Dining Around Delco: Springfield & Drexel Hill

Springfield and Drexel Hill are known for their convenient locations, longtime neighborhood institutions, and easy access to Philly and the rest of Delco. They also happen to be home to great bars, cafes, and restaurants. From old-school breakfast joints and hometown deli counters to happening happy hours and dinner spots, these vibrant communities offer plenty of reasons to dine locally.

 

Whether you’re fueling up before a shopping trip at the mall, grabbing lunch between errands, or meeting friends for a night out, Springfield and Drexel Hill are home to a great array of eateries for every occasion. Here’s where to eat your way around this corner of Delco:

 

 

Breakfast & Brunch

Few places capture the more-is-more spirit brunch quite like Tank & Libby’s. This family-friendly favorite draws a loyal crowd with its generous portions, friendly service and extensive menu. Whether you’re craving bananas foster pancakes, biscuits and gravy or classic eggs benedict, you’ll leave full and happy. On sunny mornings, the outdoor patio adds an extra dose of charm to the experience.

1011 Pontiac Road, Drexel Hill; (484) 455-7527.

 

If your ideal morning involves strong coffee and a full Irish breakfast, make your way to Hibernian Coffee Shop. Part bakery, part cafe and part Irish specialty market, this local institution may be one of the only spots left where you can order a side of black and white pudding, bangers or Irish scones with your scrambled eggs! In true Delco melting pot style, there are also classic American dishes on the menu, like pancakes, omelettes and avocado toast, as well as Mexican specialties, such as chilaquiles and fajitas. Don’t leave without browsing the shelves stocked with imported Irish snacks and groceries!

3711 Garrett Rd., Drexel Hill; (610) 626-7370.

 

The Dairy Cottage has been serving the community for generations, and while many locals know best during ice cream season, it’s also a great stop for a casual breakfast or lunch. We’re talking classic bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, scrapple omelettes, chocolate chip hot cakes and other morning staples in a relaxed setting. If you’re feeling indulgent, you can always come back later for a hot fudge sundae.

328 West Woodland Ave., Springfield; (610) 328-4875.

 

For a top-notch greasy spoon, head to The Hungry A. For over 60 years, this no-frills breakfast spot has been keeping locals fueled with familiar favorites served up in hearty portions. Power up with the Big Muff, an extra-loaded English muffin egg sandwich, a three-egg omelette or the Brotherly Shove, a long roll stuffed with eggs, cheese, breakfast meats and a crispy hash brown. Pop back in at lunch time to try one of The Hungry A’s hoagies, burgers or cheesesteaks.

755 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield; (610) 543-9720.

 

Lunch

The Springfield Diner proves that the classic diner is alive and well in Delco. Open daily with an expansive menu that seems to have something for everyone, it’s the kind of place where one table is ordering breakfast while another is digging into club sandwiches, Caesar salads and patty melts. Don’t sleep on the Greek specialties, like spanikopita, moussaka and pastichio, a stuffed pasta dish with ground beef and a creamy tomato sauce. Attention early birds and night owls: Springfield Diner is open from 6 a.m. to midnight every day.

720 Baltimore Pike, Springfield; (610) 338-0404.

 

Delco is full of hidden gems that regulars tend to keep to themselves. One such place is Sleepy Hollow Delly, an unassuming neighborhood lunch counter that has built a reputation for generously stuffed sandwiches, friendly service and no-frills comfort food. Locals rave about the roast beef, reuben and turkey sandwiches, homemade potato salad and Italian hoagies. Get your lunch to-go or settle in to one of the comfy booths and stay awhile.

23 E. Springfield Rd., Springfield Township; (610) 543-9651.

 

 

A great neighborhood pizza shop can do a lot more than pizza. Need proof? Check out Gentili’s Pizza & Steaks: in addition to its fantastic round and square pies, the menu is stacked with snacky appetizers, cheesesteaks and hoagies on seeded rolls, fresh salads and hot sandwiches, making it a dependable lunch destination for just about any craving. 

1178 Baltimore Pike, Suite 3, Springfield; (610) 870-3737.

 

Eighty years: That’s how long Old Original Nick’s Roast Beef has been crafting delicious prime roast beef sandwiches! The original shop opened in 1938 in South Philly, and the Springfield location came online in 1998. The namesake roast beef sandwich remains the star, with hand-carved slow roasted beef smothered in homemade gravy and melted sharp provolone, piled high on a freshly baked kaiser roll. The menu also features roast turkey, pork and baked ham sandwiches and great appetizers, like gravy fries, mozzarella sticks and slow-roasted Italian long hot peppers.

10 E. Woodland Ave., Springfield; (610) 690-1112.

 

Happy Hour

When the game is on and you’re looking for a fun place to grab a drink, Chickie’s & Pete’s is hard to beat. Plenty of TVs, an energetic atmosphere and the legendary Crabfries make it a go-to destination for sports fans. Plus, you’ve got two options for happy hour: the post-work block (Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m.) and a late-night happy hour (Sunday through Thursday from 10 p.m. to midnight). Both offer affordable $3 domestic bottles and half-off wings, soft pretzels, Peet-zas and shrimp.

5035 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill; (610) 853-2713.

 

 

Luigi’s Bar & Grille is a welcoming community hub with a crave-worthy menu, solid lineup of cocktails, beer and wine, plenty of TVs for catching the game and frequent live music. Happy hour (weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m.) is prime time to sample some of the bar’s shareable appetizers, hot sandwiches and cheap drinks while catching up with friends. Whether you’re seated at the bar or gathered around a table, Luigi’s strikes a sweet spot between neighborhood hangout and casual dinner destination.

411 Burmont Rd., Drexel Hill; (610) 983-8883.

 

Casey’s Drexel Hill has long been one of the area’s go-to gathering spots, offering a comfortable pub atmosphere and dependable food that keeps locals coming back. It’s the kind of place where you just might run into familiar faces from around town! Casey’s offers two happy hours: one on weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m., and a late-night option Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. During both, enjoy wallet-friendly beverages, like $8 margaritas and $3 domestic drafts, as well as tasty bites, like $8 sliders and $8 mozzarella triangles.

812 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill; (610) 789-7575.

 

 

Dinner

Dom & Mia’s blends old-school Italian hospitality with a menu full of elevated classics. Start the meal off with the D&M Meatballs, antipasto plate or fried calamari before tucking into a juicy steak, succulent seafood dish or a plate of expertly made pasta. On the beverage side, Dom & Mia’s has some of the best mocktails around, and its newly-acquired liquor license means that creative cocktails, fabulous wines and craft beers are now available, as well! Save room for dessert—the tiramisu and homemade cannoli are not to be missed.

145 Saxer Ave., Springfield; (610) 808-6381.

 

Noodle Eighty Eight has become a favorite for diners seeking Asian-fusion cuisine in Springfield. The menu spans a wide range of Sichuan, Korean and Thai-inspired dishes, offering everything from dumplings to noodle soups to meat-based and vegetarian entrees with complex, rich sauces. With its exciting menu and comfortable dining room, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser when everyone at the table wants something a little different.

1168 Baltimore Pike, Springfield; (484) 472-8777.

 

 

If you believe variety is the spice of life, check out Ichiban Seafood Buffet, a sprawling all-you-can-eat buffet with an amazing selection of seafood, sushi, Chinese and hibachi dishes, American favorites, salads and desserts. Sample a little bit of everything! It’s particularly popular with families and larger groups, thanks to the sheer number of options available.

910 E. Woodland Ave., Springfield; (610) 544-9888.

 

Tavola Restaurant + Bar is the area’s go-to for date nights, girls nights out and outdoor dining. This lovely spot really can do it all! Tavola strikes a balance between upscale and approachable, with a delectable selection of tasty classics (think: cheesesteak egg rolls, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, veggie burgers and so much more!), and a thoughtfully designed drinks selection. We love the summery sippers, like the Passionfruit Paloma and Hugo Spritz, simply perfect for evenings on the restaurant’s chic outdoor patio. 

400 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield; (610) 543-2100.

 

 

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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 courtesy of Tavola Restaurant + Bar.