Best of the Best: New Shoots & Coming Soon
New Shoots
When local restaurants open new locations, that’s a clear sign of a vibrant dining scene. And we’ve watched about a dozen expand and grow this past year. Here are a few notable additional places to enjoy some of your favorite food and drinks.
West Chester’s Artillery Brewing plans its latest location in Pottstown. Go for a glass of war-themed beer — from the Fighting Quaker to the Patriot. Food and cocktails, too. 305 E. High St.
The bucolic Bierhaul Farmhouse in Thornton now has a branch in downtown West Chester. Bierhaul Townhouse has a friendly bar downstairs and a family-friendly second floor with beer garden. 15 N. Walnut St.
Yes, it’s a chain, but the Chicken Guy! (as in Guy Fieri) that opened in the KOP food court is the dream of Philly native Kevin Cooper, who won the right by winning “Guy’s Chance of a Lifetime.” KOP Food Ct.
A more local chain (flagship in Lansdowne), Crisp Chik’n brings spicy, hot goodness and the Delco sandwich (American cheese, fried onions, Dijon mustard, pretzel bun) to West Chester. 124 E. Market St.
Beloved Berwyn spot Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream opened in Downingtown last summer, so it may be old news that the 47 flavors are available there and at over 100 other locations nationally for when you scream for ice cream. 520 E. Lancaster Ave.
Madi’s on a Roll made the jump from just farmers markets to a brick-and-mortar location in Exton a while ago and now expanded to Phoenixville. More hand-rolled specialty egg rolls brimming with flavor (Big Dill, Gobbler) to sample, share and savor. 313 Bridge St.
Just a short jump for Malvern Buttery from its longtime East King Street location to the SEPTA station, where its new branch became The Buttery Cafe. Great way to start your commute! 13 W. King St.
Although the name is different, Aldo’s Restaurant & Grill, which styles itself as serving American and Italian cuisines, has close ties to the popular Olive Tree Grills in Paoli and Broomall. Just look at the photo of the Greek salad on the menu. 104 Turner Ln., West Chester
With locations in Marlton, NJ and Ardmore, OSushi continued its march west, to Wayne, bringing fresh, beautifully presented sushi, specialty rolls and Japanese entrees closer. BYOB. 613 W. Lancaster Ave.
West Chester fave Taco Mar expanded to Downingtown in 2023, then to Malvern in 2024, with more places to enjoy flavors from Mexico — burrito bar, taco stand or Baja grill. 48 W. Lancaster Ave.; 189 Lancaster Ave.
How many times have we written about the White Dog Café at the Vicker’s Tavern location? Luckily it was worth the wait. Sustainable dining in the renovated tavern with multiple dining rooms with plenty of dog accents. 181 Gordon Dr., Exton
Coming Soon
The signs are all over West Chester, promising more dining options in the borough — some long awaited, others recently appearing on social media. Stay tuned for even more good food!
Jolene’s. In the former Spence space, 3 West Hospitality plans an upscale, yet inviting French-influenced menu and strong wine program serving 130. The first serious French spot since Gilmore’s closed in 2012. 29 E. Gay St. JolenesWC.com
West Chester Seafood Kitchen. Next door to Jolene’s and within the new Hotel Indigo comes a modern, seafood-focused restaurant featuring regional seafood classics, raw bar, hand-rolled sushi, pairing with craft beer, cocktails. Will provide room service to the hotel. Started hiring in December. 39 E. Gay St. WCSeafoodKitchen.com
Bier and Loathing. A retro arcade bar — barcade? — in the former Sterling Pig space. Pool tables, beer, tiki cocktails and more in an “adult fun emporium.” From Bierhaul folks. 113 W. Market St. @BierAndLoathingBar
LaScala’s Fire. We thought they were opening in West Chester in 2023, although they did add a location in Newtown Square. Look for their Italian fare at the busy plaza on Gay St. 44 W. Gay St. LaScalasFire.com
Dim Sum Taste. Media’s had two dim sum spots for years, so it’s about time West Chester got its own (Laurento’s Formal Wear spot). Look forward to dainty Chinese dumplings with a variety of fillings — pork to veggie — to share at brunch or any time. 127 W. Gay St.
Mino Sushi & Ramen. New life is planned for the former Starbucks/Kung Fu Tea spot on a busy West Chester corner (sister location in Malvern). Here’s hoping they serve up the same fresh sushi, sashimi and other traditional Japanese dishes 2 W. Gay St. MinoSushi.com
Oishii. Yet another ramen, sushi, dim sum and bubble tea spot for West Chester. This one in the former Boston Market (site of a December fire), way to the east on Gay Street. There’s an Oishii location in Philly with sushi, ramen, plus bento boxes, hibachi dinners. 726 E. Gay St.