It’s been five years since the city has seen a Manayunk Restaurant Week, but that’s all about to change next month.
The culinary activation is returning to this charming part of the city from Sept. 8 to 14 with 20 restaurants on the docket to serve up three-course lunch and/or dinner menus for $15, $25, $35 or $45.
“Manayunk’s Restaurant Week is a celebration of Manayunk’s thriving dining scene. It’s the perfect time to try new flavors, support local chefs, and experience the heart of our community,” said Manayunk Development Corporation Executive Director Gwen McCauley. “What a great way to return from summer and head into fall with one of our tastiest weeks of the year.”
There’s a little something for everyone with options spanning American comfort bites to global cuisine, fast casual to fine dining, indoor and outdoor establishments, and everything in between. Certain locales will also be offering special cocktails, beers and other beverages for the duration of the event.
“Manayunk restaurants have come together so we could market to all of our guests as a collective, and what better way to showcase all of the different restaurants here in Manayunk than restaurant week,” added Voracious Hospitality Group (owners of The Goats Beard & Mia Ragazza) Director of Operations, Brendan McGrew.
“This way, each restaurant can do what they do best at its price point, without having to necessarily compete with others. Since we are all offering great deals, guests can pick and choose what they like best. Rather than each of us fighting for a bigger piece of the pie, we are all working together to make the pie bigger. We have found that there is definite strength in numbers; working together enhances the entire Manayunk community.”
Bar Jawn for one will be offering a $35 dinner option with a drink, main and appetizer. Visitors here can also take their shot at one of the venue’s Eating Challenges (normally $38) for $25. The casual bistro Blondie on the other hand will offer a 2 course $15 experience or a 3 course $35 meal option with dishes spanning fried chicken sliders, truffle fries, an apple salad, a short rib sandwich, mushroom tortellini, a blondie split and more.
Those looking for Thai can head to the Chabaa Thai Bistro / Yanako for options like chive cakes, pad thai, shrimp shumai and mochi; Italian cuisine lovers can opt for Mia Ragazza for picks like bucatini, linguini, fried artichoke hearts and a cannoli trio; Mediterrenean fans can make a reservation at Zestys for dishes like spanakopita, moussaka, chicken lefkadas, mussels krassata and more; and those pining for some comfort food can dine at The Goat’s Beard for bites like cheesesteak egg rolls, steak mac & cheese, a smash burger, wedge salad and mixed berry cobbler.
Lucky’s Last Chance is where you’ll want to head if you want some inventive bar fare, with options like a PB & Bacon burger, garlic butter tots, fried birthday cake Oreos and more, while those who are itching for an outdoor venue can opt for the PHS Pop Up Garden. With the Garden, visitors can indulge in a $25 BBQ Chicken Dinner served with roasted potato salad, corn riblets, a deviled egg, a King’s Hawaiian Roll with honey butter and strawberry shortcake.
Other restaurants taking part in the activation include Cactus Restaurant & Bar (offering Tex-Mex treats), Jakes & Coopers (pizza, pasta and salads), Manayunk Brew Pub (salads, meat, seafood and desserts), JD McGillicuddy’s Manayunk (elevated pub fare), New Leaf (Asian fare), Somo Manayunk (new American classics), Taqueria Amor (an updated classic Mexican taqueria), The Brass Tap (an assortment of apps and handhelds), The Couch Tomato (organic and clean options), The Rook (known for their sandwich options) and the Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory.
“The Manayunk business community brought back Restaurant Week to celebrate and support the neighborhood’s diverse culinary scene, attract both new and returning visitors, and help boost local businesses during a traditionally slower season,” finishes MDC Marketing and Retail Strategy Consultant, Joan Denenberg. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the talent of our chefs, build community spirit, and remind people of everything Manayunk has to offer.”
Anyone interested can confirm menus, price points, hours, and reservations with each location. For additional menu details and updates, visit manayunk.com
