Best of the Best: Wayne
Local picks for best places to eat — morning, noon, night and more
Morning: Minella’s Diner
320 Lancaster Ave.
610-687-1575 / MinellasDiner.com
Minella’s Diner has been feeding Devon Horse Show-goers, Villanova students and Main Line families for 50 years. The family-owned and -operated eatery now offers many options of diner classics and a few menu items you won’t see at others: Irish or Mexican coffee and a delightful caramel royale espresso concoction. Take a hefty appetite, park in ample space (a Main Line rarity) and enjoy their large portions: traditional or TOOZ (sausage link) eggs Benedict, steak and eggs, avocado or Greek omelets, or the “All the Way” bagel that has everything including Kalamata olives. Savor apple and blueberry muffins made on site.
Noon: Black Powder Tavern
1164 Valley Forge Rd.
610-293-9333 / BlackPowderTavern.com
Legend holds that George Washington and Lafayette met to wet their whistles at the tavern while secretly strategizing for an American Revolution win. Nearly three centuries later, business leaders find the historic 1745 tavern that has fed and watered stagecoach travelers and covertly stashed black powder ammunition is still the place for lunches where stuff happens. Tried and true traditions: a loaded pub plate appetizer for your wooden table, Big Ale Prime Burger on a pretzel bun if your preference is lunch by land or beer-battered cod with chips if by sea. Seal a deal with a raised glass of ale, cider or stout.
Tea: A Taste of Britain
502 W. Lancaster Ave.
610-971-0390 / ATOBritain.com
If you fancy a spot or a pot of tea and a scone, head to A Taste of Britain. Started in 1991 by an Englishwoman, the shop moved a few times before landing in 2009 at its current home in Eagle Village Shops, where their specialty is full afternoon tea: tiers of tea sandwiches, scones and sweet pastries plus choices of loose-leaf brewed tea. Classic sandwiches are spread with delicious cheese and chutney, egg salad and watercress, cream cheese and cucumber. Large “fruit” scones — with raisins — and clotted cream or lemon curd conjure memories of London, as do china cups of Earl Grey. A separate menu delights young princes or princesses. Take-home treats in the gift shop.
Night: Christopher’s: A Neighborhood Place
108 N. Wayne Ave.
610-687-6558 / ChristophersANeighborhoodPlace.com
Chris and Molly Todd say “Welcome to Christopher’s!” Since 2001, their restaurant has served delicious farm-fresh meals for families, friends and colleagues, featuring friendly service, a complete bar with award-winning mixologists preparing specialty cocktails and a broad menu — including a strong kids’ menu — made with fresh local ingredients. Sandwiches, burgers, wraps, pasta, pizza, starters, soups, salads — it’s all there, together with tempting entrees like jambalaya, blackened scallops and chicken marsala. Scotch only from Scotland, bourbon only from Kentucky, tequila only from Mexico. It’s the kind of place families have been enjoying for ages. All good in this very happy neighborhood!
Happy Hour: Teresa’s Next Door Bar
124 N. Wayne Ave.
610-293-9909 / Teresas-Cafe.com
Opened in 2007, the product of Chef/owner Andy Dickerson’s collaboration with friends and next door to the 1997 Teresa’s Cafe, Teresa’s Next Door was an instant success, mainly for its beers. Today, its Happy Hour continues to attract discerning fans with a simple menu. Try eggplant, mussels or prosciutto flatbreads, all priced at $6, then take a peek at its regular menu. And the beers — there are about 150 choices, with 24 on tap. It also offers over 100 varieties of Scotch and around 200 Irish and other whiskeys, bourbons and ryes. A Balvenie 21 Second Red Rose from Speyside will cost you $130. Better not spill any.
Don’t Miss: Hotel Wayne — now Rosalie
139 E. Lancaster Ave.
610-977-0600 / RosalieWayne.com
The Tudor Revival Wayne Hotel’s 100+ years included hosting notable restaurants, each with a distinctive ambiance. Restaurant Taquet, with its old-school Main Line, white-linen-tablecloth vibe from the last century. Then in 2009 the stylish black-and-white Paramour, described by one reviewer as the obvious set if “The Real Housewives of the Main Line” were filmed. The 2020 transformation involved rich colors and Italian soul food when the Fearless Restaurant Group opened Rosalie under Chef Merick Devine, serving Italian comfort food in an approachable restaurant. And through all the changes, we’re happy with a drink on the covered porch, overlooking Lancaster Ave.