blackened salmon over rice and green sauce
— 10 Comments

Our 10 Favorite Restaurants in Berks County

I get asked all the time, “What’s the best restaurant in Berks County?” The truth is, it’s impossible to choose “the best” restaurant – how do you compare great barbecue to fine dining? But with more than 10 years and 400 reviews under my belt, I definitely have my favorites. Here are 10 that are on the top of my list in alphabetical order:

rice and lentils with side of baba ghanouj from Aladdin Restaurant

Aladdin Restaurant
West Reading

Aladdin was great before. I think it’s even better under the new owners. There are so many delicious options to choose from but I always start with baba ghanouj. The shawarma is really good, and so is the moujadara (pictured) – a meatless dish with rice and lentils.

Review: Aladdin Restaurant
flatbread sandwich with bacon, mozzarella, tomato and pesto

Andy Pepper’s
Limekiln

Breakfast or lunch, Andy Pepper’s crushes it every time. Everything is fresh and loaded with flavor. At breakfast, we love the French toast or specialty pancakes. For lunch, the Hot Mozz (pictured) comes with mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes and pesto, but I add bacon for my go-to version. Julie loves the Mother Clucker (chicken salad, tomatoes, bacon and provolone). Be sure to grab some zucchini corn bread, too.

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

Austin’s Restaurant & Bar
West Lawn

It’s not fine dining, but it’s more than a bar. It’s a place to go for a date or kids-eat-free nights. And the food travels well for takeout. Oh, and the food is consistently good, including delicious pasta and my favorite ribs in Berks County. Austin’s Restaurant and Bar really has everything we could ask for out of a restaurant, and it’s why we keep coming back.

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

Eve’s Thai Kitchen
Shillington

I love to visit the Shillington Farmers Market, especially for Eve’s Thai Kitchen. It’s one of the few places where I have a “usual” order – pineapple fried rice with chicken and a Thai tea. But they have other great dishes too including the pad see ew and a rotating menu of curries and noodle dishes.

Review: Eve’s Thai Kitchen
burger topped with bacon, carmelized onion, and cheese with fries

Louie’s Kitchen & Bar
Flying Hills

Our favorite restaurant in Lancaster County is Gracie’s on Main in Leola. When the owners announced they were opening Louie’s Kitchen & Bar in Flying Hills, we were ecstatic. And the restaurant hasn’t disappointed. The burgers are excellent (I recommend the Flaming Whiskey Bacon Burger with black pepper whiskey bacon, pickled jalapenos, pepper jack and whiskey sauce), and if you go for the weekend breakfast, you have to get an order of caramelized bacon.

Review: Louie’s Kitchen & Bar
plate of radiator pasta with sausage and vodka sauce

Mom Chaffe’s Cellarette
West Reading

Classic Italian at its finest. That’s what you’ll find at Mom Chaffe’s. Even the “basic” spaghetti and meatballs is a feast at Mom Chaffe’s. It’s also the perfect ambiance for date night which is why it’s been a top choice for us since our first visit a decade ago.

Review: Mom Chaffe’s Cellarette
Best Pizza: Nonno Alby's

Nonno Alby’s Brick Over Pizza
West Reading

Our favorite pizza place in Berks County, Nonno Alby’s does their pies brick oven style with a crispy crust and unique toppings. The namesake Nonno Alby’s pizza (pictured) is my favorite: imported San Marzano tomato, buffalo mozzarella, fresh Italian sausage, sautéed rapini, garlic and hot pepper flakes. Nonno Alby’s also has delicious burgers and wings.

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

Plum Creek
Bernville

Plum Creek has grown tremendously since it started as a roadside stand in 2015. We first visited in 2018, and in 2020 they expanded the building again. Since our first visit, they’ve had excellent barbecue (get the pit beef, either on a sandwich or over fries on the Bernville Special) and homemade soft serve ice cream. In 2024, they added breakfast and it’s some of the best around, too.

Review: Plum Creek
blackened salmon over rice and green sauce

State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen
Wyomissing

One of the newest restaurants on the list, State Hill Craft Cocktails and Kitchen has quickly 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.

el gallo taco topped with chorizo, avocado, queso fresco and pico de gallo from Comalli Taqueria

Taqueria Comalli
West Reading

Best tacos in Berks. I first tried Taqueria Comalli at the Berks Taco Fest, before they had a place of their own in West Reading. They were great then, and they are great now. It’s hard to choose a favorite from their unique selection, but the el gallo (pictured) – with chorizo, egg, pico, queso fresco and avocado on a blue corn tortilla – and the el brulee – pulled chicken, mole poblano, double creme queso fresco and bruleed banana – are probably at the top of my list.

Review: Taqueria Comalli

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

More Berks County Dining Guides:

Dining Guides
the breakfast Bernville Special, potoates topped with egg and cheese sauce
— 4 Comments

Review: Plum Creek Farm Market & Creamery

Order counter at a restaurant with a sign above that reads "the Creamery at Plum Creek"

If you’re a long-time follower of our blog, you’ve seen our family grow over the years. After Jakob was born in 2017, we started spending a lot more time at family-friendly restaurants. WIth the arrival of Lukas in 2023, we definitely try to make sure to find places that are great for kids. 

And it’s more than just seeking out the best kids menus. It’s visiting places where the food is good, the wait times aren’t bad, and we don’t have to feel guilty about having our kids heard and seen. 

One place that ranks near the top of our list these days is Plum Creek Market & Creamery in Bernville. 

We first visited Plum Creek in 2018 around the time it opened along Route 183 as a small market with a takeout window for hot food and ice cream. (See the original post below).

Inside seating area at Plum Creek Farm with leather chairs and a large fireplace

The market has only grown since then. In 2020, they opened a brand new space, half of it devoted to a true market with fresh produce, bulk foods, baked goods and prepared items, and half devoted to indoor seating for the creamery. 

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

Outside, Plum Creek now boasts a large play area with swings, slides and a sandbox full of shovels and trucks for digging. 

With the expansion came an expanded menu – more options for lunch, dinner and dessert. Then in 2024, Plum Creek added breakfast to its offerings. 

At first, it was only on Saturday mornings though they have now added daily breakfast. But it was on one of those early Saturdays when we made our first visit for breakfast. That’s when I had my first taste of their breakfast burrito that has kept me coming back. 

breakfast burrito cut in half and stacked one on top of the other to show the eggs inside

The burrito comes filled with your choice of meat (sausage for me), egg, cheese, and homefries. It’s delicious on its own – the inclusion of the crispy pieces of potato is excellent – but what makes it one of my favorites is the chipotle sauce. It has just the right amount of heat, and it really brings the whole dish together. 

It’s also the closest I can find to my all-time favorite from the former Squawk Cafe in Wyomissing. 

the breakfast Bernville Special, potoates topped with egg and cheese sauce

One of Julie’s favorite dinner items is the Bernville Special – pit beef over fries with barbecue sauce, cheese, scallions and sour cream. So of course she had to try the Breakfast Bernville Special. 

The breakfast version features a bed of potatoes topped with cheese, eggs, bacon and Hollandaise sauce (with scallions and sour cream). It’s a great skillet-type meal for those with a big appetite at breakfast – very hearty and full of flavor. 

plate with a large pancake next to a cup of syrup.

No breakfast menu would be complete without classics like pancakes, and that’s exactly what Jakob ordered. The thick pancakes are as wide as the plate and served with two per order – more than enough for adults, let alone a kid. But they are very good, nice and fluffy, and a worthy meal. 

Two milkshakes and a glass bottle of orange soda on a table at Plum Creek Farm

Of course, Plum Creek has stayed true to its roots, and we still enjoy stopping in for dinners, especially when we save room for dessert. Their Creamery treats, like their Twisters (their version of a Flurry or Blizzard), are always delicious. The regular menu has great options like Oreo and Peanut Butter, but watch for their monthly specials featuring their soft serve of the month. 

And for Jakob and Lukas, Plum Creek’s play area is the perfect place to get out some of that energy before dinner or after dessert. 

Food, fun, and family time: three things that all make Plum Creek one of our favorite spots. 

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

Plum Creek Farm & Market
5035 Bernville Road
Bernville, PA 19506

More Breakfast & Brunch in Berks County

More Restaurants Near Bernville, PA

Original Post: July 2, 2018

people lineup in front of two windows at a wooden building with the words "The Creamery" on digital menu boards

Last summer, my brother clued me in to a new ice cream place called Plum Creek Farm.

The small place had recently opened, and they were serving homemade soft serve ice cream. We checked it out and quickly fell in love with both the ice cream and the small farm market store.

Plum Creek operates seasonally so we got our last taste of it in the fall and awaited its reopening in April. This year brought an expanded menu of hot food items, new hard ice cream (not homemade but locally made) and more treats.

The hot food menu was definitely something we wanted to try. Last year, it was an evolving menu but it finally seems to be set, with sandwiches that include pulled pork, smoked sausage, pit beef and hot dogs; fresh-cut fries; homemade soups; and soft pretzels. (There are also salads if you want to save Calories for dessert).

Three digital menu boards above two order windows with a logo that reads "The Creamery" behind the menu items

We stopped by on a weeknight in early June and the line to order showed that the word is definitely out about Plum Creek.

It was a long wait for our dinners. That wasn’t the case for ice cream cones as an efficient ordering system had cones delivered before the customers even had paid. But for hot food, and for specialty desserts, it took time.

I stood and watched as cone after cone was handed off. Then a cup of soup. Occasionally, a sandwich. Finally, after what seemed like hours (it was probably 20 minutes), my name was called and our sandwiches were ready.

We dined at one of many picnic tables that make up the “dining area.” There are also Adirondack chairs, benches, all outside.

pulled pork sandwich topped with barbecue sauce

Maybe I was just really hungry, but from the first bite, I really enjoyed my pulled pork sandwich.

Now, I fully recognize that this pulled pork will never win a barbecue competition. But it was still very good. The sauce was sweeter than most, almost a little too sweet, but I think what really made the sandwich was Plum Creek’s seasoning. It was sprinkled on as the sandwich was constructed. The basic salt and pepper were there with additional spices. It wasn’t spicy, but it added little hits of flavor to every bite.

pit beef sandwich topped with cheese sauce and barbecue sauce

The seasoning was even better, in my opinion, on Julie’s pit beef sandwich. She thought it was a little salty, but I thought it worked.

Her sandwich was served with cheese (that’s the standard at Plum Creek; I opted for mine without). It’s not the norm for barbecue, but Julie enjoyed this change of pace.

Both sandwiches were served on Kaiser rolls that served their purpose, holding in all of the meat and sauce without crumbling.

clamshell package with fries

We both really enjoyed the side of fries that we shared. They most closely resembled the shoestring fries that you’ll find locally at Austin’s and Coastal Grille. The fries were cut very thin and short, making it easy to pick up a handful at once. And they came out piping hot – I can only assume this was what delayed our order.

Of course we couldn’t come to Plum Creek without getting ice cream. And even though we were comfortably full after dinner, we couldn’t resist trying some of their signature desserts.

clear plastic plate with a slice of shoofly pie topped with whipped cream next to a helping of vanilla soft serve

My sweet of choice was the pie a la mode. I chose the shoo-fly pie (strawberry is also available) and have to admit that I was a little disappointed in the pie. It drier than it looked with a rather plain crust. But the homemade vanilla soft serve was excellent. It’s a heavy ice cream that is better and more flavorful than your typical soft serve mix.

I probably would have been happier – and certainly more comfortable – had I just settled for a cone of vanilla.

cup with strawberry shortcake and ice cream topped with whipped cream

Julie was not disappointed with her strawberry shortcake, though she would also admit that she didn’t need that much food.

The shortcake was topped with strawberries (you can buy Plum Creek’s fresh-picked strawberries from their store), strawberry sauce, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Everything about this was excellent, but there’s just nothing better than fresh strawberries and a homemade strawberry sauce on a shortcake.

smiling baby wearing a monkey bib holding a stuffed fox

One downside of the way we did things was that we had to go through the line a second time. While Julie stood in line for dessert, I gave Jakob a bottle so it worked out. But we spent a long evening – and around $35 – at Plum Creek.

Last year, I could have argued that Plum Creek Farm was a hidden gem. But with long lines on an ordinary weeknight, I’d say the word is already out.

But those crowds won’t scare us away this summer, and they shouldn’t scare you away either.

BCE Rating
Food: Good to Very Good
Service: Very Good
Ambiance: Very Good
Price: Very Reasonable

Plum Creek Farm
5035 Bernville Rd
Bernville, PA 19506

More BBQ in Berks County

Barbecue Breakfast & Brunch Dessert Farmers Market Meals Ice Cream Lunch & Dinner Reviews
long rectangular plate with three different types of risotto, one yellow-green, one yellow, and one dark purple
— 2 Comments

Review: Midtown Sip, Savor, Social

entrance to Midtown West Reading with two bistro tables in front and large green plants flanking the door

It has felt weird for the last year to walk through West Reading and not see Say Cheese on the corner of Sixth and Penn Avenues. Before its closure last June, the restaurant had been a West Reading staple for 13 years. 

But thankfully, the space is alive again with the arrival of Midtown Sip, Savor, Social; an upscale dining spot from the team behind another West Reading staple, Nonno Alby’s. 

We made our first visit about a month after the restaurant opened. So much of the space feels new, and it’s not just that it recently opened. There was clearly an intentional redesign. You first feel the difference outside where the removal of the awning over the front entrance has revealed beautiful green, red and blue plate glass that stands out against the brick facade. 

blueberry drink sitting on a table next to a gold lamp shade

Inside, the dining room is elegant but cool. One of the most notable elements is the large crystal ball that hangs in the back room, but small touches include the white and gray tabletops with bronze lamps. 

Our server, Joe, was extremely attentive, first arriving quickly after we were seating and checking in on us often throughout the meal. 

The first thing to be delivered to the table was Julie’s drink, a blueberry lavendar lemonade that she really enjoyed. 

basket with a small loaf of Italian bread in front of a small dish with butter

That was followed by a loaf of Italian bread which came with a small plate of garlic butter. The infused butter was strong on the garlic, but I love garlic so I really enjoyed it. Julie liked it, too. We ended up finishing most of the loaf, leaving just a couple slices at the end. 

round plate with a Caesar salad sitting on a white table

Both of our entrees came with salads. Julie opted for a standard house salad while I went with the small upgrade to a Caesar. Both were good with plenty of fresh lettuce and toppings. I liked that the dressing on mine was lighter and not as dense as some Caesar dressings. 

For our entrees, we both went toward the lighter side of the menu. I had contemplated the Midtown burger – the combination of Cooper sharp, crispy onion, lettuce, mushrooms, caramelized shallots, and truffle aioli on a pretzel bun almost sounded too good to pass up, but ultimately I didn’t think I’d be able to finish it. 

Instead, I went with something more unique: the risotto trio. I’ve had risotto plenty of times before. Sometimes it’s done well, sometimes not so much. At Midtown, though, it’s not just one bowl of risotto, it’s a plate with three distinct flavors. 

long rectangular plate with three different types of risotto, one yellow-green, one yellow, and one dark purple

First, there was the black truffle and Parmigiano Reggiano. This was probably the closest in flavor to the risotto dishes I’ve had in the past. Though it wasn’t as creamy as the others, it had a really nice flavor with earthy undertones. 

On the other end of the spectrum was the red endive and Gorgonzola. The flavor of the cheese was unmistakable, but it paired very well with the slightly bitter tones of the red endives to create something completely unique. 

My favorite, though, 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.

All three were very good, and I definitely didn’t have any regrets about my choice. 

Julie also had several items that she was considering, including the picanha steak and lobster mac and cheese, but she ultimately decided on the branzino (Mediterranean sea bass). 

plate with two cuts of branzino with tails on along with lemon wedges, roasted potatoes and zucchini slices

The fish was halved and served with tail on and garnished with orange and lemon wedges, with sides of rosemary potatoes and medallions of yellow squash and zucchini. She enjoyed everything on her plate. The fish was cooked to perfection, and the potatoes were crispy and delicious. 

Despite the somewhat lighter meals, we left without room for dessert and closed out our night with a bill of around $75 for our two meals plus drinks (mine was an unsweet tea). That felt fair for the amount of food that we had, but there are some higher priced entrees and appetizers that could easily put the bill over $100. 

It was, in my opinion, a great meal and a great experience. The team has done a great job with both the restaurant space and the menu, and I’m sure they will continue to grow and build upon these early successes to become a staple on the Avenue for years to come. 

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

Midtown Sip, Savor, Social
600 Penn Avenue
West Reading, PA 19611

More Fine Dining in Berks County

More West Reading Restaurants

Finer Dining Reviews
round plate with a meatloaf sandwich and pickled vegetables from Heart & Hearth in Kutztown, PA
— Leave a Comment

Review: Heart & Hearth Deli & Smokehouse

Open flag hanging next to the large picture window with the words Heart & Heart dlicatessin and smokehouse on the window

During my school years at Kutztown, I didn’t appreciate all the dining options that it had. Our adventures off-campus were mostly limited to Spuds, the Airport Diner, and poker nights at TC’s (now Ozgood’s). 

As such, I was never a regular at the Uptown Espresso Bar, the small cafe that was located near the top end of Main Street near the University. In more recent years, I stopped in from time to time for a chai. The best way to describe it would be “eclectic.” 

table with a blue chair and wood chair in front of a mural featuring Shrek, Donkey, Bart Simpson and Harry Potter

There were the random photographs and signs haphazardly hung throughout the crowded space, practically hiding the chalkboard menu from view. There were the mismatched tables and chairs – black metal chairs with orange-brown padding by the windows and wooden chairs and benches of various colors by the order counter. And then there was the mural where the likes of Shrek and Donkey, Bart Simpson, and Harry Potter looked out on the customers. 

It was unique, to say the least, but it had been there as long as I could remember. When it closed a little more than a year ago, it was the end of an era. But it was followed by something new, different and exciting. 

Enter Heart and Hearth Deli and Smokehouse. 

farmers market stand with a cooler and a sign that reads "Heart & Hearth Deli & Smokehouse"

I first tasted Heart and Hearth at the stand at Renninger’s in February 2023. I had their pork sandwich with apple cabbage slaw and spicy vinegar dressing. It was a delicious introduction with perfectly slow-cooked pulled pork with a nice little sweet and spicy kick. 

small shack-like building with the words "Heart & Hearth BBQ" over an opening for ordering

Later that year, I sought them out again, this time at the Kutztown Fair. This time I had the pepper peach pork with jalapeno peach sauce and a splash of peppered vinegar. Again, it was that mix of sweet and spicy that pulled me in. More than that, though, it’s unique. Plenty of places offer pulled pork, but no one else is doing jalapeno peach sauce. 

Fast-forward to early 2024 and Heart and Hearth now has a brick-and-mortar in Kutztown, the former Uptown Espresso. 

brisket sandwich and chips on a white plate

I did takeout from them soon after they opened, but it wasn’t until this spring that I dined in for the first time.

wall of farmers market items at Heart and Hearth in Kutztown, PA

The space is much more open and less crowded. Two chalkboards behind the counter display the full men of both BBQ and deli selections. The left wall is home to a mini farmers market with baskets of produce and shelves filled with oil, vinegar and honey. As was the case at their deli stand, the focus is on local and organic ingredients, both in the foods they sell and those that they make.  

On a recent visit in March, I discovered the back dining room – a space I didn’t even know existed because it’s down a small hallway, past the order counter, and around a corner. 

antique wooden table and chair in the dining room of Heart & Hearth

The dining room may be the most impressive part of the building. It has a rustic charm with what appear to be original wood floors and homey wood tables and chairs. There’s a record player in the corner where you’re welcome to put on a vinyl of your choice from their library. Artwork from locals and students lines the walls, providing pops of color and modernity to an otherwise earth-toned space.

Unable to make up my mind on this visit, I got some help from the owner who recommended the Heatloaf, a blend of beef, pork and smoked jalapenos. 

round plate with a meatloaf sandwich and pickled vegetables from Heart & Hearth in Kutztown, PA

This was not something I would typically order, but I was glad I did. There was some heat, but it was mild and flavorful, not burn-your-tongue heat. And the little side of thin-sliced cucumber, apple and melon helped tone it down even more. 

Next time, I would probably go back to pork or brisket, but the Heatloaf was a solid sandwich that’s worth a try. 

I bought a bag of Route 11 potato chips and a bottle of iced tea to go along with it. It was more than enough for a meal (probably would skip the chips next time) and felt reasonably priced at $20. 

And the unexpected coziness of the back dining room was a nice touch. I’ll definitely be doing more dine-in in the future. 

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

More BBQ in Berks County

More Restaurants in Kutztown, PA

Barbecue Lunch & Dinner
large statue of a chicken behind a short red fence
— 4 Comments

Review: Kauffman’s Bar-B-Que Chicken

exterior of Kauffman's Bar-B-Que restaurant with large banner celebrating their 40th anniversary

How do you keep something the same while also making it new again? 

That’s the challenge of long-running restaurants, ones that have been serving not only for years, but for decades. Restaurants like Kauffman’s Bar-B-Que. 

vertical sign on a wall that reads "welcome to the coop" in blue letters on white background

I’ve been visiting Kauffman’s since I was child, and when Berks County Eats was still just an occasional hobby, it was one of my first reviews. 

We still visit at least once a year, usually more, for a meal and mini golf.

wood table with four blue padded chairs on either side

The restaurant got a much-needed facelift a few winters ago. The dining room was completely made over to give it a more modern feel. The walls are now a blue hue but for a stone accent wall. A farm scene in blues and grays serves as the border. And the new chairs have a blue-purple hue to them. 

Despite the updated interior, it still feels like Kauffman’s. There’s a farmhouse vintage vibe and it still maintains the unique core attributes that have made it what it is: ordering done cafeteria-style with their famous BBQ chicken anchoring the menu. 

large sytrofoam plate with a skin-on barbecue chicken breast, thigh and wing.

The BBQ chicken is still Julie’s go-to whenever we visit. And there is no question that it’s very good. It’s always juicy underneath the flavorful skin. It still tastes like it did 40 years ago, slightly sweet and a little salty. 

As good as the chicken is, it’s just one item on the menu. Julie still makes fun of me because I never order the BBQ chicken. That doesn’t mean I won’t order chicken, however, as the hot chicken sandwich is one of my favorites. 

styrofoam plate with a hot chicken sandwich and a helping of mashed potatoes both topped with chicken gravy

It’s a classic diner dish, but it just tastes better at Kauffman’s. The two large pieces of white bread and overstuffed with pulled chicken, then doused in Kauffman’s homemade chicken gravy. The chicken may not have the bold flavors of the BBQ, but it’s always just as juicy. 

And their gravy is just perfect. I always have it on the sandwich and a side of potato filling. Kauffman’s is one of several places in Berks that offers the traditional PA Dutch side dish, and I think theirs is among the best with just the right amount of onions and spices. 

styrofoam plate with roast beef in beef gravy on one side and a heaping helping of potatoes with beef gravy on the other

Another favorite of mine is roast beef. Whether on a sandwich or as an entree, the plate comes loaded with tender slices of beef. It’s a hearty and delicious entree. For this, I’ll give up the chicken gravy for the beef gravy on my potato filling. 

salad dressings and toppings with ladles on a salad bar

Each of the dinners still comes with the complementary salad bar. It’s easy to fill the bowl with assorted greens and vegetables. There are also multiple types of bread available and six different dressings. 

small plate with fried mac and cheese bites in the shape of triangles and a small cup of applesauce

One that has changed for us is that we’re now going to Kauffman’s as a family of four. That means kids meals, which admittedly are hit or miss. The three regular kids’ menu options are chicken nuggets, fried mac and cheese bites, and a hot dog. 

While fried foods are never our first choice for a kids meal, they are usually a hit with the littles. 

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

Kauffman’s is one of our favorite places for a family-friendly meal, both because of the prices (no entree priced above $15) and the 18-hole mini golf course that waits for us outside. If you have room, Kauffman’s also has the ice cream bar next to their takeout window. (Though it can be hard to pass up the homemade desserts when you’re in line. 

large menu board reading "ice cream menu" with an arcade game in the background at Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Restaurant

As our family has grown, our visits to Kauffman’s look a little different than they used to. And while Kauffman’s looks a little different, too, we’re glad it still has the same great food and great prices. 

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

Kauffman’s BBQ Restaurant
254 Gravel Pit Road
Bethel, PA 19507

Original Post: April 15, 2013

large statue of a chicken behind a short red fence

If you live anywhere near Berks County, you’re familiar with Kauffman’s BBQ chicken. The wagons are everywhere during the summer, selling the famous chickens and baked potatoes at fundraisers throughout Berks and its neighboring counties.

But the aluminum foil-wrapped dinners are just a tease – a taste if you will. To get the true Kauffman’s experience, you have to make the trip to the ranch, Kauffman’s BBQ Restaurant in Bethel.

Kauffman’s is found as close to the middle-of-nowhere as you can find in Berks County, just south of Interstate 78 and the Lebanon County line on a winding country lane, appropriately called Gravel Pit Road.

An 18-hole miniature golf course spreads across the lawn with an old-fashion plow, a wishing well and  a wagon wheel guarding the holes. The ranch’s pet peacocks roam free through the parking lot. A giant rooster stands guard at the entrance.

a large rotisserie with four spits of chicken and one of potatoes at Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken

If you aren’t hungry when you arrive, you will be. Inside, a picture window reveals the magical process, allowing diners to watch the chickens as they rotate in the rotisserie ovens, flavor dripping onto the birds below and marinating the potatoes that bake on the bottom rack.

Meals are served cafeteria-style, and the line for the dining room winds through the take-out area, and sometimes out the door. A pair of menu boards announce the platter options, including baked ham, Salisbury steak and clam strips. But for most diners, the only real option is whether to get a ¼ chicken or ½, and white meat or dark.

customers wait in a cafeteria-style line at Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken

Customers file down to a narrow lane where you pick up your tray and pick out your desserts from a refrigerated case (sneakily located at the front of the line) before placing your order. Meals are served on disposable paper plates and cups.

salad bar at Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken

All platters include a trip to the salad bar, which has all the staples, including a flavorful macaroni salad that can be used instead of dressing.

tray with a plate with barbecue chicken and potato filling with a dinner roll, cup of applesauce and a plate for apple pie from Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken

Naturally, the best part of every meal is the chicken. Cooked to a golden brown, the skin is full of flavor — a little sweet with a hint of spiciness, especially in the blackened edges of the wings and thighs. There is no extra sauce because it doesn’t need it.

Every platter comes with a choice of potato: baked potato, french fries or potato filling, a delicious mix of mashed potatoes, bread crumbs, celery  and herbs, loaded with brown gravy.

And of course there’s the dessert options, a variety of fresh baked cakes and pies, including a classic apple crumb pie with a thin, flaky crust and apples that melt in your mouth. Or if you prefer something a little colder, Kauffman’s has a full ice cream stand in the take-out area with soft serve and a freezer full of Hershey’s hard ice cream. Grab a cone and enjoy it on their enclosed porch, furnished with retro yellow fiberglass picnic tables.

All of the platters at Kauffman’s are priced under $10, and the miniature golf is just $4 a person, the perfect prices for an afternoon outing with the whole family. Make sure you plan your trip for later in the week because the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you can’t make it to the bar-b-que ranch, you can get the same quality chicken at fundraisers all summer.

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

Kauffman’s BBQ Restaurant
33 Gravel Pit Rd
Bethel, PA 19507

More BBQ in Berks County

More Nearby Restaurants

Barbecue Classics Dessert Lunch & Dinner Reviews
Classic diner counter seating at Airport Diner in Kutztown
— Leave a Comment

20+ Berks County Diners & Family Restaurants

Berks County is steeped in history so it’s no wonder that our region is home to so many classic diners. Our roadside is lined with stainless steel dining cars, and if you venture beyond that, you’ll find more great diners in strip malls, shopping centers and in downtowns. Here is our list of diners in Reading, PA and beyond. 

Stainless Steel Diners

When you think of diners, you likely think of the stainless steel structures filled with booths and a counter for quick service. You’ll find some excellent examples of these stainless steel diners in Berks County.

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

5th Street Diner
Temple

Not only does the 5th Street Diner glisten in the daylight with its stainless steel exterior, the red and blue neon lights shimmer at night. Though it’s no longer open 24 hours, the diner is still open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with late-night hours on Friday and Saturday.

Berks Conty Eats Review
Stainless steel diner with a sign out front that reads "American Diner"

American Diner
West Reading

The American Diner in West Reading stands out among the many restaurants that line Penn Avenue, thanks to its steel facade with blue accents (and off-street parking). The diner is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Americana Diner
Bechtelsville

The front entrance of the Americana Diner in Bechtelsville is reminiscent of a colorful jukebox. With a menu filled with diner favorites at reasonable prices, you’ll feel like you’re in the golden age of jukeboxes as well.

Berks County Eats Review
Best Diner: Exeter Family Restaurant

Exeter Family Restaurant
Exeter Township

Consistently voted among the best diners and family restaurants in Berks County, Exeter Family Restaurant is also the only 24-hour diner in Berks County. We love them for breakfast, but you can get a great meal any time of day (or night).

Berks County Eats Review

Leesport Diner
Leesport

The Leesport Diner is the newest on the list. The diner opened in 2016 with a retro look, though it was a new build. Like many classic diners, Leesport offers an all-you-can-eat soup and salad bar in addition to its breakfast, lunch and dinner entrees.

Berks County Eats Review
counter seating at the Red Plate Diner in Wernersville

Red Plate Diner
Wernersville

The Red Plate Diner gleams along Route 422 in Wernersville. The restaurant has been open for breakfast and lunch but recently expanded to offer dinner service as well.

Route 61 Diner
Muhlenberg

As the name suggests, the Route 61 DinerRoute 61 Diner is located along PA Route 61 north of the city of Reading in Muhlenberg Township. The diner is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

More Diners & Family Restaurants

The outside doesn’t have to be stainless steel for a diner to shine. Step inside and try the food at these diners and family restaurants where the food speaks for itself. 

outside of Airport Diner in Kutztown

Airport Diner
Kutztown

Underneath the updated facade of the Airport Diner is an original 1960 Silk City Diner car. The restaurant has been expanded to include an additional dining room. Great breakfast and good burgers are among the diner’s hallmarks.

Berks County Eats Review
exterior of Pied Piper Diner at night

Bally Family Diner
Bally

The Bally Family Diner opened in 2024, taking over the space most recently known as the Pied Piper. The castle-like structure calls in patrons driving along Route 100 north of Boyertown.

Blue Mountain Family Restaurant
Shartlesville

The Blue Mountain Family Restaurant is located just off the Shartlesville exit of Interstate-78. The family-friendly eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to locals and all those passing through.

Hawaiian bread French toast with breakfast potatoes

Brooks Cafe
Douglassville

Tucked away in a strip mall along Route 422, Brooks Cafe is is everything a diner should be. Great food. Fast service. Good prices. It’s one of our favorite breakfast spots thanks to dishes like the country fried steak and Hawaiian bread French toast.

Berks County Eats Review

Brooklyn Place
Reading

There aren’t many diners within the City of Reading, but Brooklyn Place fits the bill. Pancakes, French toast and omelettes anchor the breakfast menu with sandwiches and burgers at lunch. Plus the restaurant has Mexican favorites likes tacos, quesadillas and fajitas.

Chatty’s
Fleetwood

Chatty’s is one of the best-kept secrets in Berks. The restaurant is located along Route 12 near Fleetwood, but if you don’t know about it, it’s hard to find. There’s no website, no social media, just word-of-mouth about the pancakes, omelettes and other dishes that keep hungry guests streaming through the doors.

Berks County Eats Review
Sign above the door to a restaurant that reads "Crossroads" with two intersecting lines

Crossroads Family Restaurant
Muhlenberg

Breakfast available all day, reasonable prices for all menu items, and a stacked dessert case: Crossroads Family Restaurant has everything you could want in a diner. They also have a liquor license which also sets them apart.

Berks County Eats Review

Deluxe Diner
Shillington

The Deluxe Diner stands along Lancaster Pike, offering a family-friendly atmosphere complete with free gifts for kids. The diner is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Heidelberg Family Restaurant
Robesonia

The Heidelberg Family Restaurant is one of the go-to restaurants in western Berks County. The restaurant has been a decades-long staple along Route 422 serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a full dessert case every day.

JAK’s Downtown Diner
Topton

Don’t let the location fool you. JAK’s Downtown Diner may look like a house on the outside, but the homecoming inside is 100% diner. JAK’s is open for breakfast and brunch seven days a week.

Janelle’s Diner
Bowers

Opening before 6 a.m. six days a week, Janelle’s Diner is a great spot for an early bird breakfast. Located just outside the village of Bowers, Janelle’s offers everything you could want from a diner: omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, and more.

Jukebox Cafe
Boyertown

It’s all about good food and good tunes at the Jukebox Cafe in Boyertown. The unassuming little restaurant along Reading Avenue is decked out in the finest 50s decor, including records on the wall.

Berks County Eats Review

Letterman’s Diner
Kutztown

Beneath the exterior of Letterman’s Diner sits one of the oldest dining cars in Berks County, a wood-frame car that is nearly 100 years old. It’s also one of the smallest, but the portions and prices make it worth the wait if the few tables are already full.

Berks County Eats Review

Michael’s Restaurant
Douglassville

Located near the Montgomery County border along Route 422 in Douglassville, Michael’s Restaurant serves all day in a classic diner setting.

Berks County Eats Review

Mount Penn Family Restaurant
Mount Penn

The Mount Penn Family Restaurant is your classic diner serving everything from steaks and seafood to sandwiches and salads. They have a robust breakfast menu, too, with pancakes, French toast, and egg dishes.

New Hamburg Diner
Hamburg

The New Hamburg Diner opened in 2024, several years after the original closed. The current iteration of the diner along State Street serves breakfast and lunch and still has the retro vibe with checkered floors, red booths and counter seating.

Penn Grille
West Lawn

The Penn Grille is a small diner attached to the Redner’s Quick Stop in West Lawn. Open for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant serves all the breakfast staples plus burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads at lunch.

Perry Restaurant
Shoemakersville

Tucked away on Bellevue Avenue, a few blocks from Route 61, Perry Restaurant has all the hallmarks of a diner menu from big breakfasts to lunch and dinner entrees.

Sunset Family Restaurant
Birdsboro

Located along Route 422 near Birdsboro, the Sunset Family Restaurant bills itself as “homestyle cooking,” offering all-day breakfast, senior discounts, and a range of lunch and dinner options.

A view of the entrance to Temple Family Restaurant.

Temple Family Restaurant
Temple

Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, the Temple Family Restaurant is one of several diners in the Muhlenberg area. The restaurant boasts a large menu for all three meals, including breakfast sandwiches, egg dishes, pastas and more.

Berks County Eats Review

Trainer’s Midway Diner
Bethel

“Midway” between Harrisburg and Allentown, Trainer’s Midway Diner is one of the few roadside diners left along Interstate 78. Welcoming truckers and families alike, the Midway is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday.

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

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery
Wyomissing

The only diner on the list that also has a full hot buffet daily, the Wyomissing Restaurant and Bakery is known for their all-day brunch with made-to-order omelets, French toast, waffles and crepes.

Berks County Eats Review

More Diners in Berks County

More Berks County Dining Guides

Dining Guides
plate with a round filet topped with a demi-glace sauce with asparagus and mashed potatoes
— 1 Comment

Review: Jack’s on the Green at Reading Country Club

flowing fountain on the right foreground with a flagpole and a large-castle like builidng behind it

There are a handful of places in Berks County that can be considered true landmarks. Obviously the Pagoda would be at the top of the list. I would also add another site on Mount Penn to the list, Stokesay Castle. 

Stokesay, specifically the Knight’s Pub, has been one of our favorites for many years now. We’ve always liked the slightly upscale, yet still approachable vibe. Now, Stokesay has a sister property in the former of the Reading Country Club, a landmark of its own, that was purchased by the Gulati Family (owners of Stokesay) in late 2024. 

The Township had owned the property for nearly 20 years after acquiring the property in 2005 to prevent development. During that time, the property went through multiple management groups for golf and dining. Notable among those were Chef Alan, ViVA, and Reading Hospitality Management (DoubleTree by Hilton Reading). 

Our last visit to the property was in 2017 when the ViVA Castle Pub operated in the main dining room. A few months later, ViVA had a very public split with the Country Club and the restaurant closed.

When I received an invitation for a meal and a tour of the updates at the Reading Country Club, of course I couldn’t say no. 

Dinner at Jack’s on the Green

green wall with the words "Welcome to Jack's on the Green" next to a photo of a man in traditional plaid green golf attire

Part of the promise of the new owners was a new restaurant, Jack’s on the Green, which opened in late March, taking over the main dining room at the front of the building. The restaurant, like the Country Club, is open to the public and offers lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday with brunch on Sundays.

Our visit came on a Wednesday evening in late June. Julie and I were joined by our friends Jerry and Lisa and our party was seated at a table by the front window overlooking the golf course, driving range and the fountain that marks the end of the long driveway leading to the clubhouse. 

The dining room is bright and open, marked on three sides by the large glass doors. The tables are preset with the white plates and napkins sitting atop the green table linens. Each table has a little brass lamp to provide a dim glow as the sun sets. The grays of the floor and black ceiling give it a modern vibe – it feels elevated but not formal. 

We decided to start with a couple appetizers. There are more than 10 shareables on the menu, but we were able to narrow it down to the shrimp cocktail and the baked brie (both $18 options). 

square white plate with eight pieces of shrimp surrounding a cup of cocktail sauce on a bed of greens with pieces of cilantro sprinkled on top
white square plate with a small wheel of brie topped with pecans and sauce next to an assortment of crackers

The former came with eight pieces of shrimp over a bed of spring mix, garnished with fresh cilantro. It was a good start, but the baked brie was the standout. The disc of cheese was topped with raspberry, pecan and rosemary and was served with a variety of crackers. Every bite was creamy, nutty, crunchy and sweet – an excellent combination of flavors and textures and one I would certainly recommend. 

small round plate with a pad of butter drizzed in honey and topped with herbs next to a basket of bread atop a green tablecloth

Before our apps arrived, we also received a bread basket with a pad of butter that was drizzled with honey and sprinkled with salt and herbs. Like the brie, it was a sweet and creamy start to the meal that was very enjoyable. 

round plate with a strip steak topped with green chimichuri sauce atop a bed of green beans and roasted potatoes

Dinner was soon served with each of us trying a little something different. I opted for the New York strip steak, a 12 oz. cut served with a choice of sauce – chimichurri, for me. I thought the chimichurri was excellent, earthy and fresh, it added bright notes to the well-cooked steak. I found myself using the sauce as a vessel for the potatoes and green beans that were served on the side. 

plate with four pieces of fried chicken, green beans and a dollop of whipped potatoes

Julie opted for the fried buttermilk marinated chicken. She was expecting a chicken breast patty or similar, as most restaurants would do, but she was pleasantly surprised to receive four pieces of dark meat – two thighs, a wing, and a drumstick. She was able to finish half of the meat before boxing the other half to come home. She did, however, finish the mashed potatoes and green beans. (Looking back, the menu actually called for roasted potatoes, like I received with my steak, as the side and not mashed potatoes). 

plate with a round filet topped with a demi-glace sauce with asparagus and mashed potatoes
Photo Credit: Jerry Ashway

Across the table, Jerry’s eight-ounce filet mignon also came with a side of the mashed potatoes as well as asparagus. The steak was good, if slightly more medium than the medium-rare he ordered. His steak came topped with a red wine mushroom demi-glace (which was also an option for my steak). 

square plate with a cobb salad topped with a crab cake
Photo Credit: Lisa Domeshek

Lisa ordered a small Cobb salad for her entree, adding on a crab cake. The salad wasn’t overdressed in the “green goddess” dressing and the eggs were done perfectly. The thick-cut bacon was excellent – so much so that she offered it for us to try around the table. And the crab cake was a very good addition that helped make even the small salad (a larger portion was also available) a filling meal. 

white square plate with a chocolate dessert on a bed of cranberries and shaved chocolate pieces

Of course, we had to try some dessert, as well. The dessert menu is much more limited with only three seasonal options along with six dessert drinks. Julie and I decided to share the chocolate crunch while Jerry and Lisa had the warm sticky toffee pudding. 

white square plate with a bundt cake-shaped dessert and a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Photo credit: Jerry Ashway

Both were excellent. Our chocolate crunch was made of chocolate mousse with a praline wafer crust, served with cranberries and chocolate shavings. The tart cranberries were a little intense, but when mixing the mousse and berries, it had a chocolate-covered cherry feel to it. Across the table, our friends enjoyed their sweet treat which came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that started melting together with the caramel drizzle. 

Combined, our meals would total around $200 before tax, or $50 per person. That’s on the higher side for Berks County, certainly, but not unreasonable for a three-course meal and a menu that leans heavily toward finer dining. 

There are more moderately priced items on the menu, including five unique burgers, each served with fries, for between $16-$18. Three varieties of tacos are also available (with chips and salsa) for $18. And at lunch time, the restaurant offers more sandwich and lighter fare options for less than $20 each. 

More Drinks & Dining at Reading Country Club

brown liquor in a glass with a toothpick with two pieces of fruit
Photo Credit: Jerry Ashway

Jack’s on the Green is the main dining area, but it is not the only place to enjoy a drink or a meal at the Reading Country Club. Both the bar and the Fairway Lounge offer a place to enjoy food and drink from Jack’s on the Green. The large U-shaped bar has plenty of seating with plenty of TV’s around. 

green-walled room with a pool table, foosball table and bar

The Fairway Lounge is one of the coolest spots. We were told that the space used to be township offices, but it has been turned into a cool hangout spot with two golf simulators, a pool table, foosball, and extra comfy seats. 

outdoor covered patio area with black tables and chairs at Reading Country Club

For the golfers, there’s also Mulligan’s Cafe. At the halfway point in your round, you can grab breakfast sandwiches (for the AM tee times), lunch, snacks or drinks. The menu is simpler with a chicken salad sandwich or hot dogs to choose from at lunch, along with an array of snack foods, beers, canned cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. 

Reading Country Club Event Space

In addition to dinner, we had the opportunity to tour the clubhouse to see the incredible event spaces offered at the Reading Country Club. 

large ballroom with wooden floor, high ceiling and a stage on the right

The largest of these is the second floor ballroom. Original to the 102-year-old clubhouse, the ballroom features a stage and dance floor – expect live entertainment to return to the stage in the not-too-distant future. 

metal table on a patio with wooden pergola in the background

The second floor opens into patio spaces at both the front and the rear of the building. Both offer picturesque views overlooking the course. 

round room with three windows a bar on the right side

Inside one of the castle turrets is the upstairs bar. A large chandelier hangs over the bar and the hardwood floor. In all the rooms, the building shows its age but in a good way – it looks like a century-old building but one that has been well cared for. 

bridal suite with two oversized white couches lit by a window

We even got a peek into the bridal suite, complete with oversized couches for relaxing and selfie rings for those all-important wedding photos. 

(The Fairway Lounge is also available for wedding parties, too). 

facade of the Reading Country club from the side. A sign next to a turret reads "Jack's on the Green"

It really is an incredible venue, but I’m most excited about having it as a dining destination again. Maybe I’ll have to dust off my clubs and play a round soon. As bad as my golf game is at this point, at least I know the food and atmosphere will be on-par when I’m done. 

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

Jack’s on the Green at Reading Country Club
5311 Perkiomen Avenue
Reading, PA 19606

More Finer Dining in Berks County

More Exeter Township Restaurants

Dessert Finer Dining Lunch & Dinner Reviews
unrwapped foil paper with white lining holding a turkey panini next to a bag of chips and a glass of Cheerwine
— Leave a Comment

Review: Kirbyville Farm Market

windchime hanging down in front of a sliding door at the entrance to Kirbyville Farm Market

Berks County has long been known for its picturesque farmland. With it, comes some of the best farm stands and markets around. Some remain as roadside stands where passersby can pick up produce and flowers. Others have grown to become much more. 

One of those places is the Kirbyville Farm Market. 

Located along Route 222 just south of Kutztown, the Kirbyville Farm Market opened in the summer of 2019. Stepping through the front doors, the market opens up with produce, baked goods, and bulk foods spread out on wooden tables. To the left is both the cashier and the ice cream freezer where they are dipping hard ice cream. 

ice cream freezer with large sign showing cones and milkshakes at Kirbyville Farm Market

Toward the back and to the right is the deli and sandwich stand. Beyond that, a row of fridge and freezer doors leads to a coffee bar. Here you’ll also find a bakery case filled with fresh donuts and pastries. 

On my most recent visit, I was there specifically for a sandwich because it was my lucky day. Literally. Each week, the market posts on Facebook a name for each day to receive a free sandwich, and my name popped up on a recent Tuesday. 

deli counter at Kirbyville Farm Market

Kirbyville offers a range of options on the sandwich menu, including subs, wraps, toasted cheese, and paninis.

I opted for a build-your-own panini of turkey on wheat bread with Provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions and ranch dressing. 

unrwapped foil paper with white lining holding a turkey panini next to a bag of chips and a glass of Cheerwine

It was an excellent sandwich, exactly what I was hoping for with plenty of meat and just the right amount of ranch to get that flavor throughout. It wasn’t huge, but it was large enough, especially with the bag of chips I grabbed. 

I rounded it out with a bottle of Cheerwine (the soda that Cherry Coke has always aspired to be). The meal would have cost just a little over $10, but with my free sandwich, I paid $3.50. 

top shelf of a bakery case with rows of donuts

As I mentioned, the market is more than their deli sandwiches. I have stopped a few times for donuts over the years. It’s a more limited selection than places like Becca’s or Dutch Maid that focus on donuts, but there is still some variety including Boston cream, peanut butter, cream filled, and glazed. They also offer sticky buns and other baked goods. Personally, I enjoy the simple sweet glazed donuts. 

small seating area with wooden wall on left and tables and chairs on both sides of an open aisle

Kirbyville offers limited indoor seating – it’s tucked along a narrow hallway behind the cashier counter with window seats overlooking the farm. But if it’s a nice day, consider taking your meal outside, especially if you have kids. 

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

The outdoor pavilion has plenty of covered seating and there is a large play area for the kids to enjoy before and after their meals. 

goat stares at the camera through a fence at the Kirbyville Farm Market

The seating and play area is also right next to the goat pen so it’s easy to make new animal friends during your visit. 

You won’t find a large menu or table service, but you will find some good food and good prices with a little of that roadside farm stand experience thrown in. All those things combined make the Kirbyville Farm Market a great place to grab a quick meal. 

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

Kirbyville Farm Market
14030 Kutztown Road
Fleetwood, PA 19522

More Berks County Farm Markets

More Restaurants Near Kutztown, PA

Farmers Market Meals Lunch & Dinner
plate with a larger chicken parm sub next to a steak knife
— Leave a Comment

Review: Port Clinton Hotel

large two-story stone building with pitched roof and a sign in front that reads "Port Clinton Hotel"

Recently, we made a little day trip to Hamburg. We walked around the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum to see their new exhibits. Then we headed to Lazy Dog Vintage for some shopping. Eventually, we made our way to Cabela’s. 

Normally, when we make a trip like this, we’d find our way to one of the many restaurants in Hamburg’s downtown, like Backwood Brothers, Copperz or 1787 Brewing. But on this trip, we decided to venture a few minutes north to an old favorite of us, the Port Clinton Hotel. 

The Port Clinton Hotel is one of those “almost” Berks County restaurants. Located just a stone’s throw from the county line, Port Clinton is the first town you find in Schuylkill County when heading north on Route 61. 

Locally, it’s best known for the Hotel and the neighboring Port Clinton Peanut Shop, a place to get fresh roasted peanuts, novelty candy, and chocolates. 

It’s also home to the Reading and Northern Railroad, and before the railroad opened its station in Muhlenberg Township, it was the place to catch the weekend train to Jim Thorpe. 

two wooden tables with black chairs against a white wall with gray chair rail in the dining room of Port Clinton Hotel

But the Hotel is the true anchor of the town – the gathering place for food and drinks. It remained so even after the front of the building was struck by a car in late 2022. The result was a new sign and a new front porch, but the interior remains unchanged, looking very much the same as it did when we first reviewed it in 2014. The bar area is still rustic with its wooden U-shaped bar that leaves little room for walking. The dining room is plain, decorated with signs and photos of Yuengling Brewery. 

The menu is also very much the same as it was with large dinners, oversized sandwiches, and their famous baskets of French fries. 

plate with a cheesesteak wrap, cut in half, and a bag of potato chips

It’s so much the same that without thinking, Julie ordered the same thing – a cheesesteak wrap – that she did 11 years ago. 

Looking at the photos of each, there was little difference between this and the last – both were stuffed to overflowing with steak meat and cheese. (Credit though for upgrading the fries from Lay’s to Good’s). A delicious and extremely hearty meal that was always going to see half of it go home as leftovers. 

plate with a larger chicken parm sub next to a steak knife

My chicken parm sandwich was just as large. Served on a whole 12-inch roll, it was stuffed with breaded chicken with slices of cheese and plenty of sauce. The sauce is on the sweeter side, which I remember from previous meals there. I ate half of it as a sandwich before skipping the roll for the second half. Not that the roll wasn’t good (we saw the boxes for ATV bakery stacked in the entryway), but there was just no way to finish the whole thing. 

plate of spaghetti with two large meatballs topped with red sauce

Jakob had a heaping helping of spaghetti from the kids’ menu. It was enough for an adult meal with two large meatballs on top. It had the same sweet sauce as the chicken parm, which Jakob got to enjoy more than once because more than half of it went home as leftovers. 

large basket of fries from the Port Clinton Hotel

We also couldn’t finish our French fry basket which had more than enough for our table. At $6 for the basket, it’s one of the best deals around. 

In fact, our entire dinner was very reasonably priced at around $55 for all of our food and soft drinks. More accurately, our dinner and lunch the next day was reasonably priced because we didn’t have to think about what we would be having with the leftovers that came home with us. 

While we don’t make the trip north too often, the Port Clinton Hotel remains a go-to spot for us when we do. And I look forward to more delicious meals. 

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

Port Clinton Hotel
231 Centre Street
Port Clinton, PA 19549

Original Review: November 2014

IMG_5393

Long before our region was defined by the railroad, our cities and towns were carved by canals.

The small hamlet of Port Clinton, located just a few miles north of Hamburg and just across the line into Schuylkill County (quite literally, the border of Port Clinton is the border for the county), was a canal town.

Businesses in the town grew around the waterway. Businesses like the Port Clinton Hotel, which served meals and rented rooms to the canal boat crews who passed through on their way to or from Reading.

Today, the Hotel still serves a unique clientele. In addition to the residents of neighboring communities and those just visiting on their way to Cabela’s, the Port Clinton Hotel is a go-to for hikers along the Appalachian Trail.

On the opposite side of the Schuylkill River, the trail descends from the mountains, hanging a right through Port Clinton before crossing over Route 61 and leaving civilization again on its ascent to Maine.

The proximity to the trail means the Port Clinton Hotel is a sort of right-of-passage for hikers. Perhaps this is why the Port Clinton Hotel is serving portions fit for someone who hasn’t eaten in days.

While I can appreciate those who dare to trek the trail, I favor the short drive over the long walk, so the only hiking I had to do was from the parking space to the back door.

Like many establishments that still have “hotel,” “tavern,” or “inn” in their names, the restaurant crams more seats into the dining room than would seem possible. Our party of six was placed in a side room, two four-person tables pushed together with just inches between our chairs and the wall.

The daily specials are found on a hand-written piece of paper in the center of the table, while drink specials are found on a dry erase board on the wall. The menu itself is extensive with pastas, dinner entrees, salads, and lots of fried foods and sandwiches.

half a loaf of Italian bread cut in slices with four pads of butter on a plate

As small as the dining area may feel, the portions seem just as gargantuan. On a previous trip, I had made the “mistake” of ordering an actual dinner: a chicken pot pie special served with a homemade roll. And because I was hungry, I started with a cup of chili. As it turns out, the “roll” was half a loaf of white bread, the pot pie could have probably filled four soup bowls, and I would have been satisfied with just the chili.

This time, I was more prepared, opting for a simple hot roast beef sandwich.

roast beef sandwich smothered in gravy from Port Clinton Hotel

My sandwich was served floating in a reservoir of gravy with shreds of meat taking an evening swim. The top slice of bread bulged in the center as the pile of beef tried to force its way out the top.

The beef pulls apart, not like the slabs or slices you find at some diners. I managed to find a piece that wasn’t fully submerged and found it to be tender and moist. Even without the gravy, it would make a delicious sandwich.

cheeseteak wrap cut in two with a bag of Lays chips and a cup of marinara sauce

Next to me, Julie was attacking a monster meal of her own. Her cheesesteak sandwich wrap was sliced in two, with each half being about the size of your average sandwich.

The wrap was simple—steak and cheese with a little bit of onion—but it was balanced perfectly. Like most of the sandwiches on the menu, the wrap came with side of potato chips, a bag of Lay’s placed right on the plate. With so much food already on the plate, there’s a good chance you’ll take the chips home anyway so it’s better to leave them in the bag.

Another reason to leave them in the bag is the Port Clinton Hotel’s famous French fries. The fresh cut fries are not available as a side order (except as part of a select few dinner combinations) so if you want them, be prepared to share.

basket of fries from Port Clinton Hotel

With the large portions on the entrees, a small basket of fries is easily enough to satisfy a table of four (a large basket should probably be reserved for a small family reunion).

But when it comes to the Port Clinton Hotel, it’s not just quantity. It’s quality. Many restaurants offer their foods in big portions, but the food at Port Clinton is so good that you can’t help but try to finish it.

Four our two sandwiches and fries, our total bill came to around $30, a steal for such good food—and for so much of it.

The canal is gone, but the hotel remains, still serving great food to everyone who passes through the town, no matter how they arrive.

More Restaurants Near Hamburg

Bars & Pubs Country Inns Lunch & Dinner Reviews
Sal's Pizza Style Stromboli Pizza
— Leave a Comment

8 Great Places to Get Pizza in Berks

In more than a decade of Berks County Eats, we have tried some of the best pizza in Reading and Berks. While there are still plenty more to go, here are eight of our favorite places to get pizza in Berks.

two takeout pizza boxes with lids open - one has a pepperoni pizza, the other a plain cheese

10 West
Wernersville

10 West had big shoes to fill taking over the former A&M Pizza in Wernersville. Other restaurants had tried and failed, but 10 West became one of our favorites after our first visit in 2023. The crusts are crisp and they have a great variety. The grandma pie is excellent, but even their plain and pepperoni stand out.

Review: 10 West Pizzeria
pizza topped with sauce and grated Parmensan

Antonio’s Trattoria
Boyertown

When I visited Antonio’s Trattoria in 2023, they were running a special on a Brooklyn Cob pizza and it was one of the best pizzas I’ve had. It’s not a regular menu item, but they do a great job on all their pies.

Review: Antonio’s Trattoria
Best Pizza: Nonno Alby's

Nonno Alby’s
West Reading

Probably our favorite specialty pies, Nonno Alby’s uses their wood-fired oven to make crisp crusts. And they have some of the best toppings around. The namesake Nonno Alby’s pizza is my go-to. It features San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, Italian sausage, sauteed broccolini (broccoli rabe), and a kick from garlic and red pepper flakes.

Review: Nonno Alby’s
stuffed pizza topped with sausage and peppers from Mama's Pizza in Wyomissing

Original Mama’s
Wyomissing & Sinking Spring

Mama’s Wyomissing location is the closest pizza place to our house and the place where we get more meals that anywhere else. Jakob loves it, and we really enjoy it, too. The honey ricotta has just the right amount of sweetness, and I love their Boardwalk pie with sweet sauce swirled on. And nothing is more filling than one of their stuffed slices.

white paper plate with a slice of pepperoni pizza from P&J in Womelsdorf, PA

P&J Pizza
Womelsdorf

A childhood favorite of mine, P&J Pizza has only gotten better. In 2023 they expanded into the neighboring building to expand their dining room and add a bar. The pizza is great, and it’s hard to beat the atmosphere of a log cabin restaurant.

Review: P&J Pizza
Russo Market Pizza

Russo’s Food Market
Wyomissing

Another nearby pizza destination, Russo’s Food Market in Wyomissing does square pies with thick crusts. I actually really enjoy the crust, and the rectangular slices are more than enough to satisfy at lunch time.

Review: Russo’s Food Market
Sal's Pizza Style Stromboli Pizza

Sal’s Pizza Style
Birdsboro

Sal’s Pizza Style is home to one of the most unique offerings in Berks County, the delicious Stromboli pizza. It’s a traditional Stromboli topped with pepperoni pizza. It’s creative, it’s meaty, and it’s really good.

Review: Sal’s Pizza Style
A slice of Frank white pizza, topped with ricotta, tomato and spinach

Tommyboy’s
Kutztown

The largest slices in Berks County are also some of the best. Tommyboy’s slices are “bigger than your head” and require two plates for just one slice. I usually get two slices, knowing that one is enough and I’ll have a second for lunch the next day.

Review: Tommyboy’s Pizza

Have a favorite pizza place in Berks County we need to try? Let us know by emailing berkscountyeats@gmail.com.

More Pizza in Berks County

More Berks County Dining Guides

Dining Guides