The votes are in! Best of Manayunk is back to celebrate our diverse businesses and community, and everything our historic neighborhood has to offer. Within a one mile corridor of Main Street and the surrounding side streets sits Manayunk’s vibrant business district. From specialty shops to high-end boutiques, from craft beer and fine dining scenes to outdoor recreation and an entire fitness community, Manayunk has it all.

With so much diversity, we wanted to put the call out to you, the public, to nominate your favorite Manayunk businesses in 51 different categories. Nearly 10,000 individuals casted more than 125,000 votes, and here we bring you, the Best of Manayunk 2017.

On March 23, Manayunk businesses and community members gathered to celebrate the Best of Manayunk with a cocktail party at the Manayunk Brewing Company. Guests enjoyed food samples from Manayunk’s winning restaurants, drinks, and live entertainment with ticket proceeds benefiting the Friends of Pretzel Park and their future plans for our community hub.

LIVE

Best Outdoor Recreation Activity

The Manayunk Towpath

Along the Manayunk Towpath, visitors will find historical signage about the industrial heritage of Manayunk and its canal. The Towpath is part of the Schuylkill River Trail which runs from the Philadelphia Art Museum, through the Manayunk neighborhood and ends at Valley Forge.

Honorable Mention: Manayunk Beer Runners

Best Family Activity

Brunch on Main Street

Manayunk is the place to be when it comes to Sunday brunch! With Main Street breakfast staples like Winnie’s LeBus, Greg’s Kitchen, and The Manayunk Brewing Company, there is something for everyone in the family.

Honorable Mention: Pretzel Park Farmers’ Market

Best Place to Bring Four-Legged Friends

Pretzel Park Dog Park

Pretzel Park Dog Park is a place for young pups to mingle and old dogs to learn new tricks. Located in the heart of Manayunk, bring your fun-sized friends to run, fetch, and play. New renovations are coming soon too! [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Latitudes and Longitudes

Best Place to Work

RichardsApex

RichardsApex represents more than 150 years of experience in developing and manufacturing lubricants, cleaners, and coatings. When you work here, you’re part of the family. 4202 Main St #24, (215) 487-1100. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Delphic Digital

Best Community Minded Business

North Light Community Center

North Light Community Center has always cared about the local community and it's children. Recently celebrating 80 years of service, North Light continues to support and strengthen our diverse neighborhoods. 175 Green Ln, (215) 483-4800.

SHOP

Best Place to Shop - For Him

Greene Street Consignment

Greene Street is a retailer of both men's and women's clothing and accessories, but have become a destination for menswear at an affordable price in Manayunk. They also have other locations throughout the city. 4313 Main St, (267) 335-5478.

Honorable Mention: Armen’s Clothier

Best Place to Shop - For Her

Threads on Main

Threads on Main is a high-end women's clothing and accessories boutique that recently opened in Manayunk. DL 1961, Michael Stars, and Pam & Gela are just some of the designer brands they carry. 4353 Main St, (215) 482-2917. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: LILA Fashion International and Remix on Main

Best Place to Shop - For the Home

Pineapple on Main

Pineapple on Main is a home decor and gift boutique offering furnishings for the modern household. Come in to browse their sweet selection and get something new to spruce up any room in your house. 4347 Main St, (267) 437-4014.

Honorable Mention: Nadeau

Best Place to Shop - For the Kids

The Spiral Bookcase

Purveyors of the printed page, The Spiral Bookcase offers new and used books for children and adults alike. The shop owner's daughter even has her own collection of recommendations on display for kids in the neighborhood. 112 Cotton St, (215) 482-0704.

Honorable Mention: Spectrum Scientifics and Worn Yesterday

Best Place to Shop - For the Wedding

Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller Manayunk is the destination for brides throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. You'll get the red carpet treatment in their upstairs bridal suite and walk out with your dream dress from Nicole Miller’s Bridal Collection. 4249 Main St, (215) 930-0307. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Ashe B. & Co.

Best Place to Buy Gifts - For Him

SMoKE Cigar & Hookah Lounge

With a vast selection of cigars from around the world and a variety of hookah flavors all selected by owner Kosta, you are guaranteed a relaxing evening at SMoKE. 4453 Main St, (267) 362-9865.

Honorable Mention: Philadelphia Runner

Best Place to Buy Gifts - For Her

Latitudes and Longitudes

Latitudes and Longitudes is a go-to gift shop on Main Street featuring hand-crafted jewelry, greeting cards, barware, candles and other unique gifts. Owner Meredith with help you find the perfect present you’re looking for. 4325 Main St, (215) 482-0417.

Honorable Mention: The Little Apple

Best Place to Get Pampered

Christie’s Nails

Christie's aims to deliver a relaxing manicure or pedicure experience with your satisfaction always in mind. You’re sure to see someone you know in a chair when you stop by Christie’s! 4436 Main St, (215) 508-1224.

Honorable Mention: Cinderella Nails

Best Stylist

Dana (Salon L)

Though there’s many stylists at Salon L, Dana is a customer favorite who has been styling her clients hair for the past 13 years. Cut, color and hair extensions are some of her specialties. 4120 Main St, (215) 483-2500. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Su-Shan (Starshine Salon)

Best Barber

Mark, John & Bryan (Make Your Mark Barbershop)

With a line out the door, it can be hard to claim a chair at Make Your Mark Barbershop, but we promise it's worth the wait because you’re always guaranteed a personal experience. 4257 Main St, (267) 335-5400. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Ledina (Style of Man)

Best Pet-Friendly Business

Top Tails Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Top Tails believes your pets are family members. When you can't be home, you want them taken care of with the same love and personal attention you'd give them. Tanya and the Top Tails team treat your pets like their own. 4374 Main St, (215) 508-1903.

Honorable Mention: The Animedic Veterinary Clinic

Best Specialty Shop

Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex

JD's Hero Complex is a boutique-style comic book store that features new and vintage collectible comics along with artwork by the shop owner himself. JD also won Best Local Artist in the Readers’ Choice category. 4456 Main St, (215) 482-7700. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Main Street Music and Hidden River Yarns

Best Window Displays

The Little Apple

You can’t walk by The Little Apple without window shopping and looking at the beautiful displays designed by owner, Brandy. She knows how to draw people into her gift shop by perfectly capturing themes for every season. 4361 Main St, (267) 335-4968.

Honorable Mention: Pineapple on Main

Best Customer Service

Main Street Music

Main Street Music offers an extensive collection of affordable new and used vinyls, CDs, and DVDs. The staff are the most knowledgeable music lovers on Main Street and always have the perfect recommendation for their customers.

4444 Main St, (215) 487-7732.

Honorable Mention: Millay and The Spiral Bookcase

Best New Store/Salon

LILA Fashion International

Step inside the wide world of fashion! LILA has been offering women's fashion from talented designers from around the world including their homeland of Greece. Main Street’s new favorite store has been bringing their eclectic style to the neighborhood since the summer of 2016. 4386 Main St, (267) 331-5993.

Honorable Mention: Salon L and Threads on Main

Best Art Gallery/Studio Space

Artesano Iron Works

Located in the heart of Manayunk, Artesano Iron Works is an architectural design and home accent company, which has been crafting pieces for over a decade.Their unique venue is a beautifully restored historic warehouse built in the early 1900's. The 10,000 square-foot premiere event space is decorated with magnificent hand-forged works of art. 109 Green Ln, (215) 483-9273.

Honorable Mention: Orbit Gallery and Bazemore Gallery

DINE

Best Tap List

Union Tap House

Union Tap House is a no-frills bar with a wide variety of craft beers on tap— including a selection of local brews—to cater to their loyal customers. They also offer tavern food, including chicken wings with 10+ different wing sauces, homemade burgers, and fresh cut french fries. 4801 Umbria St, (215) 482-8980. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Pitchers Pub

Best Wine List

Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar

For nearly 30 years, Jake’s and Cooper’s has strived to provide a quality menu and a diverse, yet affordable wine list. Owner Bruce and his staff are wine connoisseurs and can help you pick the best glass to compliment every item on the menu. 4365 Main St, (215) 483-0444. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: The Couch Tomato Bistro

Best Specialty Cocktail

The Friendly Neighbor (The Goat’s Beard)

Manayunk is known for it’s friendly neighbors. This cocktail, created by The Goat’s Beard, blends all the wonders of vodka and champagne with the flavors of elderflower, lemon juice, simple syrup, and muddled cucumber and mint. 4201 Main St, (267) 323-2495.

Honorable Mention: Three Chiles Margarita (Taqueria Feliz)

Best Lite Bite

Tomato Bisque (The Couch Tomato Cafe)

You can’t go to The Couch Tomato Cafe without getting their classic tomato bisque. This soup is on the menu year-round (because most of us wouldn’t survive without it) and it’s served with either a homemade roll, crackers or croutons, take your pick. 100-102 Rector St, (215) 483-2233.

Honorable Mention: Fried Pickles (Craft Manayunk)

Best Late Night Snack

Chocolate Chunk Cookie (Insomnia Cookies)

Insomnia Cookies is a rapidly expanding late-night bakery that specializes in delivering warm, delicious cookies to your door. The ooey, gooey chocolate chunk cookie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at any time of the night! 4319 Main St, (877) 632-6654.

Honorable Mention: Cheesesteak (The Tent at Chloe’s)

Best Al Fresco Dining

Winnie’s LeBus

On a bright spring day or crisp fall afternoon, there’s nothing better than sitting outside eating brunch or dinner at Winnie’s LeBus. People watching is always a welcome activity and you’ll be sure to see a face you know walking by while you dine. Though the spring and summer are prime al fresco dining months, Winnie’s also installed outdoor heaters so you can enjoy al fresco dining well into the late fall. 4266 Main St, (215) 487-2663.

Honorable Mention: Manayunk Brewing Company and Bourbon Blue

Best Comfort Food

Steak Mac ‘n Cheese (The Goat’s Beard)

The Goat’s Beard is a comfortably bold and sustainable corner bar and restaurant featuring domestic small plates including customer favorite, the steak mac ‘n cheese. Made with Painted Hills grass-fed sirloin, potato gnocchi, asiago, parmesan, and cheddar cheese, let’s just say this mac ‘n cheese is to die for. 4201 Main St, (267) 323-2495.

Honorable Mention: Brisket Platter (Deke’s Bar-B-Que)

Best Healthy Menu

Yanako

A multi-sensory Japanese restaurant and sushi bar, Yanako features classic Japanese dishes made with fresh ingredients. Though all of the menu items are full of flavor, most are light in calories and will keep your body healthy and happy. 4255 Main St, (267) 297-8151.

Honorable Mention: The Juice Merchant

Best Brunch Menu

Greg’s Kitchen

Nestled under the bridge at the end of Main Street, Greg's Kitchen aims to bring you all the comforts of a home cooked meal in your own kitchen. Their brunch menu is full of classic breakfast staples, but Greg always has unique specials on the menu each weekend that are a must try. 4460 Main St, (215) 482-4734.

Honorable Mention: Winnie’s LeBus

Best Place to Grab a Slice

Franzone’s Pizzeria

Since 1955, Franzone’s has been a pizza tradition in Philadelphia, but just a few years ago, Charles Franzone III continued his family’s tradition by opening up a shop in Manayunk. Franzone’s has a signature sauce that will keep you coming back for more.114 Levering St, (215) 508-1050

Honorable Mention: Riverside Pizza

Best Place to Go on a Friday Night

Manayunk Brewing Company

On a Friday night, there’s no better to place to head to than the brewery to sip on few of their house beers and enjoy live music on their indoor or outdoor stage during the warmer months. If DJ’s are your thing, head up stairs where the dance floor is filled all night. 4120 Main St, (215) 482-8220.

Honorable Mention: Manayunk Tavern

Best First Date Spot

Bourbon Blue

The charm and beauty of Bourbon Blue's revamped mill building takes your breath away before you even taste the American food with a New Orleans twist. The food, atmosphere, and welcoming staff make it the perfect spot for a first date. 2 Rector St, (215) 508-3360. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Yanako

Best Food to Go

Deke’s Bar-B-Que

Deke’s Bar-B-Que has been serving up locally sourced, slow-cooked BBQ since 2009. With a separate spot for to-go orders and catering on Ridge Avenue, Deke’s has the convenience of fast food with the quality of a true Southern BBQ joint. 4901 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128, (215) 588-7427.

Honorable Mention: Binto Market & Cafe

Best International Cuisine

MAYA.J

Chef Craig Wilson’s MAYA.J features small globally inspired cuisine (taken from Craig’s adventures traveling around the world as a chef) served in a two-story storefront with a cozy bar and an art-filled dining room. Although its sister restaurant, Gigi, is taking over the Maya.J space, some of their famous Mediterranean small plates will remain on Gigi’s menu. 4371 Main St, (267) 297-8961.

Honorable Mention: Chabaa Thai Bistro

Best Main Street Dish

PB & Bacon Burger (Lucky’s Last Chance)

Lucky’s Last Chance is a neighborhood favorite serving up unique gourmet burgers paired with craft beer. Their most unique burger yet? Their award-winning PB & Bacon Burger, which is a childhood favorite with an adult twist that is unexpectedly delicious. 4421 Main St, (215) 509-6005.

Honorable Mention: Cheesesteak (Sorrentino’s)

Best Sandwich

Belly of the Beast (Smokin’ John’s Barbeque)

Smokin’ John’s Barbeque borrows the best techniques from across the American Barbeque belt. Several months in the making, the Belly of the Beast is packed with 10 delicious ingredients including pulled pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken, baked beans, mac & cheese, caramelized onions, shoestring fries, burnt ends, and cheese sauce, all smothered in Smokin’ John’s sweet BBQ sauce. 4258 Main St, (267) 858-3000.

Honorable Mention: The Angry Bird Sandwich (AG Jameson’s U.S. Hotel Bar & Grill) and Hoagie (Sorrentino’s)

Best French Fries

Main Street Fries (Lucky’s Last Chance)

Not only are they known for their signature burgers, Lucky’s Last Chance also serves up delicious nostalgic krinkle cut fries. Their Main Street fries are topped with cheesy Old Bay goodness featuring a mix of secret spices. 4421 Main St, (215) 509-6005.

Honorable Mention: Burnt End Fries (Smokin’ John’s Barbeque)

Best Spicy Dish

Dan Dan Noodles (Han Dynasty)

If spicy foods are your thing, look no further than Han Dynasty, whose menu includes a full range of Szechuan style Chinese food prepared from mild to spicy all marked with a spice level 1-10. Though you can adjust spice levels of each dish to your liking, their Dan Dan Noodles are perfect just the way they are at a level 7. 4356 Main St, (215) 508-2066.

Honorable Mention: Suicide Wings (Union Tap House)

Best Taco

“Ensenada” Fish Tacos (Taqueria Feliz)

Taqueria Feliz offers a classic Mexican inspired dining experience. Their “Ensenada” style fish tacos are a customer favorite made with tempura battered blue tilapia, avocado, chipotle mayo, cabbage slaw and topped with sliced radish. Get them fried or grilled. 4410 Main St, (267) 331-5874. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Pork Carnitas Tacos (Union Taco)

Best Dessert to Ruin Your Diet

Red Velvet Cupcake (Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes & Bakeshop)

Although Sweet Elizabeth's Cakes & Bakeshop just closed its doors, Liz and her team had already swept this category for their red velvet cupcakes. Made with fresh beet juice, these moist red velvet cupcakes are topped with mascarpone cream cheese icing and a candied beet. We know you’ll miss these just as much as we will.

Honorable Mention: Frozen Yogurt (Whirled Peace)

Best Bartender

Ashley (Lucky’s Last Chance)

Though Ashley was always a cocktail drinker to start, working at Lucky’s has turned her into a craft beer drinker and now she’s one of the most knowledgeable bartenders on the block. 4421 Main St, (215) 509-6005. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Tara (Winnie’s LeBus)

Best Server

Lisa (Winnie’s LeBus)

Whether this is your first visit or you consider yourself a regular at Winnie’s LeBus, you’ll always feel at home at Winnie’s with friendly faces like Lisa to welcome and serve you. 4266 Main St, (215) 487-2663. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Genevieve (Lucky’s Last Chance)

Best Customer Service - Food Service

Volo Coffeehouse

Volo Coffeehouse is a bright, airy cafe providing La Colombe coffee, a variety of teas, pastries, bagels, and sandwiches. The welcoming staff greet you daily and invite you to sit down and stay a while. 4360 Main St, (215) 483-4580. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Sweet Elizabeth’s Cakes & Bakeshop

Best New (or Reinvented) Restaurant

Chabaa Thai Bistro

In August 2016, Chabaa Thai moved its beloved BYOB down the street to a larger space to accommodate their growing customer base. Chef Moon also added a new Asian market, Binto, next door so customers could pick up their favorites on the go.

Honorable Mention: Gigi Italian Bistro and Maya.J

PLAY

Best Workout

Spin Barre Fusion (The Wall Cycling Studio)

The Wall Cycling Studio is dedicated to providing intense, calorie-burning workouts that not only keep you fit physically, but mentally as well. The 50-minute class is a full body workout—combining spinning and barre exercises instructed by the most inspiring and competitive enthusiasts in the game. 107 Cotton St, (267) 336-7928.

Honorable Mention: Row and Flow (RowZone)

Best Personal Trainer

Joey DeMalavez (Joltin' Jabs)

Joltin’ Jabs is run by Manayunk native, Joltin’ Joey DeMalavez, who follows a lifestyle of promoting fitness, energy, and self-confidence. His boxing classes and personal training sessions will push you beyond what you thought possible. 4303 Main St, (610) 256-5789. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Erin Hall (The Wall Cycling Studio)

Best Place to Get Your Sweat On

GoalsFit

Along with making sure you achieve your fitness goals, GoalsFit takes pride in making all fitness fun! Their personal trainers always have your best interest in mind, and will help you meet attainable goals. Chances are, if you try out a GoalsFit boot camp or running class, you will get hooked for a lifetime. 4450 Main St, (610) 457-5424.

Honorable Mention: SWEAT

Best Place to Get Workout Gear

Philadelphia Runner

Philadelphia Runner has gear for whatever workout you fancy. The experienced staff will help you find the perfect fit for shoes, apparel, and accessories to give you the best workout possible. 4358 Main St, (267) 336-7409. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: HumanZoom Bikes & Boards

Best Place to Take a Visitor

Manayunk Bridge

A neighborhood staple since 1918, the historic Manayunk Bridge was restored and renovated into a pedestrian walkway in the fall of 2015. The popular attraction offers the perfect view of the neighborhood, whether you’re taking a friend, a loved one, or a furry friend for a stroll.

Honorable Mention: Chew Philly Food Tours

Best Live Music Scene

The Grape Room

The Grape Room’s intimate atmosphere and wide variety of local talent gives fans an entertaining experience six nights a week. The venue is just steps from Main Street with live music, open mic, and comedy nights. 105 Grape St, (215) 930-0321.

Honorable Mention: Dawson Street Pub

READERS’ CHOICE

Best Place to Live

Canal House

Canal House offers beautifully designed, upscale apartments located in an urban village that's convenient to everything in Manayunk. It features a gated, landscaped courtyard, oversized windows, and views of the historic Manayunk Canal from most apartments. 4312 Main St, (215) 483-9990.

Honorable Mention: Lofts at Chimney Hill

Best Day in the Neighborhood

StrEAT Food Festival

From sweet frozen treats to tacos and BBQ, there’s something for the thousands of attendees to enjoy at the StrEAT Food Festival! There’s also live music on three different stages and promotions from the variety of local businesses.

Honorable Mention: Manayunk Arts Festival

Best Manayunk Superhero

Manayunk Maintenance Crew (Torrey, Roy, Gerry and Barry)

Who knows where Manayunk would be without with the Manayunk Maintenance Crew? The hard-working trio go above and beyond to keep the streets of Manayunk clean. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: Dave Scarpello

Best Local Artist

Johnny Destructo

Owner of Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex, JD does it all. His original illustrations and T-shirt designs can be found in store, and he also offers graphic design work though commissions. [Read more here]

Honorable Mention: Susan Beard

Best Manayunk Instagrammer

@dogsofmanayunk

Putting the spotlight on all of the four-legged friends in the neighborhood, @dogsofmanayunk features the daily lives of dogs while at home, work, and play. [Read more here.]

Honorable Mention: @millayvintage

EDITORS' CHOICE

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Bruce Cooper / Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar

After a water main break and flooded basement in the summer of 2016, Bruce Cooper proved hard work and a lot of patience goes a long way when he reopened his restaurant in January of this year. Bruce showed us owning a business isn’t easy and you certainly can’t do alone. We know the time and dedication he put in over the past six months has not gone unnoticed as his restaurant now features a revamped menu and updated wine selection. It’s only fitting that Bruce is our Entrepreneur of the Year.

Main Street Milestone Award

Michael Rose / Manayunk Brewing Company

This past year, the Manayunk Brewing Company celebrated it’s 20th anniversary, and behind its success is owner Mike Rose. Mike has worked to expand both the brewery operation and restaurant portion of the business over the years, which has led the business to remain a mainstay in Manayunk. Through multiple floods and renovations, Mike trudged on to bring the brewery back to it’s feet and even better than before. We hope to see Mike and the brewery thrive for many more years to come.

District Visionary Award

Gwen McCauley / Manayunk Development Corporation

Gwen has served as the Director of Operations for the Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) for nearly seven years. Gwen wears many hats in her role—she oversees the maintenance team, works on streetscape projects, and manages the day-to-day finances of the office. Her true passion lies in making the district cleaner and greener through planting and street beautification projects. Her latest plans include new parklets, bike corrals and pedestrian plazas both on and off of Main Street. Gwen does a thankless job every day, and the MDC staff is grateful for her!

Lifetime Service Award

William O’Brien / MNYK Law

Bill is the owner of MNYK Law Office, located at 4322 Main Street. Bill is someone you can count on when Manayunk businesses need legal services. He specializes in city codes, building permits, and offers general legal council. Bill has also served on the MDC Board of Directors and is often seen lending an extra hand on event days. Manayunk would not be where it is today without Bill’s guidance and legal advice along the way.

Lifetime Development Award

Gary + Norma Mann

Gary and Norma Mann have operated a successful jewelry store on Main Street for 30 years. While they run their jewelry store, this dynamic duo has always had Manayunk’s best interest at heart. They consistently advocate for a strong retail community, and have always been willing to connect potential businesses to property owners. Their commitment to rebuilding the street and years of dedication to the community don’t go unnoticed.

Main Street Ambassador Award

David Decca / Orbit Gallery

David is a passionate and engaged retail and community member who has called Main Street home for decades. He has helped spearhead the retail committee, served as Vice President of the MDC Board of Directors, and is always one of the first to get involved while having business owners’ interests at heart. David can often be seen talking about the latest projects and events outside his gallery, and is always one of the first people to make new Manayunk business owners feel welcome.

Manayunk Leadership Award

Brendan McGrew / Bourbon Blue

Brendan is someone who is always willing to step up to the plate; he leads the district’s Restaurant Committee with MDC by contributing to events and projects, including both Manayunk Restaurant Weeks, Cocktail Week, and Manayunk Meals & More. He is also active on the MDC Board of Directors and is always one to volunteer his time, restaurant, or services for the greater good. On top of it all, Brendan is an entrepreneur who is always coming up with innovative ideas and creative menu items to keep his customers coming back for more.

Community Spirit Award

Kevin Smith & Dave Bass / Friends of Pretzel Park

Kevin and Dave are the force behind the Friends of Pretzel Park and the Manayunk Neighborhood Council. The pair can often be seen organizing events and beautifications at Pretzel Park, and leading community initiatives whenever there is an issue or new project. We admire Kevin and Dave’s commitment to the community and the many hours of their time they dedicate.