Delco College Dine-Around: Neumann University

One of the 12 colleges and universities in Delco, Neumann University is a private Catholic university in Aston, PA. Its pretty campus is situated just about 15 miles west of the Philadelphia Airport and 20 miles southwest of Center City Philadelphia. If you’re visiting Neumann as a prospective student (hello!), alumni (welcome back!) or a current student looking to expand your dining horizons (we love it!), there are plenty of great cafes, restaurants and bars to discover in Aston, and the nearby towns of Chester Heights, Village Green, Glen Riddle and Garnet Valley.

We’ve pulled together a highlight reel of some of the great local spots in and around Aston. From coffee and egg sandos in the morning, to drinks and snacks at happy hour, to hearty entrees at dinner, here’s where to eat, drink and hang out near Neumann University: 

 

Breakfast & Brunch

Are you an early riser? Greet the day at the Aston Diner, which opens at 6 a.m. every day of the week. Like any diner worth its salt, this one has a menu chock full of great options, including simple scrambled eggs and toast, spinach and feta omelets, hotcakes with butter and Maryland crab benedict. Affordable prices and friendly service make it a great spot to visit on the regular. 3601 Concord Rd., Aston; (610) 494-5656.

 

Towne and Country Cafe: Shabby chic decor, tasty food and a relaxed atmosphere are waiting at this charming cafe! The breakfast options are especially tantalizing for the sweet tooths — think: banana caramel walnut Belgian waffles, peanut butter chip pancakes with whipped cream, and sticky bun French toast! There are plenty of savory options, too, including specialty omelets and creamed chipped beef. 4401 Concord Rd., Aston; (610) 459-9585.

 

For a great cup of coffee to get your motor running, swing through Ocean City Coffee Company in the heart of Neumann’s campus. Choose from dozens of hot and cold beverages, from a simple drip coffee, to frozen blended coffees, to hot tea, to gourmet flavored lattes. Try a matcha latte or London Fog for a unique change of pace. Note: This location is closed on the weekends. 1 Neumann Dr., Aston; (610) 744-1870.

 

Lunch

Zac’s Hamburgers is an old-school burger joint and a true Delco classic! Its no-frills smash burgers have been beloved by locals for decades — they still hit the spot, and the prices are right. None of the burgers come in over $6.50! We like Zac’s Double Burger with cheese. Fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, salads, fries and other apps round out the menu. Whatever you order, don’t forget an extra-thick milkshake, available in traditional flavors and fun ones, too, like mint, cherry and peanut butter banana. 3600 Concord Rd., Aston; (610) 485-8511.

 

For hoagies and cheesesteaks, locals know to go to Laspada’s. For 30 years, this unassuming shop has been a community favorite, thanks to its commitment to fresh ingredients and expert sandwich construction. There’s a lot of creativity on the menu, too! Of course, you can get a classic cheesesteak or Italian hoagie, but why not try one of Laspada’s original offerings, like the Big Louie, with homestyle turkey breast, lean gourmet roast beef, imported ham and Swiss cheese? There’s plenty to try on the hot side of the menu, too, like the Dijon chicken cheese steak, and the Casino Burger topped with fried onions, roasted peppers, marinara sauce and melted provolone. Bonus: All sandwiches, hoagies and steaks are available in a “mini” size, which is perfect for kids! 4724 Pennell Rd., Aston; (610) 497-9385.

 

Happy Hour

If you’re on the lookout for a laid-back watering hole with friendly locals and great service, Martin’s Tap House Tavern might be your new spot. Small and unassuming, right on the side of the “mountain” in Aston, it’s got a fun roadhouse vibe, with billiards, darts and shuffleboard and cheap drinks. Grab a seat at the bar, catch a Phillies, Sixers or Flyers game, and make some new local friends! 2230 Mount Rd., Aston Township; (610) 459-1117. 

 

What could be better on a Friday night than a ballgame, a brew and an outdoor beer garden? That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Ship Bottom Beer Garden at Linvilla during Friday Dollar Dog Night. All through the season, catch the Phillies’ Friday night games at this awesome Ship Bottom outpost on Linvilla’s beautiful farm. There are ballpark-style specials on Friday nights during the game, like $5 LBI Lagers and $1 hot dogs. The games are screened on multiple TVs, and there is plenty of outdoor seating. Bring a crew and cheer on the Fightins! 137 W. Knowlton Rd, Media; (610) 876-7116.

 

Dinner

For a satisfying meal in a friendly, convivial atmosphere, stop by Gennaro’s Italian Kitchen for dinner. This family-owned BYOB features a great menu that includes Italian-American favorites, like meatballs and ricotta, caprese salad and eggplant parmesan, and plenty more! The spicy clams with sausage and cannellini beans; crispy polenta with wild mushrooms, spinach and gorgonzola; and the seasonal summer corn agnolotti with tomato, basil and crispy shrimp, are not to be missed! All pasta dishes are available with gluten-free rigatoni, an inclusive touch that many guests appreciate. Note: Gennaro’s is closed on Mondays. 4600 Pennell Rd.​​​​​, Aston; (610) 497-3393.

 

For a quick and satisfying dinner that won’t break the bank, check out Manbroso’s, a casual pizza joint with friendly service and generous portions. Of course, there are lots of pizza variations to choose from (slices and full pies), and so much else, too: fresh salads, hoagies and steak sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and even entrees, like spaghetti and meatballs and fish and chips. There is limited seating, but takeout is easy and quick. Note: Manbroso’s is closed on Mondays. 4021 Concord Rd., Aston; (610) 358-4912.

 

For dessert, the place to go in Aston is Just Homemade Ice Cream. Unlike other scoop shops, this is a micro-creamery that actually makes all of its own ice cream on site! Flavors range from standard chocolate, vanilla, coffee and mint chocolate chip to more interesting options, like teaberry, cheesecake, Bailey’s Irish Coffee and chocolate covered strawberry. The sundaes are the star of the show here, including a whole selection of banana split varieties; go big with the Banana Split Supreme, with chocolate syrup, strawberry, pineapple and wet nuts atop three scoops of your choice of ice cream, nestled in a banana. The vintage-inspired ice cream parlor decor makes this an extra-unique local spot! 4736 Pennell Rd., Aston; (610) 497-5550. 

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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: Ship Bottom Beer Garden at Linvilla