Best of the Best: Downingtown

Morning: Green Street Grill

150 E. Pennsylvania Ave.
610-873-1700 / GreenStGrill.com

Green Street Grill is a bustling grill focusing on eggs, plate-size pancakes, cinnamon swirl French toast, 10 kinds of gourmet omelets — you can also build your own — and eight kinds of Benedicts. Signature breakfasts include chicken and waffles, Camacho’s nachos (tortillas with eggs, chicken, chorizo, cheese, black beans, sour cream, cilantro), the Telly (eggs, hash browns, green peppers, onions and cheese scrambled with spicy andouille sausage and choice of meat) and about eight other combinations. In a downtown shopping center, the restaurant is described by locals as quirky, bright, clean, unpretentious, casual and family-friendly, with fast, friendly service.

Morning: The Farmhouse Coffee & Espresso Bar

115 W. Lancaster Ave.
610-269-1400 / FarmhouseCoffee.com

It’s early. Very early. Need coffee? The Farmhouse Coffee & Espresso Bar, owned by Dana and Pete Petrizzio and open since 2017, is known for its specialty coffee, crafted beverages and espresso drinks, plus its highly praised, baked-daily dessert selection. Its fruit tart was described by a Yelp reviewer as “possibly one of the best baked goods” tasted in many years. Its scones also are regarded as excellent. No wonder that Downingtowners find it a popular spot for morning pick-me-ups and casual meetups.

Noon: Downingtown Diner

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

At night, the giant “DINER” sign shines over the entrance and declares it “open 24 hours.” It’s where scenes from “The Blob” were filmed (though not the same diner). There are jukeboxes at the booths, and it’s where to take a casual date. In short, the Downingtown Diner is “so retro.” For lunch, the menu is more diverse than you’d expect, offering not only burgers, club sandwiches, French fries and wings — we love the onion rings — but also salads, steaks, seafood, pasta, sandwiches and wraps. And they serve a Blob Special — eggs, home fries, pancakes and choice of meat — all day.

Night: Myrtos

47 W. Lancaster Ave.
610-514-0000 / MyrtosRestaurant.com

Myrtos is a Greek and Mediterranean BYOB, inspired by the owners’ family roots in Kefalonia, Greece. The vision is to bring authentic Greek cuisine to Downingtown. The menu includes dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, fresh grilled seafood, authentic gyro platters, falafel and Greek salads. Its Taste of Greece special features octopus, saganaki, lamb chops and more, while desserts include baklava and other traditional Greek pastries and cakes. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the community has embraced the restaurant since its opening. Hear the strumming of the bouzouki.

Happy Hour: Station Taproom

207 W. Lancaster Ave.
484-593-0560 / StationTaproom.com

Meeting friends after hours? Across the street from the Downingtown rail stop, Station Taproom is a popular gastropub, known for its rotating craft beer selection, comfort food and its casual atmosphere. It’s a hip, cozy hangout with a trendy atmosphere, perfect for Happy Hour. Its beer list changes often, including American and hazy IPAs from various brewers. It also offers lagers and pilsners, stouts and sours, and some Belgian and European styles. As you quaff your brew, a pulled pork sandwich is an ideal accompaniment. Pork taquitos, chicken pretzel bites, chicken quesadillas or zucchini fritters are also available.

Happy Hour: Victory Brewing Company

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

At Happy Hour, Downingtowners visit the home of one of the best craft breweries in the country, Victory Brewing, and enjoy the discount. From 4 to 6 weekdays, they’ll get $2 off on drafts — there are over 30 — wine, spirits and shareables. Weekday deals on food include wings for $1 off on Wednesday or $8 for a burger on Thursday. On Fridays, it’s 20% off of beer to take home. Kids also enjoy the menu and eat free on Sundays. Note: Victory’s dining room is top-notch, serving a full menu of shareables, handhelds, salads and pizzas.

Gem: Dressler Estate Cidery & Bar

112 E. Lancaster Ave.
484-693-0918 / DresslerEstate.com

Owned by husband-and-wife team Brian and Olga Dressler, Dressler Cidery’s unique “wine-like approach” and the dry, elegant finish of its ciders have been recommended by Craig LaBan of the Inquirer. Offerings include sparkling ciders and still, bone-dry varieties. In addition to cider, the bar offers select beers, wines and nonalcoholic drinks, as well as a small food menu. The tasting room is located in Downingtown’s historic business district and is hailed for its fast service, snug atmosphere. Locals express immense pride at having Dressler as a choice local producer.