When the holidays roll around, somehow we think of diners and breakfast spots. Eateries where you can get a hearty omelet breakfast and your significant other can order a turkey club. Crowding into a booth with the kids. Lingering over a hot cup of coffee after eating a large stack of blueberry pancakes. Many families and friends have their favorite breakfast place, a spot they meet at regularly. They are loyal. Think of Seinfeld, where they frequent the same diner every day. Here’s our list of ten of Chester County’s most unique breakfast spots.
Is yours on the list?
DK Diner — set off East Gay Street as you enter into West Chester, this metallic traditional diner serves up breakfast and lunch seven days a week. They are also open for dinner on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The front section is authentic, the addition in the back provides more space but less diner ambience. Try the Turkey Divan.
Classic Diner — along Lancaster Avenue in Malvern, this is not your average diner. The Classic Diner is the most upscale of breakfast places on our list, and possibly the tightest packed. They serve up a great selection of fresh upscale dishes, making this a favorite dining spot for those who work at nearby QVC, including some of the celebrity on-air guests. Try the lump crab omelette.
Hank’s Place —This popular and noisy eatery at the corner of Routes 1 and 100 is probably best known as being a hangout for the late Brandywine painter Andrew Wyeth. The line on weekends can be long, but we recommend breakfast or lunch on a weekday, or even for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. The tables are tightly packed, so this is not the place to discuss your private affairs. “Where hungry people eat, and friendly people meet.” Try Voula’s Corned Beef Hash and Eggs.
Penn’s Table — for those in West Chester Borough, Penn’s Table has been the spot since 1952. Located on the corner of Gay and Church Streets, they offer thick french toast and awesome pancakes among other breakfast and lunch offerings. You can sit at the counter or in one of the cozy booths. The outdoor seating is a popular shady retreat on summer mornings, providing a place to linger over coffee and people watch. Try the pancakes.
Sinclair’s Cafe — In the center of Kennett Square’s historic district, along State Street, Sinclair’s Cafe offers an excellent choice of fresh eggs and pancakes in an upscale relaxed setting. Ask what the special whole grain pancake of the week is. Lynn Sinclair’s love of local history comes alive along the walls and even on the table tops of this quaint eatery. Try the Kennett Square Poached Eggs.
Blue Cafe — located in a shopping center along Pennsylvania Avenue in Downingtown, Blue Cafe offers strong coffee and a diverse menu in a comfortable space. They have great Creme Brulee French Toast and Eggs Benedict. They are also known for their warm, freshly made scones. Get there early to secure yours! If you are stopping in for lunch, try the fish tacos.
Bistro 24 — Regulars still call it the Exton Diner, though it was recently given a makeover to become a bistro. They still offer traditional diner food but have added more upscale dinner options. As the name implies, they are open 24/7, so this is the place to go when you want diner food after the movies or a late night on the town. With 80s music in the background and the bright atmosphere, you’ll feel like a teen again. Try the Club House Griller.
Mrs. Mike’s — hidden at the west end of West Chester, along Downingtown Pike, Mrs. Mikes appears to be nothing more than a shack, but locals know they serve up simple solid breakfast fare and keep your coffee mug full. Always fairly crowded with regulars, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the way-back machine. We recommend the fried eggs over easy, and keep the coffee coming.
Creekside Diner — This is the type of place people drive right by and don’t give a second thought, but they should. The Creek Side has been serving classic breakfasts for over fifty years. The original section of the diner is a 1920’s era O’Mahoney Diner. The counter space is guaranteed to be the tightest around, but their additional dining room offers plenty of space to bring the family. This is a respectable no-frills diner. Be sure to try the sausage patties, which are made right up the road in Chatham.
Market Street Grille — in downtown West Chester, along Market Street, this popular breakfast spot is known for their awesome pop art paintings on the walls and bustling friendly service. On weekends, you sometimes have to wedge your way through the crowd to put your name in and then wait out on Market Street, but the dishes and the vibe inside are worth it. When ordering breakfast, we recommend the Veggie Surprise.
Our bonus diner (we wanted to represent up north!)
G Lodge – Along Valley Forge Road outside Phoenixville sits the G Lodge, serving solid breakfasts and lunches in a cozy setting. Whether you sit at the counter or at one of the tables, you’ll learn what your neighbors are up to. They take cash only. Scenes from M. Night Shyamalan’s movie The Happening were shot here. If they are serving it on the day you stop in, try the Nutella French Toast!
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