Food Towns: Wayne

A Taste of Britain
503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne
610-971-0390 / ATOBritain.com
Whether you go for “pinkies up” or “pinkies down,” your spot of tea at A Taste of Britain is spot-on. The cozy English tearoom serves authentic, traditional English recipes on lovely china. There are towers of tea sandwiches: cheese and chutney, chicken or egg salad, cucumber and cream cheese. Dine on Cornish pasties of beef and potato in puff pastry or shepherd’s pie. Treat yourself to a Bakewell tart with custard and jam or gingerbread with lemon curd for “afters.” There’s always the favorite of the Queen and the rest of us—scones and a pot of tea.

Autograph Brasserie
503 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne
610-964-2588 / AutographBrasserie.com
Love American pop culture and the greats who influenced it? Autograph Brasserie in Wayne is for you. From the celebrity autographs, photographs and album covers adorning the walls to the menu of classics including vegetarian options, Autograph is the spot for wonderful food and atmosphere. Braised short ribs, Parker House rolls, shrimp cocktails and the Signature Sundae with the divine brownie at the bottom get high marks. Wine Not Sundays are a good time for checking the intensive wine list. Don’t forget to look up while you’re in the bar—the trombone, sax and music-inspired chandelier coming from the ceiling are loads of fun.

Black Powder Tavern
1164 Valley Forge Rd., Wayne
610-293-9333 / BlackPowderTavern.com
Washington ate here. He probably slept here, too, as did several of his troops. You can have more fun by stopping here for Happy Hour. Bernie Bottmeyer, General Manager, offers about two dozen beers on tap; several wines as well. The bites are delicious: southwest chicken meatballs, bacon-wrapped pretzel dog, bacon and caramelized onion flatbread. Chef Robert Stegbauer suggests you stay for dinner: chicken potpie, beer-battered shrimp, fish & chips, glazed meatloaf. Top it off with apple crisp à la mode or pumpkin cheesecake. Believe me, the soldiers of the Revolution didn’t have it nearly as good.

Christopher’s A Neighborhood Place
108 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne
610-687-6558 / ChristophersANeighborhoodPlace.com
Since 2001 Christopher’s has been a tried-and-try neighborhood place. It’s in its name, website and DNA. Though we were sad when the Malvern location closed, the original Wayne spot is still going strong, seven days a week serving lunch, brunch and dinner from a wide ranging menu backed up by a full bar. From meatloaf to mahi mahi tacos, with specials like risotto pan seared halibut with pine nut brown butter, you’ll find solid American fare with upscale options. Even the kids menu ranges from chicken fingers to salmon tails. So order your Yuengling, Elijah Craig small batch, or skinny spicy margarita and enjoy the warm atmosphere here. Even if it’s not in your neighborhood.

Rosalie Italian Soul Food
139 E. Lancaster Ave., Wayne
610-977-0600 / RosalieWayne.com
They had us at Italian soul food. That’s even before seeing the smashing 2020 redesign inside the historic Wayne Hotel and the promise that the food and drink will “transport you and fill your soul.” Come for the Happiest Hour, enjoy light fare in the Atrio near the bar and fireplace, or choose more substantial options in the exquisite dining rooms. You can even eat in the covered patio that’s heated for comfort when it’s cold outside and even more delightful when it’s warm. The branzino (with caponata, castelvetrano olive), casoncelli (veal, golden raisin, amaretti) and fig pizzas are favorites from this newest addition to the Fearless Restaurant Group (Autograph, White Dog Cafes).

Teresa’s Café and TND
124 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne
610-293-9909 / Teresas-Cafe.com
Imagine, this destination beer spot in the ‘burbs has now hit 15 years! During that time Teresa’s Next Door (or TND) has accumulated its fair share of accolades: Philly Mag’s Best of the Suburbs, three stars from The Inquirer’s Craig LaBan, and James Beard Award semi-finalist for Bar Program. They’ve continued to offer their superb selections of beers—from Pliny the Elder to the best local brews to a gluten-free tapbox—along with 300 whiskeys from around the world and more (16 gins, 8 tonics). The menu is similarly diverse, ranging from hyper-local foraged chicken mushroom crab cakes to triple cheeseburger pizza. Even during the worst of the pandemic, you could enjoy mussels, waterzooi and other specialties.