T
he borough of West Chester is so loaded with restaurants, shops, art, culture, and things to do that it’s tempting to dig in to the 1.8 square miles and simply stay put. But while it’s easy to rely solely on what’s at your fingertips, staying in the borough—and missing out on the deliciousness and general vibe of Four Dogs Tavern in the historic village of Marshallton—would be a big mistake. In fact, the short trip—just four miles west—has all the makings for not just a visit, but a mini vacation. Along the picturesque and winding back roads of West Chester to a village steeped in history, a trip to Four Dogs Tavern is an easy drive, and just as easy an overnight getaway. With beer on the menu, a legendary Sunday brunch, and not one but two AirBnbs owned by David and Wendy Cox (David owns Four Dogs Tavern as well) within walking distance of it, there’s no reason to rush your visit. And please note: guests need to book the AirBnB in advance. Whether you’re heading there for an overnight or just a few hours, a trip to Four Dogs Tavern is worth your time. I
arrived for my own visit a few minutes early for a scheduled interview with chef and owner David Cox, and I took the opportunity to go peeking around the front of the tavern, making my way upstairs to a second floor eating area with a wrought iron railing surrounding the stairs, giving guests a nice view of the historic building. When General Manager Jeff Rubin found me, I was literally murmuring to myself, “Soooo charming.” While the food at Four Dogs Tavern is renowned—and we’ll get to that in a moment—the charm and history here really can’t be overstated. Back in the 1800s, when Strasburg Road was the main route between Pittsburgh and Philly, travelers would stop to dine at the Marshalton Inn, which incidentally, is still there and also owned by David Cox. [Editor’s note: we did not miss a typo here--the name of the inn was misspelled with one less “l” on the deed, and was never changed.] The building that is now Four Dogs Tavern originally served as the property’s sta-
Four Dogs offers an enormous patio for dining that is nothing short of fabulous. bles, often full of cows, horses, sheep and pigs. Later, it served as a series of shops that were located in the original animal stalls. It wasn’t until 1978 that the building became a restaurant, and while it became Four Dogs Tavern in 1996, the structure still retains echoes of the past, with wide plank flooring, a layout that includes multiple rooms, exposed beams, and a giant fireplace in what is now the bar. Lest you think the venue feels antiquated, think again. Instead, it’s a lively, bustling place full of character, with brightly written chalkboards announcing everything from happy hour to beers on tap; a cabinet of colorful Four Dogs Tavern t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale; and plenty of whimsical local artwork adorning the walls. Not to mention an enormous patio for dining that is nothing short of fabulous, with its own outdoor fireplace, bar, plenty of seating, and views that sometimes include fields of sunflowers.
PUBLISHED BY THE WC PRESS
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