Magnolia's Vineyard
610-395-1233
www.magnoliasvineyard.com
This
secluded restaurant, in an old 19th-century country
inn, certainly lets you escape the chaos of campus.
The decor is surprisingly modern, though, and the
food cosmopolitan. For an added twist, legend has it
that a young woman (waiting for her lover to return
from war) haunts the building. That may explain the
short wait time between your appetizer and main
course—maybe the host wants to get you moving before
you encounter any wandering spirits. (Open Tu-Sa
5p-9p; Su 3p-9pm.)
King George Inn
610-435-1723
www.kinggeorgeinn.com
Though
its neighbors are Dorney Park, a mini-golf course,
and several chain restaurants, the King George Inn
manages to seem distant from it all. Its
traditional wooden chairs, uncovered ceiling beams
and lacey white tablecloths transport diners to 1756,
the year the historic landmark opened. Everything is
Ye Olde English at the Inn, down to the stone
building itself. Keep your upper lip stiff as you try
the no-nonsense seafood and steaks, and watch your
wallet: The steep prices don’t mean big portions .
You’ll never go thirsty, though, as the wine list is
exceptional. The small dining room gets packed by 7pm
on a Saturday night, so reservations are a good
idea. Be sure to throw on a nice shirt and pair
of shoes, too—diners didn’t wear hoodies at the Inn
in 1756 and they shouldn’t wear them now!
So sit back, relax, and enjoy your expensive English
meal, ol’ chap! (Open M-Th 11:30a-10p; F-Sa
11:30a-11:30p; Su 3p-9p.)
The Hanoverville Roadhouse
610-837-1122
www.hanroadhouse.com
If
you’re expecting a casual and noisy Texas Roadhouse,
you’re in for a surprise. Housed in a historic
building from the 1820s, the Hanoverville Roadhouse
has a warm and homey feel: you’ll be tempted to look
for a doorbell as you walk across the porch and reach
the old wooden door. The Raodhouse proudly displays
the past with exposed beams and portraits of Abraham
Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin. It’s gourmet but
not exotic – the dishes are traditional American fare
and include prime rib, shrimp scampi, and chicken
marsala. The place is a bit pricey (although
well worth it) and attracts a classier, more mature
crowd than the typical college joint. (Open M-Sa
11:30a-3:30p; 4p-9p; Su 3p-8p.)
Glasbern
610-285-4723
www.glasbern.com
The
Glasbern Country Inn, set on a one-hundred acre
historic farm-turned-conference center and B&B,
is a welcome change of scenery. Think beams,
candlelight and stone-wall rustic elegance (“smart
casual” attire is required)—for a price. You’ll dine
on pasture-raised meats, and fruits and vegetables
grown on-site. (The menu changes with the
seasons to include and highlight produce that’s
currently available.) You order a la cart
Sundays through Fridays but are limited to a four
course prix fixe menu ($55 per person) on
Saturdays. While everything’s good, we strongly
recommend the Glasbern salad and the oven-roasted
Glasbern chicken. (Open daily 5:30p-8:30p;
reservations required.)
GEO Spirits & Cuisine
610-530-8570
The bright and lively décor may be one of the only memorable things about this restaurant. Of course, there’s also the faint smell of chlorine and the patrons in bathing suits (thanks to the hotel’s nearby swimming pool) that sets Geo apart. The service is on the slow side, though the food’s not bad (steak excepted). At least the prices are high. (Open M-Th 11a-11p; F-Sa 11a-midnight; Su 11a-10p.)
Federal Grill (P)
610-776-7600
www.federalgrill.com
This
casual chic establishment is anything but an
all-American eatery. The Grill is an oasis
downtown—zebra-print bar stools, window-pane mirrors
and understated twinkle lights give off a soothing,
eclectic ambiance. The menu changes daily, featuring
a refreshing twist on familiar cuisine: award-winning
steaks, seafood and pastas. Downstairs you’ll find a
full smoking bar, complete with over three-dozen
brands of cigars to choose from. If balancing a cigar
with a martini glass isn’t your skill, head upstairs
to the dining room—great for a night on the
(Allen)town. When it’s available, order the deep
yellow, richly flavored carrot soup, or the pepper
crusted hay tuna, delectable if sushi-grade fish does
it for you. The lunch menu is lighter on your wallet,
and includes burgers, salads, and a light alternative
to French fries called “tobacco onions.” (Open M-Th
11:30a-3p, 5p-10p, F 11:30a-3p, 5p-1a; Sa
5p-1a.)
Apollo Grill
610-865-9600
www.apollogrill.com
It’s really your pick when it comes to a night out at the Apollo Grill. The place is a combination of fancy restaurant and sports bar; a dimly lit, slightly overcrowded dining area full of beautiful paintings adjacent to a bar with a television screen for ESPN. The food, wherever you end up, is delicious. Like the crowd and atmosphere, the menu is split between affordable fare and items to save for a night when you’re planning to step up to your “A-game.” While entrees typically run $11 to $25, there’s plenty to fit the college budget: the appetizers, club sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and pastas are all priced from $7 to $11. For the older crowd, there’s a dizzying array of martinis and wines. Beware the dessert menu you’ll get before receiving your bill – it’s hard to resist. The Apollo Grill is nice but not over the top—the perfect place to take first dates, long-time loves, and parents. (Open Tu-Sa 11a-10p.)