Whether you’re a resident, student, visitor, or live near West Chester, it’s not a secret that downtown is full of a wide variety of delectable restaurants and unique shops and boutiques. With over 65 eateries, ranging from Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Asian, American, pizzerias, cafes, the list is endless which guarantees that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Being a fourth-year student at West Chester University, I have had my fair share of exploring the borough and trying new restaurants with friends and family. Now, I have to admit that I haven’t nearly tried all of them but from what I have tried, I have been pleasantly pleased. Here is where I am going to discuss my top 8 favorite food places in West Chester, not listed in any order, but these places are food spots, which has blown me away, that I have come back to multiple times to satisfy my hunger.
1. Nudy’s Cafe
Woke up craving a yummy breakfast? Just got out of class and your stomach is rumbling? Located at 300 Market St, West Chester, PA 19382, Nudy’s Cafe is a breakfast and lunch destination that offers a wide array of food options for their customers. For breakfast, one could order eggs benedict, omelets, sandwiches, pancakes, and French toast. For lunch, salads, sandwiches, cheesesteaks, wraps, and pitas are offered. With a relaxed and welcoming environment, but also the amazing staff, your experience at Nudy’s will be nothing but positive. This is one of my mom and I’s go-to spot whenever she comes up to visit me, we just can’t get over how tasty their food is every time we come. This location is open from 7 am until 4 pm every day, except Saturday and Sunday when they close at 3 pm. Don’t have time to dine in? Don’t worry, they also offer takeout! Just order online and go pick it up. I promise Nudy’s Cafe will hit the spot.
2. Mas Mexicali Cantina
This two-story Mexican cuisine restaurant that utilizes fresh ingredients in their dishes and has three different bars, is bound to be on everyone’s list of favorite places to eat or drink. Every dish that I have ordered at Mas Mexicali Cantina has been fantastic and worth coming back again for more. My personal favorites would have to be the Classic Chicken Burrito (Chimichanga style) or the Carne Asada Sizzling Fajitas. Both offer rich flavors that cannot be found anywhere else. Not only is the food amazing, but the atmosphere is just as exciting. As stated on their website, “the first floor invites you to enjoy the spacious and lively Cantina while the second floor’s rock-n-roll inspired Tequila Bar & Velvet Lounge will transform you to the West Coast”. But wait, there’s more. Not only are there two floors, but in the warmer months, there is also a rooftop dining destination. On the rooftop, with a capacity of over 150 guests, people can enjoy food and drinks while overlooking the town of West Chester. Mas Mexicali Cantina is located at 102 E Market St. and is open from 11 am with closing times ranging from midnight to 2 am. Head on over today!
3. Taco Mar
Another one of my all-time favorite Mexican restaurants would have to be Taco Mar. Here, they offer a Burrito Bar, Taco Stand, and the Baja Grill. Ever since this spot opened up in West Chester, I have been in love with Taco Mar. My first time visiting this location, I was immediately welcomed by the entire staff as I walked through the front doors, making me feel like I was a part of their Taco Mar family. Their salad bowls and nachos are fantastic and jammed full of flavor which will leave you drooling for more. The colorful and fun décor is definitely one of the reasons why everyone should stop by to get some food. It really makes you feel as if you’re in Mexico enjoying some tacos and burritos, it just doesn’t get better than this. Now, I have to admit that I am the most drawn to the name of this restaurant in particular. Since my name is Marly, my friends and family call me “Mar”. Do you see the connection? I once emailed Taco Mar and expressed my appreciation for their restaurant and explained to them how my nickname connects to their name. To my surprise, they responded to my message and ended up sending me a few stickers of their logo and menus in the mail. The customer service is one of the best that I’ve ever reached out to. Located at 122 E Gay St, with hours ranging from 11:30 am to 9 pm, this is the perfect place to come to while you have free time in-between classes, on your break from work, or somewhere to come with friends and family.
4. Amore Pizza & Restaurant
If you have never been to Amore, what are you doing with your life? From the start of freshman year to now my senior year, Amore has been my go-to place for food for when I don’t feel like going to an actual restaurant. Located at 316 S High St, you can walk right in, order your food and have it in front of you within 10 minutes. My two all-time favorite foods to order here would have to be the honey mustard chicken pizza and cheese fries. Amore doesn’t stick to the common pizzas such as pepperoni, mushrooms and onions, white, and plain. Instead, while they still do offer those pizzas, they also have buffalo chicken, BBQ chicken, chicken B.L.T, Fat Ram (grilled chicken, bacon, fries, ranch, cheese), Fat Night (cheesesteak, chicken fingers, cheese, fries), and the Fat B (chicken fingers, fries, bacon, ranch, cheese). They also offer a wide variety of starters, wings, sandwiches, strombolis, salads, and pasta. You might come here to get a quick bite to eat, or you may stop by after a party to eat drunk food, either way, it’s the place to be. The food is yummy, affordable and close to campus. If you don’t feel like leaving your house or apartment, you can also order delivery.
5. Playa Bowls
Not in the mood for a burger or anything heavy? Playa Bowls has your back. This food spot is fun but also trendy. With a menu that consists of acai bowls, smoothies, soups, juices, and poke bowls, you will never get tired of coming here since there is so much to try. As said on their website, they use ECO bowls, spoons, lids and straws to minimize our environmental footprint and are partnered with refuse companies on unique recycling solutions to increase use efficiency and reduce waste. Helping to save the earth? Take all of my money! Whenever I decide to take a walk up to town and stop into Playa, I also order the Nutella Acai bowl, but I replace the coconut flakes with peanut butter. I am instantly put into a food coma because it’s so good. The fruit is fresh, the acai is refreshing, and the granola adds a nice crunch. What makes Playa even better is the interior design which makes you feel as if you’re at the beach. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be at the beach? Playa is my happy place and is very fun to come with friends to hang out and grab a healthier bite to eat. Head on over to 22 S High St and get yourself a treat from Playa Bowls, but be aware, it’s very difficult to pick one thing off of the menu because everything is so good.
6. Baked
Looking for some dessert? Craving some sweets? Love cookie dough? Baked is going to be your best friend. Here you can get freshly baked cookies, ice cream sandwiches, and edible cookie dough. Yes, you read that right – edible cookie dough. As soon as I heard about this place, I just had to go. Let me just tell you, I most certainly want not disappointed. I ordered myself one scoop of chocolate chip cookie dough and I was in heaven. My sweet tooth was definitely satisfied. I know a lot of people that would order cookies to be delivered to their dorm or apartment late at night during the semester or while they are studying for finals week, cookies just make everyone happier. They have multiple flavors of cookies and cookie dough and are continuously adding new mouthwatering options. Obviously, I suggest visiting 34 S High St, but I also suggest following them on their social media to be updated on new flavors that are being added to the menu but to also see deals and discounts that become available.