West Chester has more dining and drinking opportunities than one foodie can possibly cover, though it surely is fun trying. So what are some of the true gems that should be checked out? Here’s five West Chester spots that I find myself regularly craving. And since I love al fresco dining, I’ve included special notes on their outdoor seating.
Roots Cafe
133 East Gay Street
Dan Cellucci’s newly relocated cafe has been my most recent obsession. I’ve lunched there twice in the past month and have been impressed both times with the choices on the menu, the fresh sandwiches, and the friendly service. The front dining room has been painted a bright yellow and decorated with colorful John Hannafin paintings. They have a second, smaller room if you would like a bit of privacy, or choose their new outdoor back patio and dine right next to their herb garden. Dan has staple breakfast and lunch items, but also varies the menu based on what veggies come in through his CSA. On my first visit, I savored their version of a turkey club and my son raved about their veggie-style breakfast burrito, which contains fried eggs, avocado, pico de gallo, potatoes, black beans and corn. Dan’s recent move also brought about another worthwhile change, they are now a BYOB serving dinner on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays.
Three Little Pigs
131 North High Street
This little deli restaurant is only open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on weekdays, but serves awesome soups and fresh gourmet sandwiches in a peaceful setting on North High Street. We love that their sandwiches are all named after borough streets. Try the Chestnut Street (chicken salad, Havarti cheese, apples and almonds on multi-grain). Maybe because it’s not located on bustling Gay Street, Three Little Pigs always feels like a quiet oasis—perfect for a lingering lunchtime conversation. They also have a beautiful backyard patio.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
3 West Gay Street
Often credited with being the spark that led to West Chester’s revitalization, Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant continues to be the most well-known spot for the occasional borough visitor. Their rotating tap list of beers brewed on-site always holds surprises, and the food is consistently superb. Although their outdoor seating sits at the busy intersection of Gay and High Streets, it’s a fun spot to dine and people watch.
The Mediterranean
150 West Gay Street
This is a long-time family owned BYOB that serves a combination of Lebanese and Italian food that is truly delectable. The little intimate restaurant has two floors plus sidewalk seating, perfect for that romantic but casual dinner date. My last visit here was a chance to try the shrimp scampi, of which I savored every bite. Also, try the falafel for an appetizer.
Side Bar & Restaurant
10 East Gay Street
Do you have beer drinking friends coming to town? Side Bar is the choice spot that will impress and satisfy every taste. From chocolate-roasted stouts to hoppy IPAs, they have the best tap list in the borough. Owner Justin Dougherty and his team are all beer smart, and love making recommendations off their extensive list. Oh, and their food is excellent and well priced. The Piri Piri chicken sandwich, served with a smoked mozzarella and cilantro sour cream on a fresh pretzel roll, is finger-licking good. Don’t miss out on Chef Blaise’s awesome selection of mac and cheese dishes—we crave the buffalo chicken variety. The outdoor seating here is the most lively along Gay Street, which makes it excellent for hanging out late into the night.
West Chester Parks & Recreation’s annual Chester County Restaurant Festival hits downtown West Chester on Sun., Sept. 15. Hit the borough to explore all that the local food scene—including Jim Breslin favorites too!
Roots Cafe photo credit: Mary Bigham; Three Little Pigs photo credit: Three Little Pigs; Mediterranean credit: The Mediterranean; Iron Hill Brewery and Side Bar photo credits: Nina Lea Photography.
One Comment