Where to eat in West Chester?

[megmtl]

Hello, PA Chowhounders! We are coming from Montreal for a wedding in two weeks and are looking for some great places to eat! I have done some searches and have come across some mentions of "BYOB." Are these places that you can bring your own alcohol? If so, are there any restrictions, and which is the best place? We would love one great place for dinner (any cuisine but french:) ) and possibly two good breakfast/brunch options. We also love a good wine bar, if you have any recommendations.

Also, are there any recommended grocery stores or gourmet foodshops? Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[wc2473]

BYOB is bring your own, depending on the place some have corkage fees. If a BYOB interests you I would call the restaurant to confirm their policy, it oftens changes depending if it's a weekend vs. a weekday. Pennsylvania only has state run stores, there are no liquor stores in the borough. Liquor store locations can be found http://www.pawineandspirits.com.

For dinner, I would go to High Street Caffe - http://www.highstreetcaffe.com. They do offer BYOB - $5 corkage fee, but also serve alcohol.

Another option for dinner, but not as good in my opinion, is a few doors down at Avalon. http://www.avalonrestaurant.net

For breakfast, Market Street Grille at 6 W Market St - great food and service.

Gourmet food store - Carlino's on Market St. http://www.carlinosmarket.com

Where are you staying?

[CindyJ]

Southeastern Pennsylvania is a BYO mecca, thanks in large part to the bizarre laws established and maintained by PA's Liquor Control Board.

There actually is a State liquor store in West Chester on Paoli Pike in the shopping center where the Chester County Book Company is located.

For dinner, I would highly recommend Sovana Bistro, near Kennett Square, a 10-15 minute drive straight out Rt. 926 from West Chester. Although they now have a liquor license, they still permit BYO. There is a $5/bottle corkage fee. Their emphasis is on fresh, local ingredients and they have a "100-mile menu" that features these products There's a nice outdoor patio in the back. http://www.sovanabistro.com/restaurant.html

For a really pleasant BYO Sunday brunch out in horse country, about a 25-minute drive from West Chester, I'd recommend the Stone Barn just outside Kennett Square. http://www.thestonebarn.com/sundaybrunch.htm

For a wine bar in West Chester, I'd recommend Teca. http://www.tecawine.com They have a really good wine selection and nicely prepared small plates.

For a taste of the local wine scene, you can visit the tasting room of the Kreutz Creek Winery. It's on Gay St. in West Chester. The twist here is that it's BYOF -- Bring Your Own Food! There's live music on the weekends. http://www.kreutzcreekvineyards.com/westchester.html

Carlino's on Market St. in WC is a great recommendation for a gourmet grocery store, with emphasis on all things Italian. If you don't mind traveling a short distance, Wegman's in Downingtown and Talula's Table in Kennett Square http://www.talulastable.com/main.html are two great options.

[megmtl]

Thanks so much for the rec's, these places sound great!

[FriedClamFanatic]

Let me second Sovana Bistro. I"m also hearing good things about OLive Branch in West Chester (Tapas), but haven't been yet. And the BLue Pear, which is a little hard to find (drive south on 202 until youo see the Volvo dealership...right there and about 1/2 mile down next to the Dilworthtown Inn.