BLACK BOOK
Little BLACK BOOK OF RESTAURANTS
Looking to let someone else do the cooking? The Berks-based restaurants on the following pages have you covered. Our Annual Little Black Book of Restaurants is back for its 7th edition, and you’ll want to hang on to it for reference year-round. It’s especially helpful when you’re hosting out-of-town friends and relatives or when you simply need a go-to guide for booking plans. 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!
Enjoy!
Nikki M. Murry, Editor-in-Chief NMurry@BerksCountyLiving.com
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.
STATE HILL CRAFT COCKTAILS & KITCHEN
State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen is one of Berks County’s best destinations for dining, drinks and entertainment. State Hill offers an eclectic menu featuring unique twists on traditional American cuisine. Their scratch kitchen showcases local meat and produce as much as possible, featuring local Wagyu beef from Fantasy Land Farms in Robesonia, Oley Valley Turkey from Wegman’s Sons Poultry, produce from the Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op and more. State Hill also features pasta made fresh in-house daily, fantastic steaks and burgers and creative salads and sandwiches. Pride is taken in the cocktails, wine and beer selections, with seasonal craft cocktail menus, exceptional wines from the old world and new and 16 taps of rotating craft beer. The beautifully designed and appointed lounge features live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and they regularly host fun events like themed brunches, wine tastings and DJ nights. Stop by for the Tapas Happy Hour Mon-Fri, 4-6pm for small bites and good times with friends. Walk-ins and reservations welcomed.
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 as well as 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 eatery. 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, Pan-seared Scallops, Maine Lobster Roll, 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 and more. 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.
KLINGER’S AT THE AIRPORT
Klinger’s is a local restaurant focused on fresh food, a clean and casual environment, friendly service and affordable prices. The Klinger family has operated restaurants in Berks County since 2010. Over those years, they have won many awards for their wings, burgers and chili. Besides those items, they also feature succulent Prime Rib every Friday and Saturday night as well as wing specials on Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday. Klinger’s also features daily food and drink specials and great Happy Hour specials Tuesday through Friday. The restaurant is located inside the Reading Regional Airport, so there is plenty of free parking along with a great view of the airport runway. If you like music, stop out and enjoy live local acts every Friday and Saturday evening. Klinger’s website offers online ordering along with delivery.
THE HENRY P. ROBESON HOUSE
Enjoy a helping of history paired with award-winning dining when you visit The Henry P. Robeson House in Robesonia.
Built around 1820, our building is the oldest standing property in the borough! Visit us and enjoy cozy dining in our more than 200-year-old log cabin. Named after the founder of Robesonia, Henry P. Robeson, at The Henry P. Robeson House we serve up good-old American comfort food and specialize in pit beef served four ways and piled high on our delectable cheesesteaks. Customers also rave over our smoked baby back ribs, smoked pulled ham and pork chops. In addition, we make our own crab cakes, a variety of chicken dishes, burgers and old-fashioned “Mom Moms” corn pie – a Pennsylvania Dutch favorite.
Our bar offers a wide selection of beer varieties, including Lord Chesterfield Ale on tap. Come out and enjoy the friendly, fun atmosphere and watch the game or have a meal with family.
THE CAFE AT READING COFFEE COMPANY
The Café at the Reading Coffee Company Roastery offers a unique and inviting experience for coffee lovers. Located within the retail store and roastery, customers enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the coffee production process. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with a mix of industrial and cozy design. Exposed metal walls, warm wood tones, high ceilings and windows provide an open and airy feel while comfortable seating areas invite customers and friends to relax and enjoy.
The café serves a variety of freshly roasted coffees, including espresso drinks, pour-over options and cold brew. Customers can watch the roastery in action through glass windows. The menu also includes a selection of delectable pastries, breakfast items, salads, soups, sandwiches and much more. Retail gifts, imported wines and innovative blends are ready for your visit; whether you’re a regular or a first-time customer, you’re sure to feel right at home.
JUDY’S ON CHERRY
Judy’s On Cherry is a beautiful landmark restaurant located in a re-purposed market house in downtown Reading. We are a small, chef-owned, local business within easy walking distance to the Santander Arena, Performing Arts Center, Reading Area Community College and GoggleWorks. We are convenient to hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts and the shopping district of West Reading.
Loyals visit to bask in the warm glow of our vaulted wooden ceilings, gorgeous appointments and relaxed comfortable service. Chef/owner Judy knows well the importance of beginning with the basics — honest, high-quality ingredients, locally sourced and carefully prepared. Seasonally inspired menus include small plates, house-made focaccia, artisan pizzas and entrees. Vegan and gluten-free options abound.
Our artfully appointed bar serves an eclectic selection of craft cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic alternatives. Our technology-free bar invites intimate conversation and lively social gatherings. Whether you are long-time fans or newcomers, we look forward to welcoming you to our doorstep!
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.
LET’S TACO BOUT IT
Let’s Taco Bout It has been serving authentic Mexican food in Berks County since 2016, earning awards including Berks County Living’s “Best of Berks Mexican Restaurant” and the Reading Eagle’s Reader’s Choice, “Best Mexican Restaurant” in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024! We take pride in using locally sourced ingredients to craft fresh, flavorful dishes that celebrate our Mexican heritage.
Our lighthearted approach shines through in menu items inspired by the movie Nacho Libre, including the signature ‘Anaconda Squeeze’ Burrito, ‘Get That Corn Outta My Face’ Mexican Street Corn and our popular tacos. We also offer gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or any day of the week, our dedicated staff is committed to delivering an exceptional dining experience. Join us with family, friends or colleagues and discover why we’re the talk of the town! So, Let’s Taco Bout It!’
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.
MANGIA! ITALIAN RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA / CAFÉ FOLINO
Owned by the same family team, Mangia! Italian Restaurant in Mohnton and Café Folino in Wyomissing both offer delicious eats, treats, and wonderful service, too.
At Mangia, enjoy an Italian meal you won’t soon forget. We’ve been serving the same tried-and-true traditional recipes for more than 30 years. You’re sure to find a favorite. Enjoy our handmade flatbreads, a create-your-own pasta dish, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Broiled Maryland Style Crab Cakes, Baked Stuffed Shells and more. Did you know we’re the only restaurant IN THE WORLD to offer two different cheese wheel dishes tableside?! As Mamma says, “Mangia!”
At Café Folino, we’re also passionate about exceptional food as well as great coffee. We aim for every visit to the café to be a cozy and delightful experience that leaves you feeling recharged. Enjoy an espresso with a bakery item or dessert or grab breakfast or lunch. We offer omelets, French toast, salads, wraps and more. Plus, a complimentary mimosa on weekdays.
