February can be a dreary month. Who hasn’t, at some point, popped their head out only to see their shadow and head back home to snooze until spring? Rather than hiding at home while the world passes by, feast your way through February and enjoy the bounty of Chester County.
Here are a few popular restaurants in Chester County, along with some of my thoughts and recommendations. If none of these options appeal to your palate, check out the Restaurant Weeks happening at the end of the month and find a new favorite.
Amani’s BYOB
Combining the best local ingredients with a passion for food, Amani’s creates a truly memorable culinary experience. With a recently opened “North” location above the dining room serving as a cocktail lounge, Amani’s now features craft cocktails, wine, and beer along with their locavore menu items. Right now, their dinner menu features seafood along with staples of any fine dining experience. Check out their Valentine's Day special for even more decadent delights!
Andiario
In the heart of West Chester, this Philadelphia Magazine recommended restaurant brings new American cuisine, farm to table freshness, and high scale dining to our neighborhood. Constantly changing their menu, Andiario pairs traditional homemade Italian pasta with that week’s local bounty to create a truly special culinary experience. With limited capacity and no wait list, securing a table at this popular date destination is part of the experience.
Black Lab Bistro
For a focus on fresh, healthy food that embraces local culinary traditions, head to the Black Lab Bistro on Bridge Street in the heart of downtown Phoenixville. This local favorite boast one of the best Sunday brunch specials in the area and brings upscale steakhouse fare to a cozy atmosphere. Stop in for a fine meal before heading to the Colonial Theater for a truly memorable date night.
Black Powder Tavern
Head to the Black Powder Tavern and dine like George Washington and other revolutionary heroes before exploring the storied forests of Valley Forge. This local watering hole, established in 1746, remains an installation and dining experience to pair with the historic experience of the park. Check out their Valentine's Day special to add some history to your celebration this year.
Estrella Tacos y Mas
In the heart of Downingtown on Lancaster Ave, the taco bar, cantina, and general meeting place known as Estrella Tacos y Mas has been making headlines since before its opening in 2018. Purposefully fusing the taco truck and craft beer scenes under a single roof, the veteran restaurateurs behind this restaurant have created a place where the whole community can meet up and feel at home.
il Granaio
Located in the heart of Phoenixville, this Italian American restaurant brings all that’s good about the old world to our modern tables. With an edge of formality in a welcoming atmosphere, il Granaio is a perfect place for an upscale night within short walking distance of all the best entertainment venues Phoenixville has to offer.
Malvern Buttery
At the end of the Main Line in the borough of Malvern hides the Malvern Buttery. This gem of a breakfast and lunch destination make waking up early worthwhile with their fresh baked bread and daily pastry specials. The perfect place to fill up on up-scaled diner classics then bring home pastries, this hip eatery has something that’ll make everyone’s mouths water.
Pietro’s Prime
With good food, great drinks, and an amazing atmosphere, there is no better place to celebrate in West Chester than Pietro’s on West Market Street. For more than 80 years, the name Pietro’s has been synonymous with good food and a truly welcoming atmosphere. Today’s family run steakhouse and bar continues to offer some of the best steak and seafood around. Regular, quality live music and an atmosphere that can’t be beat help make this my favorite watering hole in town. Come for the food, stay for the drinks, live music, and fun!
Portabellos
This fine dining experience in the heart of Kennett Square celebrates all the area is known for. With mushroom specialties of all types, any fungoid feasters will be delighted by the rotating seasonal offerings.
Roots Café
If you’re looking for a breakfast, lunch, and dinner place that features locally sourced products and supports artisans and farmers alike, then Roots Café in the heart of West Chester is the place for you. Extremely popular with the locals, walk in early for their no-reservations brunch hours or reserve a space for dinner ahead of time. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, this restaurant is a true representation of the West Chester culinary scene.
Main Line Today Restaurant Week
The biannual Main Line Today Restaurant Week returns to the area February 26th through March 11th. This event brings together local restaurants to celebrate and offer seasonal fare as a coordinated front, making it easy for feasters to sample and compare what the region has to offer.
West Chester Restaurant Week
From February 26th through March 5th, take advantage of the limited prix fixe menus being offered around West Chester as part of their Restaurant Week. With special multi-course menu offerings at reasonable prices, this is the perfect time to sample new restaurants and find that new favorite spot. Check out the participating restaurants and make your reservations before they fill up!
I hope this short list of foody destinations in our area helps liven up your February. With so many amazing restaurants in Chester County, it would be impossible to cover them all. If there is a restaurant you think should be shared with the area in my next food-focused article, please let me know!
Until next time, stay warm out there!
