Fastnacht sitting on a blue plate next to an empty box that says Stoudt's Bakery
— 3 Comments

Where to Find Fastnachts in Berks County 2023

Fastnachts are a Berks County tradition, enjoyed each year on Fat Tuesday – known locally as Fastnacht Day (or Fasnacht Day). The specialty donuts have already started arriving at bakeries across the county, and many local organizations will once again be hosting fastnacht fundraisers in time for Fastnacht Day on Tuesday, February 21. Here is our list of confirmed places to find fastnachts in Berks County in 2023:

Restaurants, Bakeries & Farm Markets

Small barn-shaped building with a sign that reads "ACEC Farm & Market"

ACEC Farm & Market
Shoemakersville

ACEC is adding homemade fastnachts to its offerings. Available in plain or sugared, the fastnachts can be pre-ordered for pickup on February 4, 11 or 18. Limited quantities may be available in the store, but pre-orders are guaranteed. More on Facebook

strip mall restaurant with sign that reads "Brooks Cafe Breakfast & Lunch"

Brooks Cafe
Douglassville

Every year, Brooks Cafe in Douglassville incorporates fastnachts into their February specials. This year, that has included fastnacht French toast. Watch their Facebook page for daily specials.

Dietrich’s Meats & Country Store
Lenhartsville

Each year, Dietrich’s Meats add fastnachts to its expansive array of Pennsylvania Dutch offerings. Calling in for pre-orders is recommended. Visit Website

display case full of assorted donuts at Dutch Maid Bakery in Temple

Dutch-Maid Bakery
Temple

The Dutch Maid Bakery has fastnachts available at both of its locations – along Kutztown Road in Temple and at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market. The cost is $1.50 a piece, $8.00 per half-dozen and $13.50 for a dozen. More on Facebook

Echo Hill Country Store
Fleetwood

Echo Hill is another country store that is known for carrying on the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition with fastnachts every year. Visit Website

exterior of Fox's Country Tea House in Stouchsburg, PA

Fox’s Country Tea House
Stouchsburg

Fox’s Country Tea House is hosting its second annual Fastnacht Par-TEA on Saturday, March 4. The traditional four-course tea includes scones, German bean soup, Black Forest ham and swiss on rye, and fastnachts for dessert – all paired with your choice of tea (apple juice for the kids). The cost is $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids. More on Facebook

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

Frecon Farms
Boyertown

Homemade fastnachts will once again be available at Frecon Farms in Boyertown starting February 11 through February 25. Pre-order a half-dozen for $8.99 or a dozen for $15.99 and pickup in-store. Official Website

Hershey Harvest
Laureldale

Each year, Hershey Harvest brings back homemade fastnachts which they advertise are made with real mashed potatoes. Visit Website

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

Kirbyville Farm Market
Kirbyville

The Kirbyville Farm Market (Route 222 south of Kutztown) is once again offering fastnachts, homemade from the market’s bakery. Fastnachts are available powdered or plain. More on Facebook

The West Reading Motor Club will open in fall 2019 in the former A to Z Vacuum in West Reading

Nitro Bar
West Reading

The Nitro Bar has added house-made fastnachts to the menu in advance of Fat Tuesday. Quantities are limited to check in advance for availability. Facebook Post

sign on a post outside a restaurant with the words "Other Farm"

Other Farm Brewing Company
Boyertown

Boyertown’s Other Farm Brewing Company has added a range of fastnacht specials to the menu, including fastnacht bacon cheeseburgers, fastnacht chicken sandwich and fastnacht apple and sweet custard. Facebook Post

PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing
Wyomissing

Becca’s Gourmet Coffee and Donuts at the Farmers Market of Wyomissing has fastnachts available – glazed, powdered or plain – for $1.25 each, $6.95 for a half-dozen, or $12.95 for a full dozen. More on Facebook

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

Plum Creek Farm Market
Bernville

Plum Creek is offering four packs of fastnachts for pre-order with limited in-store availability on February 21. At $4.99 for four fastnachts, guests can choose from sugar, powdered sugar, glazed or plain – or a combination of all four. More on Facebook

Shady Mountain Market
Fleetwood

Among the many baked goods available at Shady Mountain Market are fastnachts, which you can find in store every January and February. Visit Website

Shelves of baked goods form an aisle at Weaver's Orchard

Weaver’s Orchard
Morgantown

Fastnachts are back at Weaver’s Orchard and available in five varieties: plain, glazed, powdered, sugared, or cinnamon sugar. Facebook Post

Fastnacht Fundraisers & Events

Berks History Center
Reading

The Berks History Center is hosting a Fastnacht Day program on February 21. The drop-in tasting event is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Each guest will receive a half-dozen fastnachts to take home. More on Facebook

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles
Boyertown

For the first time since 2020, the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles is bringing back its Fastnacht Day event. On Tuesday, February 21, museum-goers are invited to sit down in the historic Reading Diner, now part of the museum’s collection, for fastnachts and coffee. Fastnachts will be just 25 cents and coffee is available for just 5 cents with paid admission to the museum. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event Page

Historic Joanna Furnace
Plowville

The Hay Creek Valley Historical Association is once again hosting a fastnacht fundraiser. Pickup is February 21 at historic Joanna Furnace. Preorder by February 14. Cost is $10 per dozen and $6 per half-dozen. Event Page

Kutztown Fire Company
Kutztown

One of several local fire companies hosting a fastnacht sale this year. Orders are due by Friday, February 17 and can be picked up during a drive-through pickup on Sunday, February 19. Fastnachts will also be at the Community Table at Renninger’s on Saturday, February 18. Event Page

Mt. Penn Fire Company
Mt. Penn

For the 55th time, the Mt. Penn Fire Company is hosting its annual fastnacht sale. Fastnachts will be available for order for pickup on February 18-19. Event Page

Dining Guides
The interior of the sunroom dining area with high top tables and cushioned benches at the Greenhouse Cafe
— 8 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 eight years and 400 reviews under my belt, I definitely have my favorites. Here are 10 that are on the top of my list. All of them are on the list for different reasons, but those are the reasons we keep going back.

Andy Peppers
Limekiln

I can’t say enough good things about Andy Pepper’s. The tiny eatery shares a building with the Limekiln Post Office and is out of the way for most people, but worth the visit for their inventive – and always delicious – breakfast and lunch.

Andy Pepper’s Review
chicken florentine pasta from Austin's

Austin’s Restaurant and Bar
West Lawn

This is a long-time favorite of ours. In our experience, Austin’s always puts out consistently good food – including some of my favorite ribs – with seasonal specials that never disappoint. And because the restaurant’s servers work as a team, you can get anything you need quickly.

Austin’s Review
A white brick wall painted with a yellow fork and the words "Fork & Ale"

Fork & Ale
Douglassville

This is a restaurant and bar that has impressed on every one of our visits. Fork & Ale serves what can best be described as elevated bar food – burgers and sandwiches that are just done a little better and hearty dinners that have a fine dining flair to them.

Fork & Ale Review
The interior of the sunroom dining area with high top tables and cushioned benches at the Greenhouse Cafe

Greenhouse Cafe
Wyomissing

I have liked the Greenhouse Cafe since it opened, but in 2021, the Greenhouse Cafe earned a place as one of my favorites, thanks in large part to the restaurant’s Soup CSA where I enjoyed 10 different soups across 10 weeks. But it’s more than just the soup that lands it on my list. It’s the ambiance, the service, and the fact that it is the best plant-based restaurant in Berks County.

Greenhouse Cafe Review
Photo of a large wooden statue of a knight outside of Stokesay Castle in Reading, PA

The Knight’s Pub
Reading

Stokesay Castle – and specifically the Knight’s Pub – is a uniquely cool venue. It straddles the line between pub and fine dining, and what I appreciate most is that it is family friendly. Julie and I have dined at the Knight’s Pub for date nights and we’ve taken our pre-schooler along for a family meal. And the food and service is always excellent.

The Knight’s Pub Review
Photo of a banner hanging on a storefront that says "Let's Taco Bout It" with image of two cartoon tacos in a wrestling match.

Let’s Taco Bout It
West Reading

Let’s Taco Bout It is a family favorite, especially for my son. At two-and-a-half years old, his favorite food just might be Let’s Taco Bout It’s version of Mexican street corn. And we are all big fans of the restaurant’s “Luchadors,” oversized mash-ups of tacos and quesadillas.

Let’s Taco Bout It Review
A margharita pizza (pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil)

Mangia! Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Mohnton

Mangia has been a family favorite. For a while, it felt like we were visiting every week. They have an extensive menu of pastas, sandwiches, and pizzas, but what sets Mangia apart for me is two dishes: the Pasta al Parmigiano Reggiano and Cacio e Peppe. These dishes are prepared tableside with pasta tossed in cheese wheels imported from Italy.

Mangia! Review
Photo of a pizza topped with cured ham, shaved cheese and arugula

Nonno Alby’s
West Reading

Nonno Alby’s has delicious wings and burgers, but the pizza is what lands Nonno Alby’s on this list. The restaurant’s artisan wood-fired pizzas are our favorite in Berks County. I’m particularly fond of the namesake Nonno Alby’s pie with sauteed rapini, Italian sausage and red pepper flakes.

Nonno Alby’s Review
A photo of a room with a stone wall one on side and a long dining table with wooden chairs

Savory Grille
Macungie

Our favorite fine dining in Berks County can be found at the Savory Grille. Though this country inn has a Macungie address, we are happy to say it is within Berks County’s borders. Savory Grille serves top-tier foods and their patio dining area can’t be beat.

Savory Grille Review
empty dining room at Squawk Cafe in Wyomissing

Squawk Cafe
Wyomissing

Some of the best breakfast around, Squawk Cafe focuses on two things: sweet French toast and savory breakfast burritos. We’ve tried several variations of each, and Chef Patrick has never disappointed us.

Squawk Cafe Review

What are your favorite Berks County Restaurants? Share your favorites with us by email at berkscountyeats@gmail.com or on our Facebook page at facebook.com/berkscountyeats.

More Favorites:

Berks County Eats

8 Favorite Coffee Shops

Where to Eat Vegan + Vegetarian

Dining Guides
A large soft shell taco on a plate with refried beans and yellow rice from Norte Sur
— Leave a Comment

8 Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Berks County

Looking to save a little money on your next family night out? Our local restaurants are here to help! Check out these Berks County restaurants where kids eat free, and enjoy a family dinner without breaking the bank.

*Berks County Eats strives to provide the most up-to-date information but deals offered by restaurants are constantly changing. Always check with the restaurant to confirm the deals are still available.

strip mall restaurant with red lettering above the door that reads "Alebrije"

Alebrije
Exeter, Muhlenberg & Wyomissing

Kids eat free every Tuesday night at all three of Alebrije’s locations – Fifth Street Highway, 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.

Alebrije Wyomissing Review

Austin’s
West Lawn

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.

Austin’s Restaurant Review
Exterior view of a restaurant at night with blue lights that read "Coastal Grille"

Coastal Grille
Wyomissing

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.

Coastal Grille Review

Kempton Hotel
Kempton

Every Wednesday is kids’ day at the Kempton Hotel where you get a free children’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. Wednesday also features half-price appetizers from 4 to 6 p.m. so you can double-up on the discounts.

Salute Ristorante Italiano and Dante's 900

Salute Ristorante Italiano
Sinking Spring

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.

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

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery
Wyomissing

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.

Wyomissing Restaurant & Bakery Review

Did we miss anyone on our list? Have a favorite place to take your kids? Email berkscountyeats@gmail.com and let us know!

You May Also Like:

Berks County Eats

Ten Favorites

Our top ten favorite restaurants we’ve tried and reviewed in nine years of Berks County Eats

Berks County’s

Best Ice Cream Shops

Dining Guides
Crave Cafe gets my vote, partially because of the cool ambiance
— 2 Comments

8 Favorite Coffee Shops in Berks County

For many, the coffee shop is their comfort zone. Whether relaxing by the fireplace with a cup of coffee or plugging in to the Wi-Fi to answer emails, you’ll find a seat waiting for you these Berks County coffee shops where they are serving some of the best coffee, tea, breakfast and lunch that you’ll find in the county.

A brick wall with three shelves lined with old time railroad gear and coffee mugs

Brakeman’s Café
Boyertown

Located just two blocks from Boyertown’s bustling Philadelphia Avenue, Brakeman’s Café is perfect for a quiet cup of coffee alone or breakfast and lunch with the family. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy your cup of Twin Valley Coffee.

Brakeman’s Cafe Review
Cafe Esperanza Interior

Café Esperanza
Reading

My go-to for giving back, Café Esperanza is a pay-what-you-can café in the City of Reading helping to provide hot, nutritious meals to all those who want – or need – one. The cozy space has plenty of room and purchasing a meal here helps support those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford one.

Cafe Esperanza Review

Crave Café
Sinking Spring

Consistently voted among the best places for lunch in Berks County, Crave Café offers tables for two and four along with cozy couches and chairs where you can rest before starting your day.

Crave Cafe Review
Four Twelve Dining Room

Four Twelve
Hamburg

Featuring Passenger Coffee from Lancaster, PA, Four Twelve has been a favorite in northern Berks County since it opened in 2016. And if you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, Four Twelve has it – as long as you like waffles. The only menu items are waffle-based: waffle sandwiches, wafflets (omelets made on the waffle iron, Belgian waffles and waffle sticks for dipping.

Fourt Twelve Review
The interior of the sunroom dining area with high top tables and cushioned benches at the Greenhouse Cafe

Greenhouse Café
Wyomissing

With vegan brunch options and specialty drinks featuring dairy alternatives, the Greenhouse Café is the go-to coffee house for those adhering to a plant-based diet. We love it for the authentic Indian cuisine like strata and kati rolls paired with a glass of chai.

Greenhouse Cafe Review

Morgantown Coffee House
Morgantown

In southern Berks County, near the Chester County border, the Morgantown Coffee House serves the Twin Valley area with their own Collective Coffee Project brand of drinks along with elevated breakfast and lunch dishes.

Morgantown Coffee House Review
order counter at Simply BOLD Cafe in West Reading

Simply BOLD Café
West Reading

We’ve been frequenting Simply BOLD since its previous incarnation at Park Road Café in Wyomissing. The café uses its own signature blends with beans roasted in Shillington. In addition to a cozy dining room and tables for two by the window, Simply BOLD also has a small boutique with local and curated food, gifts and Simply BOLD swag.

empty dining room at Squawk Cafe in Wyomissing

Squawk Café
Wyomissing

The Squawk Café has turned what could have been a very humble space – the lobby of the Riverfront Federal Credit Union – into one of the best breakfast cafes around. Go for the coffee and tea (try the London fog), stay for the French toast and breakfast burritos.

Squawk Cafe Review

Dining Guides
Plate of BBQ chicken and potato filling from Kauffman's in Bethel
— Leave a Comment

Where to Get Potato Filling in Berks County

Berks County is still Pennsylvania Dutch country and there are few dishes that epitomize PA Dutch cooking like potato filling. Part mashed potatoes, part bread stuffing (with a whole lot of butter), the dish is comfort food to many who grew up here. And you can still get good potato filling in Berks County if you know where to look. Whether for the holidays or anytime, here is a guide to finding your favorite side dish:

Restaurants Serving Potato Filling

Sausage with potato filling covered in gravy from the Deitsch Eck

Deitsch Eck
Lenhartsville

The Deitsch Eck, literally translated as “The Dutch Corner”, is the last traditional Pennsylvania Dutch restaurant in Berks County. Step inside to see hex signs and distlefinks and taste PA Dutch cooking including potato filling, scrapple and chow chow. And don’t miss the shoo fly pie for dessert.

Plate of BBQ chicken and potato filling from Kauffman's in Bethel

Kauffman’s Bar-B-Que Restaurant
Bethel

Known for their barbecue chicken, Kauffman’s in Bethel also is one of the places serving up potato filling as a side dish all year-round. Though not on the main menu, other PA Dutch specialties appear on the rotating specials menu, including chicken pot pie and baked beef heart.

Two chicken croquettes and a side of potato filling, smothered in gravy, from Temple Family Restaurant

Temple Family Restaurant
Temple

Chicken croquettes, baked meatloaf, roast turkey – all of these and more are available with a side (or bed) of potato filling at the Temple Family Restaurant.

Airport Diner
Kutztown

Though there is no airport next door anymore, the Airport Diner still offers potato filling, at least as a seasonal side in the fall and winter.

Sign reading "Bowers Hotel Since 1820"

Bowers Hotel
Bowers

Another restaurant that has potato filling among the rotating sides, the Bowers Hotel often includes it among weekly specials as a side for pork chops, baked ham and other entrees.

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

Crossroads Family Restaurant
Muhlenberg Township

Among the menu offerings, Crossroads Family Restaurant is serving potato filling as a side on the main menu. However, the dinner menu doesn’t offer much else in terms of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.

Heidelberg Family Restaurant
Robesonia

Diners at the Heidelberg Family Restaurant can enjoy potato filling with their meal any night of the week. For more PA Dutch flavors, stop by on Monday for all-you-can-eat chicken pot pie.

Main Street Pub
Bally

There aren’t many places to get potato filling in eastern Berks County, but Main Street Pub is one of those options with the dish available as one of the many side options on the menu.

Perry Restaurant
Shoemakersville

Another diner offering potato filling as one of the sides, Perry Restaurant features classic diner fare. Enjoy pork, chicken or turkey over a bed of filling, or order it as a side for your hot open face sandwich.

Route 61 Diner
Muhlenberg Township

The Route 61 Diner offers classic diner food – much of which comes served over potato filling, including chicken croquettes, smoked sausage, roast beef and roast turkey.

Farmers Markets

Betty’s at Fairgrounds Farmers Market
Muhlenberg Township

Betty’s Salads offers a number of soups, sides and salads at their stand at Fairgrounds Farmers Market, including potato filling (and a number of other Pennsylvania Dutch classics).

PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing
Wyomissing

You’ll find all kinds of local foods at the Wyomissing Farmers Market, including potato filling. Smucker’s Salads and Desserts offers a great take-and-heat version. They also do an excellent – and very non-Pennsylvania Dutch – pineapple filling.

2022 Holiday Sales

Seisholtzville Fire Company
Hereford Township

The Seisholtzville Fire Company is taking pre-orders for potato filling in time for Christmas. Pre-orders will be open from November 20 to December 18 with pickup on December 24. Filling will be available in 1.5 and 2.5-pound containers.

Oley Fire Company
Oley

Pre-Orders Closed – The Oley Fire Company holds an annual filling sale every November where you can pre-order two-pound containers for your Thanksgiving meal.

Pioneer Grange
Topton

Sold Out – The Pioneer Grange of Topton hosts an annual filling sale in advance of Thanksgiving.

Zion Lutheran Church
Womelsdorf

Sold Out – Zion Lutheran Church in Womelsdorf offers pans of (frozen) homemade potato filling each November.

Dining Guides
Hive Mixed Green Salad
— Leave a Comment

Where to Find Vegetarian and Vegan Food in Berks County

Whether you follow a meatless diet, are observing Lent, or are just looking for a plant-based meal, Berks County has you covered. Here’s a list of Berks County’s vegan restaurants and vegetarian dining options.

Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

A bowl of edamame, quinoa, chickpeas and cranberry from the Greenhouse Cafe

Greenhouse Café – Wyomissing

Located in the Bell Tower complex in Wyomissing, the Greenhouse Café serves plant-based breakfast and lunch items along with baked goods and café drinks. Greenhouse also opens for dinner service on Wednesdays and Fridays with rotating specials.

Hive Queen Bee Smoothie

HIVE – Kutztown

Open limited hours – Fridays and Saturdays only – HIVE is the go-to for plant-based brunch lunch in Kutztown. In addition to bowls, salads, and meatless burgers, HIVE has a small market with take-home kits and Vegan Treats desserts.

BBQ Jackfruit sandwich with side salad and dressing

Firefly Café & Outpost – Boyertown

When it first opened, Firefly Café was a full-service restaurant. Since COVID, the vegan café is takeout-only with limited hours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy vegan breakfasts (meatless breakfast sandwiches and toasts) and lunch (like beyond burgers and vegan mac n cheese). In addition to the café, Firefly also runs the Outpost, a vegan market where you can buy a variety of plant-based foods.

Vegetarian Mango Chicken from Chen Vegetarian House

Chen Vegetarian House

In West Reading, Chen Vegetarian House serves meatless versions of familiar Asian and Chinese dishes like General Tso’s chicken, orange-flavored beef, and teriyaki duck.

Note: Chen is temporarily closed from January 10 through April 30, 2022.

Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Options

Flatbread sandwich with spinach, avocado and tomato

Andy Pepper’s

For a breakfast and lunch-only joint, Andy Pepper’s in Limekiln has one of the most diverse menus in Berks County. And that includes plenty of vegan options, including oatmeal pancakes for breakfast, and vegan sausage, beyond burgers, and vegan chicken for lunch (the Phonie Joanie and Thin Lizzy are vegan while other sandwiches can be made vegan). The café also offers a range of homemade vegan (and gluten free) desserts.

Exterior of Farmhouse Kitchen Organics in West Reading

Farmhouse Kitchen

West Reading’s Farmhouse Kitchen offers a menu built on organic ingredients that also includes a number of vegan dishes. The menu changes seasonally but always includes salads, bowls, veggie burgers, and vegan baked oatmeal.

A vegan black bean and sweet potato burger with side of chips from Good Life Organics in Reading PA

Good Life Organics

Another organic cafe, Good Life Organics offers a range of vegan foods on the menu. These options include juices, bowls, salads, and sandwiches.

Fresh fruit aisle of Kimberton Whole Foods in Douglassville PA

Kimberton Whole Foods – Douglassville

While Kimberton Whole Foods doesn’t offer hot meals (except for soups), the store offers a variety of prepared meals that are vegan-friendly (like bean burritos, salads and quinoa burgers) along with a market full of plant-based foods.

Rangoli Indian Street Food Samosas

Rangoli Indian Street Food

Berks County’s Indian restaurants all offer vegetarian and vegan options, but Rangoli offers an entire menu section titled Vegetarian Village, with many of the options, like dal and chana, available in vegan versions.

For more Indian food choices, check out Laxmi’s Indian Grille and Nirvana Indian Bistro in Wyomissing.

Dining Guides
A view of the open kitchen, surrounded by a bar with stools at Judy's on Cherry
— Leave a Comment

Where to Eat During Berks Jazz Fest 2022

Berks Jazz Fest returns to Greater Reading April 1-10, 2022 and nothing goes better with live music than great food. Here is Berks County Eats’ guide to where to eat during Berks Jazz Fest:

Dinner (and Brunch) with Live Music

DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton Reading – Cheer’s American Bistro
Reading

Downtown Reading’s DoubleTree Hotel features one of the city’s best restaurants, Cheer’s American Bistro. With multiple venues, the DoubleTree is going to be a busy place, and a great place for dinner if you can snag a table. In addition to nightly shows, the DoubleTree is also hosting Jazz Brunch on Sunday, April 3 and 10 in their Grand Ballroom.

Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar
Reading

Reading’s most famous restaurant, the Peanut Bar hosts the traditional kick-off event for Jazz Fest, a lunchtime concert (this year on Friday, April 1 at 11:30 a.m.). Tip: The Peanut Bar has its own parking lot behind the restaurant on Cherry Street – no need for a parking meter.

The West Reading Motor Club will open in fall 2019 in the former A to Z Vacuum in West Reading

The Nitro Bar
West Reading

Known for its live music, West Reading’s Nitro Bar is hosting three concerts during Jazz Fest: Cullen and Company on April 5; Dirk Quinn Band on April 6; and Non-Zero Sum Guitar Trio on April 7.

More Great Restaurants Nearby

The exterior of Canal Street Pub features a large sign with their logo: a bridge over the Schuylkill River

Canal Street Pub & Restaurant
Reading

Canal Street is a favorite for craft beer lovers. It’s also a favorite spot during Jazz Fest.

Saucony Creek Franklin Station Brewpub Interior

Saucony Creek Franklin Station Brewpub
Reading

Saucony Creek’s Reading location is just a few short blocks away from the DoubleTree and a great option for a meal and drinks before the show.

A view of the open kitchen, surrounded by a bar with stools at Judy's on Cherry

Judy’s on Cherry
Reading

Judy’s on Cherry, one of Reading’s premier finer dining spots, has hosted Jazz Fest events in the past. Along with its sister restaurant, the Speckled Hen Cottage & Pub, it makes a great place for dinner and drinks before or after concerts at the city’s venues.

Mi Casa Su Casa Cafe
Reading

A staple of downtown Reading featuring authentic Caribbean cuisine, Mi Casa Su Casa Cafe is a great place for breakfast or lunch in the city.

Lang Restaurant in Reading, PA

Lang Restaurant
Reading

Enjoy authentic Vietnamese food at Lang Restaurant in Reading. Lang is located on 6th Street, just a block south of the Santander Performing Arts Center which is hosting a number of events during Jazz Fest.

Looking for more options? Check out our Berks County Restaurant Directory to see all 550 local dining options in Reading and Berks County, Pa.

Dining Guides Uncategorized
Sal's Pizza Style Stromboli Pizza
— Leave a Comment

Our Favorite Pizza in Berks County

In more than eight years of Berks County Eats, we have tried some of the best pizza in Berks County. While there are still plenty more to go, these five are the favorites we have found so far:

Nonno Alby’s Brick Oven Pizza – West Reading

Best Pizza: Nonno Alby's

Nonno Alby’s was really the first restaurant to bring artisan, brick oven pizza to Berks County, and they still do it better than anyone else. The namesake Nonno Alby’s pizza is probably my favorite around.

Nonno Alby’s Review

The Original Mama’s Pizza – Sinking Spring

The Original Mama’s Pizza has two locations – Sinking Spring and Wyomissing – and neither have ever let us down. Their traditional pies are very good, but we also like their stuffed slices for a quick lunch or dinner.

Mama’s Pizza Review

Romano’s Chicago Style Pizza – Reading

Deep-dish pizza is not the norm in Berks County so when I found Romano’s in 2014, I was very excited. Their Chicago-style pie did not disappoint and remains a favorite of ours to this day.

Romano’s Review

Sal’s Pizza Style – Birdsboro

Sal's Pizza Style Stromboli Pizza

Sal’s is your typical neighborhood pizza place, but with exceptional service and the one-of-a-kind pizza Stromboli that everyone should try at least once. The restaurant has new owners as of January 2022 but Sal has been helping them during the transition so we expect to see the same quality moving forward.

Sal’s Pizza Style Review

Mangia – Mohnton

Brick oven pizza with red sauce ladeled on top of the cheese

Mangia is one of one of our favorite restaurants in Berks County period. While we usually get dinners on our visits, we have always enjoyed their pizza – I especially like their brick oven pies like the red and white and margherita.

Mangia Review

More Great Pizza in Berks County

Bella’s Subs and Pizza, Wyomissing: Located practically next door to Mama’s (see above), I haven’t had Bella’s near as much, but I always have enjoyed it – especially the grandma pizza. Read Review

Paradise by the Slice, Wernersville: A multi-time award winner for their pizza, Paradise by the Slice definitely has earned the accolades. Read Review

P&J’s Pizza, Womelsdorf: P&J’s was our go-to pizza place when I was growing up in western Berks and still a go-to for our family when we visit (the sandwiches are excellent, too). Read Review

TommyBoy’s Pizza & Cafe, Kutztown: TommyBoy’s not only has good pizza, but they have “bigger-than-your-face” slices. Read Review

Russo Gourmet Foods Market, Shillington: Russo has some of the best Italian food in Berks County (which is why they supply so many other places) and the thick-crust pizza slices available in the market are very good, as well. Read Review

Want more? Browse all of our pizza reviews here.

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

Dining Guides