Category: Dining Guides

Austin’s Restaurant & Bar
West Lawn

For more than two decades, Austin’s Restaurant & Bar has been a favorite in the West Lawn-Wyomissing area. Their ribs are some of the best around, but we’re also fans of their chicken bruschetta pasta, Texas tenders and their signature potato soup. Wyomissing seafood spot Coastal Grille – part of the same restaurant group – is also open on Mondays.

Copperz Brewing Company
Hamburg

Copperz is open for dinner every Monday night where they serve up the crowd-pleasing giant pretzels along with burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads. Monday night is also Pizza Monday at Copperz where all of their flatbreads are just $10.

Ganly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Sinking Spring

Sinking Spring’s Irish pub, Ganly’s does a “Burgers and Beers” night every Monday starting at 4 p.m. Of course you can always get Ganly’s Irish favorites like shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash.

Henry P. Robeson House
Robesonia

The Henry P. is known for their pit beef which is available on its own, in a sandwich or on a cheesesteak. On Mondays, the Henry P. hosts smashburger night with a different burger special every week.

Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar
Reading

A staple in downtown Reading for nearly a century, Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar is still a great place to grab a meal. The historic bar and restaurant is open Mondays so get a table, toss your peanut shells on the floor, and enjoy their Monday wing special or some of the restaurant’s classic American dishes.

Louie’s Kitchen & Bar
Flying Hills

Known for their award-winning burgers and unique takes on cheesesteaks, Louie’s Kitchen & Bar is open daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is located at the Flying Hills Golf Club but is open to the public. 

Mom Chaffe’s Cellarette
West Reading

One of Berks County’s longest-running Italian restaurants, Mom Chaffe’s maintains a speakeasy vibe with its lower-level location. While their famous lasagna is only available on the weekends, you can still enjoy other delicious pastas, along with seafood, steaks and chicken.

Ozgood’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar
Kutztown + Robesonia

Both Ozgood’s locations – Kutztown and Robesonia – are open on Mondays for lunch and dinner. Menu favorites include the pork berry tacos, the Tuscan pistachio chicken sandwich, and the baked piggy mac.

Shirley’s Cafe & Tequila Bar
Laureldale

Shirley’s brings the flavors of Latin America – both traditional and modern – to the forefront. Enjoy a hearty cazuela (steaming stew served in a clay pot), tacos and fajitas, and kicked up burgers. You can also enjoy Monday night dinner at Shirley’s sister restaurant, the Pike Cafe.

Stefano’s Ristorante & Bakery Cafe
Wyomissing

One of Berks County’s newest restaurants, Stefano’s in Wyomissing serves their rustic Italian cuisine every day. Be sure to save room for dessert – Stefano’s has their own on-site bakery where they are crafting delicious cheesecakes, cakes and pies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aladdin Restaurant
West Reading
Sundays

On Sunday nights, Aladdin Restaurant offers a kids-eat-free promotion with the purchase of an adult meal. Aladdin’s kids menu options are for children 12 and under and include chicken schwarama (pictured) or chicken kebab with rice pilaf.

Alebrije
Exeter and Wyomissing
Sundays

Kids eat free every Sunday night at both of Alebrije’s locations – Perkiomen Avenue and State Hill Road. Mexican-inspired options on the kids menu include tacos, grilled chicken with rice, quesadillas and enchiladas, but Alebrije also offers chicken nuggets and cheese pizza for the pickiest of eaters.

Annamarie’s on Main
Birdsboro
Wednesdays

Wednesday is kids day at Annamarie’s on Main in Birdsboro. Kids 8 and under can get a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree on Wednesdays. Menu options for the little ones include cheeseburgers, fish sticks, mac and cheese, chicken fingers, and buttered noodles.

Austin’s Restaurant & Bar
West Lawn
Sundays

Every Sunday night, Austin’s Restaurant & Bar in West Lawn offers a free child’s meal with the purchase of an entrée. Kids meals at Austin’s include grilled cheese, chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches, pizza, and cheeseburgers.

Bertie’s Inn
Exeter Township
Mondays

Kids eat free on Monday nights at the New Bertie’s Inn in Exeter Township. The children’s menu is filled with kid-approved dishes like mac and cheese, chicken fingers, and mini corn dogs.

Coastal Grille
Wyomissing
Sundays

The sister restaurant to Austin’s, Coastal Grille, also hosts a kids-eat-free night every Sunday. In addition to mac and cheese and chicken tenders, Coastal Grille offers signature seafood items on the kids’ menu, including grilled shrimp, popcorn shrimp, and fish and chips.

Copperz Brewing Company
Hamburg
Sundays

On Sunday nights, kids eat free with any adult entree purchase at Copperz Brewing Company. The Hamburg brewery offers smashburgers, grilled cheese, chicken nugz and flatbread pizzas on its kids menu. (The physical kids menu is also an activity page with word search, tic-tac-toe and coloring).

Deluxe Diner
Shillington
Wednesdays

Kids eat free Wednesday nights at Deluxe Diner in Shillington. (And get to pick a prize from the Treasure Chest every day). The menu includes a variety of kids meals including hot dogs, grilled cheese, soup and salad bar, pancakes and more.

Isaac’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery
Wyomissing
Mondays

Mondays nights after 5 p.m., kids eat free at Isaac’s in Wyomissing. Free kids meals – including rainbow bread sandwiches – are available with the purchase of a salad or sandwich.

Salute Ristorante Italiano
Sinking Spring
Sundays

At Salute Ristorante Italiano in Sinking Spring, kids orders of chicken Parmesan, spaghetti, fettucine alfredo and pizza typically run $10 but are free with adult entrée purchases on Sunday nights.

Sam’s Wyomissing Bistro
Wyomissing
Sundays

Sam’s Wyomissing Bistro has added Kids Eat Free to the their specials on Sundays. Receive a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree every Sunday.

Tavern at Centre and Main
Topton
Fridays

Kids under 12 eat free on Friday nights at the Tavern at Centre and Main in Topton.

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery
Wyomissing
Daily

Here’s a deal for parents with real little ones – Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery offers free meals to any child age 3 or under with the purchase of an adult buffet.

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

The Bagel Bar
Kutztown

While I love a good bagel, I love the Bagel Bar for their unique drink specials, especially their tea lattes made with freshly brewed tea. But the bagels and bagel sandwiches are a hit, too, if you’re looking for a reasonably priced breakfast or lunch. 

Brakeman’s Cafe
Boyertown

Located across from the Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown, Brakeman’s Cafe is one of the best breakfast and lunch spots in the area. The outdoor seating area overlooks the rail yard and is the perfect place to relax on nice days. 

Cafe Folino
Wyomissing

Opened in fall 2023, Cafe Folino has quickly become a popular spot for Italian coffee, along with creative breakfast and lunch items. (It’s so popular that they opened a second location in Temple in 2026). We recommend the sweet pancakes/French toast options like apple pie and bananas Foster.

Comb Coffee Co
Topton

One of the newest stops on the list, Comb Coffee Co. opened in October. The coffee shop vibe is a little different here as Comb is an outdoor, walk-up stand in a parking lot in Topton, but the drinks are great, and the outdoor seating area is perfect for sunny days. 

Crave Cafe
Sinking Spring

Now under new ownership, Crave Cafe continues to deliver quality meals and drinks to western Berks County. Breakfast and lunch sandwiches are always good, the display case is always full of delicious baked goods, and the coffee and drinks are priced right. 

Kim’s Cafe at Weaver’s Orchard
Plowville

Probably the most unique location among our favorite coffee shops, Kim’s Cafe is a destination on its own inside the Weaver’s Orchard farm store. Every August, I visit for their peach pie chai. They also serve up breakfast treats and delicious paninis at lunch. 

The Market Cafe
Topton

Located in the former train station, The Market Cafe is a laid-back breakfast and lunch spot along the tracks in Topton. The lunch wraps are really good, as are the breakfast options and wide selection of drinks. 

Morgantown Coffee House
Morgantown

Located on the southern edge of Berks, the Morgantown Coffee House offers a seasonal brunch menu with creative ingredients. (Bacon and sweet corn cake has, anyone?). The restaurant also offers Collective Coffee Project coffee and loose leaf teas among its cafe drinks.

Queens’ Cafe
Wyomissing

While I visit Queens’ Cafe more often for lunch, it’s a great place to grab a hot or cold drink in the morning. They have excellent matcha (regular and flavored), and the food is always good.

Reading Coffee Company
Birdsboro

In 2024, Reading Coffee Company expanded, opening a cafe with full breakfast and lunch menu in addition to their coffee and specialty drinks. The breakfast sandwiches are served on waffled hashed browns (yum!) and the vibe is cool and modern.

Rooted & Grounded Cafe
Kenhorst

The newest addition to this list, Rooted & Grounded Cafe opened in January 2025 in a small corner spot along Lancaster Avenue. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch paninis, acai bowls and assorted baked goods. They also have a kids’ closet – a corner filled with toys for the littles.

Salt & Light Cafe
Reading

Located along 5th Street in downtown Reading, Salt & Light Cafe focuses its menu on two things: drinks and crepes. And both are done to perfection. There are 38 mix-ins and toppings available for crepes and more than 20 drink options. 

Simply BOLD
West Reading

When Simply BOLD first opened, it was located in Wyomissing and called Park Road Cafe. Even then, it was one of my favorite spots. The food menu is good, but limited. But there are plenty of options for hot and cold pick-me-ups. They also have a small boutique with unique and local goods to browse while you wait. 

Sweetie’s Back Porch Cafe
Oley

Sweetie’s Back Porch Cafe opened in the fall of 2025, bringing cozy coffee shop vibes to the Oley Valley. Though they have a limited food menu, the choices they do have are solid. Enjoy a breakfast sandwich in the morning or a rice bowl at lunch – the soup is homemade and fresh, too.

White Magnolia Coffee Co.
Frystown

The tiny hamlet of Frystown is an out-of-the-way destination for many in Berks County, but White Magnolia Coffee Company is worth the trip for both drinks and food. Order the farmer’s breakfast bowl (only if you like garlic) or indulge in a specialty chai, matcha or coffee.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Selena’s Diner
Kutztown

Beneath the exterior of Selena’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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Andy Pepper’s
Limekiln

One of our favorite places for breakfast and lunch, Andy Pepper’s never disappoints. The restaurant tucked away in the former Limekiln Post Office near Oley has a lot of delicious options for breakfast, but we’re partial to their oversized pancakes.

Annamarie’s on Main
Birdsboro

The original Annamarie’s in Royersford is known for its breakfasts, and Annamarie’s Birdsboro location, which opened a few years ago, delivers in that department as well. I highly recommend the lemon ricotta blueberry poppy seed pancakes, but there are lots of great options to choose from.

Beansie’s Cafe
Food Truck

One of my favorite breakfasts in Berks County doesn’t come from a restaurant or coffee shop, it comes from a truck. In addition to an excellent chai, Beansie’s serves a sausage and egg bowl that has me standing outside the truck any time they have a public event. I also love their polenta topped with bananas Foster, and my son is crazy about their mini pancake dippers.

Brooks Cafe
Douglassville

One of our favorite spots in eastern Berks County, Brooks Cafe is a little hole-in-the-wall with big flavors at breakfast. Treat yourself to the Hawaiian bread French toast and thank us later.

Cafe Folino
Wyomissing

Cafe Folino, an Italian coffee shop from the owners of Mangia in Mohnton, has quickly become one of our favorites since it opened in late 2023. The breakfasts are amazing: apple pie French toast, croissant breakfast sandwiches, pumpkin roll pancakes – I could go on and on.

Cloud 9 Cafe
Wyomissing

Cloud 9 Cafe isn’t the fanciest place on this list, but they have great service and consistently good food. (And because it’s not far from my house, it’s an easy go-to). Everything on the menu is good, just make sure you get a side of homefries.

Exeter Family Restaurant
Exeter Township

Exeter Family Restaurant is Berks County’s quintessential diner. They have great options, both sweet and savory. I love a good skillet, but it’s hard to pass up their creative French toasts.

Morning Fuel
West Lawn

Morning Fuel has one of my favorite breakfast entrees: the breakfast chorizo bowl. It features chorizo sausage, potatoes, black beans, eggs (I order mine scrambled), pico, cheese, avocado, and chipotle crema. A cup of hot matcha is a great addition to any breakfast.

Plum Creek Farm
Bernville

Plum Creek Farm is most known for their ice cream, but since they’ve added breakfast to the menu, it’s been on my short list. Their breakfast burrito is the best around (the chipotle sauce puts it over the top). The breakfast Bernville Special, potatoes topped with eggs, cheese sauce, bacon and hollandaise is another favorite in our family.

Taste of Crepes
West Reading

As the name suggests, Taste of Crepes is all about crepes – both sweet and savory. I prefer things on the sweet side. Might I suggest the bananas Foster crepe?

Lamb and Rice – Zaytoon Kabob & Grill
Wyomissing

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

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

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

Rabbit Consomme – Riedenau House
Pop-Up Dinner

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

French Dip – Rollie’s Place
Reading

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

Apple Maple Bacon Panini – Rooted & Grounded Cafe
Kenhorst

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

Farmhouse Breakfast – White Magnolia Coffee Co.
Frystown

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

Risotto Trio – Midtown Sip. Savor. Social
West Reading

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

Ultimate French Onion Soup – West Reading Motor Club
West Reading

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

Pit Beef Cheesesteak – Henry P. Robeson House
Robesonia

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

Pulled Pork Sandwich – Mountaintop Bistro
Bethel

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