2024: A Delco Foodie Year in Review

As the last days of 2024 are upon us, it is with so much gratitude that we look back on a year filled to the brim with tasty eats and delightful drinks. It never ceases to amaze just how much Delco has to offer in terms of delicious food! All 49 of our cities, towns, boroughs and townships are home to local businesses sharing their culinary talents with their communities. 

We love getting to share these homegrown treasures with you, and are honored to help share the stories of the entrepreneurs and makers that are living out their dreams in Delco. Whether you’ve been here your whole life, or you’re just passing through, we hope that in 2025 you’ll keep exploring the restaurants, cafes, pubs and markets that make up the fabric of our underrated county!

Here’s a look back at just some of the many Delco foodie finds we covered this past year:

 

Delco Profiles

We spoke with three local artisans in 2024 — all of whom happen to be bakers! — who bring their unique perspectives to their neighbors. In April, we introduced you to Laurie Moyer of Cake a Difference. She started her career as a public school teacher, then turned her former hobby of baking into a business during the pandemic. Cake a Difference delivers treats to schools for birthdays and teacher-appreciation, makes custom cakes and buttercream boards and hosts classes for kids and adults in its new workshop space, crEATe, in Thornton, PA.

 

Over the summer, we profiled two bakers: Robert Smythe of Pastry Pants, the European-style bakery in Swarthmore that’s been making waves ever since its start. Smythe also took a chance on his vision during the pandemic, and opened a micro-bakery out of his garage. This spring, he moved operations to a storefront on Park Ave. in the heart of the charming borough. Ever since, people have been lining up for Pastry Pants’ stunning pastries, cookies and breads.

 

The other is Casey Dehel, a former professional chef and mom in Havertown who shares her passion for baking (specifically focaccia) and family through her Instagram account, @_whatsonthetable_. Through gorgeous photography and personable captions and voiceovers, Casey shares a peek into her cozy kitchen with her friends and followers.

 

Fresh Finds

Yes, we love our cheesesteaks, burgers and pizza here in Delco, but we’re also always on the lookout for healthy options to fuel our hustle. This year, we made that search a little easier by rounding up places where you can find fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies, as well as modern glow-ups, like acai bowls, wheatgrass shots and avocado toast.

Crave the leafy greens and crunchy veggies in a great salad? We got you covered with a list of fast-casual cafes, delis and restaurants where ordering up a wholesome salad is always a great idea. From Caesars to cobbs to salads topped with chicken or steak, eating healthy has never been so easy!

 

Shopping fresh and local is never easier than when you’re at a local farmers market. But sometimes, there is so much to choose from — especially in big, bustling markets — that it can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we curated a guide to the Lancaster County Farmers Market in Wayne; the next time you take a spin through this beloved Delco institution, stop by our eight must-try stalls, like Positively Pasta and S. Clyde Weaver, to make the most of your visit.

 

Affordable & Easy Options

Going out doesn’t always have to be a splurge or an all-night affair. Sometimes, you just need a quick bite that’s easy on the wallet. When this is the case, Delco is there for you! There are so many budget bites to keep you going without breaking the bank. No need to go to a big chain drive-through when you’ve got options like The Hungry A in Springfield, Boccella’s Deli in Havertown and The Rooster Diner in Media in your own backyard!  

 

Another crowd-pleasing inexpensive lunch or dinner option is tacos, and Delco’s lucky to have tons of great spots for Mexican food! Whether you prefer cheesy Tex-Mex, traditional street tacos or gourmet twists on the classics, you’re in good hands with spots like Duo Tacos and Bowls in Chester, El Chapulin in Upper Darby and The Tattooed Pig in Aston.

When you need a low-key nosh at breweries, festivals or events, check out local food trucks, which bring nearly every kind of cuisine to the hungry masses. From cooling scoops from Owl’s Water Ice & Treats to next-level fried chicken from Shuga Shack Soulfood, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your cravings.   

 

Seasonal Specialties

When the seasons change and holidays arrive, Delco’s establishments keep things fun and interesting with specials and menu updates. In the springtime, St. Patty’s Day and Easter means it’s time for Oh Ryan’s Irish Potatoes (made in Marcus Hook!) and other delicacies like strawberry and cucumber cocktails, fruity ice creams and nourishing green smoothies (head here for more details).

 

In autumn, it’s time for pumpkin spice and everything nice: apples, cinnamon, squash and more hearty harvest flavors! Delco’s bars, coffee shops and restaurants get in on the fun with bountiful fall specials. We’re talking smoky cider cocktails, sticky apple fritters, beet-and-brussels-sprouts grain bowls — even pumpkin pizza!

As the temperatures drop, stay warm with comforting drinks. Cheers to a great year with loved ones over rounds of espresso martinis at Village Vine in Swarthmore, rye martinis at Rosemary in Ridley Park or other festive cocktails. Or, find a seat at one of Delco’s many comfy cafes for a creamy, wintry latte, like a toasted marshmallow mocha from Terrain Garden Cafe in Glen Mills or a salted caramel cappuccino at YO! Coffee, Delco’s only independently owned coffee drive-through, located in Media.

 

We wish everyone a happy, healthy New Year! There’s much more to come from us in 2025!

 

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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: Pexels