Chap’s Tap Room: An All-American Sports Grill in Jeffersonville, PA

Owner Michael Bono literally built Chap’s Taproom & Sports Grill from the ground up in 1998. Converting a vacant lot into a full-blown destination establishment, however, was only the beginning. These days, Chap’s has become a popular destination for sports lovers and local loyalists. The menu boasts pure American classics like prime rib, crab cakes, and house-made burger specials, as well as an extensive selection of tap beers—including seasonal and microbrew options. Beyond the consumable goods, the bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for events, fundraisers for community groups, playful poker tournaments, and there is even a projection screen in the rentable party room.

Chap’s Taproom
2509 W. Main Street
Jeffersonville, PA 19403
(610) 539-8722
www.chapstap.com

Blackfish Restaurant: Bouillabaisse to Die For

It's easy to see why Le Bec Fin supremo Georges Perrier allowed Chef Charles “Chip” Roman to study at his feet. This kid has talent, which is written all over his efforts at Blackfish. Look no further than how he treats bouillabaisse, such a well-known and well-loved dish that its nuances are often ignored. Roman cooks each element of the stew individually, ensuring that the mussels are as satisfying as the crisp-skinned black bass, without sacrificing the flavor of the complex saffron-anise broth. His intense focus extends to the restaurant itself, where the simple, classic, cozy BYOB atmosphere is subtly reinvented by small touches like bent-spoon napkin rings and balletically graceful servers. If Blackfish was in the city, it would be booked months in advance. Get in while you can.

Blackfish
119 Fayette Street
Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610) 397-0888
www.blackfishrestaurant.com

Coyote Crossing: Almost South of the Border

Put down that killer Margarita and look around. It’s a warm summer night, and you’re seated on a patio under the stars. Laughter is on the wind, a decorative fountain burbles in the courtyard, and busy servers carry heaping plates from a pretty adobe restaurant. Is this Juarez?  Is it even Houston?  No, it’s Conshohocken.  But take one bite of the Bistec Invierno—two petit filet mignons marinated in Mexican spices, grilled to order, covered with refried beans and topped with a trio of cheeses and green tomatillo sauce—and you’ll never think of the Schuykill Expressway again. Coyote Crossing's Chef Christopher Hora prepares authentic Mexican food, jazzed up with intense, exotic ingredients like chayote squash and almond queso butter. So you’ll pay a little more here, but it’s always cheaper than a plane ticket. Note: If you have a coupon, read the fine print. You may have to pay cash for it to be honored. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 5 – 7 p.m., and the restaurant is closed on Sundays during the winter.

Coyote Crossing
800 Spring Mill Avenue
Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610) 825-3000
www.coyotecrossing.com

Fork: Use Yours to Savor the Eats at This New American Bistro

New American food can be really variable; for every top-flight eatery, there are ten offering the same old entrees without care for ingredients or preparation. Thankfully, Philadelphia’s Fork is one of the good ones. The menu is updated daily and showcases both high-quality local ingredients and amazing international specialties—a lush dining room perfect for a business meal or a romantic interlude and spectacular service are just some of the keys to this restaurant’s success. Chef Terence Feury has been acclaimed as the best chef in Philadelphia for many years running, and his approach in the kitchen is masterful. Regulars rave over classic dishes like coq au vin, lamb chops, and risotto, as well as the famous fried chicken liver appetizer. The restaurant’s bar also has a widely acclaimed mixologist. The price are on the higher side with entrees around the $40 range, but you can try the cuisine for less during brunch and lunch.

Fork
306 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-9425
www.forkrestaurant.com

La Fusion: A Contemporary Mix of Global Flavors

The name says it all. Thai, Japanese, American and French flavors jostle for attention on the menu of this chic, eclectic eatery. Nestled in the central Upper Moreland Township, La Fusion Café serves everything from giant sushi and sashimi platters with delicious Miso Soup and Salad (priced between $17-$30) to a bevy of other international comfort food items. Asian food lovers can dig into appetizers like Chicken Spring Rolls or Crispy Tofu with Tempura Sauce. Entrée preparations also span the continents to cover chicken in Thai curry sauce, grilled steak, rack of lamb and an array of other global feasts and local favorites. La Fusion also has a few specials by Chef Yenh and some classic (delicious) dessert specials so you can end your soiree on a sweet note.  The setting is stylish, minimalist, well-appointed and spacious—in short, a relaxed place to enjoy a contemporary menu in a hip atmosphere. 

La Fusion
3 Easton Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
(215) 657-2428
www.lafusionrestaurant.com

Albert’s Cafe: A Local Favorite

Albert’s Café is an all-around destination business. Serving a menu full of Italian, American, and seafood entrees and appetizers, there’s something to please every palate—from mozzarella sticks to buffalo chicken steaks, roast pork, and linguini with mussels—as well as a jovial atmosphere that attracts faithful locals and newcomers alike. The sports bar boasts four flat screen TVs and three additional viewing spots in the newly refurbished dining room bar. Daily drink and food specials keep up the enlivened atmosphere every night, while weekend music and dancing comes courtesy of DJs and a faithfully returning crowd.

Albert’s Café
3180 Grant Avenue
Philadelphia, PA  19114
www.albertscafe.com

Matyson: A Highly Acclaimed BYOB with Consistently Outstanding Cuisine

For fine dining with a cosmopolitan twist, head over to Matyson. The small yet bustling Philadelphia BYOB is known for its unique dishes, which combine unlikely ingredients for a mouth-watering and satisfying dining experience. Depending on the season (and with it, the freshest ingredients available), diners can nosh on watermelon and feta salad or squash blossom tempura to start and entrees like succulent pork tenderloin or scallops with watercress and ginger risotto, maitake mushrooms, and miso broth. With glowing praise by everyone from Zagat to Philadelphia Style, Matyson is the ideal destination for an upscale night out that's worth every penny.

Matyson
37 South 19th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 564-2925
www.matyson.com

Coffee Talk: “A Neighborhood Living Room”

Coffee Talk prides itself on being a “neighborhood living room” where the owners invite locals into the coffee shop store front space of their hometo grab a drink and hang out . Located in the historic West End of Norristown, the interior is full of paintings by local artists and antique décor. With a genuine devotion to coffee and its proper preparation (baristas are eager to tell customers about their concoctions), Coffee Talk is a great place to park with a good book and an even better cappuccino. Teas, specialty drinks, and pastries are also available, and be sure to check in about events like readings and musical performances.

Coffee Talk
507 West Marshall Street
Historic Norristown, PA 19401
www.coffeetalkonline.net

Buddakan: Best of Asian Fusion in Philadelphia

Named one of “America's Top 50 Restaurants" by Travel & Leisure and a "Top Restaurant for Fun" by Gourmet, Buddakan has distinguished itself amid the growing throngs of mediocre pan-Asian restaurants. Serving an impressive selection of continental fusion foods that draw from the distinct culinary traditions of Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam (to name a few) the classy establishment is an exotic haven for fans of strong flavors and unique combinations. If you’re overwhelmed or indecisive, the varied appetizers will suit your diverse palette, while entrées get a little heftier with a range that includes pan roasted duck breast with a five spice jus and scallion spoon bread, or Japanese black cod in a miso glaze with wasabi mashed potatoes. The carefully crafted choices are each packed with enough punch to tickle your tongue. Dessert is equally fabulous, with traditional pastry items dressed up to suit the Eastern theme—try the chocolate bento box or Buddakan crème brulee for unique spins on classic sweets.

Buddakan
325 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 574-9440 
www.buddakan.com

Ben and Irv's: The Best Deli Around, and a Huntingdon Valley Tradition

This intimate, family-owned eatery is as famous for its its homemade corned beef sandwiches and hearty matzoh ball soup as it is for its Jewish culinary tradition and personalized service. Ever since Ben Shore and Irv Chudnoff set up their delicatessen in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia in 1954, patrons have raved about Ben and Irv's, from the enormous dine-in menu to delicious piled-high sandwiches, kosher deli meats, and smoked fish selections to go. If you grab a seat at this welcoming spot, you'll find a menu filled with cold platters, salad bowls, and healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner combinations. But wait, there’s a whole lot more. There are also scrumptious grilled sandwiches, filling burgers, seafood and meat entrees, lots of bagels, and pretty much anything else you could ever dream up. If you happen to be anywhere near Huntingdon Valley, make sure to stop into Ben and Irv’s for the best Jewish comfort food around.

Ben and Irv’s Deli
1962 County Line Road
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
(215) 355-2000
www.benandirvs.com

 

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