It’s a bird, it’s a plane … wait, it’s down here on planet Earth, and it’s Hubs and I, again, in lovely and scenic Downingtown for some good eats and drinks. What luck there are so many local gems just minutes from our humble abode.
Now, don’t get me wrong: I love me some downtown DubC, and there certainly are great pickins in Exton and throughout our beloved Chester County, but there’s something completely awesome about a super-short drive to the friendly local faces that treat us right. It’s our hometown away from home.
Hungry? Thirsty? Need a night out? Head into Downingtown and enjoy:
A fresh cold one – Yes, yes, I know, you can get craft beer anywhere, from Wegmans to the local beer distributor. But there’s something magical that happens when a fresh, crisp brewski is pulled from the tap and handed to you by a bartender you know and love. Or shall I say bartenders, since the smiles and service at Victory Brewing Company are as tasty as the bevs. Hoppy or malty, on tap or on cask and sometimes just in bottles, there’s something for every taste.
Eclectic happy hour – Sure, $5 pulled pork sandwiches, $3 pints and $1 off wine is nice, but it’s the $1 off small plates that give Station Taproom’s happy hour a certain je ne sais quoi. That’s French for a certain yumminess (my translation). Truffle fries? A buck off. Chipotle hummus? A buck off. Baked goat cheese that’s panko-breaded? A buck off. You can have your usual wings and salsas, too, but why?
Nonna would be proud – As in gramma, nana or mom-mom, who, in her wildest dreams, never thought of ricotta, walnut & ham agnolotti, but wishes she had. Thankfully, Avalon Bistro offers up plenty of old world rustic meets new world adventurous. It’s a BYOB, but don’t forget to say yes to a complimentary sangria or seasonal Victory beer.
BYOBrunch – Devotees of my Dish Trip will recall Hubs and I have a deep and abiding love for Santa Monica, Calif., and all things farmer’s market “left coast” fresh that scream California cuisine. Peek at the Amani’s BYOB brunch menu and be prepared to grab up a bit of that goodness. While it’s seasonal and changes, Amani’s had me at tomato and goat cheese napoleon with herb garlic olive oil. I think I hear the crash of the Pacific’s waves against the shore …
Where everybody knows your order – Before we even hit the counter, we can see the attentive folks at Caln Pizza and Pasta are taking down our order. And we’re not alone. This bustling pizzeria that’s more than just pizza is filled with happy regulars who have become family to the family that owns it. This pizza dough is made fresh daily, as is a majority of the rest of the tasty menu. Check out the catering menu, too.
Photo credits: Victory Brewing Company and Station Taproom—Nina Lea Photography; Avalon Bistro—Mary Bigham; Amani’s BYOB—Amy Strauss; Caln Pizza and Pasta—Caln Pizza and Pasta.
