Where to Enjoy Delco’s Favorite Comfort Foods

You know you want them: comfort foods! Maybe that’s because it’s cold outside, or you have a cold, or it’s a family tradition, or just because. We like that last reason … just because they fill your tummy with the comforting foods you grew up loving on in every corner of Delco.

You might as well get your car keys in hand because you’re going to want to run out the door and head to these Delco destinations after you peruse this soul-satisfying menu of comfort foods:

 

Grilled Cheese

The Ridley House

Behold the beloved grilled cheese and tomato bisque with housemade croutons combo — what we loved as kids, but with a twist! Don’t worry; it’s not so grown up that you won’t still hearken back to sitting at the kitchen table wolfing down this pairing after shoveling snow. Open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

2107 MacDade Boulevard, Holmes, (610) 522-5400.

Lasagna

Fellini Cafe

Another in the category of “your Nonna would be impressed!”: Dig lasagna al forno, layers and layers of tender pasta and cheese made hearty with fresh tomato sauce and ground meat bolognese plus bechamel sauce. We also must give a shoutout to the specials menu, which is packed with signature Italian comfort foods — especially the Sunday Dinner special! Open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 8:30 p.m.

3541 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 353-6131.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Ro-Lynn Deli

This side or entree is in the running for most comforting comfort food! Bonus: You don’t have to be down for the count to crave it. Choose chicken noodle or (brace yourself) cheesy chicken noodle, fresh out of the pot. We love the two kinds of noodles and ample amounts of chicken in each spoonful. All soups are available frozen for takeout, too! Open Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Monday.

3407 Edgemont Ave., Brookhaven, (610) 872-9575.

Chicken Pot Pie

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Did we mention a battle of the most comforting? Stepping up to the plate is this craft kitchen’s chicken pot pie. The flaky pastry top seems to be the star … and then you fork into tender chicken, butternut squash, Yukon gold potatoes, sweet peas, carrots, onions and all-the-right herbs simmered in a trademark sauce. Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

30 East State St., Media, (610) 627-9000.

Soul Food Greens

Shugar Shack

Chef Shug’s got your Southern greens, and they’re (gasp!) vegan. No meat, just packed with flavor! Tender collard greens are “made with our number one ingredient: love.” Then, they’re sauteed in olive oil, a house-blend seasoning (garlic, onion and peppers) plus a secret house-blend (black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and Goya Sazon … and a few more secret ingredients!). Open Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 2 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 2 – 7 p.m.; closed Monday.

45 North Chester Pike, Glenolden, (610) 255-2155

Chili

Michael’s Sandwich Shop

Much more than sandwiches, Michael’s boasts 40 years of serving chili! Where else would you go to fill up? It’s made daily old-school style with ground beef, beans, secret spices and … well, the rest is, indeed, a secret! We will divulge this: it’s spicy, but not over-the-top. You can get a cup, but you’ll want a bowl full. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday.

1300 Jefferson Ave., Woodlyn, 610) 833-9919.

 

Mac-and-Cheese

Saxers

We refute the idea that mac-and-cheese is just for the kiddos! We’ve been known to dig into legacy noodles and cheese, but we’ve recently fallen in love with this slightly more adult version: Baked mac-and-cheese with a secret three-cheese blend and bacon, plus a bread crumb topping. Perfection! Open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 1 to 10 p.m.

148 Saxer Ave., Springfield, (484) 472-6176.

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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. Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email, or online.

— Nina Malone

Featured photo courtesy of Iron House Brewery