First Look: Imbibe Food & Drink in Conshohocken

Imbibe im-ˈbīb/ verb. To absorb or assimilate. To drink.

We reported the soft opening of Imbibe Food & Drink at the beginning of May. The establishment in West Conshohocken is the third child of restaurateur Sean Weinberg, following in the footsteps of two successful siblings: Restaurant Alba in Malvern and BIGA Pizza + Beer in Bryn Mawr.

Breathing life back into the highly visible corner location of the former Stella Blu, the chocolate-colored and stone structure has undergone a slick interior rehab, with entirely refinished and lightened floors, a replaced bar top (a personal high-five nod to padded stools), Edison bulb lighting, refreshed multi-pane windows and a calming slate and celery color palette. The sum total of the refreshed design gives the eatery an urban-esque vibe, while maintaining suburban approachability.

When asked what sets this newest venture apart from his previous locations, Weinberg says, “I feel that more than it being different from Alba and Biga, it sort of fits right in between the two. It’s got a little bit of both in it, by design. I chose Conshy for its perfect combination of thriving community and corporate business in the area, as well as its proximity to neighborhoods that already enjoy dining at my other restaurants.”

Executive Chef Steven Fulmer (who’s been under Weinberg’s wing, off and on for 10 years) mans the petite, albeit functional, kitchen at Imbibe. “We’re crafting elevated selections to what we call ‘modern American cuisine,’” Fulmer says.

Keeping in line with Weinberg’s culinary philosophy, ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible. “The menu will evolve somewhat,” says Fulmer, “depending on what works and what doesn’t for this area. But, we’re confident in keeping it simple, well-rounded and full of surprises that will provide our guests with a great dining experience.”

The single-page menu lists snacks, including chickpea fritters, smoked salmon tartare and hush puppies with remoulade drizzled with orange-coriander honey. Starters listed on the menu boast lamb meatballs, fried baby back ribs and the vegan-friendly farro with kale, pistachios and roasted beets mixed with saba vinaigrette. Pastas and plates are both pretty and pleasing, with crispy gnocchi with braised lamb, sheep’s milk ricotta-filled ravioli, spaghetti with clams, and roasted pork loin with chorizo sauce.  

Fulmer says, “Feeling out a few nightly special options, we created a mushroom toast plate the first week that went over quite well.”

Creative desserts are fresh and aren’t overly decadent. We suggest pairing a post-meal treat with a French-pressed cup of Little Goat Coffee out of Newark, Delaware, or sip from the generous selection of after-dinner port wines.

General Manager Katie Chase adds, “We’re also looking forward to offering a distinctive lunch menu at the end of May, or beginning of June, for professionals, locals and out-of-town travelers in this area to ‘imbibe.’” Look for sandwiches, salads and a sink-your-teeth-into lamb burger when lunch service begins. It will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

Always a fan of classic cocktails with a modern twist, we’re ecstatic over the seasonally sippable mixology here. Indulge in the tart Hemingway Daiquiri with Tito’s vodka, or the alluringly classic Apricot Sidecar spiked with apricot brandy.

Consider trying mocktails, like Ginny Juice, Fizz Fruit and Miss Quintt. They are superb! Craft beer offerings favor local brew masters, and Weinberg’s flair for a well-rounded wine list (by the glass or bottle) doesn’t disappoint.

Daily happy hours run from Monday through Friday, 4–6 p.m., and offer half-off glasses of wine, well drinks and draft brews.

Background rhythmic playlists are recognizable, yet unobtrusive, with Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and classic R&B thrown it for conversational toe-tapping.

A parking lot across Ford Street is free, and getting to Imbibe is easy via the Schuylkill, Blue Route or snaking through the seasoned back roads of Montgomery County. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Imbibe Food & Drink is located at 101 Ford Street in Conshohocken; phone: (484) 368-3330.

• Photos: Ed Williams