Best of the Best: Media

Morning: Court Diner & Restaurant

140 E. Baltimore Ave.
610-566-4403 / @MediaCourtDiner

When you walk through the doors of the Court Diner, you’ll find yourself transported back in time. Opened in 1965, the diner retains that old-school charm — warm wood tones, friendly faces, ample portions. Fill up on breakfast faves all day long, like brioche French toast, fluffy pancakes, homemade waffles (with or without fried chicken) and eggs any style. Specialty omelets — Greek, western, chorizo, Florentine, lox — are served with home fries and toast, or build your own. For the millennials, there’s even avocado toast. Pair with your favorite drink — coffee, tea, cold brew, juice or a refreshing smoothie.

Brunch: La Belle Epoque

38 W. State St.
610-566-6808 / LaBelleBistro.com

For over 20 years, restaurateur Loïc Barnieu’s (Sterling Pig, Two Fourteen) first eatery has brought the cuisine of his native France to State Street. Though most know La Belle Epoque as a dinner destination, the charming wine bistro also serves brunch every day but Monday. Say bonjour to brunch with a French twist: quiche du jour, fresh-baked croissants, escargot and, of course, plenty of crepes — chicken, wild mushroom and fontina; basil, Brie and bacon; shrimp, crab and lobster with a white wine cream sauce. Complement your meal with a mimosa, bloody Mary or something off their comprehensive wine list — about half are French.

Noon: Pinocchio’s Restaurant

131 E. Baltimore Ave.
610-566-7767 / PinPizza.com

Media’s oldest restaurant and Delco’s first pizzeria, Pinocchio’s is the definition of an old favorite. This family-owned Italian spot, now in its third generation of management, has been serving up pies since 1955. Choose from hand-tossed, Sicilian and specialty pizzas — Philly cheesesteak, upside-down, Buffalo chicken. Or opt for lunchtime staples like hoagies, grinders, strombolis, wraps, burgers and dogs. Before you leave, drop by the award-winning Beer Garden To Go for over 1,000 varieties of craft beer, plus domestics and imports. Mix and match six-packs, or fill up a growler or crowler from 25 rotating taps — to drink later, of course.

Night: Fellini Cafe

106 W. State St.
610-892-7616 / FellinisCafe.com

Since opening in 2001, Fellini Cafe has become a State Street staple, perfect for a casual family dinner or special night out. Enjoy classic Italian fare at this inviting BYOB trattoria, complete with granite tables in cozy nooks, ivory Roman columns and hand-painted murals. Start your meal with complimentary bruschetta, then choose from an extensive menu of antipasti (calamari, mozzarella caprese), pasta (penne Bolognese, rigatoni alla vodka, fettucine alfredo) and entrees (chicken parmigiana, chicken piccata), and finish with something sweet (tiramisu, cannoli, gelato). Monday is Opera Night, featuring live performances — non-opera fans can request a table in the other dining room.

Night: Stephen’s on State

105 W. State St.
610-891-8900 / StephensOnState.com

If you’ve been to Stephen’s lately, you may have noticed it looks a bit different. The Italian American steakhouse, opened in 2003, got a makeover in November, with a redesigned interior featuring luxurious seating and contemporary décor. Though fear not, the iconic French doors opening out to the street and live music are here to stay. The menu also got a refresh, adding choices including a drunken cutlet in a vodka blush sauce, lobster Française, double-cut lamb chops, 18-ounce bone-in ribeye. New cocktails include a dirty blue martini, cherry vanilla whiskey sour, blackberry bourbon smash and salted caramel macchiato.

Happy Hour: Sligo Irish Pub

113 W. State St.
610-566-5707 / SligoMedia.com

Though you’ll find Sligo in downtown Media, the pub evokes its namesake on the northwest coast of Ireland, home to W.B. Yeats. Since 1989, locals have flocked to Sligo for traditional Irish food (fish and chips, Irish beef stew, bangers and mash), live music and, of course, properly poured Guinness. “Make no mistake,” the website boasts, “you’ll find no finer Guinness pint in America!” Celebrate Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6:30 with $2 off drafts, $1 off bottles, $5 house wines and $5 snacks. Weekly specials include $5 Irish pints on Mondays, a burger and pint for $12 on Wednesdays, and $3 Bud Light bottles on Fridays. Sláinte!

Don’t Miss: The Towne House

117 Veterans Sq.
484-445-2041 / TowneHousePA.com

When D’Ignazio’s Towne House closed in 2015, you’d find many Delco locals waxing nostalgic, recounting 65 years of birthday dinners, wedding receptions and class reunions. All rejoiced when Irishman Brian McLaughlin revived the local landmark in 2020. The new-and-improved Towne House is home to five dining rooms, each with its own menu and theme. Take your pick of over 300 whiskeys at The Shebeen, sip seasonal cocktails in Idlewild’s open-air courtyard, unwind at the speakeasy-inspired Colony Cocktail Club, host an event at the Towne Hall or dine at the farm-to-table Towne House — highlights include the overnight Guinness short ribs, bone marrow wagyu burger and shepherd’s pie. The Delco tradition was saved for future generations.