Kimberton, Pa recommendations

[liz_c]

We're going to be traveling to Kimberton, PA for an event in late April and we have one evening free where we'd like to visit a decent restaurant. We have three kids, ages 15y, 13y and 18 months - all are very good in resto's, but we don't want anything where we might upset other customers just b/c we have kids. We're from Madison, WI, so decent is relative to the small resto's of a college/lakeside town We like slow food, classic euro cuisine, some interest in places like Alinea, but we know it's hard to get into something like that with kids. The kids like sushi and asian fusion - we're willing to go along with that too.

We can't travel too far from Kimberton because this is for a dog show and we will have several dogs in the van with us. Probably a 30 minute radius is about all we can handle.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Liz

[mod*betty]

Kimberton is right near Phoenixville, which has the Epicurean, Black Lab Bistro and Majolica, off the top of my head.

[philadining]

mod*betty is right, Kimberton itself is pretty tiny, but it's right next door to Phoenixville, which is starting to have some attractions.

Majolica is an excellent restaurant with elegant food, but not all that upscale. I can't say that I've seen kids in there but I doubt it would be an issue if they're good in restaurants as you say. Here's our discussion of Majolica. You could always call them and see what they say, they're very nice there.

Almost next door to Majolica is the Black Lab Bistro, which is not quite as good as Majolica, but not bad, and probably a little more family-oriented. The Epicurean is a little outside town, closer to Kimberton, but I haven't been in there in a while, so I can't speak for the food or the vibe. Last meal I had was pretty decent, I can't explain why I haven't been back...

The Twin Bays Cafe out on the edge of Phoenixville is a lovely place, and the people are super-nice, and the food is OK... Despite it being semi-fancy, I'm sure they'd have no problem with the kids. There are a few small dining rooms, you might be able to have one to yourself if you were feeling self-conscious.

Also, very near near Kimberton is the Sly Fox brew pub. They have outstanding beer, but sadly I found a recent meal there to be pretty dismal. It's worth it if you folks are into beer, and they have a very family-friendly dining room, but it's not a culinary destination.

Also in Phoenixville are the Iron Hill and Destiny brew pubs, both making good beer, and serving decent food, but, as above, neither is a foodie destination. But if you're going to pick one on the basis of beer, go to Sly Fox, it's both better and closer to you.

Right in Kimberton is the Kimberton Inn, with an old-fashioned colonial vibe. I haven't eaten there in a long time, it is , or at least was, a bit conservative for my tastes, but it was fine. And they must be doing something right, they seem busy every time I go by. There's also the Kimberton Whole Foods, which is not a supermarket in the huge, national Whole Foods chain, but a small, independent natural-food store. Again, not a foodie destination in and of itself, but they do have a small cafe that serves good sandwiches and soups, etc, and is a good spot to grab snacks, etc. Depending on the weather in late April, there's a gelato place that may be open, and if so, you certainly must go get some of that! Kimberton is tiny, all of these places are on the same street, within about a hundred yards of one another, you'll find them.

But, I've saved the best for last: there's an absolutely amazing restaurant only a few miles from Kimberton, and it's honestly one of my favorite places in the entire Philadelphia area: The Birchrunville Store Cafe. It features slightly modernized classic French cuisine, at an absolute bargain. It's an excellent restaurant, but has a pretty mellow laid-back vibe. There are only two downsides that I can think of: it's VERY difficult to get a reservation, you really might have trouble getting a weekend table even if you call now; and somewhat related, it's a tiny place, and so if your 18-month-old gets fussy or loud, it's going to be a disruption. But if you're feeling good about everybody's behavior, it's an excellent restaurant, and only 10-15 minutes from Kimberton.

Here's our discussion of the Birchrunville Store Cafe>>

Hope that helps, and please feel free to ask more questions!

[doviakw]

... there's an absolutely amazing restaurant only a few miles from Kimberton, and it's honestly one of my favorite places in the entire Philadelphia area: The Birchrunville  Store Cafe.  ... There are only two downsides that I can think of: it's VERY difficult to get a reservation, you really might have trouble getting a weekend table even if you call now; and somewhat related, it's a tiny place, and so if your 18-month-old gets fussy or loud, it's going to be a disruption.  But if you're feeling good about everybody's behavior, it's an excellent restaurant, and only 10-15 minutes from Kimberton.

Here's our discussion of the Birchrunville Store Cafe>>

Hope that helps, and please feel free to ask more questions!

←

The last time that we called for reservations at the Birchrunville Store Cafe, they were not accepting advance reservations for more than four persons for weekend dining. That said, we have been successful in getting reservations on the same weekend day that we wanted to go.

[Edited to add...]

Somewhat farther afield but still easily with your 30 minute travel window are:

Cafe Mosaic in North Coventry is an unassuming storefront restaurant in the Suburbia Shopping Center. This is well known locally as offering solid, creative food at a reasonable price point.

In Pottstown there is Henry's Cafe which would be very kid-friendly. Again, the food is solidly in the upper register of good eats. Their fish-and-chips is outstanding.

Also in Pottstown are Funky Li'l Kitchen which is a bit more avant garde (their duck confit taco appetizer is a fine starter!). More mainstream is Havana Joe'swhich offers a nice range of Carribean-influenced fare (only been here once).

All of the above are BYOB if you want to have wine, spirits or beer with dinner.

Edited March 7, 2007 by doviakw (log)

[philadining]

Interesting news about groups larger than 4... I think they have at least one table that can accommodate larger groups, but maybe they just are trying to avoid the hassle of a larger group during busy weekends, or the potential problems if a large group cancels.

And good to know that you've had some luck with short-term reservations, I've occasionally succeeded at the last minute during the week, but not on the weekend, I'll have to try again. Thanks!

[liz_c]

Thanks for all the suggestions!! We had looked at Birchrunville and it's definitely something we'd like to try, but will have to call and see if they do a large table. We do always ask to make sure that the children are o.k. and our older son (15 yrs, not a foodie - prefers to stop at McD's on the way there!!) can take the baby out to the van and entertain her if she gets fussy. Middle son is into duck and fois gras, so his expensive tastes make up for what we save on his brother

Much appreciated!!

Liz