Join us as we take a stroll up Germantown Avenue from Berkley Street to West Johnson Street. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri spent the day on Germantown Avenue exploring the sites, restaurants, and shops on this avenue.
What To Do
Trenae recommends starting your walk around noon and stopping in Deke’s Bar-B-Que for BBQ and cornbread. If you're looking for a spot to hang out with your friends, Deke’s is great because they have a pool table to use while you indulge in ribs and mac & cheese. Note that they open later on Mondays and Tuesdays. Walking around this area, you may smell the delicious odors of freshly baked bread. Merzbacher's, an amazing bakery that offers a variety of breads (check out the Philly Muffin!), is near Deke’s. The shop is open from 4–8 p.m. and is closed Tuesdays and Saturdays. Also in this area is Attic Brewing Company, which boasts 14 award-winning craft beers.
Merzbacher’s offers a variety of fresh bread that all smell amazing! (City Cast Philly / Trenae Nuri)
Further up Germantown Avenue, Trenae stopped at Bargain Thrift Center. This thrift store offers discounts on a different color tag each week, making certain items even more of a bargain. And all clothing and linens with a brown tag are always just $1! After all that thrifting, Trenae needed a pick-me-up, so she stopped at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee Shop & Books. While sipping her drip coffee with Oatmilk and pumpkin spice, she browsed the book selection. For art lovers out there, Ubuntu Fine Art is a spot you’ll want to check out. You can see the beautiful photos from photographer and owner Steven CW Taylor. Side note: There is a great fabric store near Uncle Bobbie’s called Gaffney Fabrics to check out if you’re in the market.
From coffee and snacks to various books, Uncle Bobbie’s has it all. (City Cast Philly / Trenae Nuri)
After getting caffeinated, Trenae recommends stopping at Yadain Cultural Solutions where they sell body, hair, and facial care products. And right across the street is Harlem Uncut Organics which offers various herbs, fragrances, and cosmetic bases. K&J Caribbean American Diner is located near these shops, and we recommend checking that out if you’re feeling peckish. Try the large jerk chicken, rice and beans, mac & cheese, and the cabbage platter. Yadain Cultural Solutions and Harlem Uncut Organics are located on Chelten Avenue and K&J Caribbean American Diner is on Greene Street.
The creations on the left were made by the fashion designer Valerie Mangum. (City Cast Philly / Trenae Nuri)
Trenae then walked to the Wyck Historic House and Garden and enjoyed some time outside in the lovely garden. Nearby this historic site is All the Way Live Cafe, a perfect spot for an afternoon snack. It’s a vegan restaurant with a ton of options including salads, burgers, soups, and desserts. For carnivores, a ten-minute walk away on Chelten Avenue, a cross-street to Germantown Avenue, is Hot Clucks, famous for their spicy, crispy chicken sandwiches.
If you want to extend your walk along the avenue, visit the Johnson House Historic Site. Built in 1768, this house is famous for being a stop on the Underground Railroad. Afterward, grab a drink at Young American Hard Cider & Tasting Room.
One great reason to visit: Germantown will host its next night market on July 19 from 4–9 p.m. It will take place on Maplewood Mall, and there will be food trucks, music, and local vendors.
These are just some of the highlights that City Cast Philly recommends when walking on Germantown Avenue in Germantown. Where else do you stop when you’re on Germantown Avenue? Let us know!
