Please rec a nice place thats "american" 5 miles of lansdale.

[seagulls1]

Family get together going out with my 82 yr old Dad. Is there any " american" place like the William Penn Inn or Jos Ambler ? That kind of atmosphere and menu but easier on the wallet?

My Dad and his lady friend companion were not impressed with Arpeggio (our fav) or Mina. and frankly we could use a break from Italian and asian.

Hows the Spring House Tavern?

[seagulls1]

Thanks for the replies, I wish we had lots of places recomended. What is it? The cost of rice and pasta just allows a better bottom line profit?

I have to confess to all those kind enough to have taken the time to reply....Grandpop, whom we knew would insist on picking up the tab ...ABSOLUTELY insisted on Olive Garden. We 6 were seated in a nice little room, seating for 10 to 12, and had 2 servers all to ourselves. The food was good, the servers very pleasant and prompt Pop was happy ....WIN.

Final admission,,,, he pulls out a $25 Gift Certificate he got LAST year for Xmas..LOL .WIN WIN

[Betharu]

You know what - sometimes its not about the place and all about the experience! If Grandpop wanted Olive Garden, then so be it! At least you got to enjoy his company!

My grandmother's favorite was Red Lobster or Inn Flight!

[Bacchus101]

You could not have made a better choice based on the end results. Good food , pleasant service and most important Grandpop was happy! Good Stuff!!!!

[bucksguy14]

I have been there in a LONG TIME but, if my recollection is correct about the Century House on 309, it should fit with someone your Dad's age. I recall it being a steak and potatoes (with some decently cooked fish) place, with reasonably good service.

[Betharu]

This is really tough - we don't have alot of good "American" places around Lansdale.

I was thinking Trax Cafe in Ambler - it is a BYOB. Not open for dinner on Sundays or Mondays.

Skippack has some places - but that is probably out of the 5 mile scope.

[RitterSportRules]

Be forewarned, the seating at Trax is somewhat tight and the noise level is very high. The food is decent and it is BYOB.

[givemecarbs]

I keep forgetting about that place bucksguy! I gotta get back there myself sometime.

[Chefpaulo]

I was at Century House about 10 years ago for a "nostalgia dinner" as it was a regular Sunday haunt when I was a kid (along with other 309 venerables: Montgomery Inn, Crane's Tavern, The Vineyards, Benetz, Trainer's). I can't say it was anything memorable but would certainly meet the American requirement.

[gaffk]

Spring House Tavern will not be appreciably easier on the wallet and the food and atmosphere will be below Wm Penn and Jos Ambler.

When I read the title of the post, my mind immediately went to the two in the OP. But I cannot think of comparable old school American places in the area that are less expensive.

However, if you are open to buffets and depending on your timing, the Wm Penn has a Thursday night buffet at around $25/person with great seafood choices, carving stations, salads, sides, etc. They also have a Sunday brunch buffet at less than $30/per with carving stations, omelet stations, waffle stations, salads, desserts, etc.

http://www.williampenninn.com/

[ilovesummer]

I can't speak for the Thursday buffet...but the Sunday brunch has gone DOWNHILL. We took friends last Christmas and were very disappointed....Just thinking..haven't been but how about Jim Coleman's Place at Normandy Farms????

[Chefpaulo]

Been twice. Never again. Gourmetized PA Dutch home cooking is just too bizarre for me and all the frou frou trappings of tableside preparation does not make up for lack of flavor. And, least to say, overpriced. Dinner for four with one reasonable bottle of wine was $387 before tip. Of course, Jim is circulating and treating everyone like long lost family, but I'd rather he be in the kitchen supervising what is going out.
CP

[cwdonald]

FWIW I heard Jim left Normandy Farms... I would have suggested Mainland Inn but that is either closed for renovation or closed. Only way to perhaps save money is to go for the early bird prix fix at WP. It is 35 per person.

[Betharu]

I just heard this too last week. I always thought Coleman's was overpriced.

I know its a chain - but it is American - and the food is pretty good - what about Redstone at Plymouth Meeting Mall?

[gaffk]

Never go to Wm Penn at Christmas . . . I have always been disappointed then. Though mom's 80th on the 23rd (a dinner from the menu) was wonderful; but it was a private room. Otherwise, they crowd too many people in, and both the food and atmosphere suffer as a result.

I only went to Coleman's Sunday brunch once--and that will tell you how much I disliked it. But he is now leaving Normandy Farms and I would be interested in how the new chef does.

[Bacchus101]

" It is so crowded no one goes there anymore" yogi. Yes indeed it is overbooked, over priced and can be disappointing in food and service. Many are willing to take the chance, as it is a Christmas tradition and lovely place for a holiday dinner. We have been likewise disappointed for family Thanksgiving dinners but mostly our guests have loved it and/or have just been too polite to tell us they did not!

Coleman's, in one word, stinks! Let us hope for something, anything better, even an Applebee's would be an improvement. Of course we are hoping for a bit more improvement!

[gaffk]

Agree with you on Coleman's. Tried each meal--brunch, lunch and dinner and was disappointed every time. Three strikes and they were out. I'm looking forward to its replacement.

And I loved your opening line ;) This year we convinced friends to update the traditional Wm Penn brunch and went for lunch this past Wednesday. It was still crowded, but not overly so. Besides, I prefer ordering from the menu rather than the brunch.

[Bacchus101]

Although I have not been there this year The Bay Pony Inn in Lederach might fit the bill it is a great old stone Inn nicely decorated. It seems to be popular at the Holidays. Agree with CPs comments regarding the Spring House Tavern, very old school American, nice environs, friendly service. I also do not know how the prices compare with WmPenn. If just a few bucks more at WmPenn perhaps it is a sure thing, always good food in festive holiday decor.

[ilovesummer]

How about Parkside Grille....certainly not the same atmosphere as Wm Penn....but might be a good option....sad that there aren't many places like that around!!!

[Chefpaulo]

its not what it used to be but Spring House may be the only option within your radius. If he's a steak and potato guy, Spring House is a safe bet. A nice collection of oil paintings of local farms rounds out the Americana requirement although I don't know if cost will be appreciably less than Penn or Ambler.
CP