Little Black Book of Restaurants 2022

SYMBOLS AT A GLANCE

Here’s a handy translation guide to the symbols you’ll see on the pages that follow. Consider it shorthand for all things eating and drinking related… foodie fun, so-to-speak.

Kids Menu

Handicap Accessible

Alcohol Served Happy Hour Specials

Bring Your Own Beverage Outdoor Dining

Take-out

Online Reservations

Wifi Reservations

Call Ahead

Best of Berks Winner

Little BLACK BOOK OF RESTAURANTS

Looking to treat yourself to something beyond your regular dinner rotation? Have no fear; the Berks-based restaurants on the following pages have you covered. Our Annual Little Black Book of Restaurants is back for its 5th edition, and you’ll want to hang on to it for reference year-round, especially for when out-of-town friends and relatives come to visit. There’s always something new to try popping up on the cuisine scene. And old favorites are favorites for a reason, right? Be it something tried-and-true, or new-to-you, it’s sure to be delicious – especially since you don’t have to make it!

NIKKI M. MURRY, Editor-in-Chief NMurry@BerksCountyLiving.com

The Little Black Book of Restaurants is a special advertising supplement to Berks County Living. Its contents are copyright © 2022 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.

AUSTIN’S RESTAURANT & BAR

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 is one of wide appeal featuring steaks, seafood and pasta, including homemade soups, dressings, sauces, desserts and fresh-ground burgers. 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 you’re visiting for a special gathering, holiday celebration, quiet night out or quick bite, Austin’s remains a tried-and-true Berks eatery.

COASTAL GRILLE

From the owners of Austin’s Restaurant & Bar comes 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-seafood-related 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, Maine Lobster Roll, Baja Fish Tacos, classic Fish & Chips and fresh, grilled fish with five sauce and seasoning options. Our lineup of non-seafood offerings includes Hand-Cut Steaks, Cobb Salad, Slow Roasted Baby Back Ribs, Key West Grilled Chicken, Classic Fried Chicken, Coastal Cheeseburger and more, offered in a classic yet comfortable environment. Visitors can also view our 800-gallon 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.

610.743.4006

Jimmy G’s

BEVERLY HILLS TAVERN

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. Beverly Hills Tavern offers a full menu of your 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.

Jimmy G’s

THE RAILROAD HOUSE

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!”

Where Atmosphere & Taste Combine

charming 1827 historic Inn offers

4:30-8pm

located on five

casual fine dining to those with a discriminating palate. The

in

4:30-8:30pm

just 10 minutes from downtown Reading, is great for

parties 7 days a

gatherings, weddings, banquets for up to 100

some of the “best” fare in Berks County. Chef Taylor’s specialties include calamari, jumbo

for

80

on the heated veranda.

offerings. This hidden gem has one of the most unique bars in Pennsylvania,

bruschetta, and an array of entrees include accolade-earning steaks like filet mignon, NY strip and grilled ribeye. Seafood entrees including salmon, ahi tuna, as well as a number of pasta dishes, round out the

back nearly 50 years. It’s worth a

alone. There, you can order fabulous burgers and wings. Open

Rt.

through Saturday, 4:30 to 9pm, and seven days a week for private parties. Emily’s: Where Atmosphere &

to 80 people on our heated veranda.

JUDY’S ON CHERRY

We’re still standin’! Judy’s On Cherry turns 20 this year! Join Judy and her team of dedicated professionals as we celebrate our 20th year at our landmark restaurant in beautiful downtown Reading! Kudos and thanks to all of you who supported us through the years, filled our seats and cheered us on through some of the toughest times our industry has ever faced! We thank you from the bottom of our ever lovin’ hearts and eagerly look forward to the year ahead. We pledge to continue to bring passion to our plates, the best of what the market has to offer to our doorstep, and to serve you with the same heartfelt enthusiasm as we did in the beginning!

Yours,

THE BRIDGE INN PLEASANTVILLE

Enjoy dining at a relaxed, comfortable pace in a country inn with city flair. All of our food is cooked to order, so sit back, unwind and enjoy our American cuisine. Our large menu offers many freshly made appetizers and flatbreads that set the tone for our delicious entrees. You can also choose from a variety of specialty drinks including an extensive martini list, craft beers or wines to enjoy while your food is being prepared. Our vast entree selections include seafood, steak, pork, chicken and pasta, as well as some vegetarian dishes from Jane, our vegetarian chef on staff. Don’t forget the fresh baked desserts! Our Features Menu with special dishes changes weekly, so there’s always something new to try. Reservations are normally needed, especially on the weekends, as we tend to fill up quickly. Check out our Facebook page to see our latest specials.

610.689.5818

THE PEANUT BAR RESTAURANT

Like a good friend, The Peanut Bar will make you feel at home. Step inside and you’ll quickly appreciate our comfortable, authentic prohibition era restaurant/tavern. Relax, dig into a bowl of peanuts and feel free to toss the shells on the floor.

We offer a wide selection of great craft beers, classic drinks, innovative cocktails and wines. Our menu features all your favorites, from casual to gourmet, and can be adapted to most dietary needs. Try our award-winning wings or our famous jumbo lump Maryland crab cakes, then top it off with one of our homemade desserts. There’s even a peanutshaped kids menu to color for our younger diners!

The Peanut Bar, a local tradition, has been owned and operated by the same family for three generations! We are also a popular venue for family celebrations, rehearsal dinners, seasonal events, funeral gatherings and corporate functions. The Peanut Bar Restaurant -- a landmark since 1924...where peanuts are just the beginning.

GANLY’S PUB

Since reopening, Ganly’s Irish Pub has gained great momentum with changes to the design and quality of our food. Our mission is to offer our guests an experience that makes them feel like they’re “home” while still establishing ourselves as providers of high-quality food and drink options. Ganly’s takes pride in our scratchkitchen. The menu features pub fare and an Irish twist while still offering some traditional Berks County favorites. For the beer lovers out there, Ganly’s has an extensive selection of both draft and bottled craft beers from around the world. Our food and cocktail menus are versatile and change seasonally. They reflect the passion that our cooks, bartenders and entire staff have for providing our customers with a comfortable atmosphere that delivers an exceptional dining experience at each and every visit.

FLANAGAN’S PUB

Since 1982, the Flanagan’s family and staff have made their local pub a favorite destination to gather for great food and spirits in the Berks County area. We serve up everything your tastebuds desire, including pub grub (like our famous wings), homemade soups, steaks and the freshest seafood available. The pub offers a wide variety of draft beers, including Guinness and seasonal and craft beers. In addition to seating in the pub area, we offer a separate dining area in our “downstairs,” which is also available for private events. Seating is also available seasonally on our pub patio, as weather permits. Reservations are recommended. Live entertainment is offered most weekends. Visit us for after-work and late-night Happy Hours Monday through Friday and draft and dining specials every day. Visit flanaganpub.com or contact us directly for more details.

KLINGER’S

The Klinger’s restaurants are a pair of local establishments featuring diverse menus, fresh food and a casual environment suitable for any occasion. They have won many local awards for their wings, burgers and chili; however, they have much more to offer. Klinger’s on Carsonia is where it all started for the Klinger family in 2010. Located in the quaint Pennside community, this restaurant has become a local favorite as well as a destination for the entire county. Featuring happy hour and daily specials as well as entertainment on weekend nights, it’s the perfect place for any occasion. Klinger’s at the Airport is located inside the Reading Regional Airport and has become the spot to visit in Berks for wings, with great specials running Sunday through Thursday. With an excellent view of the runway, a large patio and live music on the weekends, you’ll always be entertained at the airport.

ADVERTISER INDEX

Austin’s Restaurant & Bar 4

The Bridge Inn Pleasantville.......................................................................... 10

Coastal Grille 5

Emily’s

12

8 Flanagan’s Pub 13 Ganly’s Pub

Jimmy G’s Beverly Hills Tavern 6 Jimmy G’s The Railroad House

7

Judy’s on Cherry 9 Klinger’s

14

The Peanut Bar Restaurant 11

RJones@BerksCountyLiving.com.