Western Burbs Restaurant Rec

jpfeifer

6 people sans kids (whoo! date night!).  Looking for something non-chain.  Live in Conshy, but would go to Blue Bell, KOP, Manayunk, etc.  Friends are moving away, so I'd like to go somewhere people would deem a "must go" for the Philly area.  I know the city would be best, but babysitter time limit kind of rules that out.  If I don't come up with something, another couple wants to go to Redstone - meh.  TIA. 

erbur78

I would suggest a few different options, not all of them are "must go," but I have had a good meal:

- Phoenixville, you should go to Majolica. It is definitely one of the "must go" places. BYOB. Fresh, local seasonal ingredients.  Menu changes often.

- in Manayunk, check out the Couch Tomato Bistro (it's above the Couch Tomato Cafe (pizza shop), a casual bistro. We went with a group of 8 and had a great time. Lots of options on the menu from salads, gourmet pizzas (I inhaled a pizza with asparagus, truffle oil and fried egg), entrees, etc. Full bar.

- I cannot name a single place in KoP that is not a chain (other than lunch places). WAIT: I lied. There's Creed's Seafood and Steaks, but I've never been there. It's on North Gulph Road, adjacent to Rt 422.

- In Wayne (not on your list, but easily accessible): I am huge fan of Teresa's Next Door, but I don't know if this will work for your group since they don't take reservations, and are pretty popular. Excellent beer/wine selections, along with an inventive menu.

- Across the street from TND, is Xilantro. I have been there with a friend and I believe eSyn went with a group. I had a good experience and enjoy the table-side made guac.  Menu was somewhat limited, but it may have expanded (I went soon after it opened).

lrocvilla

I like Tango in Bryn Mawr. If it's nice out, they have a nice patio and its situated near an old train station, so some of the rooms have a dining car type feel. I've been to Yangming a few times, also in Bryn Mawr. It's always written up as one of the best Chinese restaurants in the area as well as the country. Georges in Wayne is also very good. Susanna Foo has a place in Radnor, but I've never been.

LaRositaMonita

Is price an object?  It's expensive, but Blackfish in Conshy would get my vote.

eaglesfan700

We had a fantastic meal at Nectar in Berwyn. 

I also liked Savona in Gulph Mills, but it is pricey

I had a great meal at Xilantro, but my H didn't like it.  Also I don't feel like it would be comfortable for a group, especially couples.  The tables are tiny

eSynergy

Xilantro was good, we had 6 people and sat at a booth. Everyone liked their food and drinks. 

I still think Verdad (tapas) in Bryn Mawr is the best food I've had in a while though. They can do groups. In the year we've lived in the 'burbs, I've been there twice with DH and once with a group of girlfriends and everyone looooved it. 

NewQueen

If your group likes spicy food-and I mean, really really likes spicy food, a MUST try restaurant in Manayunk is Han Dynasty.

jpfeifer

Thanks everyone! Not everyone does spicy, but I'll keep it in mind when it is just dh and I, we love spicy. I'll definitely bring these to the table - I'm sure I can persuade them away from Redstone. 

jpfeifer

We went with Teresa's Next Door - wonderful recommendation!  We had the oysters and fried artichoke hearts for an appetizer.  I'm not an oyster gal, but the artichoke hearts were awesome.  Two of them got mussels, I got the herbavore, dh got the pork chop, one got an ostrich burger, and the other got the carnita tacos.  The tacos was good, but a small portion for a guy. Everyone else was very happy and everyone agreed that they'd return.  There wasn't a wait.  Thanks for the tip!

erbur78

I'm glad you liked it. We frequent the place on Sunday afternoons. They have a nice brunch menu, too.