Florence Italian Grille & Sports Bar

238 SYCAMORE RD BREINIGSVILLE FLORENCEGRILLE.COM 610-841-4000

This unexpected blend of Italian eatery and sports bar – boasting 32 screens – has been pleasing palates with a wide-ranging menu for more than a decade. While maintaining a family-friendly appeal and sports-themed bar and lounge, an energetic rebranding process will broaden the appeal of the popular destination with a more refined and contemporary décor in the updated, open-concept interior.

Traditional Italian fare, from housemade meatballs and spaghetti to pizza and arancini – lusciously

This evolving dual-personality destination feeds a spectrum of appetites with lively flavors.

HERBED BAKED COD

stuffed rice balls – and pub fare classics, including wings, burgers, quesadillas, and freshly prepared mozzarella sticks, remain firmly in place on the refreshed menu. Culinary mash-ups such as Florence Tacos and Cajun Penne with Blackened Chicken (see recipe on page 108) also stay firmly ensconced as house favorites.

Chef and Manager Jesse Hess puts his personal stamp on the menu with weekly features and by tweaking house specialties with enhanced flavors. For instance, in Herbed Baked Cod, the mildly flavored white fish fillet – accented with basil chiffonade – rests atop a bed of fragrant risotto laced with basil, thyme, and Parmesan. A pool of fireroasted red bell pepper purée brings vibrant color to the eye-catching and utterly satisfying dish. Hess also salutes a neighboring business, Sam Adams Brewery, by incorporating their products in beer-battered Fish & Chips, onion rings, and other deepfried delights.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, sports fanatics can head to the spacious bar to catch all the teams, all the games, all the time – or adjust your post-work attitude with select drink discounts and a list of half-priced appetizers during a Happy Hour that’s offered 4:30 to 6:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. The beverage program encompasses food-friendly wines, rotating craft and core beers on tap, and a solid collection of cocktails. A large pergola-topped patio welcomes guests in spring.