Reading stands at a crossroads of Pennsylvania German tradition and new Latino vibrancy, nestled between historic mills and the Appalachian foothills.
Its best restaurants are proud bearers of heritage, plates brimming with pure comfort and, increasingly, inventive, modern flair.
1. Judy’s on Cherry
Judy’s on Cherry is housed in a dramatic former farmers market warehouse, all brick arches, hand-painted murals, and romantic shadows.
Seasonal, locally-sourced menus shine: wood-fired brick oven flatbreads, roasted duck, sweet corn risotto, and creative desserts like bourbon bread pudding or fruit tartlets.
A creative cocktail and wine list ensure that a glass of Pennsylvania Riesling or an elegant old fashioned is always at hand.
2. Chatty Monks Brewing Company
Beer geeks and foodies unite at Chatty Monks, Reading’s top craft pub. From coconut porters to rye IPAs, the brewery is fierce about local ingredients and inventive flavors.
The food matches that ambition—think beer-steamed mussels, miso ginger wings, creative sliders, and house-cured pickles.
Trivia nights, art installations, board games, and a bohemian crowd keep the place buzzing.
3. Mi Casa Su Casa Café
This Latin kitchen/café is exuberant, art-filled, and fragrant with the scent of stewed chicken, plantains, and sweet baked goods.
Meal times are vibrant affairs—empanadas to go, arroz con pollo, and plates built for sharing.
Regulars drop by for the city’s best café con leche and pastelitos, while weekends bring poetry nights, salsa dancing, and impromptu music jams. The owners build community through food, art, and laughter.
4. Ugly Omelet
With a menu as quirky as its name, Ugly Omelet’s motto might as well be “bigger, better, and always made with love.”
Walls are covered in photos and napkin “thank-yous” from three generations of locals.
Omelets come bursting with fresh vegetables, smoked meats, and cheese—sometimes as large as the plate itself.
They serve breakfast all day, pancakes by the stack, and hold a permanent place in the hearts of both regulars and visiting food adventurers.
5. GNA Ristorante
Famed for toasted ravioli and brick-oven pizza, GNA is the multigenerational Italian kitchen at the core of Reading’s family celebrations.
Mismatched tables are packed with noisy parties devouring heaping plates of spaghetti, homemade lasagna, and cannoli made to order.
The pizza is thin-crust and bubbly, the wine unpretentious, and everyone—from the head chef to the busboy—seems to greet regulars by name.
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