For those in the know, McNally’s Tavern is the original place to go to find a Schmitter — the other local favorite steak sandwich — made with cheese, fried onions, tomatoes, salami, and a special Schmitter sauce. Contrary to what you’ve heard, it wasn’t named for former Phils player Mike Schmidt — but grab a beer and a sandwich at McNally’s and you’ll find you don’t even care.

Operated out of the historic Cresheim Cottage on Germantown Avenue, one might mistake Jansen for a family home if not for the scent of braised lamb shank wafting from its windows. Chef David Jansen turned the 18th-century house into the perfect date-night spot, with the original fireplace and a beautiful outdoor patio to boot. Dishes like crispy stuffed quail and oysters Rockefeller make it a destination for a special dining experience. Jansen also offers takeout for next day pickup. Orders can be made online and reservations are recommended.

While Jamaican D’s is a little farther afield from Germantown Avenue, it’s a must-visit for its jerk chicken, caramelized sweet plantains, mac and cheese, and collard greens. There can be lines outside to get the restaurant’s deluxe combo platters, but stay motivated. Customers can preorder online through Grubhub for pickup, so the oxtail and collards will be hot on arrival. Delivery is also available.

Young American Hard Cider’s outdoor patio is a welcoming place to drink one of the brewery’s many ciders (made from Pennsylvania apples), local beers, cocktails, and wines, especially right next to warming fire pits on a chillier night. But don’t stop at just drinks: The food menu at Young American — from chef Robin Admana — is always great. On Thursday and Friday nights, the cidery hosts tasting menus of whatever Admana is into making that week. They’re not to be missed.

Veggie-forward visitors to the Northwest will be pleased to stop by All the Way Live Cafe a few blocks north of Chelten Avenue. The vegan cafe focuses on every kind of green thing that Mother Nature has to offer, and jackfruit burgers on spelt pita and grain bowls with squash tuna are highlights.

This neighborhood classic serves impressive breakfast and lunch served halal. Try their exceptional gumbo and fish platters that includes local ingredients and flavorful specials.

There is no more pleasant experience than browsing in a book store while drinking a hot coffee, and at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books, you have the best of both worlds. That’s because the store was opened to celebrate books written by marginalized voices (the children’s section is especially great). Uncle Bobbie’s is the best place to get a coffee, specialty lemonade, or pastry from Crust Vegan Bakery as well as the book on your list you’ve been meaning to buy.

Open from breakfast until dinner every day but Sunday, Salam Cafe is one of the Northwest’s best destinations for Ethiopian fare, like massive platters of beef stew and rice, or more Middle Eastern offerings like falafel and hummus. Weekend breakfast specials include veggie firfir and shakshuka.

This lively restaurant serves up memorable soul food and Caribbean cuisine. Whether its their scrumptious spicy salmon sandwiches or their wholesome pepper steak and rice — there’s plenty to choose from (and devour) at Veelicious.

The best bread in the city can be found right here at Merzbacher’s of Germantown. Their airy dough bakes the perfect crust on their memorable French toast loafs and challah. Look out for their pizza pop-ups that feature delicious flatbreads and mouth-watering tomato pies.

It’s hard to find great barbecue in Philly, but Deke’s put the other joints to shame with their immaculate fire pit. Come for the tender baby back ribs, stay for the finger-licking chopped pork sandwich.