2023: A Year of Delicious Drinks and Fabulous Food in Delco

It’s hard to believe, but another year is coming to a close, and with the new year upon us, we’re taking a moment to reflect on 2023. Suffice to say, we ate and drank a lot of delicious things in Delco this year, and, via this blog, shared some of our favorite finds and “must-visits” with you. 

So, at the cusp of the new year, we wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for coming along on this journey with us — we hope that you found some new local businesses to try, or rediscovered an old favorite to keep supporting. After all, now more than ever, it’s crucial that we support the Delco businesses that make our communities unique and special; the economy isn’t always kind to mom-and-pop businesses and they need us as much as we need them!  

Over the past 12 months, we covered a lot of ground, and are excited to share some highlights of our 2023 posts with you:

 

Bars & Pubs

From weekday pub lunches to raucous nights of bar-hopping, Delco sure does love its watering holes. There are so many types of bars across the county, each with its own vibe and specialty. We rounded up some classic Delco Irish pubs, where you can always find a chatty bartender, a pint of Guinness, and maybe even a plate of bangers and mash. Delco’s biggest passion (and source of heartache) is Philly sports, and there is no shortage of lively sports bars where you can catch a game and sing the Eagles song with 100 of your new best friends.

For more chill nights out, we compiled a list of chic wine bars where you can indulge in a glass or share a bottle. Some of these bars feature classic lists of bold Italian reds and crisp French bubbly, while others offer opportunities to try adventurous wines made from obscure grape varietals or from lesser-known winegrowing regions. And while Delco is known for its booming craft beer scene, we’ve also got plenty of cocktail bars where you can discover your new favorite drink. If you’re taking a break from the booze during Dry January (or anytime!), it’s getting easier and easier to find fabulous mocktails at Delco bars and restaurants.

 

Cozy Spots

You don’t have to go into the city to find a cozy, comfy place for date night or to meet up with friends. For those special occasion nights, we shared some top-notch romantic restaurants, each with stellar service and intimate atmospheres (just don’t forget to make a reservation!). Warm up on wintery days or chilly nights with a cup of soups or stews from a local cafe, or find a nook to relax with a latte at one of Delco’s many coffee shops. 

 

 

Crowd-Pleasing Favorites

We can’t talk about food in Delco without covering some of the foods that we all love! So, while we’re not big on “best of” lists (things like this are so subjective), we did put together some features about where to find great pizza, ranging from no-frills slice shops to crave-worthy Detroit-style pies, so you can keep expanding your pizza horizons. We also sought out some creative and unique burgers, beautiful plates of pasta, as well as places to enjoy Sunday Funday over a fully loaded brunch. And, while we know that your deli definitely makes the best hoagies, we compiled a list of Delco sandwich spots that are worth checking out. We also shared not one but two posts about where to find ice cream in Delco (hey, it’s tough work, but someone’s gotta do it)!

 

Delco Profiles

We wouldn’t have the thriving, diverse food scene we do here in Delco if it wasn’t for the entrepreneurs and brave souls among us willing to take a chance on their dreams. In 2023, we highlighted three of such folks, each of whom brings something special to their communities. 

Back in the spring, we spoke with Abby Feerrar of Four Birds Distilling, who opened a distilling offshoot of their brewery (located in Audubon, PA) in Havertown. They were just on the cusp of launching a new food program with Ardmore’s Sophie’s BBQ, but soon after we published the profile, they suffered a devastating fire in their space and were forced to close for months. We’re happy to report that construction is underway in the space, and are keeping our fingers crossed that it will be able to reopen its doors in 2024.

 

One of the only good things to come out of the pandemic were some innovative pivots by local food artisans, like Chef Dan McKenna of Barking Dog Patio. In September, we wrote about how this longtime chef started a weekly outdoor pop-up restaurant in Media instead of going back to work in a traditional restaurant kitchen. This collaboration with Chef McKenna’s friend Bill Strine, Jr. (COO of Media Real Estate, which is where Barking Dog is located) became an instant hit with the community, thanks to the lovely landscaping and French-inspired, scratch-made menu on offer each week. While the patio is closed for the season, reservations will resume in the spring of 2024; in the meantime, check out Barking Dog’s takeout menu, with specialty items like homemade soup, beef jerky, pierogi, flatbreads and more. Plus, throughout the winter, Chef McKenna will be setting up a tent every weekend in the space’s parking lot on Baltimore Ave. with a meat smoker serving up baby back ribs, chicken legs, pulled pork and other tasty dishes.

Later in the fall, we spoke with Arianne Kline of Wee Marie’s Shortbread. Kline, who lives in Havertown, started her small business as a continuation of her mother’s annual shortbread making tradition. The light, buttery Scottish shortbreads have been hugely successful with her friends, neighbors, and now beyond, as she’s established several wholesale accounts and expanded her online sales. Recently, Kline announced on social media that Wee Marie’s is officially sold out for the holiday season, and will resume taking orders in the new year!

Thanks again for a fantastic year. We can’t wait to share more deliciousness in Delco with you in 2024!

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach 

 

Featured photo courtesy of 320 Market Cafe