Dining Around Delco: Glen Mills & Chadds Ford

Glen Mills and Chadds Ford may be best known for their bucolic countryside, historic sites and nearby cultural attractions like the Brandywine Museum of Art and Longwood Gardens. But, there’s another reason to spend time exploring these charming enclaves: the food. From welcoming, family-owned breakfast spots to farm-to-table favorites and lively happy-hour hangouts, the southwestern corner of the county is home to a bunch of great spots to plan your next meal out.

 

Whether you’re headed out for a day of antiquing, meeting friends for post-work margaritas or sitting down for a relaxed dinner after a Longwood walkabout, Glen Mills and Chadds Ford has so much to offer. Here’s your local guide to some of the best places to eat, drink and gather in the area:

 

Breakfast & Brunch

 

 

We can’t think of a better way to start the day than at Hank’s Place, a locally owned cafe founded in 1950. After suffering significant damage in 2021 due to Hurricane Ida, Hank’s was closed for years while its owners rebuilt. It reopened in summer 2025 and has been enjoying brisk business since. Locals know that Hank’s Classics, like Norwegian-style scrambled eggs, with smoked salmon, a bagel and cream cheese, capers and home fries, and the Bull’s Eye Breakfast (buttermilk pancakes or French toast with eggs and breakfast meat) can’t be beat with a side of strong hot coffee. Don’t forget to order a grilled raisin walnut sticky bun to share with the table!

1625 Creek Rd., Chadds Ford; (610) 332-0400.

 

 

Brunch is the name of the game at Meghan’s, an unfussy, friendly joint that’s open every day (but Monday) from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu sticks with familiar standards, like omelettes, eggs benedict, homefries with peppers and onions, breakfast sandwiches, fluffy waffles and the best-in-the-biz blueberry pancakes. Gluten-free diners will be glad to note there are multiple choices of gluten-free bread, including English muffins and raisin bread. Note: Meghan’s gets busy on weekends, so show up early, or try a weekday for a slower pace.

1117 Smithbridge Rd., Glen Mills; (610) 459-3022.

 

Prefer to start the day with a latte? Pop into Chadds Ford Coffee House, a mellow cafe with specialty coffee, tasty pastries, healthy smoothies and friendly service. The sweet treats—especailly the seasonally flavored scones and muffins—from nearby OsoSweet Bakery are a must!

1620 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford; (484) 776-5141.

 

Lunch

 

White Dog Cafe’s extra-cozy Glen Mills location features its signature charming dog-themed decor and its renowned farm-to-table cuisine. It’s a lovely stop for a mid-day meal, whether that’s to fuel up for an afternoon of shopping or just a respite from the everyday. The lunch menu, which changes with the seasons, features a number of the apps, and entrees you’ll find at dinner; insiders know to scope out the lunch combos, which dish up a tasty cup of soup (we love the Kennett Square mushroom soup) and a fresh green salad along with your choice of mains, like an open faced tuna melt or the Italian-style roast pork melt, for just $22. Or, satisfy heartier appetites with the always-delicious White Dog “Double Cheddar” Burger, piled high with delicious toppings and served with truffle Parmesan fries.

981 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills; (610) 822-2100.

 

Which is a more proper Delco lunch: hoagies or cheesesteaks? At Delco’s Original Steaks & Hoagies, you don’t have to choose! Its enticing menu features all kinds of sandwiches, both hot and cold, to satisfy your cravings. There’s always the classic cheesesteak, but for something different, try the Buffalo chicken cheesesteak, the pizza steak or a meatball sandwich with provolone. On the hoagie side, locals love the Delco Nostra, layered with spicy capicola, prosciutto, soppressata, sharp provolone, onions, tomato and pickles and drizzled with oil. No matter your choice, be sure to order up a side of gloriously crispy curly fries. Bonus: Unlike many delis and sandwich shops, Delco’s has plenty of seating for dining-in.

152 Painters Crossing, Chadds Ford; (610) 558-8289.

 

Happy Hour

 

Del Pez goes big at happy hour! Its special menu, which runs from 3-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, does not skimp on the drinks: in addition to a bunch of ways to enjoy margaritas (a margarita flight for $16, $6 house margs frozen or on the rocks and $22 sharable carafes of house margs), there are also $6 wines, $5 select drafts and $4 select bottles. Pair those with a stellar selection of shareables and small plates, like mini tacos, cauliflower popcorn (crispy teriyaki cauliflower bites) and beef pub sliders. 

501 Byers Dr., Glen Mills; (484) 842-1363.

 

 

Tucked into the charming Chadds Ford Inn (built in the early 1700s!) Brandywine Prime balances steakhouse swagger with rustic elegance. It makes for a lovely special occasion destination, but you don’t need to wait for a birthday or anniversary to enjoy its excellent menu. Happy hour, served in the bar area from 4:30-6 p.m., Tuesday-Friday and on Sundays, is a budget-friendly way to experience it! An array of international wines, draft beers and select craft cocktails, like Italian pear and blood orange martinis, are available for half-off. Served with specially-priced oysters on the half-shell and mozzarella, boursin and prosciutto-topped flatbreads, Brandywine Prime offers an upscale happy hour within reach.

1617 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford; (610) 388-8088.  

 

 

Terrain Cafe’s verdant, airy dining room is a beautiful place to wind down after a long day or catch up with friends. Enjoy the chic ambiance during happy hour with a garden-fresh beverage in hand (we like the Velvet Grapefruit Martini and the non-alcoholic Pomegranate Cardamom Spritz) and a few plates to share, like the quinoa fritters, lamb meatballs and the artisanal cheese board. Happy hour is served Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. in the bar area; reservations are suggested.

914 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills; (610) 459-6030.

 

Dinner

Unlike the 2SP Brewery in Aston, which is more of a grab-a-pint kind of spot, the 2SP Tap House has a full food menu on deck to pair with its locally crafted brews. From snacky apps, like nachos, soft pretzels and red pepper hummus to salads, sandwiches, burgers and tacos, to plated entrees, there’s something for everyone. Try the short rib mac and cheese with a crisp Delco Lager, the chili shrimp tacos with the 2SPils or the BBQ bacon burger with a Up & Out hazy IPA. To turn dinner into a night out, head over on Tuesday on Trivia Tuesday, which kicks off each week at 7 p.m.

95 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Chadds Ford; (484) 840-8736. 

 

Photo courtesy of The Crown Tavern

 

Get a taste of British culture at The Crown Tavern, a comfy gastropub with style for miles. It’s one of our favorite cocktails bars, but also has a considered, creative food menu that’s worth exploring. While familiar dishes like wings, meatballs and wedge salads dot the menu, why not stick with specials from across the pond? Try the English onion soup, fish and chips, hot Devonshire crab dip, English dip roast beef sandwich, Woodstock pub pie or bangers and mash; on Sundays, dig into the Royal Sunday Roast, a 14-ounce English cut prime rib with roasted rosemary potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, creamed spinach, and a glass of house wine or craft beer. On a chilly night, ask for a table by one of the restaurant’s fireplaces for extra-toasty vibes!

451 Wilmington West Chester Pike, Glen Mills; (610) 361-9800.

 

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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 The Crown Tavern