It’s Picnic Time in Delco: Best Spots, Eats and Drinks

It’s no surprise to Delco residents that picnic season can start in April, end in mid-May, start again in late May and then run on-and-off through almost November. That’s Delco, PA! News flash to visitors: Check the weather, pick a spot or two, and then shop locally to fill your picnic basket with great fare and libations.

Where to Go

We love Ridley Creek State Park, but there are also scenic gardens, arboretums and parks all over Delco that are worth exploring. Pro tip: Check the website of your chosen destinations to make sure that picnics are currently allowed and where plus whether adult beverages are permitted. 

Ridley Creek State Park boasts more than 2,600 acres of hiking, biking and fishing, as well as plenty of scenic spots to drop a picnic blanket. Look for picnic tables near charcoal grills, restrooms and playgrounds, too. Got a bigger group to entertain? There are several pavillions, but you must reserve in advance. 

1023 Sycamore Mills Rd., Media, (610) 892-3900.

What to Eat and Drink

Let’s fill that picnic basket! We like to start with water (and lots of it!), beer and wine. Supporting local makers is our mission and you can’t go wrong with a local craft brew or bottle of wine.

Last, but not least, what puts the “pick” in “picnic” is the chow you choose! Check out these Delco stars for grab-and-go, all the fixin’s and desserts, too. Got a hankerin’ for a specialty item? Check! We’ve got you covered. Enjoy!

DiBruno Bros.

Stop into this 8,000 square food Italian marketplace that’s packed with meats, sides and sandwiches in The Rosticceria; caviar, smoked fish and cured meats at the Salumi & Seacuterie Counter; and breads, house-made pastries and other desserts at the The Pane & Dulce counter. Your friends and family won’t believe how you’ve next-leveled your Italian picnic! The Marketplace is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

385 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (484) 581-7888.

Lancaster County Farmers Market

Next door to DiBruno’s is the the Lancaster County Farmers Market chock full of vendors for everything carryout. It’s an international delight with empanadas from Abuelita’s Empanadas, breads and treats from D’Innocenzo’s Bakery, gourmet fare from La Delicatesse, Asian specialities from Margaret Kuo’s, and Middle Eastern and Greek goodies from Semaan’s Homemade Specialities. Your basket will burst with even more from breakfast to fruits to desserts from Angelo’s Cafe, Country Twist, Countryview Barbecue, Good Harvest Farms, Herrcastle Farms, Mainline Marketplace, Nancy’s Candy Corner, Rittenhouse Farms, S. Clyde Weaver, Sugartown Smoked Specialities, Sunnyside Pastries and The Ultimate Bake Shoppe. Rocking the perfect picnic basket is a lot of work, so keep your energy up at Mainline Coffee Roasters. The Market is open Wednesday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

389 Lancaster Ave, Wayne; check online for your favorite vendor’s phone number and website.

The Original Colonial Village Meat Market

This family-owned market has been offering homemade foods made from “the best, natural ingredients” for more than four decades. Your picnic will be drool-worthy thanks to its full deli of homemade salads, sandwiches and even a grill menu for cheesesteaks, fries and more. Filling a pavilion with your nearest and dearest? Ask about party trays, desserts and event set-ups, too. Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Manoa Shopping Center, 1305 West Chester Pike, Havertown, (610) 449-1776.

Talluto’s Ridley Park

This Talluto’s location is under the watchful eye of second and third generations of the Talluto family, so you know the meats, cheeses, deli and sandwiches are authentic. Kick up your picnic with freshly made mozzarella or its creamy cousin, burrata and a nice loaf of bread. Bummed because your outdoor outing is a rain-out? Consider a ready-to-make dinner special and ask about the Penns Woods Winery free bottle of wine when you order three dinner specials! Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

20 E. Sellers Ave., Ridley Park, (610) 534-0669.

320 Market Cafe

We love our two Delco wineries but we have to admit: we also can’t say no to natural wines. This cafe is famous for them thanks to co-owner Jack Cunicelli’s thoughtful selections. The family has been in business for nearly 30 years and its Delco cafes can make your picnic dreams come true with wine, craft beer, fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, cheeses, antipasto, signature pico de gallo — the works! Hours vary by location, so check the website for the latest.

320 Market Cafe: 713 S. Chester Rd. in Swarthmore, (610) 328-7211; and 211 W. State St. in Media, 610) 565-8320.

DiFabio’s Market & Tap

Here’s another in our impressive list of picnic one-stop shops! Check out the picnic-worthy selection of fresh, housemade entrees and sides, an extensive selection of imported and select Wisconsin cheeses, housemade sausages, salami, soppressata, olives and housemade desserts plus beer and wine. In the mood for pizza? Got it! That would make for an interesting picnic pleaser! Open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Monday.

1243 N. Providence Rd. Media, (484) 444-0850.

Plum Restaurant Group

Chef Floyd and Chef Angie Kahlil have you covered at their Plum Bistro & Catering for a full-service picnic extravaganza, or takeout Tex-Mex “with soul” from The Tattooed Pig in Aston. You can also delight a crowd with their two food trucks: The Sugar Plum for ice cream, milk shakes and smoothies, and The Plum Pit Food Truck for Tex-Mex fusion, Delco grill favorites (OK, the menu says Philly but we know they’re Delco faves!), barbecue, Caribbean and soul food, and a seafood lovers extravaganza.

Find your Plum Restaurant Group location online, and then click through to follow them on social media for the latest news, hours and updates.

Where to Find Even More

As if that wasn’t enough … if you’re still searching for your personal favorite foods then check out more of Delco’s best markets, ethnic specialty markets and farmers markets. Looking for something specific? Peruse our blog further for hoagies and then some, barbecue, tacos, sweets and treats, wings, pizza, burgers, cheesesteaks and more cheesesteaks, and strombolis (which originated in Delco, of course!).

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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 Delco From Home Experiences and where to get takeout and support local businesses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered during the coronavirus crisis (and beyond). Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

— Nina Malone

Featured photo: Pexels