styrofoam clamshell with a pulled pork sandwich and fries from Mountaintop Bistro
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Review: Mountaintop Bistro at Bouchette Vineyards

setting sun illuminating the side of a large yellow-tinted building with a pergola and food truck in front

Tucked away in the northwest corner of Berks County, the village of Bethel is a quaint little country crossroads. It feels a world away for many in the other corners of Berks County, though it’s an easy side trip for thousands of motorists traveling I-78 every day. 

If you exit the Interstate, you’ll find a couple blocks of old buildings, including at least one log cabin that’s been added on to. It’s mostly residential with only a few businesses, one of those being Bouchette Vineyards & Winery. 

black painted food truck with a circular white logo that reads "Mountaintop Bistro Est. 2025"

Bouchette opened the winery in 2017. In May 2025, they added something new: an on-site food truck called the Mountaintop Bistro. 

We hadn’t visited the Bouchette before, but the menu at the food truck features two of our favorite things, smash burgers and BBQ, so we had to make the 30-minute drive from Wyomissing to check them out. 

outdoor tables and chairs, including firepits and wicker sofas under a pergola

We pulled in around 5 p.m. on a Saturday night, Julie and I taking advantage of a babysitter to have a night to ourselves. There was a couple waiting for food and another person waiting to order when we got into line. We had to wait a couple minutes to place our order as the food truck was a one-man show, with one person both taking and making the orders. 

But that gave us time to figure out what we wanted. Then knowing that we had a few minutes before the food would be ready, we headed inside to check out the winery options. 

wooden shelf filled with bottles of wine and cans of hard cider

Bottles of various varietals and vintages line the shelves inside the door. There is also an assortment of hard cider in cans in one corner. 

The bar is small with four chairs and room for another person or two to stand. In addition to wines and ciders, they also offer wine slushies. (The featured flavor while we were there: black cherry merlot). 

bar at a winery with four stools in front of a metal bar structure

Julie sampled some of the wines and ciders and decided to pick up two cans of cider to take home while enjoying a glass (or plastic cup, in this case) of Daybreak, their strawberry wine. Julie is a fan of sweet wines, and this one was on the sweeter side but not overly so. It had a freshness to it with a subtle strawberry flavor that she really enjoyed. 

styrofoam clamshell with a smashburger and fries from Mountaintop Bistro

She sipped it while she ate her Classic Smash smashburger. It featured two three-ounce patties on a Brioche roll with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup and burger sauce (and mustard, which Julie opted out of). 

The burgers were made fresh, and the patties had good flavor on their own. And there was plenty of fresh flavor coming from the toppings, too. The Brioche roll was the perfect choice because it held everything together nicely.

styrofoam clamshell with a pulled pork sandwich and fries from Mountaintop Bistro

Not being a drinker, myself, I settled for a can of Sunkist to go with my pulled pork sandwich. That was my choice for dinner, and it was a good one. The pork is marinated in their apple hard cider and topped with coleslaw on the same Bricoche bun. 

The pork was perfect. I could taste hints of the cider in every bite, kind of like how you can taste the subtle notes of the alcohol in a whiskey BBQ sauce. The coleslaw was also very good, the cabbage adding a little crunch to the dish. 

Both of our meals came served with French fries (and their French fry dipping sauce). They were absolutely delicious: fresh cut and reminiscent of the Oley Fair fries. The dipping sauce was like a Chick-fil-A Sauce. I passed on it, but Julie liked it. 

picnic tables on a lawn next to a pavilion filled with bistro tables and chairs

There are three distinct seating areas at the winery: a pergola with cushioned chairs and fire pits; a pavilion with bistro tables and chairs; and a collection of uncovered picnic tables. Even though others came and went while we were there, we had the pavilion to ourselves so Julie and I sat and talked long after our meal was done. 

We were there long enough that we decided to go back inside to pick up a couple bottles of wine to take home (including the Daybreak that she had just enjoyed). 

corner of a small room with vintage and country decor including hand-painted vertical welcome signs against a wall on the left and paintings hanging in the far corner

In all, we spent $25 at the food truck and about $50 for wine and cider. And though Julie and I enjoyed our date night, the setup makes it a place where we could bring the kids if we wanted. 

And maybe we will next time (I’m sure there will be a next time) because both the winery and the Mountaintop Bistro exceeded our expectations. 

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

Mountaintop Bistro
at Bouchette Vineyards & Winery
9684 Old US Route 22
Bethel, PA 19507

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clamshell container with a brisket sandwich with coleslaw and fried onions on a potato roll
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Review: The Messy Pig BBQ

sign over a food truck reading "The Messy Pig" with a cartoon pig

More than a decade ago, the first BBQ spot we visited on Berks County Eats was a small roadside trailer called Muddy’s. It was the standard that we measured all over BBQ by – both in terms of its unique location and the delicious food. 

Unfortunately, Muddy’s is now long-gone. But from Hillbilly BBQ’s trailer near Douglassville to Backwoods Brothers and their Texas-style ‘cue in Hamburg to the ever-growing Stampede BBQ on the way to Morgantown, there is still great BBQ to be found in all corners of Berks County. 

And it’s the Messy Pig that anchors western Berks. 

black dry erase boards with menu and prices for a BBQ food truck

Though it has a permanent location in Womelsdorf, The Messy Pig primarily operates as a food truck, bringing its smoked meats to locations and events through Berks and Schuylkill Counties. Check their Facebook page to find out “wtf – where’s the food?”. 

The Messy Pig brand debuted in 2020, run by the namesake of the former Darryl’z in nearby Stouchsburg. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to try many of their delicious offerings. 

long line leading up to a food truck with an awning that reads "The Messy Pig BBQ"

Our most recent visit came in early March during the annual Presto event at Fleetwood High School. The annual fundraiser for the school district’s music program brings in five or more food trucks and stands every year, and the Messy Pig has been one of the anchors, offering the largest menu of any of the participants. 

The line was long but 15 minutes later I was at the front and soon I had my sandwich in hand as I filled a couple containers with sauce, of which there are a dozen flavors to choose from.

clamshell container with a brisket sandwich with coleslaw and fried onions on a potato roll

I ordered the Texas style brisket sandwich which came topped with coleslaw and onion tanglers. The brisket was very good, and the hefty roll was piled high with slabs of tender, moist brisket. The ends have a nice peppery after taste that I really enjoyed. 

Normally, I prefer slaw on pulled pork rather than brisket, but I really like the Messy Pig’s vinegary coleslaw and the notes it adds to the meat. 

pulled pork sandwich in a clamshell package

The Messy Pig also does a great job with its pulled pork. Like the brisket, pulled pork sandwiches come piled high with meat – they definitely don’t cheat you on the portions. I got the Plain Porker for mine, which as the name suggests, comes without any toppings, but their namesake Messy Pig sandwich is worth trying. It’s pork topped with cheese, slaw, pickles and jalapenos. 

The hardest part on my visits is choosing which of their sauces to get, which is why I always end up with at least two little cups of sweet sauce.

One other underrated aspect of the Messy Pig is that they serve Guers iced tea, a must-have for me every time I am at their stand. 

As much as we enjoy the food, we love their prices. Sandwiches top out at $12 each (for brisket) and platters, which come with mac and cheese and either slaw or beans, are under $20. 

Brisket, pork, chicken, sausage: the Messy Pig has you covered. Just ask “wtf” to find them.

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

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tray with two sandwiches, a boat of mac and cheese, a boat of coleslaw and a drink in a disposable coke cup
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Where to Get the Best BBQ in Berks County

It’s not hard to find good barbecue in Berks County. From roadside trailers to sit-down restaurants, you’ll find delicious pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, chickens and more at these Berks County BBQ spots. 

tray with two sandwiches, a boat of mac and cheese, a boat of coleslaw and a drink in a disposable coke cup

Stampede Barbecue
Morgantown

If we’re talking about straight-up barbecue joints, Stampede Barbecue is my favorite in Berks County. The large wooden building near Plowville feels like a barbecue place. And they do all the meats – ribs, pork, brisket, chicken, turkey, sausage – and they do all of them well. I am a big fan of the Aimee – smoked chicken with spicy sauce and honey. Also, don’t skip the hush puppies on the side.

Read Our Review of Stampede BBQ
roadside trailer with the words "hillbilly bbq" on the side

Hillbilly BBQ
Douglassville

Hillbilly BBQ is the classic roadside BBQ trailer. I used to love driving up to the Muddy’s trailer along Pricetown Road. Parking in the gravel parking lot of Hillbilly BBQ gives me the same feeling. You just know the BBQ is going to be good before you even taste it. And then it’s everything you hoped for and more.

Read Our Review of Hillbilly BBQ
paper plate filled with a variety of bbq - pulled pork, smoked sausage and fried okra

Backwoods Brothers Authentic Texas Cuisine
Hamburg

Texas-style barbecue at its best, Backwoods Brothers serves excellent ‘cue from their space in downtown Hamburg. The go-to here has to be the brisket, but don’t sleep on their smoked sausage.

Read Our Review of Backwoods Brothers
brisket sandwich and chips on a white plate

Heart & Hearth Deli  & Smokehouse
Kutztown

When Heart & Hearth arrived in Kutztown, it was with a stand at the Renninger’s market. That’s where I first discovered them back in 2023. Today, they have a spot right on Main Street where they are serving unique barbecue dishes like the heatloaf sandwich, a meatloaf blend of beef, pork and jalapenos, as well as more traditional pork, brisket and sausage with sweet and spicy sauces.

Read Our Review of Heart & Hearth
sign over a food truck reading "The Messy Pig" with a cartoon pig

The Messy Pig
Womelsdorf

A mobile business first, the Messy Pig can be found at pop-ups and events across Berks and Schuylkill Counties. They have excellent pulled pork and brisket, along with a wide range of topping options and a table full of sauces. They also open their store in Womelsdorf on select dates – just be sure to pre-order before they run out.

Read Our Review of the Messy Pig
A takeout container with a beef sandwich and fries

Plum Creek Farm & Market
Bernville

While I enjoy Plum Creek’s pulled pork, it’s the pit beef that puts Plum Creek on this list. While it’s not too dissimilar to brisket, the pit beef is pulled and more tender. And Plum Creek’s sweet sauce just works with it. Get it with or without cheese, or try it on the Bernville special (a bed of fries topped with pit beef and cheese sauce).

Read Our Review of Plum Creek Farm & Market
white plate with a rack of ribs and a cup of cinnamon apples

Austin’s
West Lawn

No, Austin’s is not a BBQ joint. But, I absolutely love Austin’s ribs. They are fall-off-the-bone tender and smothered in a deliciously sweet barbecue sauce. Austin’s also does a good pulled pork – both as an entree and a sandwich – with hearty portions.

Read Our Review of Austin’s
tray covered in checkered tablecloth with a bowl of barbecue, a pulled pork sandwich and a side of tots

Station House Grille
Temple

The unassuming white building along Tuckerton Road has some of the best pulled pork around. Located in a converted house, Station House Grille is a small shop with big flavor. Their pulled pork taco sliders – with their delicious coleslaw – are a staple at food events across the county, but you’ll also find shredded beef and shredded chicken on the menu.

Read Our Review of Station House Grille
pulled pork sandwich from K'Town Pub

K’Town Pub
Kutztown

When I was in college, the K’Town Pub wasn’t much to speak of. But now, they’re known for their barbecue. I enjoy the pork and brisket – you can also get the brisket on a cheesesteak – with the apple butter barbecue sauce. The Pub also offers a spicy sauce, Carolina vinegar sauce, Alabama white sauce and a tangy KC sauce.

Read Our Review of K’Town Pub

Are we missing some great BBQ? Let us know in the comments below or by emailing zach@berkscountyeats.com.

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square plate with a crepe topped with blueberries and a cream drizzle
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Review: PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing

view of an aisle at Wyomissing Farmers market with white tile floors, seats to the left, and coffee beans in glass jars on display to the right

Almost since it opened in 2010, we have been making weekly trips to the PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing. 

In those 15 years, we have seen the market explode in popularity, especially with its dine-in options. The market grew to the point where it underwent an expansion in early 2025, allowing the stands to increase their offerings while adding more seating for dine-in. 

Interestingly, there are actually fewer vendors today than when the market opened, but it still retains its original character with each stand being completely unique to the others. 

With our weekly trips, we have had more than our fair share of breakfast and lunch at the market and certainly found our favorites, both old and new. 

Indoor farmers market stand with food in warming trays behind a glass display

Fisher’s BBQ

Fisher’s has traditionally been my go-to spot for a hot meal at the market. The stand serves a wide range of meats and sides with a focus on BBQ meats like BBQ chicken, pulled pork and ribs while also offering fried chicken, pot roast and other savory entrees. 

overhead photo of a paper plate with three compartments - one with pot roast, one with mashed potatoes, one with green beans

My favorite entree is the pot roast. It’s always exceptionally juicy with a little peppery taste to it that I enjoy. It’s not so much barbecue as it is a take on a diner classic. 

If I’m not ordering the pot roast, I’m getting their chicken tenders. They are simple, but oh so good. I especially love their housemade barbecue sauce for dipping. It’s sweet and a little tangy and just seems to match up perfectly with the fried breast meat. 

overhead photo of a paper plate with three compartments, one with three chicken fingers, one with potato wedges, and one with roasted carrots

On the side, I have three that I really like, which makes it tough to choose because platters only include two choices. 

Rarely do I get a platter without an order of their potato wedges. The seasoned wedges are better than most French fries that I’ve tried (also great for dipping in the BBQ sauce). I also really enjoy their carrots, whole carrots that are cooked until tender. But then there are the green beans, which are served with bacon and a little bit of BBQ sauce. 

I know I can’t go wrong with any of those choices, especially with all of them priced around the $10 mark. 

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

indoor farmers market stand with a counter that is filled with stuffed pretzels

Soft Pretzel Corner

If we’re feeding our family, this is usually our go-to stand. The Soft Pretzel Corner specializes in stuffed pretzel wraps, though you can get plain pretzels, sweet-filled dessert pretzels and ice cream. 

My favorite among the savory options is the brisket wrap, which features beef brisket, mushrooms and Cooper Sharp. Though they do have a cheesesteak wrap that includes American cheese and steak meat, the brisket wrap feels more like a really good cheesesteak to me. And I love how the saltiness of the pretzel meshes with the creamy cheese to create a unique flavor profile. 

soft pretzel log on a piece of alumnimum foil with a cup of iced tea

Julie has her favorites, too. The brisket wrap is on the top of the list but the pizza wrap has been a favorite since the start of the market. It tastes like a pizza made with pretzel dough and is delicious. The chicken bacon ranch wrap is also a solid choice.

No matter what time of day we go, Jakob will always order a breakfast wrap: sausage, egg and cheese. It’s not much different than your typical breakfast sandwich, except with the added sweet and salty flavor of the pretzel. 

Pretzel wraps run about $5-7 each. You can also get their Auntie Anne’s style pretzels – which I think are much better – for around $2 apiece. 

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

Stoltzfus Luncheonette

white plate with an egg omelette, hash brown, wheat toast and two strips of bacon

Formerly the Sunrise Grille, Stoltzfus Luncheonette is the market’s breakfast and lunch counter, offering pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast favorites in the morning with hot and cold sandwiches and wraps at lunch. 

overhead view of a plate with blueberry pancakes

I like the other stands a little more for lunch, but the Luncheonette offers a solid breakfast. Pancakes are fluffy and hearty. And they have pretty good sides with their homefries and hash browns. 

BCE Rating
Food: Good
Service: Good
Price: $

menu page that reads "Crepe corner" with pictures of crepes

Crepe Corner

With the recent renovation of the restaurant, the Luncheonette expanded to include the Crepe Corner. Separate from the main dinette, the Crepe Corner has its own menu of sweet and savory crepes to choose from. 

square plate with a crepe topped with blueberries and a cream drizzle

On a recent visit, I tried the blueberry lemon crepe which had a cream cheese filling and came topped with blueberries, lemon sauce and powdered sugar. 

The combination of sweet with just a little bit of sour from the lemon cream was perfect. Each bite felt like an indulgence with the thin crepe serving as the perfect vessel for the fruit and cream. 

The crepes may be my new favorite food in the market, and they are priced right, too, with no crepe over the $10 mark. 

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

trays of donuts behind a glass display case

Becca’s Coffee & Donuts

Sometimes we’re in the mood for something a little sweet, and there is no better spot than Becca’s. Their donuts are probably our favorite in Berks County, indulgences that come iced or filled with cream and fruits. They also have unique toppings like Fruity Pebbles and Gummi Bears (Jakob’s favorite). 

I also can’t go without getting myself a chai. It’s very much the Americanized version of chai, and I’m not sure if there is any real tea in it (they are using a powder to make it each time), but it’s so sweet and surprisingly refreshing. 

Besides, it’s OK to splurge every now and then, right? 

And the market is a great place to treat yourself with good food without breaking the bank.  

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

PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing
845 Woodland Road
Wyomissing, PA 19610

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Original Post: January 2014

Woman in Amish dress serves a customer at the counter of the Sunrise Grille

Editor’s Note: The Sunrise Grille at the PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing is now closed. A new stand – Stoltzfus Luncheonette – operates in its place. Fisher’s BBQ continues to operate as it has since the market opened.

There are hundreds of farmers markets across the state of Pennsylvania, with dozens of them spread throughout Berks County.

From roadside stands to indoor/outdoor markets with 100s of vendors, all of these markets deliver fresh produce, locally raised meats and delicious baked goods.

Farmers markets support area farm families, boost the local economy and help customers find healthy ingredients for home-cooked meals.

They are also a great place to get amazing meals.

I am lucky enough to live within walking distance of Berks County’s best farmers markets. Now in its third year, the PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing only has 14 stands, but every one of them is different.

There’s a stand for seafood, one for bulk foods, another for soft pretzels and separate stands for beef, poultry, seafood, deli meats and organics. The same is true for their dine-in options: the Sunrise Grill and Fisher’s BBQ.

The two stands are set directly across from each other at the back of the market. Fisher’s sits in the far-right corner. Beef brisket, ribs and barbecued chicken swelter under the heat lamps in the display case.

Everything is hot and ready-to-serve. Catch the stand at the wrong time though, and you may need to wait a while. Friday nights are all-you-can-eat nights, and the line backs up quickly.

plate with pulled pork, green beans and carrots

The best entree on the menu has to be the pulled pork. It’s cliché, but the meat really is tender and juicy. Instead of loading the meat up with barbecue sauce, I mix it with a side of green beans, which are mixed with a little bit of sauce and bacon. The beans are delicious, and the juice helps bring out more flavor in the pork.

Every platter at Fisher’s comes with two sides so for your second, I recommend the carrots. The carrots have a crispy outer coating, with charred black edges, but inside they are a beautiful vibrant orange and sweet as honey. And if that’s not sweet enough for you, grab a cup of fresh-brewed sweet tea to complete your meal.

Across the aisle, the Sunrise Grill serves up some great breakfast options like French toast, omelets and pancakes, but I love it for lunch.

sausage sandwich topped with onions, peppers and barbecue sauce

Sunrise offers some great cold and hot sub options for lunch and dinner. They’re sausage sandwiches are excellent (especially if you get the pepper and onion sausage) and come with a “barbecue” sauce, a thin sauce with a taste closer to ketchup than barbecue, but perfect for the sandwich.

plate of French toast with a side of homefries

But my favorite meal at Sunrise Grill is their hot roast beef. The meat is so tender, more like pot roast than the slabs of roast beef you get at some diners, and it is piled high on top of a Kaiser roll.

I rarely get something at Sunrise Grill without a side of fries. They are fresh cut, not frozen fast food fries. For me, these are the kind of fries that just taste that much better with a spritz of vinegar.

Like every farmers market, the prices at these two stands are very reasonable. Platters at Fisher’s range between $8-12, and a sandwich, fries and drink at Sunrise Grill comes in right around the $10 mark.

The biggest downside to the market, and any farmers market for that matter, is the hours. The market is only open three days a week, Thursdays through Saturdays, and only have evening hours on Friday nights. If you have a supersized appetite, Friday night is the best time to go because Fisher’s offers some great all-you-can-eat specials for the price of a single meal.

BCE Rating – Fisher’s BBQ
Food: Good
Service: Very Good
Ambiance: Good
Price: Very Reasonable

BCE Rating – Sunrise Grille
Food: Good
Service: Fair
Ambiance: Good
Price: Reasonable

PA Dutch Farmer’s Market of Wyomissing
845 Woodland Rd
Wyomissing, PA 19610

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

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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

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

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large statue of a chicken behind a short red fence
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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

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pulled pork sandwich from K'Town Pub
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Review: K’Town Pub

neon lights in a window next to a wooden door with the words K'Town Pub

It’s been more than a decade since I graduated from Kutztown University. While I was there, I visited quite a few of the restaurants along Main Street – many are gone but many are still there, some exactly as they were and others under new management. 

If you’ve followed my blog, you know I’m not a drinker so one place I didn’t spend a lot of time during college was at the bar. So I never had a reason to check out the Kutztown Pub – or just “The Pub” to students. 

Things are different now – not with me (I still don’t drink) but with the pub. It’s not just a dive bar anymore, it’s also a place to get some really good barbecue. 

tables and chairs on a hardwood floor at K'Town Pub

The Pub rebranded in 2014 – renamed K’Town Pub Taphouse & BBQ to better reflect the new focus on both beer and food. A year later the space got a necessary makeover and is still looking pretty good to this day. 

My first visit came in late 2023. I was by myself, stopping in at the Pub after a day working from the Ktown Hall coworking space. I went in by myself around 5 p.m. It was a light crowd, still early, and I grabbed a table for myself along the wall opposite the bar. 

The menu is small as there isn’t much of a kitchen to speak of. Beyond barbecue, there are burgers, tacos, nachos and mac and cheese. But I was there for ‘cue so I ordered my go-to: pulled pork. 

cardboard food boat filled with a pulled pork sandwich topped with pickled red onion with a side of potato chips

K’town Pub’s pulled pork comes topped with apple slaw, pickled red onion and your choice of sauce. 

The sandwich was very enjoyable. Savory meat mixed with the sweet sauce – I chose the apple butter bbq sauce – and the slight sour notes of the pickled onions made for a great sandwich. 

As mentioned earlier, the menu is limited. There’s no fryer so fries aren’t an option. Instead, every sandwich is served with a basic handful of chips and a pickle, not bad, but nothing exciting. 

My meal was good enough that a few months later, I returned, this time with Julie. Like me, Julie had never visited the Pub during her time in Kutztown, not that it was anything like back then anyway. 

beef brisket sandwich topped with pickeld red onions with chips and a cup of bbq sauce

Julie ordered the beef brisket, which like my pulled pork sandwich came topped with the same slaw and onions, and she liked it just as much. Normally, I’m a pulled pork guy but I think I liked the brisket just a little bit more than the pork. 

I also really liked the smoked meatloaf sandwich that I ordered on this visit. 

meatlaof sandwich drizzled with bbq sauce next to a side of chips

This was not your typical meatloaf. Instead, the patty was ground beef mixed with pulled pork, bacon, caramelized onions and peppers. (When I ordered it, I actually thought a few of these would be toppings instead of mix-ins). 

It was very good, but also very rich. The pulled pork gave a very different texture. I really liked the caramelized onions which were strewn throughout for a nice little subtle sweet hit. 

I skipped the American cheese and ate it with just barbecue sauce on top, but it was delicious like that. The only issue is that it fell apart easily – likely a result of the inclusion of the pulled pork. 

All in all, we both enjoyed our meals – Julie’s first and my second at the Pub. 

And likely we’ll enjoy a meal there again. 

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

K’Town Pub
257 W Main Street
Kutztown, PA 19530

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Review: Allgyer’s BBQ Corner

Allgyer's BBQ Corner features two warming tables full of meats and sides.

A few years ago, I dedicated a month to exploring the Fairgrounds Farmers Market and trying some of the many restaurants and food stands that the crowded market offers.  But even with a few more visits thrown in, we’ve only covered about half the market.

When I started a new job in Muhlenberg Township, I knew that I would be spending many a Thursday and Friday in the market, revisiting meals from the past and checking off more places on my list.

One of the stands that I was anxious to try was Allgyer’s BBQ Corner.

Chipped meats, roasted potatoes, and baked beans are among the items available at Allgyer's.

Formerly known as the Country BBQ Corner, Allgyer’s sits next to Matt’s Coney Island near the center of the market. It’s a relatively large stand with two sets of warming tables holding an assortment of meats and sides.

I decided to make a pair of visits to the stand to get a broader taste of their offerings. On my first trip, I went with one of their dinner entrees – beef cubes.

Allgyer's served its beef cubes in a Styrofoam cup.

The cubes were served in a Styrofoam cup (either the server assumed I was taking it to go or she was afraid I wouldn’t find a seat and would need to take it to go).

Meals at Allgyer's are served with a dinner roll. They also offer fresh-brewed sweet tea.

It was packed with the chunks of roast beef of varying sizes. They weren’t bad, but I was hoping for a more tender meat. I had to use a knife to cut the larger pieces, not an easy task when they are in a cup. But the flavor was good, especially toward the bottom where the peppery spice had collected in the pool of juice. I would consider getting it again, but definitely not at lunch time, especially because it came served with two sides, a roll and a drink.

For my sides, I ordered carrots and potatoes.

The barbecue carrots were were rolled in aluminum foil to keep them hot.

The barbecue carrots were very similar to those that I’ve enjoyed at Fisher’s Barbecue at the PA Dutch Farmers Market of Wyomissing. They are my go-to at that stand, and I really enjoyed them here.

Instead of the standard fries or wedges, Allgyer's serves potato skins .

Allgyer’s potatoes were actually a little better than Fisher’s. Instead of cutting them into wedges or fries, they were cut more like potato skins so they had some size and depth to them. Fried up, they were still soft. They were probably my favorite part of this visit.

Two weeks later, I was back again. This time I was going to keep the meal a little lighter with a sandwich and one side.

Allgyer's pulled pork sandwich was topped with their homemade BBQ sauce.

The stand was advertising their new pulled pork sandwich with homemade barbecue sauce. I couldn’t resist.

It was a mixed bag for me. I liked the sauce – it was definitely on the sweeter side and very enjoyable. But the meat was otherwise dry. Instead of serving it with a cup of sauce on the side, my server put it on for me, and it wasn’t quite enough to overcome the dryness of the pork. If they had been tossed together or I had a little bit more sauce for dipping, I think it would have been a much better sandwich.

The sweet potatoes aren't much to look at, falling apart in the aluminum foil, but they were delicious.

But the sweet potatoes I had on the side made up for it. While they aren’t much to look at – so soft that they fell apart when wrapped in the foil – they were delicious. I love the flavor of sweet potatoes and Allgyer’s didn’t have to add much as far as seasoning. If I went back, it would be hard to decided between the regular and sweet potatoes for my side dish.

The best part of Allgyer’s, like many of the market stands, is the price. There’s so little overhead compared to a brick-and-mortar restaurant that stands can charge a much lower price. My two meals combined were less than $20.

Timing is everything with the line. Sometimes you have to take a number, othertimes you could be the only one at the counter and be served right away. I was lucky on both of my visits that I had no wait, leaving me plenty of time to find a seat and enjoy my lunch without having to rush to get back to the office.

Allgyer’s is another solid market stand, another piece of the diverse offerings at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market, and one that I would enjoy again.

BCE Rating
Food: Good
Service: Very Good
Ambiance: Fair
Price: A Bargain

Allgyer’s BBQ Corner
Fairgrounds Farmers Market
2934 N. 5th Street Hwy
Reading, PA 19605

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Review: Stampede Barbecue

sign with an image of a bull and the words "Stampede Barbecue Established 2012"

I love to see a business prosper and grow, especially when its a local eatery.

One of the local restaurants that has grown and seems to be thriving is Stampede Barbecue.

Wooden building with wooden picnic tables with red umbrellas and an arrow-shaped sign pointing right with the words "Main Entrance"

Stampede Barbecue, formerly known as Stampede Smokin’ Barbecue, opened at a new location along Route 10 in Plowville. Technically, Berks County gained a new restaurant with the opening (the former location was a few hundred yards across the line in Lancaster County).

The restaurant now sits in what was once a garden store. It has been completely transformed into a two-story barbecue joint that looks like it could have been plucked out of the South and dropped in south-central Berks County.

staircase painted black with the words "no youngin's allowed unaccompanied on stairs/loft" on one of the risers

The new location, unlike the old trailer, will operate year-round. And so far it also seems to be a boon for business. The line was nearly out the door when Julie, Jakob and I arrived with her parents on a recent Wednesday evening.

Our wait time to get to the front of the line was about 15 minutes. By the time we ordered, we were told that the pulled pork and ribs were both sold out. I looked behind us at a line that was now out the door and wondered how these customers were going to feel about it.

man ordering from the counter at Stampede Barbecue

But that is the chance you take with barbecue – when you’re serving meats that are smoked for 12 hours or more, it’s not like you can just make more. It’s also a sign that the restaurant serves great food. And there was no denying that during our visit.

tray with two barbecue sandwiches, a boat of macaroni and cheese, a boat of coleslaw and a disposable Coke cup

Most of my visits to the previous location – a stationary food truck with more parking than seating – were grab-and-go, as I bought meals to take home with me. This was a rare opportunity to sit down and enjoy everything at its freshest.

close-up of a sandwich with smoked turkey on a potato roll

I had really wanted a pulled pork sandwich but instead “settled” on smoked turkey. The sliced turkey breast was dipped in an au jus before being set on the potato roll (think a Martin’s roll, only a lot larger and more fresh).

I tried both of Stampede’s signature sauces – one sweet and one sweet and spicy – on the sandwich. I liked the sweet, but I didn’t think it fit very well with the turkey. But the spicy sauce mixed with the potato roll (which itself was already sweet) and the smoked turkey made for a delicious combination. However, the au jus was enough on its own and I would have been happy eating it without any sauce.

chopped beef brisket sandwich on a potato roll

Julie’s beef brisket sandwich was no less enjoyable. The brisket was sliced fresh and very juicy. For my taste, the brisket was better with the sweet sauce. I also can’t speak highly enough about the rolls and how much they did for enhancing our meals.

boat of fresh-cut French fries

We decided to split an order of fries, something that I don’t remember being on the menu at the other location (if it was, I don’t remember it. I do remember getting bags of Charles Chips, which I didn’t see at the new place). While the rest of the meal was ready when we paid, the fresh-cut fries were delivered fresh a short time later. To me, they were worth the wait.

boat of macaroni and cheese

Julie and I also ordered sides of our own. She really wanted to try the mac and cheese and I wanted some of their slaw. Both were very good, though I wouldn’t say they stood out among others that we have tried.

boat of creamy coleslaw

I did have an opportunity to try some of the BBQ beans that my in-laws had ordered, and they were great. It was closer to a chili than baked beans as far as flavor (my mother-in-law found them to be a little too spicy for her. I didn’t find them to be very spicy).

For Julie and I, our two meals with drinks ran us right around $30. That’s about average for a good barbecue place. Stampede’s entire menu is a la carte, there are no meals, per se, but the sides are reasonably priced so it all works out.

hand-written sign on a door that reads "pickins are slim, folks. We will have everything tomorrow"

By the time we left around 7 p.m., they were hanging a sign on the door that read “Pickins are slim, folks. We’ll have everything tomorrow.”

Good thing we didn’t arrive any later than we did or we may have been very disappointed.

But selling out is a good thing for Stampede. It reflects well on the food, and it means that the restaurant is doing a great business.

And that’s always a good thing for Berks County.

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

Stampede Barbecue
4372 Morgantown Rd
Mohnton, PA 19540

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