The Germantown and Mt. Airy neighborhoods have historically been Philadelphia’s most tolerant neighborhoods dating back to when the Germans arrived in the 1700s. Lincoln Drive separates the Germantown and Mt. Airy neighborhoods into an East and a West—the West side being the wealthier, larger home, quieter, more suburban of the two. Although the East has a little more action in terms of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, as well as a few historical sites.
If I were to compile a list of Philadelphia’s best neighborhood bars (I probably should put this together), McMenamin’s Tavern would be in the Top Five. It has a homey feel—when I sit at the bar it seems like everyone knows one another.
If I were to compile a list of Philadelphia’s best neighborhood bars (I probably should put this together), McMenamin’s Tavern would be in the Top Five. It has a homey feel—when I sit at the bar it seems like everyone knows one another.
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Germantown has several historical homes.
Cliveden is probably the most well known because of its role in the Battle of Germantown—the battle was fought in the home’s front yard. Every October there’s a re-enactment and festival commemorated the event. |
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Johnson House is further down and the site of an underground railroad stop. I had an excellent tour guide when I visited the house. The guide explained the history of Germantown (Ben Franklin wasn’t too nice to the Germans and a bit of an anti-immigrant), the history of the house, and the history of abolition in a fun and entertaining manner.
Market Square has a great collection of historical buildings. Uncle Bobbie’s is a coffee shop on the southside of the square. Local political talking head Marc Lamont Hill is the proprietor, politics aside, this is a great addition to the neighborhood. Good coffee. Good bocks. All of which attracts a bit of a crowd in a cramped space.
Market Square has a great collection of historical buildings. Uncle Bobbie’s is a coffee shop on the southside of the square. Local political talking head Marc Lamont Hill is the proprietor, politics aside, this is a great addition to the neighborhood. Good coffee. Good bocks. All of which attracts a bit of a crowd in a cramped space.
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There is no other place like Maplewood Mall in Philadelphia. It’s a quiet half block pedestrian street and if not for my coffee searches and finding Germantown Espresso Bar, I never would have discovered this place. For a little more excitement, the hubbub around Chelten and Wayne Avenue is only a block away.
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I have a tough time picking my favorite coffee shop in Germantown / Mt. Airy. The third entrant to the debate is High Point Café which is just off the intersection of Greene Street and Carpenter Lane. This area showcases the easy going, quiet feel of Germantown / Mt. Airy and this coffee shop is the perfect complement.