Delco College Dine-Around: Penn State Brandywine, Delaware County Community College and Williamson College of the Trades

In Delaware County, there are 75 colleges within 20 miles—pretty impressive, right? And smack in the center of Delco (tucked between Media and Newtown Square), three of those colleges sit within a five-mile radius: Penn State Brandywine, Williamson College of the Trades and Delaware County Community College.

 

Whether you’re visiting the area to check out one of these institutions, or you’re a local student looking for the best places to grab a bite between classes, we’ve got you covered! From hearty breakfasts to kickstart your day to comfy dinner spots, great for when family and friends are visiting, our dine-around guide highlights delicious local eats within a short drive of these schools:

 

Breakfast & Brunch

A community staple, The Country Deli has been serving delightful homemade breakfasts to locals for decades. Known for its cozy, quirky atmosphere (check out the cookie jar collection), this family-owned establishment is beloved for its affordable breakfast platters, sourdough French toast, and strong coffee. For a taste of classic Delco, try the Breakfast Hoagie: three eggs, cheese and your choice of meat on a 12-inch roll—it will keep you going all morning! Fresh baked muffins, cookies, scones and cinnamon buns, plus daily specials, are the cherry on top.  

1176 Middletown Rd., Gradyville; (610) 558-3354.

 

Right in the heart of downtown Media, Bittersweet Kitchen offers a fresh take on traditional breakfast fare. This charming eatery prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients in its scratch-made dishes, including creative omelets, tasty vegetarian options, and their famous pancakes. The warm atmosphere and vintage touches, like a tin ceiling and birdcage lights, make it a lovely spot for a leisurely brunch. 

18 S. Orange St., Media; (610) 566-1660.

 

 

Calling all diner fans! The Rooster Diner takes everything you love about classic roadside eateries and gives it a modern update. This retro-inspired decor includes rustic farmhouse accents, and the extensive menu serves up plenty of breakfast sandwiches and combos, as well as sweet treats, Belgian waffles and fluffy hotcakes. The kids’ menu offers budget-friendly options for little ones, too.

8 S. New Middletown Rd., Media; (610) 455-4333.

 

Lunch

Wayside Market is a hidden gem for lunch, especially if you’re craving a fresh, made-to-order sandwich. This family-run market has built a reputation for its high-quality deli meats, homemade soups, and generous portions. Its panini, club sandwiches and wraps selection offers so much variety: There’s everything from a Cuban panini to a Buffalo chicken wrap, to a BBQ pulled pork sandwich, to a grilled Reuben on rye. Don’t skip a side of fries or tater tots!

469 S. Old Middletown Rd., Media; (610) 566-9989.

 

 

Nestled into the corner of a big shopping center is the last place you might expect: Mrs. Marty’s Deli, a Jewish-style deli that’s ready to make your wildest lunch dreams come true. From tried-and-true classics, like matzah ball soup, potato knishes, chef salads and tuna clubs, to imaginative house specialties, like the brisket hoagie, Jewish banh mi and sweet potato latkes, there is a lot to choose from! There’s also a fully stocked deli, if you want to take home some lunch meat, smoked fish and pickles with you. 

1991 Sproul Rd., Broomall; (610) 359-1996.

 

Happy Hour 

For a lively happy hour experience, DiFabio’s Market & Tap is a top choice. This hybrid restaurant/market has two bars: the main floor Tap Room and the Euro-chic Sky Bar, both of which offer a fantastic happy hour, Tuesday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. Their happy hour specials include discounted small plates (think $5 Nashville chicken sliders and $6 zucchini frites), $10 select cocktails, $6 house wines, $5 rotating draft beers and $3 domestics. On your way out, stop in the market for dinner provisions and a bottle of wine from its curated bottle shop!

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

 

 

Love a friendly watering hold with small-town charm? Old State Tavern is your spot. This neighborhood pub is known for its wonderful service, rotating draft list, and classic comfort fare. Order a discounted domestic or craft beer during happy hour (Monday through Friday, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.) and challenge your friends to a game of darts or pool. Or, catch a game on one of Old State’s many TVs. 

38 State Rd., Media; (610) 566-9920.

 

Dinner

Casa Mia offers authentic Italian cuisine in a laid back environment. The menu features savory apps, wood-fired pizzas, fresh salad, expertly prepared entrees and so much more. Kick things off with a classic cocktail (locals recommend the Manhattan), and a few throw-back starters, like clams casino, shrimp cocktail and French onion soup. For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the Casa Mia Chicken (chicken and shrimp in a blush sauce over linguini), the lobster ravioli, or the spinach and goat cheese pizza.

1175 W. Baltimore Pike, Media; (610) 891-9090.

 

 

For decades, Margaret Kuo’s restaurants have been a mainstay of Delco dining. Margaret Kuo’s Kitchen in the Granite Run Promenade is the only location remaining, and it’s still a top destination for Asian fusion. Try a chic cocktail or a bottle of small-batch sake before ordering a bevvy of dim sum for the table (the truffle edamame dumplings are a winner); for mains, check out the “My Favorites” section, which blend authentic Chinese regional specialities with Kuo’s creativity. The cumin flank steak, candied walnut shrimp and steamed branzino with ginger and scallions are solid options. Feeling extra? Go for the Royal Peking Duck with all the trimmings. There’s also sushi, familiar Chinese takeout staples, noodles and rice dishes and more.

1109 W. Baltimore Pike, Suite A, Media; (610) 891-8880.

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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. They say we’re A LOT…and they’re right! Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

– Emily Kovach

 

 Featured photo: Penn State Brandywine photo from Visit Delco PA archives