Best of the Best: Casual Spots
Bored Trading Cafe
139 W. Gay St., West Chester
484-947-0802 / BoredTradingCafe.com
Opened in West Chester in November and open most mornings at 7 a.m. for early birds, Bored Trading Cafe is a dynamic pop-up eatery with locations in Center City (planned for Ardmore). Expect casual dining with an elevated twist, including handhelds, smash burgers, inventive toasts and matcha lattes. Whether you’re grabbing a bagel and latte to go or sitting down for a full meal, you’ll find bold flavors and cozy vibes.
Jackson Street Steaks
110 S. Jackson St., Media
JacksonStreetSteaks.com
Looking for the Philly classic without the drive to the city? Then head to Media and Jackson Street Steaks (once it opens). Enjoy a European vibe along with city faves like cheesesteaks, hoagies and burgers, while the bar pours beers from Meyers Brewing Company. Media resident and co-owner Pete Kada looks forward to bringing great cheesesteaks to the ’burbs.
Nanu’s Hot Chicken
314 S. High St., West Chester
610-840-6008 / NanusHotChicken.co
All natural, never frozen, Nashville hot chicken. Nanu’s Hot Chicken kicked off their grand opening in West Chester as the fourth or sixth hot chicken spot (if you count national chains) with a free food giveaway, a great way to gather fans (44k Instagram followers over four states). The cheesy, spicy, over-the-top fries are another. You’ll likely need a refreshing sweet smoothie to calm your palate. Watch for plans for a charity section to help others like the founders’ little brother Nanu.
Oola Bowls
16 E. Gay St., West Chester
610-978-9380 / OolaBowls.com
Say ooh la la for this nutrition-focused brand started at Lancaster Central Market, now with locations from Maine to Florida. When the West Chester shop opened (more Chester County spots planned, including Malvern), it became the Borough’s fourth açai spot. Oola also offers pitaya bowls, fruit smoothies, Oola bites (peanut butter, Nutella, PB chip), healthy snacks, plus an at-home açai bowl kit. Add fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for the full effect.
Taqueria Los Poblanos
445 Hannum Ave., West Chester
484-908-8680 / @Tacos_WC
Starting as a food truck at a Shell Station, Taqueria Los Poblanos quickly became a West Chester fave, now with a red-and-yellow, brick-and- mortar location (Sam’s Pizza Island). This family business is known for authentic flavors of street tacos, including lengua, tripa and chorizo tacos, birria burritos, quesadilla, tostadas and quesabirria. Open daily, with late-night weekend hours (10 p.m.) for takeout and delivery.