BCL Little Black Book of Restaurants 2023

Little

BLACK

BOOK OF RESTAURANTS

2023 – 2024

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

Little

BLACK BOOK OF RESTAURANTS

Everyone enjoys breakfast, lunch or dinner out now and again, right? The Berks-based restaurants on the following pages have you covered. Our Annual Little Black Book of Restaurants is back for its 6th edition, and you’ll want to hang on to it for reference year round. It’s especially helpful when out-of-town friends and relatives come to visit or when you’re looking for 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.

Online Reservations

Wheelchair Accessible

Outdoor Dining

Reservations

Alcohol Served

Delivery

Call Ahead

Happy Hour Specials

Delivery Dudes

Wifi

Take-Out

Grubhub

Kids Menu

Bring Your Own Beverage

Uber Eats

Best of Berks Winner The Little Black Book of Restaurants is a special advertising supplement to Berks County Living. Its contents are copyright © 2023 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.

2 BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM

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.

RT. 73 & COVERED BRIDGE ROAD • PLEASANTVILLE • 610.689.5818 BRIDGEINNPLEASANTVILLE.COM

BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM 1

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.

710 OLD FRITZTOWN RD. • SINKING SPRING • 610.777.4516 • BEVERLYHILLSTAVERN.BIZ

2 BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM

Jimmy G ’s

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!”

152 WOODROW AVENUE • SINKING SPRING • 610.678.1177 • RAILROADHOUSE.NET

BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM 3

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.

1101 SNYDER RD. • WEST LAWN • 610.678.5500 • AUSTINSRESTAURANT.COM

4 BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM

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.

2713 N. MERIDIAN BLVD. • WYOMISSING • 610.743.4006 • COASTALGRILLE.COM

BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM 5

SAY CHEESE! RESTAURANT & CHEESE

If you call yourself a cheese afficionado, let Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese on Penn Avenue in West Reading call you home. Featuring updated American classic dishes like mac n’ cheese and grilled cheese, here you can go classic or kick things up a notch. Try our Crab Mac, Pesto Mac or Cheesesteak Mac. Order the Breakfast Grilled Cheese with bacon, lemon turmeric aioli, watercress and Cooper Sharp on brioche. Or try something altogether different like the Short Rib Ragu.

Say Cheese! also features a full bar offering Happy Hour Monday through Thursday. Stop in for live Jazz every Wednesday. And for those that have been asking, the restaurant is now open on Mondays, too!

And your cheese excursion doesn’t have to end with your meal. Head over to the connected Wine & Cheese shop to take some goodies home with you or to shop for a wine- or cheese-loving friend.

600 PENN AVENUE, WEST READING • 610.406.5390 • SAYCHEESE-RESTAURANT.COM

6 BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM

WEST READING MOTOR CLUB

Newly opened in the fall of 2023, the West Reading Motor Club joins the Penn Avenue strip’s restaurant circuit, poised to be a premier spot for casual fine dining, serving European-inspired American cuisine and open exclusively for dinner. It’s also the bar of our dreams.

A recipient of the Townie Award for physical improvements and design, we hope you’ll not only enjoy your meal and creative cocktails at our location but also the ambiance and backstory of the building as well. Located at 416 Penn Avenue, our home was originally opened in 1914 as West Reading Motor & Hardware Co and played host to a tremendous automotive history over time.

Looking to continue your experience? Head upstairs to second-floor Nitro Bar for live entertainment and an extensive draft beer selection. Lunch is also served here, so we hope to see you for another visit, soon!

416 PENN AVENUE, 1ST FLOOR, WEST READING • WESTREADINGMOTORCLUB.COM • 610.743.5951

BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM 7

NITRO BAR

At Nitro Bar, we don’t do anything half-ass. That’s why the glasses are always full. We come from a long line of businesses bent on serving our town and visitors from beyond the region. We’re proud to be part of the best of West Reading.

Visit for lunch or dinner, or even just drinks. We offer an extensive draft beer list. Kick things off with an appetizer – perhaps the platter featuring pierogies, Ranch Cheese Curds, fried mushrooms, fried pickles, onion rings, soft pretzel pieces and more will do the trick. Handhelds include our Lebanon Bologna “Cheesesteak,” a Meatloaf Sandwich and a Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese. Or, go bigger with an entrée like our Mango Habanero Chicken, Fish and Chips or the Southwestern Chili and Cornbread.

Every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evening we feature live music. Tuesday through Thursday, enjoy $2 Reading Premiums. We look forward to serving you.

416 PENN AVENUE, 2ND FLOOR, WEST READING • 610.741.6521 • NITRO-BAR.COM

8 BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM

STATE HILL CRAFT COCKTAILS & KITCHEN

Celebrating its grand opening in June of 2023, State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen is one of Berks County’s newest destinations. State Hill offers an eclectic menu featuring unique twists on traditional American cuisine. The scratch kitchen showcases fresh local produce from the Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op. Customer favorites include short-rib croquettes, the Billionaire Burger and house-made pasta all’Amatriciana. State Hill takes pride in its signature cocktails as well as its craft beer selection. Enjoy a wide range of creative cocktails, including The Walnut Manhattan and The Bossman. The newly renovated design provides an elegant but relaxed, fun atmosphere. The bar area features live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. State Hill’s newest addition is a brunch menu from 10am to 2pm every Saturday and Sunday. New brunch favorites are the potato & poblano hash and custom-made Bloody Marys. State Hill welcomes both reservations and walk-in guests!

1 WELLINGTON BLVD., READING • 610.670.2052 • STATEHILLCOCKTAILSANDKITCHEN.COM

BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM 9

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. Visit us for after-work and late-night Happy Hours Tuesday through Friday and draft and dining specials every day. Visit flanaganpub.com or contact us directly for more details.

41 W. LANCASTER AVENUE • SHILLINGTON • 610.777.6401 • FLANAGANPUB.COM

10 BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM

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 been running restaurants in Berks County for the last 13 years. 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.

2385 BERNVILLE RD.,BERNVILLE•484.869.2814•KLINGERSPUBS.COM/KLINGERS-AT-THE-AIRPORT

BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM 11

CHEERS AMERICAN BISTRO

Cheers American Bistro is a unique restaurant that combines the charm of a rustic setting with the vibrant energy of an urban environment. Located in the heart of Downtown Reading, this bistro offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where guests can relax and enjoy a delicious meal.

The menu is a diverse culinary experience with traditional American cuisine. From classic comfort foods to creative twists on old favorites, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The chefs use fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful and satisfying dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing IPA or a handcrafted cocktail, the knowledgeable Cheers American Bistro bartenders are happy to help you find the perfect drink to pair with your meal.

The warm hospitality, delicious food and inviting ambiance make Cheers ideal for unwinding and enjoying a memorable meal with friends or loved ones.

701 PENN ST., READING • 484.577.8633 • CHEERSAMERICANBISTRO.COM

12 BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM

Because You & Your Home Deserve the Best!

Stately, Gracious Elegance 307 Oak Grove Rd

Quality French Country in a Serene Setting 9 Summer Hill Dr

Pristine, Historic Stone with Outbuildings 1400 Cross Keys Rd

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

Updated & Open Wyo Stone Near Park 1514 Old Wyomissing Rd

Quality Brick by Boro Lands 1736 Reading Blvd

Expansive, Modernized Wyomissing Contemporary 1763 Reading Blvd

Eric J & Eric P Miller When it comes to the biggest investment in your lifetime, you shouldn’t have to choose between an agent’s experience and your own.

Over the last 40+ combined years in Berks real estate, the Eric Miller Team joins less than 0.5% of RE/MAX agents worldwide achieving Circle of Legends status with more than $650 million sold and international, award-winning marketing strategies. But it all started with a simple goal: helping others.

Born and raised in Berks County as students, coaches and playground leaders, The Erics know the area and market better than anyone.

Their passion for our community along with uncompromising honesty, integrity, attention and tenacity elevate their process to give customers the experience they deserve, every step of the way.

If there’s anything they love more than calling Berks County home, it’s helping others make the best decisions when it comes to theirs.

“They are knowledgeable, dedicated, honest and genuinely care. We would recommend them to anyone who needed a dependable realtor – they are the best!”

- Happy Home Owner

Contact us

1290 Broadcasting Rd., Wyomissing 610.670.2770 | 484.269.2394 EMiller@GoBerksCounty.com BerksCountyUpscaleHomes.com BERKSCOUNTYLIVING.COM 13

Read it. Love it. Live it.

berkscountyliving.com