Phoenixville

Bistro on Bridge

212 Bridge St., Phoenixville
610-935-7141 / BistroOnBridge.com

In Phoenixville, one of the best places to hang is Bistro on Bridge. It’s casual, relaxed, on two floors, with high-top tables, a surprisingly diverse bar, and satisfying menu. Beer lovers enjoy 24 taps, plus more choices in bottles and cans. The food menu mixes classic and creative. For apps there are eight flavors of wings, duck nachos, or risotto balls with pesto aioli along with more substantial “Bistro Bowls,” including a Vietnamese- and Mexican-inspired version. Like Bistro on Bridge? Try Bistro Dos. It’s down the street, offering Latin-inspired food along a wide selection of tequilas and mezcals. Double your pleasure.

Great American Pub

148 Bridge St., Phoenixville
610-917-3333 / TheGreatAmericanPub.com

The third location, after Conshohocken and Wayne, of the Great American Pub is in Phoenixville. The historic building there offers several dining areas including our favorite, the patio in fair weather, which recently transformed into a tented space with heaters. Enjoy simple, very good, very All-American food. The starter menu includes cheesesteak spring rolls, brisket fries and much more. For salads, choose a Palm Beach or Blackened Shrimp and Salmon Caesar. Try wood-fired pizzas and fajitas or an Impossible Burger. You can even get gluten-free pasta. Mexican, Italian, Asian, Cajun, Vegan, Western … America, after all, is diverse country.

Kimberton Inn

2105 Kimberton Rd., Kimberton
610-933-8148 / KimbertonInn.com

The rustic elegance of the Kimberton Inn found new levels when it recently added curb-side pickup and creek-side dining, complete with nature’s soundtrack and views of the red bridge. The pleasures of patio dining and meals inside this 200-year-old former inn remained, though with distance. Ambiance and service continue to get as many raves as the signature dish: “Probably the Best Salad You’ll Ever Have,” with greens, apples, toasted sunflower seeds, aged gouda, sweet sesame walnut dressing. Chef Tom Wolter, who took the helm in 2018, gets high marks for his way with seafood (think moist, flaky sautéed halibut with lemon thyme cream) as well as his duck, lamb and filet mignon. And then there’s the key lime pie …

Steel City Coffeehouse & Brewery

203 Bridge St., Phoenixville
484-924-8425 / SteelCityCoffeehouse.com

Was it the coffee and pastries, music on the stage, art on the walls or word on the street that Steel City Coffeehouse was the best place to meet on Bridge that first drew us there? Or news that there were food and beverage options for everyone—vegetarian, lactose- or gluten-intolerant included? It’s hard to remember, but two things are certain. One: its community feel at the heart of Phoenixville and behind its soul brought us back. Two: their Oreo cookie bomb—the iconic sandwich cookie baked into the middle of a big chocolate chip cookie—stole our hearts and tastebuds forever. We know we’ll need both in 2021!