Appetites on Main is located right off of, you guessed it, Main Street, in Exton. Tucked inside Exton’s immaculate Shopping Center, Appetites on Main is notorious for great drink specials, numerous menu items, live entertainment, the NFL Sunday Ticket and within the last year or so, a stellar line up of craft brews.
I spoke to owner Brad Weinstein and commended him on his awesome lineup of beers. Just about a year and a half ago, Brad decided to jump on the craft beer train and increased the number of beers on draft from eight to fourteen. You wouldn’t know it at first glance, with the number of Corona and Miller Lite posters that greet you at the door, but there is a chalkboard listed with some of the best in drafts and bottles: Dogfish Head, Victory, Weyerbacher, Magic Hat and much, much more. Who knows, we might see a Dogfish Head or Victory sign one day! But today, I am here to eat and Brad offered me a pint of Flying Fish’s OktoberFish to get me rollin’. Prost, Brad!
Now, the word “appetites” could not be more appropriate for this review. An understatement for what was to follow. I found myself at a small table, tucked in the back, but what I should have found was a booth. The food that Brad and hef Sean brought my way was intense. Thank goodness I was able to share amongst the other patrons at the bar! Smorgasbord!
The Hoboken arrived on deck first. The Hoboken is a Club Sandwich comprised of Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato, Basil and Oil on Italian Bread. Brad wanted my opinion on this newest addition and what a great start, because this sandwich is right up my alley! I’m a fan when I see a restaurant serving Caprese, a platter usually comprised of Mozzarella Cheese, Tomato, Basil and Oil. Sometimes, you’d rather have a light menu item if you’re drinking heavier beers. Something that leaves you satisfied, not stuffed. Thank goodness I started with this!
Not even two bites into the Hoboken, and Brad already brought out the second wave of food. This dish consisted of Reuben Sliders, three petite servings of Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, Russian Dressing and Sauerkraut layered on mini hamburger buns. What’s great about these Sliders is they retain everything I love about a Reuben, but pack them in a small size that leaves room for the next course.
And then the plates started to pile on! I tried to concentrate on what was set before me. The corner of my eye caught Tacos, Pizza and another sandwich. Brad made mention of the newest creation, what they deemed, the Pastramanator. Yes, the Pastramanator, which I’d bet my bottom dollar, Pastrami is a key ingredient.
What an awesome example of quintessential bar food! This is America! This is what a sandwich should be, and this is what Appetites on Main’s new menu has to offer! The Pastramanator, which may be new to the bunch, will most likely become a new staple for Appetites on Main. Over a 1/2 lb of their famous Pastrami topped with Cole Slaw, Swiss, Russian Dressing & Spicy Mustard. If I didn’t have a mountain of menu items, it would have ended here and my journey would have been beyond satisfied, but I’m here to explore and can’t get greedy. Goodbye Pastramanator! Hope to see you again soon.
We’re halfway there people! I’m going to take a breather with this beer, get some pics and then shift to the next dish!
One platter that made its way to my stomach, were the Fried Pickles. I never had a fried pickle before! Normally, Fried Pickles are a full Dill, but Brad mentioned these were individual slivers and forewarned me to cut in half before partaking. So spread the word! Cut before you bite or risk the roof of your mouth burned. Thanks Brad and yes, they were awesome. I’m a lover of pickles and fried pickles take them to that next level. No longer a garnish, but an actual appetizer! I especially enjoyed the dipping sauce that added a level of zing.
Speaking of zing, next was the Buffalo Chicken Pizza. This was a small pie with grilled chicken, a crispy crust, and gooey cheese goodness. The buffalo sauce allows you to really savor each bite and makes you wish you had ranch dressing to cool down! That’s if you like ranch with buffalo wings, like me.
The spice factor carried over with the plate of Shrimp Tacos. This was a nice break from the other platters that came prior. I’d recommend these Starters the next time you’re at Appetites. Nice size portions of sautéed shrimp and a flaky taco shell that leaves room wide open for the Main Course.
The grand finale consisted of the Cobb Salad and Tortellini. A waitress on staff stopped in to check on my progress. We chatted about the remaining platters. She was a huge fan of the pasta and we both agreed Brad and his staff may have nailed the Tortellini, especially for guys like me. You see, I’m not a huge fan of Alfredo, but that’s mostly due to those chains that pile on the sauce and leave my stomach unsettled. The Tortellini absorbs a chunk of the sauce, keeping the amount low key and this Italian dish, approachable. Very good!
Last, but certainly not least, was the Cobb Salad. I had a sample here and there of each platter, but I made sure to tackle this salad. What a beautiful spread of colors! You have your cheeses, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, red onions, grilled chicken and diced bacon encompassing each section of the plate. This is a salad for lovers of meats, cheese and veggies. The Cobb itself is noted as a classic American salad. One day, this new menu item will be a classic for Appetites on Main.
There’s no denying it. Brad, Sean and the rest of the Appetites on Main’s staff is on the right track. There’s greatness here for Appetites with these menu additions and their lineup of craft ales. Whether you’re looking to grab a pint of beer or sandwich at the bar, well, just make sure you brought your appetite because, yes, Appetites on Main has food and plenty of it!
Find Appetites on Main at 286 Main Street in Exton, or online at appetitesonmain.com. Follow Appetites on Main on Twitter, by clicking here, and “like” them on Facebook, by clicking here.
