Looking for a place to celebrate the holidays, perhaps with a few laid back friends or your close-knit corporate buddies? Relaxation and comforting cuisine combine to make these types of get-togethers deliciously desirable. Skip trying to transform your digs into the ultimate hangout while fine tuning the contents of several crock pots. There are plenty of local spots serving up that blend of “hangout charm” so choose from PA Eats’s top selections and let the restaurants do the rest! Happy Holidays!
Appetites on Main | 268 Main Street, Exton
The hometown feel of Appetites on Main, even amidst the hustle and bustle of Exton’s cute shopping district, make it the perfect place to escape from the hectic holidays. They offer up consistently tasty cuisine so guests can order their favorites without worry. Better yet, their beverage options will impress every drinking type from craft beer lovers to cocktail connoisseurs.
Bistro on Bridge | 212 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
Located on the bustling main drive in Phoenixville, Bistro on Bridge is a well known spot with diverse talents. Their unique, contemporary menu with a Mediterranean influence is locally sourced and the drinks, from craft beers to cocktails, pair perfectly with the relaxed atmosphere.
Barnaby’s | 15 South High Street, West Chester
Barnaby’s has seven different rooms and customizes menus for every occasion. However, if you’re just looking to kick back and relax, they certainly know how to do that as well. Within close proximity of downtown West Chester, Barnaby’s historic charm goes beyond location, infecting their menu and service personnel, too, which makes it the perfect place for holiday fun!
Chestnut 7 | 8201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia
From small to mid-sized parties and even larger, Chestnut 7 provides a comfortable space and attentive service. Relatively new to the Germantown Avenue string of quaint shops, Chestnut 7 has already made its mark on the map with their attention to artisan beer, dynamite dishes, one of a kind cocktails and an unmatchable atmosphere.
Croft’s Tavern | 4000 Pottstown Pike, Spring City
This gasto-pub is a Chester County gem with several locally-sourced purveyors and a lengthy craft beer list. Hoisting a menu that specializes in the bounty of this region, food is fresh for any festive occasion. Whether they’re welcoming small gatherings or catering a large event, Croft’s effortless attention to detail makes their spot appealing to all!
The Drafting Room – Taproom & Grille | 635 North Pottstown Pike
From the warm greeting you receive when walking inside to the exceptional selection of beers available on tap and in bottle, The Drafting Room is a perfect pick for your kick-backed gathering. The cuisine is sophisticated without being stuffy, plus their Sunday Brunch packed with flavorful, from-scratch food should not be missed.
Mas Mexicali Cantina | 102 East Market Street, West Chester
Mas is the place to score award-winning and authentic Mexicali cuisine with a rock’n’roll flare. Their unique and fun-filled atmosphere is perfect for all occasions, including holiday parties! The well-known West Chester spot is located on the lively Market Street where spirits are always high and ready for a cheery, good time.
Pickering Creek Inn | 37 Bridge Street, Phoenixville
One of the best “unknown” spots for Phoenixville visitors and nearby residents, Pickering Creek Inn boasts an incredible line-up of craft sips and comforting cuisine, created from scratch by executive chef, Aaron Holmes. Always ready to serve up their unconventional bites and brews, the cozy cabin-like restaurant awaits your holiday gathering!
P.J. Whelihans Pub | 853 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown
PJ’s Pub offers a casual, convenient and fun environment for every kind of celebration. They welcome friends and family for lunch, dinner or late night gatherings at all their locations, making it a practical place to unite during the holidays. Be it a beer that you’re craving, scrumptious pub food, or a fine crafted cocktail, you’ll find it this holiday at P.J. Whelihan’s Pubs.
Ron’s Original | 74 Uwchlan Avenue, Exton
The word “original” isn’t in this restaurant’s name for no reason. Beginning with their not-so-typical bar food that boasts a healthy, locally sourced twist and ending with Ron’s enormous craft beer selection, both draft and bottles to go, there are still plenty of tasty details to explore in between. Grab your gang this holiday season and see for yourself.
Side Bar & Restaurant | 10 East Gay Street, West Chester
Side Bar and Restaurant is a casual spot focusing on excellent and affordable food and spirits that cater to all ages. The neighborhood feel emanating from their restaurant and craft beer bar make it a place where strangers feel like regulars. Cozying up inside to enjoy a relaxing good time is just what you and the gang could use this holiday season.
Victory Brewing Co. | 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown
A staple of the Philadelphia area, there is way more to Victory than amazing craft beer. Their Downingtown brew pub is an always cheery environment filled with fun-loving visitors looking for fantastic food to pair with the local brewery’s world famous sips. While catering is available, Victory invites you, friends and family to pop in and cheers to the holidays any time!
For even more Holiday Dining options, visit PA Eats’s Holiday Dining Guide HERE.
