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Mana...what???
If you're not local to Philly, this neighborhood name might throw you for a loop. It's up there with the likes of "Schuylkill", "Moyamensing", "Wissahickon", and "Passyunk". If you do spend a good chunk of your time in the City of Brotherly Love, then Manayunk likely rolls off the tongue without a second thought.
My plan was to teach the non-native Philadelphians how to say Manayunk. My teammates had a different plan. We can't agree how to pronounce it!
I say "Man-uh-yunk"
Brittany says "Man-ee-yunk"
Heidi says "Man-knee-yunk"
Even Google disagrees! Google's vote is "Ma-nuh-yuhngk"
What do you think?
...So what IS Manayunk? Manayunk is a neighborhood in the northwest region of Philadelphia. It sits just north of the Schuylkill River (and the Schuylkill Expressway). Originally named the town of Flat Rock, Manayunk received its now iconic name at a town council meeting in 1824. The residents chose the name from the Lenape Indian word for the Schuylkill River “manaiung” which literally translates to “place to drink” in English. Manayunk certainly is a place to drink with plenty of local pubs, breweries, and bars lining the lively commercial center: Main Street. If coffee is your drink of choice, Main Street is still your place!
While originally a separate town from Philadelphia, the city absorbed the neighborhood as part of its own. That being said, Manayunk has held its own independent identity. Historically working class, many German, Irish, Italian, and Polish descentants found this area a great place to settle down and work. Nearly every block is lined with row homes, most of which have relatively large grassy back yards compared to other parts of the city. Since Manayunk is built into the side of a hill that ascends from the river, you'll find yourself activating that parking break when taking advantage of street parking! It's no San Fransisco, but the hilly nature is certainly a hallmark of the area.
Places to Drink:
Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar & Wine Shop
Pitchers Pub
Dawson Street Pub
Manayunk Brewing Company
Fat Lady Brewing
Places to Drink Coffee:
Artesano Cafe
Valerio Coffee Roaster
Volo Coffeehouse
Pilgrim Roasters
Trust me, these are not exhaustive lists. Take a walk down Main Street and you're guaranteed to find even more!
If you have any favorite Manayunk spots that deserve a shoutout, let me know!! I am always looking for recommendations.
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