Brian Nagele
As someone who prides themselves on my ability to sniff out the best food any neighborhood has to offer, I have a genuine soft spot for the Wissahickon neighborhood in northwest Philly.
It’s a historical enclave with some of the best dining in the Keystone State, from handmade pierogies to knock-your-socks-off pizzas.
Finish off your hike in the Wissahickon and stop by one of these restaurants to refuel!
We’ll weave our way through the area, starting with a historical building in Wissahickon Valley Park, stopping by a few riverfront favorites, and finally landing at an Irish American pub serving signature burgers and local whiskey.
Best Restaurants Near Wissahickon Valley Park
Let’s dive into my top picks for the best restaurants near Wissahickon, Philadelphia!
Valley Green Inn
Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: 215-247-1730
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Nestled in the lush greenery of Wissahickon Valley Park, Valley Green Inn has a storied history starting with purchasing of several hundred acres of land in 1685.
Since then, it’s been a grist mill, a hotel, and a restored historical site before becoming the restaurant everyone knows and loves today.
Valley Green Inn has a stellar brunch menu, from Camp Scrambled Eggs with Home Fries to a life-changing Short Rib Benedict.
Still, my favorite is the Local Cheese Plate, with a selection of artisanal cheeses with fruit, candied walnuts, honey, and toasted brioche for topping.
Dalessandro’s Steaks
600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: 215-482-5407
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Just a short jaunt from Wissahickon Valley Park, at the corner of Wendover Street and Henry Avenue, is Dalessandro’s Steaks.
It’s the pride of the Roxborough neighborhood, where locals and travelers alike can find some of the best cheesesteaks, Angus burgers, and hoagies in Philadelphia.
Go for their classic Pepper Cheese Steak or mix things up with an ooey, gooey Pizza Steak with sauce and provolone cheese.
If you really want to try something different, Dalessandro’s also does 100% white meat chicken steaks, including a killer Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak with hot sauce, blue cheese, and American cheese.
McNally’s Tavern Chestnut Hill
8634 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Phone: 215-247-9736
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McNally’s Tavern Chestnut Hill has been slinging some of the best soups, sandwiches, and beers on tap since 1921 when Rose McNally opened the doors at the end of the longest trolley line on the tallest hill in Philly. They hopped across the street in 1927 and have kept the pub in the family ever since.
Their most highly requested meal is the Schmitter, celebrated far and wide as “the planet’s best sandwich.”
Thanks to its appeal amongst the Phillies and the Eagles players, it’s featured in Super Bowl XXXIX and two World Series.
This Philadelphia favorite features sliced beef with extra cheese, fried onions, tomatoes, grilled salami, and Schmitter sauce on a Kaiser roll.
The Cedars House
200 W Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Phone: 215-242-3121
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Outside of Harper’s Pavilion at the bend of the Wissahickon Creek, The Cedars House occupies the first floor of a quaint yellow home, complete with a gnome waiting to greet visitors as they travel up the stone walkway to the front door.
I love the menu here because it’s tailored to breakfast and lunch fare, with the addition of a generous ice cream and dessert menu, perfect for a Saturday morning date.
Go for the Cedars House Salad with berries, goat cheese, and an irresistible Honey Lemon Balsamic, followed by a Cedars Special Coffee with Basset’s Vanilla Ice Cream, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Lucky’s Roadside Stand
5154 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: 215-842-5836
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For the ultimate comfort food indulgence, head to Lucky’s Roadside Stand, located at Lucky’s Trading Co., about a block from La Noce Park.
After finding that their Manayunk location didn’t have the space they needed to expand their take-out options, Lucky’s crew launched the Ridge Ave. location in the Roxborough neighborhood.
Their hot dogs may have the questionable title of 2nd Place on the menu, but they’re blue ribbon winners.
The Deadwood– topped with bacon, American cheese, onions, and BBQ sauce puts other dogs to shame.
Their Tots are extra crispy and have options like gooey Old Bay cheese or house-made chili and shredded cheddar.
Smiley’s Café
4251 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 267-323-2098
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Smiley’s Café is in the shopping center across Cresson Street from Pretzel Park, and it’s my go-to spot for incredible Greek specialties in Wissahickon.
They also have stellar summertime refreshments, including a Chocolate Bliss Smoothie and four fruity lemonade flavors.
As far as food, their rib-sticking Chicken Shawarma Platter is my favorite. It comes with Greek Salad, hummus, basmati rice, and more pita bread than you need but less than you’ll want.
I like to order a take-out hummus and pita to take home because the chances of having leftovers after lunch are slim to none.
Fiorino
3572 Indian Queen Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone: 215-843-1500
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In the heart of East Falls is Romagno native Franco Faggi’s Fiorino, a BYOB Italian kitchen that offers outdoor dining on the covered sidewalk and a rotating menu of authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
When I went, I indulged in the best Romagno has to offer, including a mouthwatering Mussels Marinara and Conchiglie Alla Rimini with shell pasta, bay scallops, shrimp, zucchini, and a tantalizing blush sauce.
My Bomba dessert managed to top my main course, featuring chocolate and vanilla gelato with a cherry almond center and a thick coating of scrumptious chocolate sauce.
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter to end your meal, their mango sorbetti is the perfect, icy ending to a satisfying dinner.
Wiss Bar & Bistro
5109 Rochelle Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: 267-981-8292
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Near the aforementioned Lucky’s Roadside Stand on the Kalo’s Stree side of La Noce Park, Wissahickon (Wiss) Bar & Bistro offers classic gastropub fare, beer, and cocktails to the tight-knit community that calls this area home.
I tried one of their signature cocktails – the Wiss Iced Tea with rum, gin, vodka, tequila, and mango syrup– which was the perfect accompaniment to my meal of Jerk Wings with Fries.
They also have some excellent seafood selections, including mussels with your choice of red, white, or butter garlic sauce and a fried fish platter with fries.
Rox Café & Bistro
5134 Rochelle Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: 267-500-2233
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Rox Café & Bistro is directly across from La Noce, at the corner of Osborn Street and Rochelle Ave.
It’s between Wiss Bar & Bistro and Lucky’s Roadside Stand, which means you have three incredible options all in a row next time you’re in the Wissahickon area.
The menu is a grab-bag of breakfast options, café staples, and Mediterranean food, making it a real crowd-pleaser if you can’t decide where to grab a bite with picky eaters.
You can snag an omelet, pancakes, or French toast thanks to their All Day Breakfast, or enjoy a Falafel Platter with eggplant and salad.
The Pierogie Kitchen
648 Roxborough Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: 215-483-5301
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Across Henry Ave. from Boyce Athletic Field is The Pierogie Kitchen, serving– no surprise, here– handmade, from-scratch pierogies. The painstaking effort put into these potato dumplings is evident in every delicious bite.
They have over twenty fillings, from simple favorites like Garlic & Herb Potato to gourmet goodies like Philly Cheesesteak and Honey Sriracha Chicken. They even have a dessert dumpling filled with silky Chocolate Ganache.
Just when I thought The Pierogie Kitchen couldn’t get any better, I learned that they sell their craveable fare in frozen packages to heat and eat from the comfort of your home.
In Riva
4116 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Phone: 215-438-4848
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On the northwest side of the Twin Bridges overlooking the Schuylkill River is In Riva, one of Philly’s best pizza spots, with pies crafted by The City of Brotherhood native Arthur Cavaliere.
He’s brought his talents– honed under celebrity chefs like Iron Chef Jose Garces and Stephen Starr– back home to the riverfront.
Be sure to stop by every Thursday from 4 pm to 10 pm for In Riva’s Riverfront Beer Garden for some great food, cold cocktails, live music, games, and a good time.
They also have ½ off pizza deals on Tuesdays, Happy Hour on Wednesday-Friday, and ½ price bottled wine on Sundays.
The Goat’s Beard – Manayunk
4201 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 267-323-2495
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The Goat’s Beard – Manayunk is at the corner of Main and Pensale, northeast of the Schuylkill River Trail.
It’s the perfect place to end a hike, offering new American twists on hometown favorites and an impressive craft whiskey menu from local distillers like Brandywine Branch and Kinsey.
I’m a fan of the TBG Nuggets, with a tasty buttermilk marinade, or the Korean Meatballs during Happy Hour.
You’ve got to try their Detroit-style pizza for a more filling meal. The fluffy, focaccia-style crust is already delicious and gets even better once topped with their signature sauce and plenty of cheese.
Hilltown Tavern
326 Roxborough Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: 267-766-5835
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Last but certainly not least is Hilltown Tavern, the modern Irish American gastropub at the corner of Lauriston Street and Roxborough Avenue.
It’s one of my favorite places to grab a specialty beer– shout out to Fathead’s Bumbleberry– or sit down for a soul-warming meal with my family.
They make a mean macaroni and cheese, loaded with tender short rib and white cheddar cheese sauce, but I’d be remiss not to mention their massive Prime Sirloin burger.
Order it with the Guinness Irish Sharp Cheddar and a side of Garlic Parmesan Fries for a truly transcendent experience.
