries and onion strings. To go along with its creative menu items, this place makes interesting cocktails and has a healthy selection of craft beers.
Old Eagle Tavern
177 Markle St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
(215) 483-5535
www.oldeagletavern.com
Head to the Old Eagle Tavern if you're looking to escape the crowds that frequent Manayunk's Main Street. Just a few blocks away, this corner bar is worth the trek up the hill for its great pub food, beer and service. It has 11 rotating taps of unique local, national and imported beers and over 60 bottles - it does well bringing in seasonal brews. If you're hungry, this neighborhood dive bar serves delicious burgers and fries. Also offered here are a pool table (pool is free all night on Mondays), six TVs, dartboards and a jukebox.
Related: Top Bars On South Street
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
