Dining Around Delco: A Day Out in Ridley and Ridley Park

Ridley Park, a quiet borough in Delco, and its neighboring Ridley Township are home to a number of hidden gems that are waiting to reward visitors with delicious food and drinks. Located just a few miles south of Swarthmore and a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the Philadelphia airport, it’s a perfect place to stop through, or to refuel after a hike at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. It’s also a stop on SEPTA’s Wilmington/Newark regional rail line! 

No matter what time of day you’re in Ridley and Ridley Park, there are wonderful independently owned cafes, restaurants, and bars to explore. From croissants to hot dogs to fine dining, there is something for every taste and every occasion: 

 

Breakfast

Start the day off on a tasty note with a pastry and coffee from Ardour Bakery + Coffee, one of Delco’s many cozy cafes. Indulge in one of eight varieties of croissants, a Bavarian cream donut, or a nostalgia-inducing peanut butter and jelly bun. Prefer savory? Try a breakfast sandwich; there’s classic bacon, egg and cheese on ciabatta or a smoked salmon sandwich with cream cheese and cucumbers on a croissant. 119 E. Sellers Ave., Ridley Park; (610) 521-0450.

Photo courtesy of Ardour Bakery + Coffee

 

Every town should be so lucky as to have a spot like The BrickHaus, a casual cafe with scratch-made breakfast and lunch served all day, and perfectly roasted coffee, too. Bring your appetite and try standout dishes, like the huevos rancheros, breakfast BLT and French toast topped with caramelized cinnamon apples. At lunch, an array of soups, salads and specialty sandwiches are available. 13 East Hinckley Ave., Ridley Park; (610) 537-7389.

 

Lunch

Here in Delco, we’re big fans of simple pleasures, which explains our undying love of hot dogs. And when the hot dog cravings hit, you can’t do much better than Relish, a retro-looking joint with dogs aplenty. All the favorites are there (plain dogs, cheese dogs, chili dogs), but there are some signature selections as well. At least once, try the Ridley Ripper, a deep-fried beef and pork dog with cheese whiz on a fresh hot dog bun. Hamburgers, signature sandwiches, sides and “Bird Dogs” (chicken fingers on a roll) are also on offer. 401 MacDade Blvd., Milmont Park; (610) 468-3647.

 

Photo courtesy of Little Hut Sandwich Shop

The only handheld lunch Delco folks love more than hot dogs is hoagies! We take the art of sandwich craft quite seriously around here, and Little Hut Sandwich Shop is a local favorite. This no-frills storefront (mostly takeout and delivery, with just a few stools along a window rail) serves up all the traditional types of hoagies, which are all made to order with fresh ingredients. Locals like the Nigerian Hoagie, a unique combo of turkey, roast beef and corn beef! Its cheesesteaks are top-notch, too. 650 E. Chester Pike, Ridley Park; (610) 532-9679.

 

Photo courtesy of Charlie’s Hamburgers

Another lunch standby is Charlie’s Hamburgers, a legendary spot that was doing smashburgers before they were cool. If you want a fancy, gourmet burger, head elsewhere; Charlie’s excels at old-fashioned, fast-food-style burgers. A regular cheeseburger never disappoints, and we’re partial to the Charlie Special, which comes with lettuce, tomato, pickles and fried onions. Add a side of fries or onion rings and a handspun milkshake for a satisfying meal. 237 E. MacDade Blvd., Folsom; (610) 461-4228.

 

Happy Hour

Kick back at the end of the work week with a cold one at Casey’s, a casual, comfy baseball-themed pub with a great Friday happy hour. From 4 to 6 p.m., stop in for $2.50 domestic bottles and drafts, $3.50 import bottles, $4.50 craft beers, plus a $5 appetizer menu. There are also great meal deals on weekdays, too, like Kids Eat Free Mondays, Cheesesteak Night on Wednesdays, and Hot Roast Beef Sandwich Night on Thursdays (all specials are eat-in only). 601 E. Chester Pike, Ridley Park; (484) 540-7524.

 

Photo courtesy of Pexels

 

Another relaxed happy hour vibe can be found at Stinger’s Waterfront, right on the banks of Darby Creek. The views are fantastic, the pub-fare-driven menu is a crowd-pleaser, and happy hour is a great excuse to catch the sunset from the outdoor patio. Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., Stinger’s offers drink specials, like a dollar off drinks and discounted appetizers; there’s often live music, too! 401 S Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park; (484) 540-7868.

 

Dinner

Ever since Rosemary opened in 2023 on Ridley Park’s cute Hinckley Ave., this chic fine dining restaurant has been making major waves. Its inventive beverage and food programs made with fresh, seasonal ingredients have garnered rave reviews and loyal fans across the town, the county and the city! Creative plays on classic cocktails (think: a Sazerac with fennel and honeydew tincture) are the highlight of the bar’s efforts, while the kitchen shines with dishes like spinach gnudi with ricotta, garlic and cashew brown butter and lump crab toast on milk bread with fingerling potato chips and trout roe. Weekend brunch and happy hour are available, as well. And while reservations are suggested, Rosemary always holds a few tables for walk-in guests. 25 E. Hinckley Ave., Ridley Park; (​​610) 671-3770.

 

Photo courtesy of Santino’s Tap & Table

Looking for great pasta in Delco? Grab a table or barstool at Santino’s Tap & Table and dive into its awesome dinner menu, with plates inspired by the owner’s Grandmother’s cooking. Share an app or two with the table — may we suggest the fried ravioli, or chicken cutlet a la vodka fries? — before making the tricky choice of which entree to try. With options like crab gravy with black linguine, hot and spicy pizza and short rib grilled cheese, it won’t be an easy decision! Whatever you choose, pair it with a beverage from the full bar. 701 McDade Blvd., Folsom; (610) 572-7270.

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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