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Review: Morning Fuel – West Lawn

Building with copula and words over the door reading "Morning Fuel"

There are a lot of brunch spots in Berks County – places that serve breakfast and lunch only with the full menu available all day. And I’ve enjoyed trying many of them while exploring Berks County. 

One that has caught my eye – and my tastebuds – recently is Morning Fuel in West Lawn. 

bar seats on the left with a chalkboard sign that reads "Happy New Year 2026"

Morning Fuel occupies the former Friendly’s along Penn Avenue in 2024. The parking lot always looks bustling during breakfast and lunch, the two meals that Morning Fuel offers. And on our visits, we can confirm that the dining room fills up fast. (The restaurant has been popular enough that they opened a second location near Harrisburg in late 2025). 

booth at a restaurant with a wooden honeycomb on the right separating it from the booths on the other side

It still has the diner vibe to it – especially with booths accounting for most of the seating – but it feels much more refined with a full bar at the front entrance, large murals on the white walls, and a menu that is more curated than Friendly’s ever had. 

close-up of a grilled chicken sandwich topped with lettuce and tomato with a side of fries topped with garlic and parmesan

Our most recent visit came in January with Julie and I getting together for a weekday brunch date. I ordered the chipotle grilled chicken sandwich, grilled chicken with tomato, lettuce, avocado and chipotle mayo. To be honest, I was a little disappointed to see that the grilled chicken wasn’t a chicken breast but the sliced chicken you can get in a bag at the grocery store (except cut thicker). That said, everything else about the sandwich was very good – even the chicken had a good flavor. I also liked the little kick out of the chipotle mayo, and the avocado went well with it. 

The fries were great. They were loaded with garlic and Parmesan, my favorite fry toppings. There was no way I was going to leave any of them. 

bowl with pulled pork, avocado, grilled onions and peppers, and corn topped with green sauce and crumbled cheese

Julie’s meal was much more impressive. She ordered the Tex Mex bowl with carnitas – it started with a bowl of purple rice that was topped with black beans, corn, onions, and peppers. That was topped with the carnitas along with avocado-cilantro sauce, sliced avocado, and queso fresco. 

I really liked the bite I got to try. The carnitas were tender and flavorful, and I liked the brightness of the sauce. Grilled onions and peppers are always good in my book, and the purple rice was a nice touch. 

There was way too much to finish in a single meal so Julie brought half of it home, and we shared the rest in a breakfast bowl with some egg the next morning. 

white plate with chorizo, potatoes, and avocado topped with scrambled egg and a chipotle drizzle

My previous visit to Morning Fuel was for breakfast in late December. I met my friend Justice for breakfast where I got my favorite menu item: the breakfast chorizo bowl. It included chorizo sausage, potatoes, black beans, eggs (I ordered them scrambled), pico, cheese, avocado, and chipotle crema. 

For me, chorizo is the best meat for a breakfast bowl or burrito. It has the right level of heat to add flavor to complement the eggs. Add on the chipotle crema and it’s a breakfast with a bite to it, but I loved it. 

two plates, one with a breakfast burrito and a side salad, one with homefries, from Morning Fuel in West Lawn, PA

Justice ordered a breakfast burrito which came filled with many of the same items as my bowl – the only difference is no pico de gallo and it comes wrapped in a tortilla instead of a bowl. 

I had ordered the burrito on my first visit to Morning Fuel, and while it was good, I found it didn’t have the level of flavor as the bowl, probably because the tortilla tones it down a little. 

matcha latte with floral milk design from Morning Fuel in West Lawn, PA

My go-to drink order at Morning Fuel is their matcha latte. Normally, I’m a chai guy, but I tried the matcha at Morning Fuel and really enjoyed it. It’s sweet, but not like drinking a dessert, and the latte art is a nice touch. 

The vast majority of the menu items at Morning Fuel are priced at $15 or less with only a couple burgers, two steak-based dishes priced higher. For our lunch, Julie and I spent $38, which included a matcha with our lunch platters. Breakfast items run a little less, but still in the $10-$15 range.

menu for Morning Fuel in West Lawn

I’ve also never had bad service at the restaurant, which is impressive based on how busy it gets. For our brunch, Julie and I arrived just after 11 a.m. and were seated right away. But by the time we left, there was not a seat to be had. 

Morning Fuel is a solid stop with a lot of good dishes and a few great ones with solid service and a cozy atmosphere. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. 

BCE Rating
Food: Good
Service: Very Good
Ambiance: Very Good
Price: $$

Morning Fuel
3024A Penn Avenue
West Lawn, PA 19609

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tray of donuts, some with powedered sugar, some wihtout, behind a small sign reading "fasnachts"
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Where to Find Fastnachts in Berks County 2026

Fastnachts are a Berks County tradition, enjoyed each year on Fat Tuesday – known locally at Fastnacht Day. Fastnachts are a traditional Pennsylvania German potato donut, and these specialty pastries have already started arriving at bakeries across the county, and many bakeries, local organizations, and restaurants will have them in time for Fastnacht Day on Tuesday, February 17. Here is our list of confirmed places to find fastnachts in Berks County in 2026:

2026 Fastnacht Sales & Bakeries

Roadside sign that reads "Frecon Farms" with a silhouette of a man holding up a child picking an apple

Frecon Farms
Boyertown

In addition to providing fastnachts for the Boyertown Museum’s Fastnacht Day celebration, Frecon Farms will also be taking preorders for pickup in their Boyertown market.

Exterior of a large building with a sign that reads "Kirbyville Farm Market"

Kirbyville Farm Market
Kirbyville

Fastnachts are available at the Kirbyville Farm Market (Route 222 south of Kutztown) starting January 4. Fastnachts are available powdered or plain.

Hershey Harvest
Laureldale

Among the prepared foods and baked goods available at Hershey Harvest are fastnachts. They are available now through Fastnacht Day at the Laureldale store.

Lally’s Cakes & Sweets
Shillington

Lally’s Cakes & Sweets, which now has a location in the Shilington Farmers Market, has their fastnachts available in seven varieties: original, powdered, glazed, cinnamon-sugar, vanilla, maple, and peanut butter. Shillington Farmers Market is open Thursdays through Saturdays.

Motta’s Country Gardens
Birdsboro

Motta’s Country Gardens is hosting a fastnacht fundraiser to benefit Patriot Days overnight campouts at Daniel Boone Homestead. The cost is $10 per baker’s dozen, $5 per dozen. Pickup is at Motta’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 15. Pre-order through their Google Form.

Riegel’s Produce
Kempton

Riegel’s Produce in Kempton is taking orders for homemade fastnachts. Preorders are available by phone, text, or through Facebook. The cost is $12 per dozen or $6.50 for a half-dozen. Pickup is on February 14 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

2026 Fastnacht Day Events & Specials

plate with a potato donut next to a glass of water on a diner counter

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
Boyertown

Join in the Fastnacht Day celebration at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. Sit down inside the former Reading Diner, now on permanent display inside the museum, and enjoy fastnachts for 25 cents and cups of coffee for 5 cents. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17 with fastnachts provided from Frecon Farms. Regular museum admission applies.

order area at Sweet Ride Ice Cream in West Reading

Sweet Ride Ice Cream
West Reading

On Tuesday, February 17, Sweet Ride Ice Cream will celebrate Fastnacht Day with a one-day special of Fastnact Ice Cream Sandwiches. Sweet Ride will be open from 12 noon to 9 p.m. Pre-orders will be available starting February 3. The event sells out every year.

Who Had Fastnachts in 2025

The following places offered fastnachts in 2025 but have not confirmed 2026 plans yet.

Anita’s Biscotti | Sinking Spring
Becca’s Coffee & Donuts | Wyomissing
Dice’s Creative Cakes | Boyertown
Dietrich’s Meats & Country Store | Lenhartsville
Dutch-Maid Bakery | Temple & Muhlenberg Township
Goose Lane Egg Farm | Sinking Spring
Historic Joanna Furnance | Morgantown
Mt. Penn Fire Company | Mt. Penn
The Peppermint Stick Candy Store | Boyertown (Fastnacht Sundaes)
Plum Creek Farm | Bernville
Shady Mountain Market | Fleetwood
Sunnyside Pastries | Muhlenberg Township
Twilight Acres Creamery | Stouchsburg
Way-Har Farms | Bernville
Weaver’s Orchard | Morgantown

Your favorite fastnachts missing? Let us know where else we can find these PA Dutch treats by emailing zach@berkscountyeats.com.

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30+ Restaurants that Closed in Berks County in 2025

Despite a thriving dining scene, restaurant closures are inevitable. Some close after a successful run, others never get off the ground, but all of them make an impression while they’re open. Here’s a look at the restaurants we have lost in 2025:

The Shop
Fleetwood

Fleetwood eatery, The Shop, closed its doors for the last time in December. A new cafe business by a member of The Shop team, The Rooted Roastery Kafe by Kari, has been registered to the address.

Sweets Cafe
Bechtelsville

Sweets Cafe in Bechtelsville has closed after five years in businesss. Christmas Eve was the final day in business for the coffee shop. The owners had previously announced that they were starting a new venture, Level Up Health and Wellness, in the space.

Mario’s Pizza Shop
Boyertown

Mario’s Pizza Shop closed its doors at the end of November. The restaurant was a staple in Boyertown. A new restaurant, The Philly Jawn Cheesesteak, is set to open in the space in spring 2026. Philly Jawn is from the family behind Pepe’s Pizza & Grill in Boyertown.

Chicho Bella Pizzeria & Subs
Shillington

Chicho Bella, the Lancaster Pike pizza and sandwich shop, announced that it would be closing on November 16. Bella’s 2.0, from the owner of the former Bella’s Subs & Pizza in Wyomissing, is now open in the space.

white sign with red letters reading "Matt's Steaks"

Matt’s Steaks
West Lawn

Matt’s Steaks, a 34-year staple in West Lawn, has closed. The announcement was made on Facebook that November 15 would be the restaurant’s last day in business as the namesake owner retires. There is no word on what will become of the space on W. Wyomissing Boulevard.

Exterior of a strip mall with white facade and a large sign over a door with red letters reading "Alebrije"

Alebrije Mexican Restauarant
Muhlenberg Township

The 5th Street Highway location for Alebrije Mexican Restaurant has closed. The closure happeend sometime in late October or early November. The other two locations – on Perkiomen Avenue in Exeter Township and on State Hill Road in Wyomissing – remain open.

Georgian & Greek Bakery
Wyomissing

It was announced on Facebook that the Georgian & Greek Bakery was closing at the end of October. The bakery opened earlier this year in the former Greenhouse Kitchen on Evans Avenue. According to a social media post, the restaurant is closing because the owner is moving.

Jimbo’s Steaks and Hoagies
Muhlenberg Township

Jimbo’s Steaks is now closed as the owners have announced their retirement as of October 24. A new restaurant, Philly Style Subs, opened in the space a few weeks later.

The Bar-B-Q Pit
Spring Township

Longtime Spring Township restaurant, the Bar-B-Q Pit closed on October 20. The Pit, formerly known as Crystal Springs Restaurant, was under the same ownership for five decades. A new restaurant, Valley Bar & Grill, is slated to open in the space in January. It will be run by the team behind Giuliana’s on Fritztown Road.

Fresh Frenchy’s
Exeter Township

Fresh Frenchy’s is now closed. The announcement was made on social media on October 13. The owners cited health concerns and other factors in the closing announcement. The restaurant moved from Mt. Penn to Exeter Township (3650 Perkiomen Avenue) in early 2025. The location will continue to host events through the end of the year, and the owners will continue to operate their acai food truck that debuted in 2025.

201 West
Shillington

The former 201 West (at 201 West Lancaster Avenue) in Shillington has new owners. It was announced on Facebook that Dorada Restaurant & Bar is taking over the space.

Margherita’s Restaurant & Bar
Laureldale

Margherita’s Restaurant & Bar has closed after three decades in Laureldale. The news was first reported by WFMZ with the report stating the weekend of October 4-5 would be the last for the long-time eatery. There are rumors of a new restaurant to take its place, but no official word on what will open at the space at 3600 Kutztown Road.

Gramia’s Restaurant
Boyertown

Gramia’s Restaurant near Boyertown had its last day in business on September 21. A new diner, Julie’s Country Cafe, opened in the space in the fall.

restaurant table and chairs with a mirror on the wall next to it and bicycles hanging from the ceiling nearby

Restaurant Blackbird
West Reading

After a four-month run, Restaurant Blackbird abruptly closed on September 9. The restaurant, by the owners of FRESH, opened in May at the former Beer Wall on Penn. Taqueria Comalli moved into the space in the fall.

Wegman’s Reeser Restaurant
Muhlenberg

Wegman’s Reeser Restaurant, the long-running eatery along Route 61 north of the city, has closed. A coming soon sign advertising “Ruby’s” went up outside the restaurant, but the property is now listed for sale.

restaurant with a sign that reads "GNA Ristorante" with a for sale sign in the window

GNA Ristorante
West Reading

A staple of West Reading for decades, GNA Ristorante has closed, and the building is now for sale. The Facebook page announced their annual Fourth of July closure, but the restaurant never reopened. The building is currently for sale.

The IronStone
Boyertown

After previously announcing the restaurant would close for summer, the Other Farm Brewing has announced that it will not reopen the IronStone restaurant and has listed the property for sale. The space was previously home to Durango’s Saloon before it was purchased by the Other Farm and rebranded to the Ironstone in 2023.

Jake’s of Mount Penn
Mt Penn

After nearly 80 years in business, Jake’s of Mount Penn has closed. As reported by WFMZ, the last day for the business was July 16. Jake’s started as a convenience store and evolved into the restaurant that it became. A new restaurant, Sunrise Deli of Mount Penn, opened in the space in September.

Exterior of a strip mall stand with a sign that reads "Paradise Island Smoothie Cafe"

Paradise Island Smoothie Cafe
Reading

According to a Facebook post, the Paradise Island Smoothie Cafe on Lancaster Avenue is “suspending all operations” as of July 24. With other restaurants being rumored to take its spot, it looks like the cafe, which had already closed its Berkshire Mall location, will not reopen.

Firefly Cafe
Boyertown

Firefly Cafe in Boyertown closed its doors on July 6 after 10 years in business. Firefly was one of the first vegan restaurants in Berks County when it opened in 2015. The owners closed for personal reasons and plan to continue with a vegan bakery and cooking classes under the name Firefly Forest Bakehouse, though they will no longer have a physical location.

Pagoda City Pizza & Subs
Mt Penn

On June 4, it was announced that Pagoda City Pizza & Subs would be closing its doors. The owner cited family health issues as the reason for the sudden closing. The restaurant had moved from Route 10 to Mt. Penn earlier this year, taking over the former location of Fresh Frenchy’s which moved to a new, larger space in Exeter Township in January. Pagoda City’s space on Perkiomen Avenue is currently empty.

Baked Sweet
Frystown

Baked Sweet, a bakery and coffeehouse in Frystown in Western Berks County, closed its doors on May 31. The location is now home to White Magnolia Coffee Company which is adding a brick-and-mortar location to its mobile coffee cart business.

Picnic table with red umbrella in front of a tan building with the words "Dundore and Heister" in white letters

Dundore & Heister
Wyomissing

May 31 was the last day of operation for the physical location of Dundore & Heister. D&H has closed its Wyomissing storefront to focus on online retail and local wholesale opportunities.

Oliver’s Place
Temple

Oliver’s Place, the sandwich shop on Mount Laurel Road in Temple, closed its doors in mid-summer. It was reported that the owners retired. Cafe Folino will open a second location in the space in 2026.

Clair’s Family Restaurant
Morgantown

After more than 20 years in business, Clair’s Family Restaurant has closed its doors as the owner retires. Nuse’s Deli moved from next door into the larger space.

Ollie’s Tavern
Shoemakersville

Ollie’s Tavern, which has served Shoemakersville for decades, closed on May 5. The announcement was made on the bar’s Facebook page. According to state records, the business was registered in 1986 making it one of longest-running establishments in the county at the time of its closing. There has been no information about any potential businesses moving in to the space at 502 Main Street.

Poor Richard’s Historic Hereford Inn
Hereford

The historic Hereford Inn, which has operated as Poor Richard’s in recent years, closed its doors on April 7. Their Facebook post at the time announced it as “until further notice,” but after six months of inactivity, it appears the restaurant has closed permanently.

Prime Time Pizza & Grill
Fleetwood

Prime Time Pizza & Grill in Fleetwood is now closed. Though the actual closing date is unknown, the last review for the restaurant was in April. Prime Time was the latest in a string of restaurants at 3674 Pricetown Road.

Ruby Tuesday
Wyomissing

The Ruby Tuesday location at the Berkshire Mall has closed as of the week of March 24. WFMZ reports that notes on the door encouraged diners to visit their locations in Lebanon and Pottsville.

Skylight Cuisine & Bar
Reading

Skylight Cuisine & Bar, a Latin American restaurant that offered both finer and casual dining on Penn Street, has closed. The announcement was made on the restaurant’s Instagram page on March 20.

Young boy standing in front of ice cream counter at the Great American Creamery in Reading

Great American Creamery
Reading

February 28 was the final day for the Great American Creamery’s downtown storefront. The owners announced on social media in mid-February that they would be closing the Penn Street location to focus on catering and events.

Tipsy Times
Douglassville

Tipsy Times, the Douglassville sports bar, closed its doors on February 28. The restaurant and bar had operated in the former Kelsey O’Shay’s at 2295 E. Main Street. There has been no word on any plans for a new restaurant at the location.

Chatty Monks
West Reading

Chatty Monks, the original brewpub for the rebranded Pagoda City Brewing Company, closed its doors on February 23. Pagoda City continues to operate its Brewhouse on Carroll Street in Reading and its stand at the Reading Fairgrounds Farmers Market. Spoonful Thai moved from across the street into the space in December.

Cadillac Pub
Fleetwood

After two-and-half years in business, the Cadillac Pub closed on January 31. The bar previous was home to Klinger’s of Fleetwood and before that, Simmeria Cafe.

Donut Lovers Boom
Reading

Donut Lovers Boom was one of the first stands to open in the Downtown Reading Food Court, but their Facebook page now shows the stand as permanently closed. Donut Lover’s Boom originally opened in Kutztown in 2019 before moving to Reading in 2023.

Navas La Terraza
Laureldale

After taking over the former Carini’s in Laureldale in late 2023, Navas La Terraza is closed. The Mexican restaurant is reported closed on Google, last posting on social media in January 2025.

Do you know of a Berks County restaurant that has recently closed? Let us know by emailing zach@berkscountyeats.com.

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white plate with an order of spagehtti with red sauce and a large piece of chicken topped with sauce and cheese.
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Review: Tony’s Family Restaurant – Robesonia

Facade of Tony's Family Restaurant in Robesonia glowing against a dark night sky.

The local pizza shop is a time-honored tradition. Every town has one. And growing up in Robesonia, our local spot was Tony’s Family Restaurant. 

Ironically, we didn’t order much pizza when I was kid. Instead, Tony’s orders usually consisted of hoagies for mom and dad, chicken fingers and fries for me and my brother. 

Sign that reads "Tnony's Family Restaurant with a cartoon-like image of a pepperoni pizza

In December, between family visits, Julie and I took the boys to my childhood stomping grounds for an easy, relaxed meal. 

restaurant dining room with wooden tables and a large clock on the brown wall

We arrived for an early dinner and had our choice of table in the dining room. There were about a dozen to choose from, mostly rounds but there were a couple high-tops and a few rectangular tables pushed together for larger parties. I don’t remember what the room looked like 30 years ago, but I have to imagine it wasn’t much different with tile floors and wood paneling on the bottom half of the walls. 

water color painting of a restaurant with a white front, red roof and large yellow sign.

I do remember what the outside of the building used to look like – white with a red tile roof and a bright yellow sign. A painting in the dining room perfectly captures what the building looked like before a renovation brought a stone patio and matching stone facade. 

Our server was attentive throughout, even after the dining room filled up. She took our order and had our drinks and a basket of garlic bread on the table quickly.

white bowl with a salad with courtons and a cup of ranch dressing from Tony's in Robesonia

Next up were salads for Julie and I. They weren’t anything extraordinary, but I appreciated the presentation in the tall-sided bowl as opposed to the simple salad plate. 

clear plastic bowl with a large meatball in red sauce

The meals arrived a short time later, and our server set them on the table behind us so we could prepare Lukas’ meatball for him. The single meatball was huge so we had to cut it up for our two-year-old before he could dig in. But it was good, as was the sauce it came in. 

basket with red and white checkered paper holding a kids order of crinkle fries

The kids’ meal came with a side so we got him some fries to go with it. When I was younger, I ate more fries from Tony’s than I would care to admit, and Lukas seemed to enjoy them as much as I did when I was his age.

white plate with an order of spagehtti with red sauce and a large piece of chicken topped with sauce and cheese.

For my meal, I ordered chicken Parmesan with spaghetti. It was a huge portion of chicken, much more than I could finish, but it was very good. The sauce is solid, not too sweet but still with plenty of flavor. 

There was also a nice size serving of spaghetti on the side. I finished that, and a little less than half the chicken before taking the rest home to have as a chicken parm sandwich the next day. 

white plate with an order of lasagna smothered in cheese from Tony's Family Retaurant in Robesonia.

My meal was one of the specials for the evening, a regular menu item but with a couple dollars off, and the same was true for Julie’s lasagna. She got a heaping helping of layered noodles and cheese. The top layers slid off before the photo, but though it didn’t look pristine, it was still really good. 

white round plate with spaghetti topped with red sauce and a large meatball

Jakob ordered the kids’ portion of spaghetti with one large meatball on top. His portion would probably have been enough for many adults. He devoured it, as eight-year-olds do, and still managed to sneak a few of his brother’s French fries.

At around $65 for our meals, the price felt reasonable, especially for the portions. 

Four solid dinners with quick, friendly service, and a good price: it’s exactly the kind of meal I expect from a place like Tony’s. And I know there are plenty more places like it yet to discover. 

BCE Rating
Food: Good
Service: Very Good
Ambiance: Good
Price: $$

Tony’s Family Restaurant
460 W. Penn Avenue
Robesonia, PA 19551

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black bowl with broth, dehydrated mushrooms, greens and bacon cubes
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Berks County Eats Best of 2025

We visited and reviewed more than 40 restaurants, food trucks, and farmers market stands in 2025. There were a lot of good meals, but some rose above the rest. Let’s take a look back at the cream of the crop. Here’s a look at our favorite things we tried in 2025, in no particular order:

takeout container with lamb meat topped with white sauce, pita chips, and salad from Zaytoon Kabob & Grill in Wyomissing, PA

Lamb and Rice – Zaytoon Kabob & Grill
Wyomissing

The opening of Zaytoon in Wyomissing brought fast-casual halal food to Berks County. And after my first bite, I immediately fell in love with their lamb platter. The meat is so tender and the white sauce is the perfect topping for it. Zaytoon is now a go-to lunch spot for me, and the lamb is my go-to meal.

Review: Zaytoon
round metal plate with half a cheesesteak on a seeded roll topped with sauce next to an order of fries

Iron Bulldog Cheesesteak – Louie’s Kitchen & Bar
Flying Hills

Louie’s has found a spot among our favorite restaurants in Berks County because of its incredible burgers, but it was the Iron Bulldog cheesesteak that was the biggest hit with us. I sampled it at this year’s Wilson Iron Chef competition, then Julie and I headed to Louie’s for a date night where I couldn’t resist getting it again. It featured Louie’s cheese sauce plus a creamy mushroom rice mayo that took it from great to excellent. I wish it was on their regular menu, but in its absence, I’ll keep enjoying the caramel burger.

Review: Louie’s
black bowl with broth, dehydrated mushrooms, greens and bacon cubes

Rabbit Consomme – Riedenau House
Pop-Up Dinner

It’s hard to choose just one thing from the Riedenau House. The entire eight-course meal was spot-on perfect. But the one dish I can’t stop thinking about is the rabbit consomme. It featured dehydrated mushrooms, fried carrot, spring onion, fondant potatoes, and bacon lardon in a bone broth. The presentation was perfect – like a small forest in a bowl – and every bite of it was more delicious than the next.

Review: Riedenau House
white plate on a blue table with French dip sandwich, spiral fries, cup of au jus and cup of ketchup

French Dip – Rollie’s Place
Reading

Rollie’s Place is truly a cafe for everyone. It’s built with accessibility top of mind, but that doesn’t mean the food is an afterthought. The French dip sandwich was excellent. With Gruyere cheese and horseradish mayo, there were layers of flavor in every bite. It was one of the best takes on French dip that I’ve had. Oh, and the seasoned swirl fries are also excellent. 

Review: Rollie’s Place
plate with a panini topped with apple slices, bacon and cheddar next to a pile of chips, a pickle spear, and a cup of maple syrup

Apple Maple Bacon Panini – Rooted & Grounded Cafe
Kenhorst

One of about a dozen new coffee shops to open in 2025, Rooted & Grounded Cafe has a simple menu with featured paninis at breakfast and lunch. The fall special, an apple maple bacon panini, was a near perfect dish. Sweet apples with even sweeter syrup to match the savory bacon and cheddar made this one of my favorites.

Review: Rooted & Grounded
Curved rectangular black serving tray with a white bowl filled with potatoes and cheese topped with aioli and a small glass dish with strawberries and blueberries from White Magnolia Coffee Co in Frystown, PA

Farmhouse Breakfast – White Magnolia Coffee Co.
Frystown

My favorite breakfast item of the year had to be the farmhouse breakfast from White Magnolia Coffee Co. in Frystown. The bowl featured seasoned home fries, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, cheddar cheese, sauteed peppers, and sauteed onions topped with garlic aioli and chives.The garlic aioli is what really brought this dish together and set it apart from other breakfast bowls. Frystown may be out of the way, but it was definitely a great find. 

Review: White Magnolia Coffee Co.
long rectangular plate with three different types of risotto, one yellow-green, one yellow, and one dark purple

Risotto Trio – Midtown Sip. Savor. Social
West Reading

Midtown is the newest restaurant from the family behind Nonno Alby’s. The restaurant has a more refined menu and upscale vibe than their coal-fired pizza shop. On our first visit, I really enjoyed the risotto trio – three takes on risotto on one plate. My favorite of the three was the saffron and Crescenza. It’s a naturally soft cheese which I think helped make it the creamiest and thickest of the three risotto. The saffron just added a nice herbal punch to it.

Review: Midtown
bowl of French onion soup covered in cheese

Ultimate French Onion Soup – West Reading Motor Club
West Reading

What makes the French onion soup at West Reading Motor Club “ultimate?” Braised short ribs. Always delicious, the short ribs gave the dish a more savory appeal, though the whole thing was excellent: from the broth, to the cheese, to the French bread.

Review: West Reading Motor Club
cheesesteak topped with yellow cheese on a plate with a pile of fries.

Pit Beef Cheesesteak – Henry P. Robeson House
Robesonia

The second cheesesteak to make the list, the pit beef cheesesteak from the Henry P. Robeson House is absolutely excellent. The pit beef adds its own unique flavor, but the Chetty Ale Sauce, their version of beer cheese, is what makes it such a great dish.

Review: Henry P. Robeson House
styrofoam clamshell with a pulled pork sandwich and fries from Mountaintop Bistro

Pulled Pork Sandwich – Mountaintop Bistro
Bethel

I love good BBQ, and we found it at the Mountaintop Bistro in Bethel. Mountaintop Bistro is the on-site food truck at Bouchette Vineyards, and the speciality is smoked meats and smashburgers. It was the pulled pork that hooked me. The combination of perfectly done meat, hints of apple cider from the marinade, the whiskey BBQ sauce, and the crunchy coleslaw came together for a delicious meal. Don’t sleep on their fries, either.

Review: Mountaintop Bistro

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takeout container with pork and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and dinner roll
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Where to Get Pork and Sauerkraut on New Year’s Day in Berks County 2026

Updated January 1, 2026

Among the many traditions in Berks County is the meal of pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day. The Pennsylvania Dutch believe that eating the meal will bring good luck throughout the year. And if you are looking for pork and sauerkraut, you’re in luck because Berks County has plenty of options this year:

This page will be updated as New Year’s specials are announced.

Restaurants Offering Pork & Sauerkraut

stainless steel diner with a sign out front that reads "5th Street Diner"

5th Street Diner
Temple

The 5th Street Diner will have pork and sauerkraut on the specials menu for New Year’s Day. Meals include cup or soup, rolls, two vegetables, and a dessert for $16.95.

Stainless steel diner with a sign out front that reads "American Diner"

American Diner
West Reading

The American Diner in West Reading will offer pork and sauerkraut over mashed potatoes on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The restaurant is open regular hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bechtelsville

The Americana Diner in Bechtelsville will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Pork and sauerkraut is available for $11.99.

front door of a building with the word "Austin's" over the door

Austin’s Restaurant & Bar
West Lawn

Austin’s will be open from 3 to 8 p.m. on New Year’s Day with pork and sauerkraut as the featured menu item. Get it served with seasoned green beans and garlic whipped potatoes for $18.50 – dine-in or takeout until it’s gone. The same special will be available at sister restaurant, the Coastal Grille in Wyomissing.

Backwoods Brothers Authentic Texas Cuisine
Hamburg

Yes, Backwoods Brothers will be offering its famous BBQ on January 1, but they will also be serving pork and sauerkraut while supplies last. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. or until sold out.

exterior of the Basin Street Hotel in Kutztown

Basin Street Hotel
Kutztown

The Basin Street Hotel started their pork and sauerkraut special on New Year’s Eve. The restaurant will reopen at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Exterior of Brewers Bar & Grill in West Reading, PA

Brewer’s Bar & Grill
West Reading

Brewer’s Bar & Grill is offering pork and sauerkraut over mashed potatoes on New Year’s Day. Individual portions are available for $11.99 with an all-you-can-eat option for $15.99.

Sign above the door to a restaurant that reads "Crossroads" with two intersecting lines

Crossroads Family Restaurant
Muhlenberg Township

Crossroads Family Resaurant will once again be serving pork and sauerkraut as one of their New Year’s specials.

Best Diner: Exeter Family Restaurant

Exeter Family Restaurant
Exeter Township

You can have your good luck meal at Exeter Family Restaurant. On New Year’s Day, the restaurant is serving pork and sauerkraut plus soup, salada and a side for $14.99.

castle-like building lit by three lights at the top in a nighttime scene

Folino Estate Winery
Kutztown

It’s not Pennsylvania Dutch pork and sauerkraut, but Folino Estate is ringing in the New Year with a prix fixe dinner that includes herb-roasted pork loin with sauerkraut, lentils, apples, shallots, and whipped garlic potatoes. The meal also includes a winter citrus salad to start and a dessert of Italian chocolate mascarpone mousse for $49 per person. The same menu will also be available at Vintner’s Table by Folino Estate in Wyomissing.

mural on a wall depicting a mechanic in blue overalls working on a plane next to a logo that reads "Klinger's at the Airport"

Klinger’s at the Airport
Reading

Klinger’s at the Airport will be open from 12 noon to 8 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Pork and sauerkraut will be the featured menu item.

Leesport Diner
Leesport

The Leesport Diner offers pork and sauerkraut as a regular menu special. Expect to see it on the menu on or around New Year’s Day.

pair of cowbgirl boys and a matching white hat on the wall of Lilli's Ranch House

Lilli’s Ranch House
West Lawn

Enjoy pork and sauerkraut for lunch at Lilli’s Ranch House. The restaurant is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

counter seating at the Red Plate Diner in Wernersville

Red Plate Diner
Wernersville

New Year’s Day dinner specials at the Red Plate Diner include pork and sauerkraut with soup, salad bar, and one side for $15.99. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on New Year’s.

A view of the entrance to Temple Family Restaurant.

Temple Family Restaurant
Temple

The Temple Family Restaurant will keep the New Year’s tradition alive by serving pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day. The meal costs $18.99 and includes mashed potatoes plus the diner’s soup and salad bar.

exterior shot of a restaurant with a sign out front that reads "Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery"

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery
Wyomissing

The Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery will be serving their brunch buffet from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day. The buffet will include pork and sauerkraut, as well as New York strip steak, ham, and fried chicken. The cost is $20.99 for adults and $12.49 for kids ages 4-10. Takeout pork and sauerkraut meals are also available for $23.99 each and include a quarter of pork and sauerkraut, a quarter of mashed potatoes, and four donuts.

CJ’s Hummel’s
Lenhartsville

CJ Hummel’s opens at 4 p.m. on New Year’s with pork and sauerkraut on the menu. There will also be all-ages line dancing starting at 8 p.m.

Craft 2700 at Freymoyer’s
Muhlenberg Township

Pork and sauerkraut will be available beginning at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day at Craft 2700. Meals will be $12.

Deitsch Eck
Lenhartsville

Berks County’s Pennsylvania Dutch eatery, the Deitsch Eck, will be serving the lucky Pennsylvania Dutch meal on January 1. Make your reservation for lunch – the restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the 1st.

Hamburg Diner
Hamburg

The Hamburg Diner will be open on New Year’s and offering pork and sauerkraut from 11 a.m. until they run out. Meals are $12.99 and include mashed potatoes and a vegetable.

Heidelberg Family Restaurant
Robesonia

The Heidelberg is open New Year’s Day with an all-you-can-eat pork and sauerkraut dinner. The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Kempton Hotel
Kempton

The Kempton Hotel will be serving the regular menu plus pork and sauerkraut on January 1. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Liberty at Dryville
Mertztown

The Liberty at Dryville opens at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Day. On the specials menu is pork and sauerkraut with with mashed potatoes and a side salad for $19.

Maple Grove Pub & Grill
Alburtis

The Maple Grove Pub & Grill is celebrating their first New Year’s in business by offering pork and sauerkraut. Meals come with a choice of soup or salad, applesauce, and pineapple upside-down cake.

Plum Creek Farm & Market
Bernville

While Plum Creek won’t be serving on New Year’s Day, the market has pre-made pork and sauerkraut meals available for order and pickup through December 31.

Southern Side Kitchen
Shillington

At the Shillington Farmers Market, Southern Side Kitchen is serving up pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Eve. The market is closed on Thursday, but pork and sauerkraut – along with rice and black-eyed peas, another good luck dish – are available on December 31 as specials.

Star City Diner & Pizzeria
Shoemakersville

The Star City Diner may be one of Berks County’s newest restaurants, but they’re continuing one of the area’s oldest traditions by offering pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day. Meals are $15.99 and include soup and salad bar.

Washington Grille & Pub
Bechtelsville

The Washington Grille & Pub will be open on New Year’s Day with a pork and sauerkraut special that includes two sides. Regular hours for the restaurant are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Whoo’s Cooking
Robesonia

Robesonia’s Whoo’s Cooking will be serving pork and sauerkraut for New Year’s. Dine-in and takeout are available (though you must RSVP for dine-in). Meals are also available for pickup on December 31 by preorder only.

New Year’s Day Pork & Sauerkraut Dinners

Brecknock Township Volunteer Fire Department
Mohnton

The Brecknock Township Volunteer Fire Department hosts its annual pork and sauerkraut dinner from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on New Year’s Day. The meal is all-you-can-eat family style with a cost of $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $10 for children ages 6-12. Takeout meals are available for $13 each.

Earl Eshelman Memorial VFW Post 9045
Mohnton

The Mohnton VFW is hosting a pork and sauerkraut dinner from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on January 1. The cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

takeout container with pork and sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and dinner roll

Inn at Centre Park
Reading

Takeout pork and sauerkraut meals are an annual tradition at the Inn at Centre Park. Meals include pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, dinner roll, and butter for $13 each. Pickup is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Pre-orders are strongly recommended. 

Ruscombmanor Volunteer Fire Company
Fleetwood

The Ruscombmanor Volunteer Fire Company is offering an all-you-can-eat pork and sauerkraut dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day. The cost is $18 for adults and $12 for children (ages 3-11). 

Shartlesville Fire Company
Shartlesville

The Shartlesville Fire Company will serve pork and sauerkraut from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Meals are $16.95 and include mashed potatoes and dessert.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Hamburg

St. John’s in Hamburg will host a pork and sauerkraut dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinners include pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and dessert. The cost for adults is $14; $7 for children under 12.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
Sinking Spring

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. John’s Lutheran in Sinking Spring is serving pork and sauerkraut dinners in their fellowship hall. The price for 2025 has not been announced yet. In 2024, meals were $12 per person.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ
Robesonia

Robesonia’s St. Paul’s UCC will host their annual pork and sauerkraut dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on New Year’s Day. The cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 6-12. (Free for children 5 and under).

Temple Fire Company
Temple

The Temple Fire Compnay is serving pork and sauerkraut meals from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

West Lawn United Methodist Church
West Lawn

West Lawn UMC is serving pork and sauerkraut from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on January 1. (Takeout meals are available for pickup beginning at 11:30 a.m.). The cost is $12, and every meal comes complete with “all the trimmings.”

CANCELLED – Pike Township Sportsmen’s Association
Oley

The Pike Township Sportsman’s Association has announced on social media that “Due to lack of interest the New Year’s Day buffet has been canceled.” 

Restaurants Offering Pork & Sauerkraut Last Year

The following is a list of restaurants that have offered pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day in the past but have not confirmed plans for 2026.

– K’Town Pub | Kutztown
– Topher’s 10th & Elm Cafe | Reading

Did we miss your favorite pork and sauerkraut? Let us know by emailing zach@berkscountyeats.com and we will add it to the list!

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Yellow string lights hang over a patio at State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen in Wyomissing.
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New Year’s Eve Dining in Berks County

It’s time to celebrate the arrival of 2026, and there’s no better place to celebrate than with friends and family at one of Berks County’s premier restaurants. Here’s our guide to New Year’s Eve in Reading and Berks County, PA. 

This page will be updated as events are added and hours are announced; however, we will not be updating reservation availability. Call the restaurant for reservation information.

New Year’s Eve Parties

These bars and restaurants are ringing in the new year with food, music, and fun. Check out these New Year’s Eve parties in Reading and Berks County.

An outdoor bar with high-top wicker chairs at Doc & Bubba's in Mohnton, PA

Doc & Bubba’s
Mohnton

Doc & Bubba’s gives you two chances to celebrate. From 4 to 9 p.m., enjoy a festive meal in the dining room. Then the New Year’s Eve Bash begins at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 each and include an unlimited buffet, champagne toast at midnight, live music, and giveaways.

castle-like building lit by three lights at the top in a nighttime scene

Folino Estate
Kutztown

Folino Estate will host Capodanno, an Italian New Year’s celebration, from 8 p.m. until 12 midnight. The ticketed event features a buffet with carving stations, pizza, pasta, salad, and dessert. The cost is $119 per ticket.

Liberty Ale House Exterior

Liberty Ale House
Reading

The Liberty Ale House opens at 11 a.m. for regular service, but the New Year’s Eve Bash starts at 9 p.m. The event features a karaoke dance party with a DJ and midnight toast. The bar closes at 2 a.m.

Side of a barn-shaped building with a round sign that reads "Louie's Kitchen & Bar"

Louie’s Kitchen & Bar
Flying Hills

Turn back the clocks for New Year’s Eve at Louie’s Speakeasy New Year’s Eve Party. Louie’s Kitchen & Bar is hosting a 1920s-style party with themed cocktails, food, and a costume contest. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and includes free late-night munchies and champagne toast.

place setting at the West Reading Motor Club

West Reading Motor Club
West Reading

The West Reading Motor Club will have both the dining room and upstairs bar open on New Year’s Eve. The dining room will offer an “elevated atmosphere and refined menu” with reservations until 8:30 while the upstairs bar will have a “laid-back energy with casual bites and tapas.” Live music will be offered in the upstairs bar from 9 p.m. until midnight.

Brewer’s Bar & Grill
West Reading

Brewer’s is hosting a New Year’s Eve party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. There will be a live DJ and midnight toast. Dinner is available earlier in the evening.

Craft 2700 at Freymoyer’s
Muhlenberg Township

Craft 2700 will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. This free-entry event features live music, free photo booth, free midnight champagne toast, and $4 mixed drinks from 10 to 11 p.m.

Homer’s Bar & Grill
Fleetwood

Homer’s will open at 7 a.m. on New Year’s Eve with regular service throughout the day before the party kicks off at 10 p.m. with a live DJ and drink specials running until 1 a.m.

Johnny & Hon’s Smokehaus
Robesonia

Johnny & Hon’s in Robesonia is hosting a New Year’s Eve party. Doors open at 7 p.m. with music from 8 to midnight. Tickets are $10 presale, $15 at the door with a free champagne toast at midnight.

Pappy T’s Tavern
Hamburg

Pappy T’s will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party. The bar and kitchen will open at 4 p.m. with the kitchen closing at 7. The rest of the evening will feature a DJ, light buffet and door prizes with a $5 cover charge.

Spectator’s Bar & Grille
Kutztown

For New Year’s Eve, Spectator’s Bar & Grille will be offering live music from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. The restaurant and bar will also be offering late-night food service for the countdown to 2026.

New Year’s Eve Dinner Specials

Make the last meal of 2025 a memorable one. These Berks County restaurants are offering special menus for your special celebrations.

Photo of outdoor sidewalk seating at a restaurant with a sign on the wall that reads "3rd and Spruce Drafthaus"

3rd & Spruce Drafthaus
West Reading

3rd & Spruce Drafthaus will be open from 11 a.m. until an hour after the ball drops to ring in 2026. The restaurant will serve a $50 three-course prix fixe menu from 4 to 9 p.m. It features a choice of short rib papardelle or chicken Oscar for the main.

White globe lights fill the ceiling with exposed beams at A Light in the Attic

A Light in the Attic
West Reading

A Light in the Attic will be hosting a four-course New Year’s Eve dinner with menu selections including lobster toast, octopus blini, and sticky toffee pudding. The cost is $120 per person with reservations available from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

dining room full of tables for four with a large mural of a tree on the far wall

Annamarie’s on Main
Birdsboro

Annamarie’s on Main will be open with a special New Year’s Eve menu that includes New Zealand lamb chops, filet Oscar, and chocolate creme brulee for dessert.

B2 Bistro is located in first floor of the former Narrow Fabrics factory.

B2 Bistro + Bar
West Reading

In addition the regular menu, B2 Bistro is offering New Year’s specials from December 29-31 that includes five entree specials. Choose from honey lavender game hen, pistachio-basil crusted sea bass, beef Wellington, grilled strawberry burrata salad, or seared scallops.

The bar area at Go Fish, complete with the restaurant's name in blue lights with red accent lighting on the shelves.

Go Fish! Seafood Market & Sushi
Sinking Spring

Go Fish is offering a special menu on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy shrimp pad thai or crab cakes for a main course with appetizers that include seared scallops and half shell oysters and caviar. The full sushi menu is also available The restaurant is taking reservations from 4:30 to 10 p.m.

dining room in the Inn on Main featuring dark, modern wooden tables and chairs and a wall hanging of six barrel tops

Inn on Main
Oley

The Inn on Main is hosting a special prix fixe New Year’s Eve dinner. From 1 to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy one of three entree options: prime rib au jus, chicken Oscar, and crab cake, plus sides and dessert for $65.

exterior of Ozgood's Kutztown

Ozgood’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar
Kutztown

Ozgood’s in Kutztown is hosting New Year’s Eve dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. The special ala carte menu features Tuscan chicken, grilled Delmonico steak, and more. The kids’ menu will also be available.

Ozgood’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar
Robesonia

Ozgood’s Robesonia location will also be hosting New Year’s Eve dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Entree options include grilled strip steak, lobster and crab stuffed shrimp, soy honey salmon, and twin lobster tails.

Yellow string lights hang over a patio at State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen in Wyomissing.

State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen
Wyomissing

State Hill Craft will be offering a four-course New Year’s Eve menu with steak fires, lamb sausage ragout, and vegan stuffed pepper among the featured items. Dinner reservations are available until 8:30, but the bar is open with a live DJ until midnight.

exterior of Winedown and the Whiskey Bar in West Reading, PA

Uncorkd
West Reading

Uncorkd is offering a special three-course dinner for two on New Year’s Eve. Choose two appetizers, two entrees, and a dessert for $90. The restaurant will be open from 4 to 8 p.m.

Exterior of the West Reading Tavern in West Reading, PA

West Reading Tavern
West Reading

The West Reading Tavern will feature a special menu on New Year’s Eve with the kitchen serving until 9 p.m. and the bar staying open until 10. Entrees include braised short ribs, Manchester by the Sea, vegan cauliflower steak, and pork schnitzel.

More Restaurants Open New Year’s Eve

Make the last meal of 2025 a memorable one. These Berks County restaurants are offering special menus for your special celebrations.

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Review: State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen

exterior of State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen in Wyomissing, PA

While we’ve found a lot of great restaurants around Berks County, Julie and I are always on the 

lookout for date night options – places to go when we can leave the kids with their grandparents or a sitter for a couple hours. 

One of the places that has moved near the top of our list is State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen in Wyomissing.

Yellow string lights hang over a patio at State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen in Wyomissing.

State Hill Craft opened in 2023 in the former Tino’s/Santino’s along State Hill Road. It’s always been an awkward location with limited parking. That was partially solved when the restaurant purchased the adjoining property and expanded with a new patio and larger parking lot. Even so, we still found a full parking lot when we arrived for dinner on a Friday night in December. 

We had reservations, so we weren’t worried, but it turned out the crowd was for a private party on the patio and there were plenty of tables for us in the main dining room. 

Restaurant dining room with a Christmas tree lit with yellow lights next to a table for four with a black tabletop and blue leather chairs.

We were seated at a table for two at one end of a large oval-shaped banquette. Julie sat on the blue leather booth side while I took the chair. Behind me were two tables against a wall with two mirrors. More black tables with blue chairs lined the front wall. 

Our first trip to State Hill came in November 2023. I wasn’t writing reviews at the time, but we were incredibly impressed with our meals that night. 

brown colored mushroom pasta topped with bean sprouts

I had the umami bomb pasta – a mushroom-infused pasta dish with miso cashew cream while Julie had the coho salmon. It was absolutely excellent, and while the gray-tint of the pasta didn’t make it the most appealing visually, the earthiness of the mushrooms combined with the nutty sweetness of the miso cashew was so good. 

But by the time I got back to writing reviews, they had already swapped out their seasonal menu and the pasta was gone. 

The menu has morphed many times since our visit, and the latest iteration came out in November. It’s a mix of large and small plates with a few sandwiches and burger options. There’s nothing quite as adventurous as the umami bomb, but even familiar items had a little bit of a unique twist to them. 

a burger with cheddar cheese and a brioche bun next to a pile of fries topped with garlic and parmesan.

For example, my billionaire smash. The traditional smashburger got an upscale makeover with wagyu beef, truffle aioli, bacon onion jam, smoked cheddar, lettuce, and tomato. 

As much as I love a good aioli, it was the bacon jam that made this a great burger. The salty-sweet combination is just a great addition. I had just a few bites where I didn’t get enough of the jam, but others where it really shone through. 

The fries were also delicious. It didn’t list it on the menu, but I’m guessing it was garlic, parmesan and herbs. They were addictive, and I just had to finish them, even after I was full. 

Julie ended up taking some of her meal home. She had the wagyu meatloaf which came with an applejack demi glace, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and crispy shallots. 

Like my burger, the wagyu beef had a deeper flavor than regular ground beef to start. But the applejack demi-glace, with its sweetness and little bit of bite to it, was excellent. It made it feel like something more than meatloaf. 

three bao buns filled with beef next to a cup of sauce for dipping.

Part of the reason that she took half of it home was that we started with an order of birria bao buns. 

The fluffy buns were filled with birria-style short rib, red onion, cilantro, and mozzarella. On the side was birria consomme. We found the consomme to be more like a spicy chili rather than a traditional broth, but I really enjoyed it. The bao soaked it up well and we each finished off one-and-a-half of them before our entrees arrived. 

Overall, it was a great meal for a great date night. 

Two glasses - one with a red drink, the other with iced tea, on a table with a lit Christmas tree in the background.

In addition to the food, Julie had a strawberry “no-jito” mocktail that she really liked, and I had my unsweetened iced tea.  We spent $65 after using a $10 off coupon. Even at full price, it felt reasonable for the quality of the food. 

State Hill Craft impressed on our first visit and our latest visit, and we are looking forward to more impressive meals to come. 

BCE Rating
Food: Very Good
Service: Very Good
Ambiance: Excellent

State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen
1 Wellington Blvd
Wyomissing, PA 19610

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Restaurant dining room with a Christmas tree lit with yellow lights next to a table for four with a black tabletop and blue leather chairs.
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Christmas Dining in Berks County 2025

Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends. It’s also a great opportunity to support local by spending some holiday time at a local restaurant. Here’s a look at restaurants for your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining in Berks County. 

We are not checking on reservation availability. Contact the restaurants to check availability. 

Top Picks for Christmas Eve

There are a lot of great options for Christmas Eve dining in Berks County. Here are a few that we recommend: 

castle-like building lit by three lights at the top in a nighttime scene

Folino Estate Winery
Kutztown

On Christmas Eve, Folino Estate will be hosting a Feast of the Seven Fishes. Reservations are available for seatings between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Review: Folino Estate
The dining room of Go Fish with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling.

Go Fish! Seafood Market & Sushi Bar
Sinking Spring

Go Fish! is hosting a Christmas Eve brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on December 24. The menu is ala carte and includes brunch classics like steak and eggs, stuffed French toast, and eggs benedict, along with seafood favorites like lobster roll and salmon.

Review: Go Fish!
dining room in the Inn on Main featuring dark, modern wooden tables and chairs and a wall hanging of six barrel tops

Inn on Main
Oley

The Inn on Main in Oley is offering Christmas Eve dinner from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on December 24. The prix fixe menu includes four entree options – prime rib, salmon Oscar, crab cake, or garlic parm shrimp – each served with salad and dessert for $65 per person.

Review: Inn on Main

Mom Chaffe’s
West Reading

If you’re looking for Italian for your Christmas Eve dinner, head to Mom Chaffe’s in West Reading.

Review: Mom Chaffe’s
sign on a brick building that reads "Jimmie Kramer's Peanut Bar" with an image of an anamorphic peanut

Peanut Bar
Reading

The Peanut Bar will have a special holiday menu served from 4:30 to 6:30 on Christmas Eve. Options include duck breast, chicken picatta, and pan-seared scallops.

Review: Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar
Salute Ristorante Italiano

Salute Ristorante
Sinking Spring

Salute will be open on Christmas Eve, and this year the holiday falls on a Wine Wednesday. All bottles are $10-$20 off on Wednesday, December 24.

Review: Salute
Photo of a large wooden statue of a knight outside of Stokesay Castle in Reading, PA

Stokesay Castle
Reading

From 4 to 6 p.m., the elegant Stokesay Castle is hosting a Christmas Eve buffet complete with two carving stations, five entree options, and a range of sides and desserts. The cost is $60 for adults, and $25 for children ages 5-12.

Restaurants Open Christmas Eve

There are plenty more options for your Christmas Eve dining. Here is a list of restaurants that are confirmed open on Christmas Eve 2025: 

3rd & Spruce Drafthaus
West Reading

3rd & Spruce will be open on from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. 

5th Street Diner
Temple

The 5th Street Diner is open regular hours on Christmas Eve, but as an added bonus, Santa will be stopping by for breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m., giving kids one last chance to see him before his toy deliveries.

Alebrije Mexican Restaurant
Exeter Township & Wyomissing

Alebrije’s two restaurants – Wyomissing and Exeter Township – will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

American Diner
West Reading

The American Diner will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, the Berks Opera Company will perform from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a Christmas performance. (Performances are also on December 20 and 21.

Americana Diner
Bechtelsville

The Americana Diner wil be open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve but will be closed on Christmas Day.

Annamarie’s on Main
Birdsboro

Annamarie’s on Main will have shorter hours on Christmas Eve – open breakfast and lunch only. Christmas Eve is also a Wednesday which is kids’ day at Annamarie’s. Every child 8 and under receives a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree.

Antonio’s Trattoria
Boyertown

Antonio’s Trattoria will be open on Christmas Eve for lunch and dinner. Reservations are requested.

Austin’s Restaurant & Bar
West Lawn

Austin’s will be open for lunch only on Christmas Eve. The restaurant will offer seating from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Backwoods Brothers Authentic Texas Cuisine
Hamburg

Craving BBQ on Christmas Eve? Backwoods Brothers is hosting their 10th annual Christmas Eve buffet featuring prime rib (with reservations only), smoked wings, and more. Reservations are available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a cost of $29.99 for adults and $14.99 for children 12 and under.

Bally Family Diner
Bally

The Bally Family Diner will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve.

Bernville Eagle Hotel
Bernville

The Bernville Eagle Hotel will be opn on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Big Bertha’s Grill
Sinking Spring

Big Bertha’s will be open until 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. You can also pre-order your holiday sub trays for pickup in advance of the holiday.

Bogey’s Pub at Golden Oaks
Fleetwood

Bogey’s Pub at the Golden Oaks Golf Course will be closing at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

C&C Pizza & Restaurant
Strausstown

C&C Pizza will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Cheer’s Bistro at the DoubleTree Reading
Reading

The DoubleTree’s in-house restaurant, Cheer’s Bistro, will be open on Christmas Eve with regular hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Christine’s Creekside Inn
Birdsboro

Christine’s Creekside Inn and Doug’s Pub will be open from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve with the regular menu available.

Coastal Grille
Wyomissing

The sister restaurant of Austin’s, Wyomissing’s Coastal Grille will be open regular hours on New Year’s Eve from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Craft 2700 at Freymoyer’s
Muhlenberg Township

Craft 2700 is hosting a Christmas Eve buffet from 2 to 8 p.m. Buffet options include a chicken and burger bar, taco bar, and French fry bar, along with carved ham, sides, and assorted desserts. The cost is $22 per person.

Esterly’s Sandwich Shop
Bowers

Esterly’s will be open until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Exeter Family Restaurant
Exeter

The Exeter Family Restaurant is typically open 24 hours, but the restaurant will close at 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve before reopening at 6 a.m. on December 26.

Giannotti’s Country Manor
Fleetwood

Gitannotti’s Country Manor will be open on Christmas Eve with last seating set for 7 p.m.

Grind
Boyertown

Grind will be open with a last seating at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Hazel’s Cafe
Hamburg

Hazel’s Cafe will have your coffee and breakfast ready on Christmas Eve from 7 a.m. to 12 noon.

Heidelberg Family Restaurant
Robesonia

The Heidelberg will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Henry P. Robeson House
Robesonia

The Henry P. Robeson House is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Island Pizza
Birdsboro

Island Pizza will have limited hours on Chirstmas Eve. Opening at their normal time of 10:30 a.m., the kitchen will close at 3 p.m. while the bar will close at 6 p.m.

Janelle’s Diner
Bowers

Janelle’s will be open with limited hours on Christmas Eve from 5:15 a.m.to 1 p.m.

Johnny & Hon’s Bar & Grill
Temple/Laurledale

Johnny & Hon’s Bar & Grill will be hosting Christmas Eve Karaoke in the morning from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on December 24.

Jukebox Cafe
Boyertown

The Jukebox Cafe is open regular hours on Christmas Eve (7 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Julie’s Country Cafe
Boyertown

The new Julie’s Country Cafe will be open on Christmas Eve from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. serving breakfast only.

Kitt’s Cafe & Gandalf’s Garden
Blandon 

Kitt’s Cafe will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve – open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Letterman’s Diner
Kutztown

Letterman’s Diner will be serving breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m. on Christmas Eve.

Liberty Ale House
Reading

The Liberty Ale House will have limited hours on Christmas Eve – open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. – before reopening in the evening on Christmas Day.

Maple Grove Pub & Grill
Alburtis

The Maple Grove Pub & Grill will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve – 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – before being closed on Christmas Day.

Messy Pig BBQ
Womelsdorf

The Messy Pig will be open with limited hours on Christmas Eve. Pre-orders are always recommended to ensure they don’t run out of their smoked meats and sides.

Michael’s Retaurant
Douglassville

Michael’s Restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with regular hours.

Mikura Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
Wyomissing

Mikura in Wyomissing will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with regular hours.

Morgantown Diner
Morgantown

The Morgantown Diner, which opened this fall, will be open for the holidays. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Oliviero’s Pizzeria
Douglassville

Olivierio’s will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

P&J Pizza and Tavern
Womelsdorf

P&J Pizza in Womelsdorf will open from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 24.

Paradise by the Slice
Wernersville

Paradise by the Slice will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Pleasantville Diner
Oley

The Pleasantville Diner will be serving breakfast only on Christmas Eve, opening from 6 a.m. to 12 noon.

Reading Country Club
Exeter Township

The Reading Country Club’s signature restaurant, Jack’s on the Green, will be open for lunch only, closing at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Red Plate Diner
Wernersville

The Red Plate Diner will be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saigon Banh Mi
Exeter Township

Saigon Banh Mi will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Saucony Cafe
Kutztown

The Saucony Cafe will be open for breakfast and lunch – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. – on December 24.

Saucony Creek Brewery
Kutztown

The Kutztown location for Saucony Creek Brewing will be open regular hours on Wednesday, December 24  – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Schaylor Brewing Company
Shillington

Schaylor Brewing will open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Chrstmas Eve.

Sebastiano’s
Mt. Penn

Sebastiano’s will be open on Christmas Eve. The last seating is at 7 p.m. while takeout is available until 7:30.

Sly Fox Wyomissing Taphouse
Wyomissing

Sly Fox will have their Wyomissing location open from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Telia. Perfect Greek
Wyomissing

Telia will be open for dinner service on Christmas Eve. The restaurant will be open from 4 to 8 p.m.

Temple Family Restaurant
Temple

The Temple Family Restaurant will be open with reduced hours on Christmas Eve. Join them for breakfast or lunch from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tosco Pizza & Family Restaurant
Wernersville

Tosco will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Chrstmas Eve.

Washington Grille & Pub
Bechtelsville

The Washington Grille & Pub in Bechtelsville will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The restaurant will be offering its regular menu plus holiday specials.

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery
Wyomissing

The Wyomissing Restauranty & Bakery will be open on Christmas Eve with regular hours and service, including their buffet, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Zola’s Pizzeria
Blandon

Zola’s will be open and serving their signature pizza and sandwiches until 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

Restaurants Open Christmas Day

The following restaurants will be open Thursday, December 25 for Christmas Day dining.

exterior shot of a restaurant with a sign out front that reads "Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery"

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery
Wyomissing

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery will host a Christmas Buffet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 25. Entree options include New York strip steak, salmon, ham, pot roast, and more. The cost is $26.99 for adults and $14.99 for kids ages 4-10. Family-sized to-go meals are also available for $33.99.

American Diner
West Reading

The American Diner will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the restaurant will be offering dinner specials, including roast turkey and ham, both days.

Bally Family Diner
Bally

The Bally Family Diner will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 25.

Blackjax American Pub
Birdsboro

Blackjax will be open with normal hours – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. – on Christmas Day. Steak and ham specials will be available in addition to the regular menu.

Grille at Bear Creek
Macungie

The Grille at Bear Creek will be offering a special holiday menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The restaurant is open from 4 to 9 p.m. both evenings.

Liberty Ale House
Reading

The Liberty Ale House will open at 5 p.m. on Christmas Day. The bar will remain open until their weekend closing time of 2 a.m. 

Michael’s Retaurant
Douglassville

Michael’s Restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with regular hours.

Mikura Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
Wyomissing

Mikura in Wyomissing will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with regular hours.

Morgantown Diner
Morgantown

The Morgantown Diner, which opened this fall, will be open for the holidays. The restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Red Plate Diner
Wernersville

The Red Plate Diner will be open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Route 61 Diner
Muhlenberg Township

The Route 61 Diner will remain open 24 hours through the holidays. Special Christmas menu additions include surf and turf, lamb chops, and baked Virginia ham, each served with soup and salad bar.

Saigon Banh Mi
Exeter Township

Saigon Banh Mi will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Zaytoon Kabob & Grill
Wyomissing

Zaytoon will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 24 and from 12 noon to 7 p.m. on December 25.

More from Berks County Eats

Holiday Dining Guides
old-fashioned diner counter with stainless steel stools in dark red motif
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Review: Mark’s Sandwich Shop – Kutztown

beat up wooden sign that reads "Mark's Steaks Subs Fries"

Earlier this year, I visited Esterly’s Sandwich Shop in Bowers. My post about the little hole-in-the-wall sandwich joint received more engagement than any other Facebook post I had done in more than 10 years of Berks County Eats. 

While almost all of the posts were locals attesting to their love of Esterly’s, there were a few who suggested that maybe Esterly’s wasn’t the best in the area. 

Those commenters pointed me to Mark’s Sandwich Shop in Kutztown. 

order counter with a sign above it that reads "Mark's" in red script

Mark’s has never really been on my radar. Even back when I was in college, I was loyal to Spuds. But with so many recommendations, I decided to check it out. 

The shop is one of the many eateries along Kutztown’s Main Street. On the outside, it’s an unassuming, rather dull looking building – pale yellow with dark red trim.

old-fashioned diner counter with stainless steel stools in dark red motif

Inside, I was surprised to find a little bit of a diner vibe with counter stainless steel counter seats to go along with a much larger dine-in section than I expected from the outside. It does have the same colors as the outside so I wouldn’t say it’s the most appealing dining area in the county.

I had ordered my food ahead of time and it was ready for pickup right on time. 

Of course, for comparison’s sake I had to order the same steak sandwich that I ordered at Esterly’s – that meant a steak sandwich with sauce and onions. 

white plate with a cheesesteak with sauce and potato chips

I have to say that I liked it, but it wasn’t my favorite. Specifically, the sauce was a little too tangy for my taste. But the steak meat was good and done well. I would just prefer to go a little lighter on the sauce next time. 

(Even the admin for Mark’s Facebook account agreed, saying they order it with light sauce).

The best part about Mark’s, though, is the fact that they have Dutch fries as a side option. There’s only a couple places that serve Dutch fries outside of the Kutztown Fair, and Mark’s is one of them. 

While Dutch fries look like potato chips, they are fried, not boiled, and they are served hot. Some of the fries get crispy, others stick together and come out softer. Both are absolutely delicious. 

piece of alumninum foil unfolded to show a chicken parm sandwich, cut in half, and a bag of chip-shaped fries.

Again taking my queue from Facebook comments, I headed back to Mark’s, this time for a chicken parm sandwich. I have to say, it fell a little flat for me. It wasn’t anything special, and I didn’t think the roll held up very well. But at least I had a nice big bag of Dutch fries with it. 

My total was about $15 each time, just a couple dollars more than Esterly’s. I would still say Mark’s is very reasonably priced, though. It’s kind of the perfect price point for a grab-and-go meal in a college town. 

And the food is good enough with excellent service that I’m not surprised they have the following that they do. 

BCE Rating
Food: Good
Service: Very Good
Ambiance: Fair
Price: $

Mark’s Sandwich Shop
123 West Main Street
Kutztown, PA 19530

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