Little
BLACK
BOOK OF RESTAURANTS 2016 – 2017
Special Advertising Supplement
TAKE A PEEK inside Berks County Living’s first ever
Little
BLACK BOOK OF RESTAURANTS
Welcome to your Guide to Dining Out in Berks or — as we call it — the Little Black Book of Restaurants. Inside you’ll find the featured establishments have all your dining needs covered: from fine dining to a casual lunch date, a wedding reception, or even just a beer, burger and the game on the big screen. So, round up your family and friends, figure out what kind of experience you’re up for and flip through. You’re sure to find a delicious spot right here in Berks.
NIKKI M. MURRY, Editor-in-Chief NMurry@BerksCountyLiving.com
Bonus! Make sure to check out our handy key for easy shorthand clues on who offers BYOB services, a children’s menu and more!
Online Reservations
Wifi
Alcohol Served
Take-out
Reservations
Kids Menu
Happy Hour Specials
Delivery
Call Ahead
Handicap Accessible
Bring Your Own Beverage
Delivery Dudes
Outdoor Dining
The Little Black Book of Restaurants is a special advertising supplement to Berks County Living. Its contents are copyright © 2016 Berks County Living, a monthly publication of IDP Publications, 3245 Freemansburg Avenue, Palmer, PA 18045-7118. Nothing contained herein may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Publisher disclaims all responsibility for omissions or errors. Berks County Living and its owners are not liable for claims made by any advertisers or any inaccuracies or intentional copyright infringements. All rights reserved. The magazine welcomes, but cannot be responsible for, unsolicited manuscripts, contributions or photographs. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Printed in the USA.
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DANS
AT GREEN HILLS 2444 Morgantown Road Reading 610.777.9611 dansatgreenhills.com
Dans at Green Hills is the Reading area’s finest restaurant. Whether it’s a special occasion for two, dinner with friends, a family celebration, or a business meeting, there is no need to travel far, as we will deliver the finest in service and food right here in your own backyard. Dans is open seven days a week for dinner and serves lunch the two weeks before Christmas. We offer four additional dining rooms for private parties or dinner meetings; 8 to 60 people can easily be accommodated with the utmost privacy. While we do provide true fine dining service, we strive to be as friendly and attentive as possible. In addition to a new bar and outdoor dining area, Dans also has the largest wine list in Berks County. Call 610.777.9611 to make reservations for your next event or dining experience.
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THE HITCHING POST 2747 Bernville Road Leesport 484.671.2347 thehitchingpostpa.com
Locally owned and operated, The Hitching Post Restaurant & Bar offers classic American cuisine in a classy/casual atmosphere — perfect for a night out with friends or family, or for that special occasion. Our full-service bar offers an extensive wine list and a variety of specialty craft beers and ales. The upscale lunch and dinner menu includes classy casual fare like salads, soups, steaks, pastas and Greek specialties. Come in Tuesday through Sunday during Happy Hour to enjoy our special bar menu and $1 off ALL drinks! Our daily specials include: Steak Night on Tuesdays, Beef and Beer Night on Wednesdays, Surf & Turf on Thursdays and Pasta Night on Sundays. Whether it’s our Happy Hour, daily Chef Specials, or the Grand Sunday Brunch Buffet, The Hitching Post offers a little something for everyone! Visit The Hitching Post for great food, good times and new memories!
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WILLOUGHBY’S ON PARK
305 North Park Road Wyomissing 610.816.7473 willoughbysonpark.com
Locally owned and operated, Willoughby’s on Park sets the standard as Berks County’s premier fine dining steakhouse, offering superior quality and flavors with exceptional service in an elegant, yet energetic, atmosphere. We dedicate ourselves to consistently delivering a world-class experience. Our steaks include USDA Black Angus, Dry & Wet Aged, and USDA Prime options. Whether it’s our delicately chosen chops, freshly selected seafood, or creative pastas and appetizers, everything we serve at Willoughby’s on Park delivers the best quality and flavors for our appreciated guests. At the Bar, our mission is to offer our guests a broad selection of cocktails, scotches, whiskeys and, of course, wines from around the globe. Our wine list is impressive, with many classic American reds and selections from a variety of continents to complement your meal. From all of us “On Park,” enjoy your unparalleled dining experience.
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JIMMY G’S
BEVERLY HILLS TAVERN 710 Old Friztown Road Reading 610.777.4516 beverlyhillstavern.biz
Beverly Hills Tavern has been serving Berks as a local favorite bar and restaurant going back as far as anyone can remember. And its historic 200-year-old main building still serves as the focus of a warm and friendly casual fine dining experience like no other. Over the years, Beverly Hills Tavern has grown to provide a complete package of dining and entertainment experiences. From dining in the Old Tavern with its iconic walk-in fireplace, to enjoying your favorite game in our newly renovated Sports Bar or a summer cocktail and some live music at our unique outside Beach Bar (complete with a beach area for the kids), Beverly Hills has something for everyone. Chef Josh Haines offers a full menu of his favorites as well as daily specials, AYCE specials and the area’s best Sunday Brunch Buffet. The Tavern can accommodate large parties and smaller groups alike. From class reunions to wedding receptions or private gatherings on our Beach Bar Party Boat, we can do it all – all year long. If you haven’t been to Jimmy G’s Beverly Hills Tavern lately, come see what everyone is talking about.
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JIMMY G’S
RAILROAD HOUSE 152 Woodrow Avenue Sinking Spring 610.678.1177 railroadhouse.net
A hundred years ago, The Railroad House was a local hotel and tavern located by the old Sinking Spring Train Station, providing comfort to travelers and locals alike. Today, Jimmy G’s Railroad House is a warm, friendly neighborhood tavern that is home to Berks County’s premier sports bar. With a large selection of exceptional pub fare, featuring many signature steak sandwiches and burgers, the Railroad House is well known for its wings and shrimp. Here and at its sister restaurant, Beverly Hills Tavern, customers enjoy the freshest shrimp, fish and shellfish in Berks through a partnership with Adelphia Seafood. Featured are two indoor bars and outside heated patio seating year-round. Housing a large display of the best TVs, 26 HDTVs and 2 HD projectors to be exact, and featuring all major sports packages, the Railroad House is THE spot to catch your team or the big game. This includes EVERY NFL game, every Sunday. NHL, NBA and MLB packages are also carried! And with live music happy hours, DJs and local bands performing on weekends, the Railroad House is “where you can have it all – Fun, Food & Sports!”
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COASTAL GRILLE 2713 N. Meridian Blvd. Wyomissing 610.743.4006 coastalgrille.com
In 2014, the owners of Austin’s Restaurant & Bar opened this seafood-themed, independent, locally owned dining establishment. Steeped in the same tradition of excellence in food and service, the Coastal Grille is setting a new standard for unique, scratch-made, bold, fresh food. The restaurant’s compilation of food, drinks and atmosphere was discovered traveling the coastal regions, leading to diverse, unique seafood and non-seafoodrelated recipes. The menu is chock-full of bold, flavorful selections guaranteed to please. We’re known for seafood favorites such as New England Clam Chowder, Lobster and Shrimp Dip, Pan-seared Scallops, our Maine Lobster Roll, Baja Fish Tacos, classic Fish & Chips and fresh, grilled fish with 5 sauce and seasoning options. A powerful lineup of nonseafood offerings includes Island Wings, the Tower of Cobb Salad, Slow Roasted Baby Back Ribs, Reggae Ribeye, Key West Grilled Chicken, Classic Fried Chicken, Coastal Cheeseburger and more offered in a classic, yet comfortable, environment. Visitors can also view our 800gallon saltwater fish tank, visible throughout the restaurant. The large, inviting bar area serves up unique cocktails and more than 25 premium and craft beers. Our friendly and attentive waitstaff follow in the same tradition of excellent service established at Austin’s.
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AUSTIN’S
RESTAURANT & BAR 1101 Snyder Road West Lawn 610.678.5500 austinsrestaurant.com
Austin’s Restaurant & Bar is a locally owned independent restaurant boasting an impeccable reputation since 1996. Known for its exceptional food and team service, this upscale-casual American restaurant is the go-to place in Berks. The menu has wide appeal and features fresh, quality ingredients, including homemade soups, dressings, sauces and desserts; fresh-ground burgers and hand-cut steaks and fish. Visitors also enjoy a full-service bar with unique cocktails like house-infused pineapple vodka, custom cocktails and craft beers. Guest favorites include the Classic Cheeseburger, Prime Rib, Crab Cakes, Seared Ahi Tuna, Fresh Grilled Salmon, Apple Walnut Salad and our famous Baby Back Ribs. The great food and atmosphere is accompanied by a team of professional and attentive waitstaff. Be assured that your experience will be one of excellence each and every time. Whether for a special gathering, holiday celebration, quiet night out or quick bite, Austin’s remains a tried-and-true Berks eatery. Visit online for more about our daily specials.
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SAY CHEESE! RESTAURANT & CHEESE 600 Penn Avenue West Reading 610.406.5390 saycheese-restaurant.com
Imagine sitting with a glass of wine, an assortment of your favorite cheeses in front of you, and the perfect people-watching view. Set in the quaint town of West Reading, Say Cheese offers exactly that and more. Although we have only been open for four years, our family-owned business has garnered awards like Berks County Living’s Best Lunch Spot on more than one occasion. Our focus is on delivering the quintessential dining experience and big city feel right in your backyard. We take pride in what we have to offer: quality ingredients, dishes made from scratch, caring service and, most importantly, cheese from all around the world.
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SAY CHEESE! MARKETPLACE 600 Penn Avenue West Reading 610.406.5390 saycheese-restaurant.com
There are well over 700 varieties of cheese in the world, from all across Europe to here in the United States. Our marketplace offers a taste of it all. We welcome you to stop in and sample your way to the perfect cheese to appease your palate. While you are visiting, feel free to peruse the wonderful collection of pairings and crackers to accompany your cheese selections. Our marketplace offers a variety of accessories and gadgets to amplify your cheese experience. Whether you’re putting together the perfect cheese platter for a holiday party or assembling a gift basket of cheesy goodness for a friend, we are here to help you make the perfect decision. Make someone happy with cheese!
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JUDY’S ON CHERRY
THE SPECKLED HEN PLEIN AIR 332 Cherry Street Reading 610.374.8511 Judy’s & Plein Air 610.685.8511 The Speckled Hen judysoncherry.com speckledhenpub.com
A trio of Reading gems awaits you in the city. Reading native and chef-owner Judy Henry hopes her unique restaurants give people a reason to come back to downtown by offering a one-of-a-kind urban fine dining experience the ‘burbs don’t. It all starts with the southern-European themed and Lifetime Best of Berks for Fine Dining winner Judy’s on Cherry. Step inside and be wowed by vaulted wooden ceilings, and enjoy freshly baked focaccia bread followed by tapas and unique entrees like Maple Syrup Mustard Glazed Salmon. Top things off with a homemade dessert selection. Attached to Judy’s in a restored 18th century log house is The Speckled Hen, modeled after the country cottage pubs found in the British Isles. Eight rotating beer selections are always featured on tap. During the outdoor dining season, enjoy fresh and light cuisine in a hidden French garden with Plein Air. Look around. You won’t believe you’re in Reading.
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THE BRIDGE INN PLEASANTVILLE Rt. 73 & Covered Bridge Road Pleasantville 610.689.5818 bridgeinnpleasantville.com
Enjoy dining at a relaxed, comfortable pace? All of our food is cooked to order, so sit back, unwind and enjoy our American cuisine. Our Martini Lounge upstairs offers live music on the weekends as well as your choice of over 50 martinis. You can also choose from a variety of specialty drinks, craft beers or wine to enjoy while your food is being prepared. Our large menu offers many freshly made appetizers and flatbreads that set the tone for our delicious entrees. The vast entree selections include seafood, steak, pork, chicken and pasta as well as some vegetarian dishes from our vegetarian chef on staff. Our Features Menu with special dishes changes weekly, so there’s always something new to try. Reservations are encouraged, as they help us manage our staffing to serve you better.
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CHATTY MONKS 610 Penn Avenue West Reading 484.818.0176 chattymonks.com
The brainchild of five friends sharing a love for really good beer, delicious food, and deep conversations with awesome people, Chatty Monks is West Reading’s go-to place for all of the above. Whatever your taste in beer, you’ll find something you love among our ever-rotating selection of genius brews. In addition to staples like Endoplasmic Reticulum IPA and Thelonious Milk Stout, we always have a Belgian or two on tap, plus a variety of ales to complete the set. We get creative, but not too crazy. We combine ingenuity and ninja-like skill to create outstanding pub fare and seasonal specials rivaled only by our fine craft beers. Regulars recommend the Hop-dusted Fries, Beer-battered Fish & Chips, Ahi Tuna Tacos, or 5-way Cincinnati Style Chili. Specials feature locally sourced ingredients made into magic by our beloved chef. With a full calendar of live music, indoor and outdoor seating, and a great location on Penn Avenue, Chatty Monks is the perfect place to chill year-round. Closed Mondays.
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CAFÉ
SWEET STREET 722 Heisters Lane Reading 610.929.0616 cafesweetstreet.com
A locavore concept, Café Sweet Street offers spectacular breakfast and lunch menus featuring made-from-scratch signature dishes all from pure, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy handcrafted breakfast sandwiches and freshly prepared omelets, choosing from ingredients such as farm fresh eggs and a variety of veggies. Mid-day, Café Sweet Street provides a lunchtime oasis with signature sandwiches and fresh salads. Enjoy the California Turkey Sandwich with avocado, sunflower shoots, and roasted red pepper pesto on grilled whole grain bread or the popular build-your-own salad option with a foundation of organic greens. Not to mention a stunning display of gourmet desserts. A true destination, the welcoming atmosphere is complete with an industrial-chic design and sights of modern, locally commissioned artwork accented by the variety of wood and metal. On warm, sunny days enjoy the terrace, inspired by The High Line in New York City and complete with aggregate glass specked concrete flooring, cable railings and a living green screen for privacy. A Marra Forni pizza oven takes center stage, and freshly baked pizzas are served in a flash.
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THE POURHOUSE
AMERICAN GRILLE 3341 Pricetown Road Fleetwood 484.575.7097 pourhouseamericangrille.com
With the Breezy corner curse, multiple restaurants have failed to continue operations. That’s not the case for The “New” Pourhouse American Grille. Open just one year, The Pourhouse is on track to become one of Berks County’s premier restaurants. If you want a classy-casual restaurant for date night or a spot to bring the family, the restaurant has something for everyone. With steaks and seafood anchoring The Pourhouse’s menu, a variety of pasta, chicken and veal dishes are also offered. The menu offerings are just plain great. The Pourhouse offers a special every night of the week, including All-Day Lobster Sundays, Bottomless Seafood Tuesdays, and Wine & Prime Rib Wednesdays, to name a few. The Pourhouse continues its success by striving for exceptional food and service with each and every meal.
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GANLY’S PUB
500 Brownsville Road Sinking Spring 610.678.2000 ganlysirishpub.com
Located at the end of State Hill Road, just minutes from Blue Marsh, Ganly’s boasts friendly and knowledgeable staff who work hard to serve great food and perfect pints daily starting at 11am. At Ganly’s, we prepare pub fare with an Irish twist, while still serving up some traditional Berks County favorites. Every weekend, Chef Ben Hinkle works to create a featured appetizer and entrée special, while GM and resident craft beer guru Chris Porter suggests a beer pairing. In addition to the from-scratch menu, we pride ourselves on our extensive selection of both draft and bottled craft beers from around the world, and we hold many firkin and tap takeover events throughout the year. You can join us in the pub, in the dining room or outside on the patio. Stay up to date with our events, live music schedule and weekend specials by following us on Facebook.
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BLIND HARTMAN’S TAVERN 2910 Pricetown Road Temple 610.370.7180 blindhartmanstavern.com
Blind Hartman’s Tavern offers a warm, friendly and casual dining experience blended with a fun tavern atmosphere. The bar features 30 HDTVs to enjoy your favorite sports and music every weekend; there’s never a cover charge. Our menu features everything from enticing appetizers to sandwiches, burgers, pasta, seafood, chicken and steaks. We also feature slow-roasted prime rib on Friday and Saturday nights. We have private rooms that can accommodate business meetings, luncheons, dinners or receptions. We have the capability for PowerPoint presentations or projection slides. We are here to serve both your business and personal functions. We are open daily from 11-2am. The kitchen is open Sunday through Wednesday until 11pm and Thursday through Saturday until midnight. The full menu is available for take-out. We have the best happy hour in town! Monday through Friday 4-6pm we feature $1 domestic drafts, $1 off mixed drinks and a half-price appetizer menu.
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K’TOWN PUB 257 West Main Street Kutztown 610.683.9275 ktownpub.com
Into authentic BBQ? Then this is the place for you! Our BBQ — including pulled pork, Texas-style brisket, wings and meatloaf — are made on a wood-fired smoker. We handcraft each burger patty with 100 percent Black Angus beef. We make most of our own toppings too, including many types of BBQ sauces, pico, guacamole, candied jalapeños, pickled red onions and kimchi. You never know what we will come up with for our weekly specials: maybe it’s Smoked Lamb Gyros, a House-made Chorizo Sandwich or Smoked Pork Belly Tacos. We have a great relationship with many area farmers, and, we try to source most of our produce and some meats from them. For our fellow beer lovers, we feature 20 taps and 90+ bottles of craft beer. We carry local distillery and winery products. Watch for our special dinners featuring a local brewery, winery or distillery paired with a local, sustainably sourced, creative menu. And don’t forget to check out our outdoor patio seating!
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FOUNDRY
CRAFT GRILLERY 33 South 8th Street Lebanon 717. 639.2055 foundrylebanon.com
Established in spring 2015, the Foundry Craft Grillery is located on the third floor of the historic Lebanon Farmers Market. Our name was inspired by the deep-rooted heritage of the Lebanon Steel Foundry. The Grillery remembers the leaders and laborers of Lebanon’s past throughout the restaurant space. Our private dining space, the Steitz Room, was named after George Steitz, who founded the City of Lebanon in the 1750s. Our events venue, the Worrilow Room, was named after William H. Worrilow, who co-founded the Lebanon Steel Foundry alongside Thomas Quinn, whose name also appears on the menu. The Foundry boasts an eight-foot custom wood-fired grill, the centerpiece of both the space and the menu. From our meats cooked to perfection over an open flame, to our artisan wood-fired pizzas, to our house-made bitters and tinctures, Foundry’s rustic dishes and fresh spirits are handcrafted with attention to detail, a lot of passion, and a serious amount of heat. Our seasonal menu takes you back to the lost culinary art of the grill, to a time when cooking over an open fire was the norm. We bring wholesome dishes from the flame to the table, where family and friends can gather together to share in the simple pleasures of a well-crafted meal.
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INDIAN FORT INN
1343 Hex Highway, Old Rt. 22 Hamburg 610.562.4315 theindianfortinn.com
In a time where franchises and chains are abounding, Berks County still has amazing privately owned restaurants. The Indian Fort Inn, located just outside of Hamburg, preserves the history of the area as well as provides a rustic atmosphere for dining and events. Partially set within a stone home built in the 1700s, the Inn takes you back in time as you drive down the lane, passing authentic Gruber wagons and an original stone fort constructed to protect settlers from Indian attacks. The Fort is an ideal location for your weddings, reunions, fundraisers, birthday parties, banquets, and company meetings, as it can accommodate large or small groups. Being family owned, The Fort prides itself on personalized service. Whether for an event or just a night out, The Fort has a lot to offer with three bars, two dining rooms, two fireplaces, stage, projection screen, covered patio, fire pit, and ice cream parlor. A full menu and monthly features can be found at theindianfortinn.com. Check them out on Facebook for photos and current events.
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RESTAURANTS
Little BLACK BOOK OF
ADVERTISER INDEX Adelphia Seafood................................................................................. IBC Austin’s Restaurant & Bar........................................................................9 Blind Hartman’s Tavern..........................................................................18 The Bridge Inn Pleasantville...................................................................13 Café Sweet Street..................................................................................15 Chatty Monks Brewing Company, Inc.......................................................14 Coastal Grill.............................................................................................8 Dans at Green Hills..................................................................................3 Foundry Craft Grillery.............................................................................20 Ganly’s Pub............................................................................................17 The Hitching Post.....................................................................................4 Indian Fort Inn.......................................................................................21 Jimmy G’s Beverly Hills Tavern..................................................................6 Jimmy G’s Railroad House........................................................................7 Judy’s on Cherry.....................................................................................12 K’Town Pub............................................................................................19 The Pourhouse American Grille...............................................................16 Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese..........................................................10 Say Cheese! Marketplace.......................................................................11 Willoughby’s on Park................................................................................5
To reserve your spot in the 2017-2018 edition, contact Robyn Jones at RJones@BerksCountyLiving.com.
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