Helicopter-shaped playset with a green slide at Klinger's at the Airport in Reading, PA
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12+ Restaurants with Kids Play Areas in Berks County

McDonald’s Playplaces may be a thing of the past, but there are plenty of Berks County restaurants with playgrounds and on-site fun to keep your kids entertained before and after your meal. Check out our list below and plan your next meal at one of these family-friendly restaurants in Berks County. 

Restaurants with Free Playgrounds

young child climbs a ladder on a wooden playground set

Kim’s Cafe at Weaver’s Orchard
Morgantown

Located at Weaver’s Orchard, Kim’s Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and coffee. During the summer, you can also stop by the on-site ice cream stand for a sweet refresher. And it’s all next to a nice playground with swings and slides, along with plenty of picnic tables to enjoy you’re meal.

large playground equipment with two slides in the middle and a set of three swings on the right side at Kirbyville Farm Market

Kirbyville Farm Market
Kirbyville

Along Route 222 just south of Kutztown, the Kirbyville Farm Market offers hot and cold subs, ice cream, donuts and more. Not only does Kirbyville have a larger playground outside, but kids can also meet goats and other animals that come up to greet you along the fence.

Helicopter-shaped playset with a green slide at Klinger's at the Airport in Reading, PA

Klinger’s at the Airport
Reading

The outside dining area at Klinger’s at the Airport is one of the coolest in Berks County. There’s a nice little playground, outdoor seats with large umbrellas, and great views of planes on takeoff and landing to keep the kids entertained.

child playing with sand toys in an outdoor playground at Plum Creek Farm.

Plum Creek Farm
Bernville

Probably the largest on-site playground of any restaurant in Berks County, Plum Creek boasts a multi-level slide, climb and swing playset plus a sandbox. In the summer months, there’s an outdoor order window so you can place your order and pick up your food while the kids are playing.

Diners sitting on a patio at Saucony Creek Brewing in Kutztown

Saucony Creek Craft Brewery + Gastropub
Kutztown

When the weather’s nice, the outdoor patio at Saucony Creek in Kutztown is a great place to enjoy good food and drink. The playset, complete with swings and a slide with a small climbing wall, makes it one of the most family-friendly breweries in Berks.

Stampede Barbecue
Mohnton

In 2024, Stampede Barbecue added a playground to its already impressive outdoor space. The slides and swings are in addition to a large grassy area and a semi-covered patio. Kids can get slider versions of Stampede’s pulled pork, smoked turkey and chopped brisket sandwiches (chicken nuggets are also available) while parents can enjoy sandwiches and one-, two- or three-meat platters.

Jen & Jessie’s Creamery
Oley

New for 2025, Jen & Jessie’s Creamery has added a playground to their Oley ice cream shop. The new playground features a tube slide and climbing areas to entertain the kids before and after their cones, shakes and sundaes.

Restaurants with Miniature Golf

child stands on a mini golf green at Kauffman's Restaurant

Kauffman’s BBQ Restaurant
Bethel

Kauffman’s is known for their bar-b-q chickens, but if you visit the restaurant near Bethel, you can also enjoy a round on their 18-hole mini golf course.

mini golf hole at Schell's Drive-In

Schell’s
Temple

Schell’s is a one-stop destination for dinner, dessert, and family fun. First, enjoy a classic drive-in meal of hamburger BBQ, hot dogs, or burgers. Then play on the 27-hole mini golf course before heading next door to Schell’s Dairy Swirl for dessert.

Two cups of ice cream topped with a mini pretzel from Big Bertha's Grill

Big Bertha’s Grill
Sinking Spring

Sharing a parking lot with Sittler’s Golf (formerly Pagoda Golf Area), Big Bertha’s menu is built for big appetites with their 17” Big Bertha subs and sandwiches, but they also have a kids menu and plenty of ice cream and dessert options to pair with a round of mini golf next door.

Family Fun Centers & Resorts

Yellow and purple colored climbing area at the Works at Wyomissing.

The Works
Wyomissing

You can’t talk about places to play in Berks County without mentioning The Works. Before or after your meal, kids can enjoy the arcade, race go-karts, or run wild through Ballocity.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort
Macungie

Bear Creek Mountain Resort is an all-seasons destination with three on-site dining options. In the summer months, the public can participate in outdoor activities including archery with more amenities and activities available to overnight guests.

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Dining Guides
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Review: Deep Roots Cafe – West Reading

townhome with a white railing around the porch and a sign that says "Deep Roots Cafe"

There are many places in Berks County that can lay claim to being farm-to-table. Local restaurants often partner with our area farms and producers to provide the freshest ingredients. 

What’s less common is a local farm opening their own eatery. But that’s exactly what Deep Roots Valley Farm did when they opened Deep Roots Cafe in West Reading. 

Inside Deep Roots Cafe in West Reading with an order counter on the left and a bench in front of a window on the right

Deep Roots made its debut in February 2026, taking over the former Trish’s Specialty Cheesecakes on 6th Avenue. It makes it one of the few West Reading eateries that’s not on Penn Avenue, but it’s just a half-block away, with parking on either side of the street and the public parking lot across the street. 

The cafe is open Wednesday through Sunday, and I made my way on a Thursday morning for breakfast. One table was taken up when I arrived, but three or four were full by the time I left. The cafe sits in a townhouse setting. 

Dining area of Deep Roots Cafe with photos arranged in a mosaic pattern on a wall behind a table for two

The front door takes you onto the right hand side with the order counter and drink coolers. A small bench is available for waiting by the front window.

I ordered at the counter and took a seat at one of the tables for two in the dining area to the left. The walls are filled with photos of farm animals as plants hang above the windows. There’s a second room behind it, with a larger round table. 

plate of biscuits topped with chorizo sausage gravy

My breakfast actually arrived first. It was a plate of biscuits and gravy. While a more traditional version of the dish was available, I went with the chorizo sausage gravy. The smoked paprika from the chorizo gave the dish a slightly orange hue and – along with the other spices – gave it a nice kick. It wasn’t too spicy to handle, just that extra heat that chorizo is known for. 

The biscuits were hearty, more square-shaped than rounded, with lots of flaky layers. They soaked up the gravy nicely while also toning the spice down just a little. 

white coffee cup with a drink dusted with cinnamon on one half

My drink arrived just after my meal. As much as I love chai lattes, my chai didn’t do much to tone down the heat or to help me recover. The chai is a little on the spiced side, itself. The presentation was very nice with a mug that was partially dusted with cinnamon. 

Unfortunately, it was a little too much milk and not enough chai so the drink tasted a bit watered down. However, I made another visit just to try the chai. This time the proportions were right. If you like a spiced chai, it’s a decent option. But if you’re more into sweet drinks, this one isn’t for you. 

plants hanging above a window at Deep Roots Cafe

Overall, though, I was impressed by the cafe. The dining space was cozy, the food was good, and the price was reasonable. My biscuits and gravy cost $10 while my drink was $6. 

I’m sure I’ll be back at Deep Roots Cafe again. I want to try their “biscuit bombs,” biscuit hand pies filled with meat, egg and cheese. And it’s a nice space to enjoy a meal, get some work done or just hang out. 

And you won’t find farm-to-fork meals like this at any other coffee shop. 

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

Deep Roots Cafe
22 N. 6th Street
West Reading, PA 19611

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

interior of Zaytoon restaurant in Wyomissing

With some restaurants, it truly is love at first bite. 

The last time I experienced that was with Zaytoon Kabob & Grill. Opened in the spring of 2025, I first visited in August of the same year. (See below for my original review). The lamb over rice platter immediately earned it a spot on my list of favorite restaurants in Berks County. 

order and food prep counter at Zaytoon Kabob and Grill in Wyomissing, PA

A year after they opened, Zaytoon has added to their menu, and I was invited to come try two new additions: lamb kabob and lentil soup. 

I stopped in on a Thursday afternoon in early May. Despite being in between the lunch and dinner rushes, there was a steady stream of customers coming through the storefront in the Shoppes at Wyomissing. I saw parents with their college students in tow – recently released from their semester at nearby Penn State Berks – along with dine-in and takeout orders as I sat in a booth along the wall. 

While I waited for the lamb kabob to be prepared, I had the chance to talk to Bashier, Zaytoon’s owner. Bashier is a Berks County local who saw a lack of halal options in our area, opening the restaurant to fill that gap now that his children are grown. 

Meanwhile, Zaytoon’s business is growing – steadily, he says – mostly by word-of-mouth, including unannounced visits and reviews. (See my original post below). 

plate with lamb over rice, a small side salad, and two pieces of bread

After a few minutes, my lamb kabob platter arrived. Five chunks of lamb meat were laid across a bed of rice with a small side salad and two slices of thin bread. 

The meat was tender and soft – not chewy – with just a bit of char on the edges. A few red pepper flakes from the marinade hung around, as did the mildly spicy aftertaste. A little bit of creamy white sauce was the perfect complement, toning it down without taking away from it. 

Like the original lamb and rice platter, this comes served with a small salad. (The olives were a new addition). Instead of triangles of pita, it came with two large flat pieces of bread with strong herbal notes. 

Honestly, it was too much food for my late lunch. Priced at just over $20, it’s still a good value, especially for dinner. 

bowl of lentil soup with a black spoon

In addition to the lamb, I had the opportunity to try the new lentil soup. While the lamb was very good, the soup was amazing. It was thick with both bright and earthy tones. I brought home half of it for Julie to try and she had the same “wow” reaction I did. This will definitely be part of my orders moving forward. 

Zaytoon was already a favorite of mine, but these offerings are great additions to an already excellent establishment. If you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend it. 

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

Zaytoon Kabob & Grill
760 Woodland Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610

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Original Review: August 4, 2025

brick facade of the stripmall storefront for Zaytoon Kabob and Grill in Wyomissing, PA

Having been blogging now for more than a decade, I can say with certainty that Berks County has grown tremendously in the diversity of its food offerings. It’s almost night and day to compare today to when I started in 2014. 

Not every new addition has been a hit, and restaurants continue to come and go. But one restaurant we hope sticks around is Zaytoon Kebab and Grill. 

Zaytoon opened in spring 2025 in the former Zoup!, in the strip mall known as the Shoppes at Wyomissing. It’s a halal grill, one of the few halal spots in the area (Aladdin in West Reading and Sajal in Kutztown being two other notable ones). 

view from a booth with green cushions looking at a selife wall with black background and green neon light that reads "Zaytoon"

The restaurant is cozy with green-tinted booth seats lining one of the walls – half of them built for four, and the other half built for two – with tables dotting the open space surrounding the order counter. A soccer match can usually be found on the lone TV in the corner. 

Zaytoon’s menu is highly focused and rooted in Middle Eastern cooking. That means beef, chicken, lamb and falafel as the stars of the dishes. On my first visit, shortly after they opened in the spring, I decided to try their lamb platter. 

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

It came served in a compartmentalized takeout container with the lamb meat over a bed of rice, topped with white sauce. A small salad and two pieces of pita filled the other two spaces. 

The lamb was absolutely one of the best things that I have had. It was so tender and juicy, almost melt-in-your-mouth. And the white sauce was perfect. It’s tzatziki-like in consistency, but I feel it has a more subtle flavor than most similar sauces. It really was there to enhance rather than overpower. 

About a week after my own visit, Julie stopped in with one of her coworkers. She ordered the exact same meal as I did. She also gave it a rave review. 

two takeout containers with lids open, one with a gyro topped with lettuce and the other with an order of golden colored French fries

It was so good that on my second visit, I once again got lamb. But this time, I got it in a gyro. 

The gyro was over-stuffed with meat and veggies (tomato, cucumber, shredded lettuce, and onion). Like the platter, everything was smothered in that white sauce. 

And again, the flavors were excellent. Even the few bites where I didn’t have the sauce – just meat and pita – were very good and highlighted just how flavorful the lamb is. 

My only regret with the trip was that I had ordered a side of fries that I quickly realized I didn’t need. The fries were fine, nothing special, but I didn’t need them anyway because the gyro was so filling on its own. 

Back on my first visit, I also tried their pink chai. As a lover of chai, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try this unique variation. 

It was strong, definitely real tea and not made from a powder or syrup that some coffee shops use. It had spice to it, not as easy to sip as the more Americanized lattes that are more sugar than spice, but I enjoyed it and would get it again if I needed a pick-me-up with my lunch or dinner. 

order and food prep counter at Zaytoon Kabob and Grill in Wyomissing, PA

In addition to serving delicious food, Zaytoon has good prices. Meals are priced under $15, and with it being a quick counter-service spot, it’s a great place for a quick lunch or a no-fuss dinner. 

The lamb will definitely keep me coming back. Maybe I’ll eventually try something else on the menu. But even if I just get the same thing every time, I’m glad to have it here in Berks. 

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

Zaytoon Kabob & Grill
760 Woodland Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610

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Review: Ganly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

picture windows beneath a sign that reads "Ganly's"

With two kids in the house – and all the activities that go along with it – date nights are fewer and farther between for Julie and I. Instead, we’ve been trying to make time for lunch dates whenever we can. 

Thankfully, with her working in Sinking Spring and me working from home in Wyomissing, we have plenty of options around us. 

wooden bench in front of a long mirror with a logo for Ganly's Irish Pub in a waiting area where a taxidermy bear stands.

And one of the best lunch dates we’ve had recently came at Ganly’s Irish Pub. 

Ganly’s is a restaurant we’ve visited many times before, but it had been a few years since we enjoyed a meal at the restaurant just outside Sinking Spring. 

Usually our visits have come at dinnertime, and we’ve always eaten inside the main dining room. But on this visit, it was a beautiful April afternoon so we opted for a table on the patio. 

outdoor patio at a restaurant with bistro tables with yellow umbrellas

We walked through the bar side of the building, which reminded me of a pub at a golf course with its wooden interior and TV’s above the bar. Outside, the stone patio is filled with metal bistro tables and chairs. Heat lamps provided flashes of warmth as the cool air breezed through the open space. 

menu for Ganly's in Sinking Spring

Ganly’s doesn’t have a specific lunch menu, but the sandwich side of the menu felt like the right choice for a midday meal so I ordered a Guiness beef dip with an upgrade to a side of sweet potato waffle fries. 

I love a good French dip sandwich, and Ganly’s take on it was excellent. It featured roast beef, sauteed onions and Provolone cheese with a cup of broth for dipping. 

roast beef sandwich on a long roll cut in two next to sweet potato waffle fries and a cup of broth for dipping

I’m not sure if the beef was marinated in Guiness orif it’s just a name, but the meat was tender and flavorful. I’ve had French dips in the past with Swiss cheese, but I find Swiss overpowers while Provolone complements the meat. And that was the case here. The broth added more savory notes to every bite. It was exactly what I was hoping for. 

The sweet potato waffle fries are a favorite of ours. Good on their own, they are great when paired with the sweet caramel dipping sauce. Together, it was too much food for lunch, but I shared the fries with Julie and took some home. 

quesadilla topped with lemon wedges next to loose greens on a slate-colored plate

For her meal, Julie ordered the day’s special, a seafood quesadilla with lobster, crab, shrimp and a chipotle-style sauce. While I don’t like seafood, Julie absolutely loved it. It had just that little bit of kick to go along with the rich meat. 

And even though her meal didn’t come with a side (there were some greens for garnish), it was filling enough that she didn’t eat too many of my fries. 

wooden booths and tables inside a pub-like bar area at Ganly's Irish Pub in Sinking Spring, PA

The only hiccup in our meal came at the end where our server – who had admitted early on that she was new – took a while to get our check. But everything had been quick up to that point so we were still in and out in just over an hour. 

Our total bill was around $40, a little on the higher side for lunch, but the sweet potato fry upgrade was a splurge (and I did have an iced tea) so it didn’t seem unreasonable. 

It seemed especially reasonable for the quality of food we got – one of the best lunches we’ve had in a while and a meal that will have us coming back to Ganly’s for more lunch dates in the future. 

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

Ganly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
500 Brownsville Road
Sinking Spring, PA 19508

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Original Review – May 2018

Ganly's Pub & Deli

Editor’s Note: Ganly’s is under new ownership/management since the writing of this blog post.

County Eats is not a one-man operation. If you’ve been a long-time reader, you know that my wife Julie – and lately, our son Jakob – has been along for nearly every blog (she even wrote a couple herself recently).

Most times, our experiences are the same. If one of us is happy, the other is happy. If one of us has a good time, the other has a good time.

Sometimes, though, things go a little differently. That’s what happened on a recent trip to Ganly’s Pub & Deli.

Ganly's Pub and Deli

Ganly’s sits at the end of State Hill Road, where it meets Brownsville Road and Reber’s Bridge Road in Lower Heidelberg Township. It’s a beautiful building in a location that’s out of the way for many.

The restaurant had fallen off of my radar for a while, but this year’s Wilson Iron Chef brought it back to the forefront. Not only did Ganly’s impress in the People’s Choice competition with its apple, brie and bacon crisps, Chef Ben Hinkel put in a great effort in the Iron Chef competition, itself.

A few weeks later, we paid the restaurant a visit. It wasn’t our first time dining there, but it was our first time in years and the first time for the blog.

Full dining room inside Ganly's Pub and Deli

Ganly’s doesn’t offer reserved seating on the weekends, but Julie was able to call ahead and add our name to the wait list – a 30-minute wait on this Friday evening.

We arrived early, hoping they were overestimating, and were told it would still be 20-30 minutes. It ended up being a full half hour until we were seated in the main dining room – additional seating can be found in the bar area on the opposite side of the building.

Jakob had napped through most of our wait so he was wide awake by the time we sat down for dinner. So even though we had his car seat in a high chair, Julie and I took turns holding him through the duration of our meal.

Ganly's Fire-Roasted Tomato Soup

Both Julie and I started with a cup of soup. For Julie, it was French onion. For me, it was fire roasted tomato – the daily special.

The tomato soup was different from any other that I have tried. It was a chunky soup – not with tomato chunks, but with carrots, onions and other vegetables. It was well-seasoned and enjoyable, a good start to the meal.

Ganly's French Onion Soup

Julie’s French onion soup was good, but nothing out of the ordinary. A solid start, but it was after this that her meal went sideways.

The appetizer special of the day was a smoked salmon BLT. When asked, our waitress told Julie that it would be enough for a meal.

Ganly's Smoked Salmon BLT

And it was. The BLT looked beautiful when it arrived, a focaccia roll loaded with smoked bacon, heirloom tomatoes, housemade mayo and smoked salmon.

After her first bite, Julie realized that while she loves grilled salmon, smoked salmon is not her thing. She tried some more but she just did not care for it. It wasn’t Ganly’s fault, but and we were more than happy to pay for the dish, but Julie knew she wasn’t going to eat it and placed an order for another dish.

Ganly's Bangers and Mash

So while she waited for her next meal, I worked on my bangers and mash. Americans would call it sausages and mashed potatoes.

The bangers had a crispy outside and a great flavor that was spiced more like a German wurst than an American-style country sausage. The mash was actually colcannon. Colcannon is mashed potatoes with the addition of cabbage. It was a subtle difference, but it was very good, especially with the gravy.

I really enjoyed everything, but could only finish half of it, partially because my meal also came with a salad that arrived just moments before the bangers and mash.

Ganly's Salad

The salad was your basic mixed greens and choice of dressing. It wasn’t anything special, but it was a hefty salad. Had I known that my entree came with a salad, I may have skipped the soup, but I had already ordered the tomato soup when the waitress asked me what dressing I would like.

Julie handed Jakob off to me once her replacement meal arrived. It was the chicken and smoked gouda sandwich.

Ganly's Chicken and Gouda Sandwich

The gouda was a nice change of pace, and the roll was very good. The house chips on the side was okay, but could have used a little more salt and other seasonings.

By this point, we had been at the restaurant for nearly an hour-and-a-half and all Julie cared about was the eating, not the reviewing, so she hurriedly ate her sandwich.

We received our bill and the BLT had been removed. It wasn’t necessary as they restaurant had done nothing wrong. In total, our bill was a little over $40.

It was a mixed bag for us. For me, it was a great meal. Though the wait was a little frustrating. For Julie, it was a bit disappointing as she really wanted the smoked salmon BLT, but it just wasn’t what she thought it was going to be. And her wait was even longer. If she hadn’t had that soup, I don’t know if she could have lasted until her sandwich arrived.

But I have to give credit to our waitress who handled it well, despite having to work too many tables (she was also serving in the other dining area) and not being at fault at all.

Hopefully next time is a better experience, one that we can both enjoy.

BCE Rating
Food: Good
Service: Good
Ambiance: Very Good
Value: Reasonable

Bars & Pubs Reviews
white rectangular plate with three yellow-hued slices of quesadilla next to a cup of broth
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Review: Casa Cortes Mexican Restaurant – Mohnton – CLOSED

exterior of Casa Cortes Mexican Grill in Mohnton, PA

Editor’s Note: Casa Cortes closed the Mohnton location at the end of August 2026. The restaurant’s original location in downtown Reading (Casa Cortes – 39 N. 9th Street) is still open or dine-in, takeout and delivery. La Casa Del Rincon is now open in the space.

In June of 2025, Casa Cortes Mexican Grill expanded to a second location when they opened in the Stabon Plaza shopping center in Mohnton. 

One of the first blogs I ever wrote was at this location, back when it was Maniaci’s Bistro. That restaurant achieved infamy on an episode of Restaurant: Impossible, closing a year later. 

The restaurant space has changed many times since our first visit. After Maniaci’s, it was the second location for Sofrito. More recently, it was home to Briano’s Italiano. Casa Cortes opened in 2025, adding a second location to complement their space on 9th Street in Reading.

restaurant dining room with orange and yellow walls filled with tables with blue and yellow paded chairs and benches

Based on our experience, it feels like Casa Cortes has the chance to stick around.

Guests entering are greeted at the takeout counter, which had a steady stream of customers during our visit. A swinging door separates the entryway from the dining room with its brightly colored walls and booths in shades of yellow, green and orange. 

red basket of tortilla chips next to a blue bowl with red salsa

We had arrived shortly after 5 p.m. and were the only ones in the dining room. (Though we could see a table had recently cleared). Our server brought a basket of chips for us to enjoy while we looked over the menu and ordered drinks. 

The chips were good, and we really enjoyed their salsa. It was thick and mild, and it tasted fresh. 

tall clear cup filled with cream-colored horchata on a table inside Casa Cortes Mexican Grill in Mohnton PA

Julie and I both ordered horchata, and those drinks arrived after a few minutes. Served in tall Pepsi glasses, the horchata was good with a nice creamy texture. It didn’t have as much cinnamon as some versions which made it easy to drink. 

burrito cut in half to show steak, bacon, avocado and cheese inside

The menu is not as large as some places, but I was surprised to see two sections of breakfast specialties. After confirming that they were available all day, I decided to have breakfast for dinner, ordering the “everything-but-the-kitchen sink” burrito. It came filled with steak, bacon, egg, avocado, tater tots and cheese. 

I love a good breakfast burrito, and this one did not disappoint. The burrito was fully stuffed, heavy on the meat with just enough egg and cheese. Everything was good, but it needed a little sauce to bind it together. The mild green sauce was the perfect addition.

white rectangular plate with three yellow-hued slices of quesadilla next to a cup of broth

Julie loved her birria quesadillas – tortillas filled with birria beef, Oaxaca cheese, onions and cilantro, served with a cup of consomme (broth) for dipping. It was a savory delight, hearty with braised beef. The consomme had plenty of onion and cilantro for added flavor.

Birria is always good, but this one was excellent. 

white rectangular plate with a chicken burrito sliced in half next to a handful of tortilla chips

Jakob ordered a burrito with chicken tinga. It also included rice, beans, lettuce and cheese. Normally, he would have ordered ground beef, but it’s not one of the protein options at Casa Cortes. Even so, he really liked his burrito. It was stuffed full (it was a regular entree, not a kids meal) with delicious pulled chicken. It came served with a handful of chips on the side, which was a little weird after having the basket of chips, but it was more than enough food for him anyway. 

For Lukas, the fussy two–year-old, we ordered the chicken fingers and fries (not pictured). The chicken fingers were actually pretty solid, and the fries weren’t bad, but I look forward to the day when he starts to eat other things. 

We brought home half of Jakob’s burrito and about half of Lukas’ meal as well. (Both had filled up on the chips and salsa).

Menu for Casa Cortes Mexican Grill in Mohnton folded open to show lunch and dinner options with pictures of queadillas and tacos

Our total bill was about $65 for the four entrees and two horchatas. The entrees were priced in the $10-$15 range which is about average for the amount of food. 

The food was great. The only thing that could have been improved was the service. Despite only one other table filling while we were there, our server visited infrequently and it seemed to take a while for our four drinks to arrive. 

Still, we would go back. And we would gladly check out the original location in downtown, too, for another taste of Casa Cortes. 

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

Casa Cortes Mexican Restaurant
360 E. Wyomissing Avenue
Mohnton, PA 19540

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Mexican Reviews
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Review: Stefano’s Ristorante & Bakery Cafe

exterior of a strip mall with the word "stefano's" in cursive and "ristorante and bakery" in all caps above the entrance

In early 2025, one of our favorite Italian restaurants – Mangia – closed after 15 years in business. Suddenly, we needed a new go-to Italian spot. 

I think we may have found it with the newly opened Stefano’s Ristorante & Bakery Cafe. 

Stefano’s first opened their doors in January 2026 before celebrating its grand opening the following month. The restaurant took over the former Mary Jane’s Kitchen along State Hill Road. 

tables for two sit against a wall with horizontal wood panels in a restaurant dining room

Two doors down is The Original Mama’s Pizza (our son’s favorite pizza), and while you can get Italian at both, the two restaurants could not be more different.

Mama’s is your typical takeout-first pizza place with a counter of ready-to-heat slices while Stefano’s is a full-service, sit-down dining experience. 

large banquette seat with tables set for six and four

Julie and I arrived in the late afternoon for a date night dinner. The restaurant wasn’t quite half-full when we arrived, but there wasn’t a table to be had by the time we left. The dining room isn’t huge, but it has a decent number of seats with tables for two and four. A large banquette sits along one wall – tables there were pushed together to accommodate larger groups. And by the entrance, a counter with tall stools looked out the front window. 

small salad wrapped in a sliced cucumber serving as a bowl next to a cup of ranch dressing

Our server was at our table quickly for our drink order and back again for our food choices. Our pasta dinners each came with a house salad and choice of dressing. 

The presentation on the salad was unique – a thinly sliced cucumber was formed into a small bowl shape to hold the mixed greens. Once the cucumber was “opened,” it revealed a sizable salad which was topped with tomato, croutons, and sliced carrots. 

We were still finishing our salads when the main course arrived at our table. 

white plate with pasta in tomato sauce topped with a stuffed eggplant and shaved parmesan cheese

For me, it was “Nonna’s stuffed eggplant,” a twist on the traditional eggplant Parmesan. Rather than a heavy breading on the outside, the eggplant was stuffed with breadcrumbs and ricotta cheese and was served with housemade tagliatelle pasta. 

Everything about the dish was impressive. The homemade pasta was thicker than store-bought which let it hold the sauce better. The eggplant was perfect with the creamy ricotta adding another level of flavor beyond the basic mozzarella. 

round white plate with raviolis and shrimp in an orange-hued sauce topped with shaved parmesan cheese

Juile, meanwhile, really enjoyed her lobster ravioli. 

The plate was filled with large homemade ravioli stuffed with lobster and ricotta. Pieces of shrimp were also swimming in the rich sauce. While the dish was rich, it was delicious. From the creamy sauce to the perfectly stuffed raviolis– every bite was amazing. 

bakery case filledw ith cakes, cupcakes and cookies at Stefano's in Wyomissing

When you walk into Stefano’s, you can’t miss the dessert case, and a slice of cake was calling our name so we decided to save some of our meals for lunch the next day. 

By this time, the restaurant was busy. All of the tables had been filled. Unfortunately, service slowed as a result and we found ourselves waiting about 20 minutes for our server to take our dessert order. (Another server or hostess came by and boxed our leftovers for us in the meantime). Another 10 minutes later, we had our slice of mango cream cheesecake. 

triple layer cake with yellow hue and layers of whipped cream in between and on top

What about this instead: This wasn’t your typical cheesecake. It was more cake-like with a light and airy texture. It had three layers of cake with cream in between each layer. The plate was dusted with powdered sugar and the slice came served with a dollop of whipped cream.

It was an indulgence, but absolutely worth it. 

pasta page from the menu for Stefano's in Wyomissing

Our bill was around the $65 mark which felt right for the portion size and the quality of the food. The service was great early on, but when the dining room got busy, our server seemed to get a little overwhelmed. 

While the service should get better with time and training, the food is already great. That’s enough to keep us coming back for more. 

And who knows? Maybe we just found our new favorite Italian spot. 

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

Stefano’s Ristorante & Bakery Cafe
1816 State Hill Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610

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keystone-shaped sign with the words "Nuse's Deli"
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Review: Nuse’s Deli – Morgantown

keystone-shaped sign with the words "Nuse's Deli"

As much as I try to get to all parts of the county, it’s easier said than done. Places with more restaurants – like Reading, West Reading, Boyertown and Kutztown – get more reviews than the rest of Berks. 

For whatever reason, the southern end of the county is the one that seems to be the hardest for me to get to. But there are great restaurants to be found in and around Morgantown – restaurants like Nuse’s Deli.

rack of chips and cookies in front of a deli counter at Nuse's Deli in Morgantown, PA

Nuse’s Deli has been serving Morgantown since 1986. New owners arrived in 2019, and they have grown and expanded in the years since. This included adding new menu items like specialty burgers and fries, ice cream and milkshakes, and a variety of sandwich options. 

In 2025, the business grew its footprint, moving to a larger space next door in the former Clair’s Family Restaurant. 

dark gray built-in bookcase on the right side of a wall that opens to an ice cream freezer on the left

I made my first visit in early April 2026, arriving a little past 12 noon. There were a couple parking spaces available in front of the restaurant along Main Street (Route 23), but I guess everyone was parked around back because the tables were packed. 

The restaurant is split into two sides. The first has a handful of booths around the perimeter with the order counter and deli case at the far end. On the other side of the separating wall is another dining area with larger tables and more booth seats, along with Nuse’s ice cream counter. 

burger topped with cheddar cheese, two onion rings, lettuce and BBQ sauce on a kaiser roll

I ordered a burger and fries, fully expecting to grab some ice cream before I left. But when the burger arrived at my table, I realized that was not going to happen. 

Somehow I missed that these were half-pound burgers. And with my Texas BBQ burger, I also got two onion rings, cheddar cheese, lettuce and BBQ sauce on top. 

I’ve had similar style burgers in other places, but this one stood out to me. And it wasn’t just the size. The sauce was just the right amount of sweet, and the onion rings were the right size for burger-toppers. There was a little too much bun, but everything else about the burger was as good as I could have hoped. 

basket of fries from Nuse's Deli in Morgantown, PA

The fries arrived five minutes later, and I was already deep into my burger. There was certainly no skimping on portions as the boat was filled with thick-cut fries. Maybe it was the fact that they were hot and fresh out of the fryer, but I absolutely loved the fries. They were golden and crispy, and they were perfect with a little dash of salt. 

My only regret is that with so much food already, there was no way I could handle a milkshake on this visit.

That will have to wait until next time. And I’m sure my next trip to Morgantown will be sooner than later. 

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

Nuse’s Deli
3146 Main Street
Morgantown, PA 19543

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to-go coffee cup with the word "honeypop" on it sits on a wooden ledge
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Review: HoneyPop Custom Beverages

black pull-behind camper converted into a mobile coffee truck

If you have followed Berks County Eats long enough, you know that I don’t drink coffee, but I love a good chai latte. It doesn’t matter if it’s a traditional spiced tea like those offered at places like Zaytoon and the former Greenhouse Cafe or if it’s an Americanized sweet drink like those served at Becca’s Coffee or Crave Cafe. 

After trying the bananas Foster chai from HoneyPop, I may have a new favorite. 

wooden counter with spring garland, a glass filled with black straws and a business card holder

HoneyPop is a mobile drink trailer specializing in coffee, tea and dirty sodas. The small converted camper debuted in the fall of 2025, and owners Erin and Meghan invited me to stop by and try a chai – and some of their other signature drinks – at one of their events. 

When HoneyPop set up at our local Easter Egg Hunt, I made it a point to stop by. 

I was originally going to have my standard chai with oatmilk, but when they mentioned their bananas Foster version, I couldn’t say “no.” 

to-go coffee cup with the word "honeypop" on it sits on a wooden ledge

The drink was out in short order, and it looked amazing with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, cinnamon and banana chips on top. After I put the lid on and took my first sip, I could confirm it tasted as good as it looks. 

There is nothing traditional about it. Whatever tea they used took a back seat to the banana and caramel. Basically, the word “chai” was just an excuse to not call it a dessert. Either way, I will order it again and again. 

to-go white coffee cup with the lid off showing marshmallows and chocolate syrup

Along with the chai, my oldest son, Jakob, got a s’mores hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows and chocolate syrup. It was extra creamy thanks to the melting marshmallows. And it was deliciously sweet. Jakob approved. 

three drinks - two in plastic cups and one in a white to-go cup sit on a picnic bench

He also approved of the “shark bite,” a kid-friendly soda that included sprite, blue raspberry, cherry and a gummy shark. The kids don’t normally get soda so I wasn’t sure what Jakob would think, but the fizziness was toned down by the add-ins making it a smoother drink. He let me have a sip, and it was a little too sweet for me. But Jakob enjoyed it, and I guess that’s why it’s on the kids menu. 

Julie got to try the Island Time, a dirty soda featuring Sprite, peach, pineapple, vanilla and cream. The cream and vanilla made the drink smooth while the peach and pineapple popped in every sip. (Also, they added a peach ring for us, just for fun).  

In addition to the drinks we tried, HoneyPop offers cold brew, boba, refreshers and a rotating menu of specials. 

As of this writing, kids’ drinks are $6 each, dirty sodas are $7, and cold brew, boba and chai are $8. 

We enjoyed everything that we tried, and we will definitely be looking for the camper trailer at events all year long. 

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large cheesesteak and a cup of fries sitting on an unwrapped sandwich wrapper
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Review: Cheesesteaks & Water Ice at the Berkshire Mall

stand in a mall food court with the words "Cheesesteaks & Water Ice" over the order counter

Contrary to what some people believe, the Berkshire Mall is still going strong. And while the food court may not be as full as it used to be, there are still three dining options upstairs, including the new Cheesesteaks & Water Ice stand that opened in March 2026. 

Cheesesteaks & Water Ice is a partnership between Wit or Witout Cheesesteaks and Nick’s Water Ice. The former started by serving cheesesteaks at the Italian American Club of West Reading while the latter operated a weekends-only stand at the mall’s Center Court. 

Now, you can get the best of both in the second-floor food court. 

digital menu board with black background showing options for Cheesesteaks and Water Ice

I arrived right at 12 noon on a Friday. While the mall opens at 11, the stand was just turning their lights on to begin their day.

The order counter is adorned with images of Philadelphia sports legends like Mike Schmidt, Saquon Barkley and Joe Frazier. There were three people working behind the counter. A young woman took my order while the others manned the grill and the fryer. 

white paper bag with a foil-wrapped sandwich sticking out the top

The menu is simple: cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks and fries. There are no “named” sandwiches with creative toppings, everything is customized with or without onions (or, more accurately, wit or witout) and with your choice of cheese, roll and toppings. 

There is no list of toppings, but I only wanted Cooper cheese and onions on mine anyway, ordering it in a combo with fries for $20 and taking it home to eat. 

large cheesesteak and a cup of fries sitting on an unwrapped sandwich wrapper

Wit or Witout only has one size of cheesesteak, and like so many other places, it’s a large sandwich. And while it wasn’t over-stuffed, it was definitely full, especially in the middle. The steak was cooked well, and there was the right amount of cheese and onions. 

It didn’t “wow” me, but I liked it. And it more than hit the spot. 

I definitely didn’t need the fries, but I wanted to at least give them a try. They were just your average crinkle fries so I wouldn’t miss them if I only got the sandwich next time. 

Would I get a cheesesteak from them again? Absolutely. And with the mall’s sale pushed back until at least July, there’s plenty of time for another bite.

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

Cheesesteaks & Water Ice
Berkshire Mall
1665 State Hill Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610

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blackened salmon over rice and green sauce
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Our 10 Favorite Restaurants in Berks County

The question I get asked the most is, “What’s the best restaurant in Berks County?” And while it’s impossible to pick just one, I definitely have my favorites after 12 years and more than 400 restaurant reviews. Here are 12 restaurants that we love in Berks County:

pancakes and hash browns in styrofoam containers

Andy Pepper’s
Limekiln

Andy Pepper’s is a one-of-a-kind brunch spot in the Oley Valley. Located inside the former Limekiln Post Office, the restaurant serves breakfast and lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The pancakes are huge (and delicious), the sandwiches are unique, and the restaurant has excellent options for vegans and vegetarians. Don’t leave without some seasoned chips or homemade zucchini cornbread. 

Review: Andy Pepper’s
white plate with a rack of ribs and a cup of cinnamon apples

Austin’s Restaurant & Bar
West Lawn

We’ve been going to Austin’s for what feels like forever. While it’s not a BBQ spot, they have my favorite ribs in Berks County. But I also love the chicken bruschetta pasta, the pad Thai bowl and the chicken Florentine pasta. There are also plenty of options for our kids, with a kids-eat-free special every Sunday night.  

Review: Austin’s
two styrofoam containers with stir fry next to two cups of iced tea

Eve’s Thai Kitchen
Shillington

The Shilllington Farmers Market has some great stands, and Eve’s is at the top of the list for me. Their pineapple fried rice is perfect, the Thai tea is delicious, and the prices and service can’t be beat. 

Review: Eve’s Thai Kitchen
black round takeout container filled with chicken in brown sauce with sesame seeds sprinkled on top.

Fortune Cafe
Wyomissing

Fortune Cafe is our family’s go-to spot for Chinese food. I enjoy their General Tso’s chicken and sesame chicken while Julie and Jakob (our oldest) are fans of the lo mein. The lunch special – which includes an entree and eggroll for less than $10 – is one of the best deals around.

Review: Fortune Cafe
basket with red and white checkered paper with a dozen wings, half in a dark barbecue sauce the other half covered in a creamy parm peppercorn

Klinger’s at the Airport
Reading

Good food. Good service. A playground for the kids. And planes coming and going throughout your meal. Klinger’s has always been a favorite of ours, but now it’s a favorite of our kids, too. The chili is great and so are the wings.

Review: Klinger’s at the Airport
burger topped with bacon, carmelized onion, and cheese with fries

Louie’s Kitchen & Bar
Flying Hills

My favorite burgers in Berks County are the caramel burgers at Louie’s Kitchen & Bar. Caramelized bacon, caramelized onions and bacon jam aioli top an Angus beef patty in their award-winning burger. Louie’s also does excellent cheesesteaks and sandwiches.

Review: Louie’s Kitchen & Bar
Best Pizza: Nonno Alby's

Nonno Alby’s Brick Over Pizza
West Reading

Our favorite pizza place (at least for Julie and I) is Nonno Alby’s in West Reading. It’s the combination of the crisp crust of the brick oven and the creative toppings that make it stand out. The namesake Nonno Alby’s pizza is my favorite. It comes topped with San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, Italian sausage, sauteed rapini (broccoli rabe) and red pepper flakes for a kicking finish. Nonno Alby’s also has solid burgers, and Julie loves the simplicity of their Carpesa salad. 

Review: Nonno Alby’s
A takeout container with a beef sandwich and fries

Plum Creek
Bernville

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert – Plum Creek Farm Market is a great choice for any meal. At breakfast, the chipotle egg and potato bowl is a hearty, delicious start to the date. For lunch or dinner, try the pit beef and fries. Just make sure you save room for homemade soft serve. 

Review: Plum Creek
blackened salmon over rice and green sauce

State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen
Wyomissing

State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen has become a favorite for Julie and I since we had our first date night there in late 2023. The seasonal dinner menu always features unique and delicious creations like the black truffle ravioli or salmon with riced cauliflower, sesame aioli and chili crunch.

Review: State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen
takeout container with lamb meat topped with white sauce, pita chips, and salad from Zaytoon Kabob & Grill in Wyomissing, PA

Zaytoon Kebab & Grill
Wyomissing

Zaytoon opened in 2025 and quickly became one of our go-to spots. I usually get the lamb and rice platter (get it with the white sauce), which comes with pita and a small salad, but their falafel is also good. If you like a more authentic chai, their pink chai is a spiced tea worth trying.

Review: Zaytoon Kebab & Grill

What are your favorite Berks County Restaurants? Share your favorites with us by email at zach@berkscountyeats.com.

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