Best of the Best: Others in Chester & Delaware Counties
Local picks for best places to eat — morning, noon, night and more
Morning: Wawa
Stated in 1964, Wawa is PA’s largest private company and a major stop for folks starting their day. From 5 to 11 a.m., “Get Up & Get Started” at your local Wawa, offering an astounding variety of options: nine popular grab-and-go Sizzlis, 27 burritos and quesadillas, 23 breakfast hoagies, bagel sandwiches, breakfast bowls and even avocado toast. Choose biscuits, croissants, paninis and donuts, plus bacon, oatmeal and fruit cups. Hot, iced and cold brew coffee, hot chocolate, mango dragon fruit smoothies (and others) and energy drinks with a protein or energy boost. Order on the app, in store or for delivery.
Noon: Ron’s Orginal Bar & Grille
74 E. Uwchlan Ave., Exton
610-594-9900 / RonsOriginal.com
Founded in 1982, Ron’s has won many awards for its “unique, authentic and original” menu, including seven of our Best of the Best awards since 2011. Their lunch is a favorite, including a variety of specials: chicken chili, grilled Reuben, several pizzas and ovals (just ask), four wraps and five hot specialties on 12-inch rolls — meatballs, eggplant or sausage and peppers, for example. Any of Ron’s 15 hoagies is $2 off. Lunch specials — featured in their Instagram stories — are high-quality, real, healthy food. Everything is prepared from scratch, including imported Italian flour, salad dressing and most of its appetizers. Organic eggs, local produce, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats. Authentically delicious.
Noon: Teikoku
5492 West Chester Pk., Newtown Square
610-644-8270 / TeikokuRestaurant.com
For more than 20 years now, fans of Japanese, Thai and Asian fusion cuisine have discovered lunch at Teikoku with delight. The lanterns, tatami room and separate seating areas provide a midday getaway from work for colleagues and friends to reenergize with good food and friendly service. Regulars give high praise for its sushi, sashimi, gyozas (steamed pork dumplings) and signature rolls. The Rainbow roll, a California with loads of seafood, is marvelous. And who could resist a Godzilla, including shrimp tempura, eel, strawberry and macadamia nuts? The Teikoku roll with shrimp, avocado, crispy tempura crunchies and more does its name proud.
Night: La Locanda Ristorante Italiano
4989 West Chester Pk., Newtown Square
610-353-7033 / LaLocandaPA.com
Mario Palumbi and Franco Stefanatto are Italian born. Franco trained in Italy and cooked internationally and at Philly’s Monte Carlo Living Room before opening La Locanda (meaning the inn) in 1997 with Mario. Combining Abruzzi and new world cuisines along with family recipes, the partners have shared their love of food, wine and celebration. Sample the list of spirits: several 15- and 21-year-old Scotches and bourbons. The wines are elegant and curated to accompany your strip steak, veal chop, double-cut lamb chop or seafood selection — sea scallops, shrimp, branzino. And, of course, the pastas. Order the house specialty, Timballo di Teramo (crepe pasta, spinach omelet, tiny meatball, sauces). You won’t forget it!
Happy Hour: The Whip Tavern
1383 N. Chatham Rd., Coatesville
610-383-0600 / TheWhipTavern.com
Since the early 1900s, neighbors have galloped, driven wagons and steered SUVs across fields and country lanes to arrive at The Whip. The former home of wagon wheel, blacksmith and corner shops landed as a bar that transformed into a well-loved, horse-country British pub. Iconic Happy Hours start with its great beer menu. Walk in for a hazy IPA at the bar. Get bold with an Imperial by the fireplace. Reserve a table — dining room or creekside patio — for cask ale, stout and exclusive For Fox Sake cider. Lift your glass to the food: authentic bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie or small plates of crispy Brussels sprouts or Scotch eggs. Cheers!
Don’t Miss: Bloom Southern Kitchen
123 Pottstown Pk., Chester Springs
484-359-4144 / BloomSouthernKitchen.com
The Old Eagle Tavern, built in 1702, rebuilt in 1799, situated at the intersection of Pottstown Pike and Little Conestoga Road, evolved from a stop for weary travelers, to a hangout for outlaws, to a modern watering hole for locals. In the 20th century, it was the Eagle Tavern for many years, then Eagle Tavern & Taphouse when owned by a Victory Brewing alum, before flowers were painted on the exterior and it morphed into Bloom Southern Kitchen in 2020. The current menu is bursting with Southern and Creole classics — hush puppies, jambalaya, stellar fried chicken and waffles. The bar is deep in bourbon. Southern vibes in northern Chester County.