Dining out is an easy feat in the cozy Philadelphia neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, where many enticing options can be found along Germantown Avenue.
Having a difficult time deciding which Chestnut Hill restaurant to choose for your night on the town? Take our advice and pick more than one! A “progressive dinner” stroll is a great opportunity to enjoy the walkable streets of Chestnut Hill; partake of appetizers, dinner, dessert and after-dinner drinks; and discover a few new favorites. Here’s our plan of attack:
Appetizers & Cocktails at El Poquito
Begin your culinary journey at Chestnut Hill’s popular Mexican eatery El Poquito, where guacamole, pico de gallo and a variety of salsas, including roja, smoked onion, verde and habanero cashew, await. If you’re searching for something more filling to indulge in as a starter, try the empanadas.
Of course, no start to any meal would be complete without a cocktail. We recommend one of El Poquito’s signature margaritas. 8201 Germantown Ave., (267) 766-5372
Entrees at Mica
After a light bite at El Poquito, head to the newly reopened Mica, now owned and operated by Chef Yianni Arhontoulis, for entrees. Although Mica offers a tempting tasting menu, for the purposes of a progressive dinner you may want to stick with an a la carte entree and save the tasting for next time. (But do be sure to make a plan to return!)
Mica’s well-rounded menu includes poached salmon with sweet corn and wheat berries, grilled lamb loin with zucchini and goat cheese, pot-roasted cauliflower with late-summer truffles and raisins and more. The restaurant is now a BYOB, so feel free to bring along a bottle of your favorite wine to enjoy with your entrees. 8609 Germantown Ave., (267) 335-3912
Dessert & After-Dinner Drinks at Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe
After your walk around the neighborhood, top off your Chestnut Hill dining experience with a visit to Paris Bistro and Jazz Cafe for dessert and after-dinner drinks. Treat yourself to one of the bistro’s decadent French pastries (try the creme brulee!) and an after-dinner drink.
Paris Bistro is also home to a lively jazz cafe, so be sure to stick around after dessert for top-notch music and entertainment. There’s always something going on! 8229 Germantown Ave., (215) 242-6200
- Margarita photo: El Poquito
- Entree photo: Mica
- Dessert photo: Ed Williams
