Best of the Best: Downingtown

Morning: The Coffee Cup

117 E. Lancaster Ave.
610-269-9336 / TheCoffeeCupOnline.com

Whether the egg came first or sliced bread is the best invention, Albert Menna made Downingtown better with both when he started The Coffee Cup diner in 1958. His family continues the tradition. They serve up great breakfasts at the counter or a table indoors or out at the brick building in the historic heart of Downingtown. Gobble up griddle cakes or cream chipped beef. Or start with the fave: a hot “mess” of your choice — combinations of eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, scrapple, sausage, bacon, ham and cheese — all chopped up and grilled to fill you up for the rest of the day.

Noon: Downingtown Diner

81 W. Lancaster Ave.
610-873-4545 / DTownDiner.com

Head to the Downingtown Diner where the fare is just plain good — jumbo hot dogs, crab patties that would make SpongeBob’s mouth water (SpongeBob fans will get it), roast beef and bacon clubs, fried honey-dipped chicken and celebrated fries. For breakfast at noon, ask for the Blob Special, available all day. The two eggs, two pancakes, home fries and meat pay homage to a horror scene in “The Blob,” filmed at the location in 1957. A new diner replaced the original in 2013 — an iconic silver diner with neon bright lights, red Coca-Cola fridge and ketchup bottle already on the table.

Night: Thorndale Inn

430 Bondsville Rd.
610-269-5455 / ThorndaleInn.com

The Thorndale Inn has been run by Sam Estephan since 1986, though the property dates back to 1698, when it was bought from William Penn. Operated as a farm until 1938, the owners then converted it to a restaurant. Initially called the Dutch Cupboard and then until 1974 the Dutch Arms, Covattas Thorndale changed its name to the Thorndale Inn. Today, it retains the warmth of a country inn and features a strong steak game (New York strip, prime rib, beef Wellington), as well as seafood options and Italian specialties. A place for dinner and history, plus surprising karaoke and lottery tickets — it sold a $5 million winner in 2023.

Night: Pomod’oro Pizza & Italian Restaurant

200 Chestnut St.
610-873-0405 / PomodoroDowningtown.com

Tony Cataldo grew up in Sicily, watching his parents and sisters cooking — aromas of garlic, onions, parmesan, the glory of fresh tomatoes, basil. The experience stuck. At 16 and virtually penniless, he followed his dream of opening a restaurant, eventually to Malvern, where he and a partner founded Anthony’s in 1993 to great success. Then 22 years later, he and his wife built on that legacy, opening a second restaurant, Pomod’oro, that’s brought classic Italian cooking to Downingtown crowds. Today, Pomod’oro features seafood, pastas, pizza and other Italian specialties just like Tony learned to cook in Sicily and has become a mainstay at this location, too.

Happy Hour: Victory Brewing Company

420 Acorn Ln.
610-873-0881 / Downingtown.VictoryBeer.com

Boyhood friends Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet devoted themselves to crafting innovative, full-flavored beers and founded Victory Brewing in 1996. Victory grew and began opening taprooms and acquiring smaller beer companies about 15 years ago. Today it has five plants, seven taprooms and 20 different beers. But Downingtown remains its flagship. On Sundays, come for its NFL Blitz, with $2 discounts on beer, wine and highballs. Monday is for its award-winning Monkey drafts. Wednesdays and Thursdays offer wings and burger specials. Fridays, fill a growler or crowler with money left over for food. You know Victory’s classic brews and where to enjoy them.

Don’t Miss: Whatever’s in the Old Mill — now La Sponda

20 E. Lancaster Ave.
484-593-4488 / LaSponda.com

We’re pushovers for dining with a water view, so visiting the many restaurants in the historic mill along the Brandywine River is a given. Since 2021 that’s been La Sponda (meaning water’s edge), which survived Covid then Hurricane Ida and followed Firecreek, Barra Rosa and Milito’s restaurants. So, go ahead and take a seat at La Sponda’s long bar anchoring the cozy dining room accented with old stone walls and modern leather booths. Better yet, in warm weather, head for the creekside patio to enjoy fresh seafood and homemade pasta dishes. Happy Hour, weekdays, 4 to 6, is another reason to visit for meatballs, fried calamari, short rib egg rolls and more.