You know you want them: comfort foods! Maybe that’s because it’s cold outside, or you have a cold, or it’s a family tradition, or just because. We like that last reason … just because they fill your tummy with the comforting foods you grew up loving on in every corner of Delco.
You might as well get your car keys in hand because you’re going to want to run out the door and head to these Delco destinations after you peruse this soul-satisfying menu of comfort foods:
Behold the beloved grilled cheese and tomato bisque with housemade croutons combo — what we loved as kids, but with a twist! Don’t worry; it’s not so grown up that you won’t still hearken back to sitting at the kitchen table wolfing down this pairing after shoveling snow. Open Monday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m., Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
2107 MacDade Boulevard, Holmes, (610) 522-5400.

Another in the category of “your Nonna would be impressed!”: Dig lasagna al forno, layers and layers of tender pasta and cheese made hearty with fresh tomato sauce and ground meat bolognese plus bechamel sauce. We also must give a shoutout to the specials menu, which is packed with signature Italian comfort foods — especially the Sunday Dinner special!
3541 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 353-6131.

This side or entree is in the running for most comforting comfort food! Bonus: You don’t have to be down for the count to crave it. Choose chicken noodle or (brace yourself) cheesy chicken noodle, fresh out of the pot. We love the two kinds of noodles and ample amounts of chicken in each spoonful. All soups are available frozen for takeout, too!
3407 Edgemont Ave., Brookhaven, (610) 872-9575.

Chef Shug’s got your Southern greens — and they’re (gasp!) vegan. No meat, just pure flavor! These tender collard greens are “made with our number one ingredient: love,” then sautéed in olive oil with a house-blend seasoning of garlic, onion, and peppers, plus a second secret blend featuring black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Goya Sazon … and a few more hush-hush ingredients. You can even find these tasty eats at one of the Shugar Shack food trucks traveling throughout the tri-state area.

Much more than sandwiches, Michael’s boasts 40 years of serving chili! Where else would you go to fill up? It’s made daily old-school style with ground beef, beans, secret spices and … well, the rest is, indeed, a secret! We will divulge this: it’s spicy, but not over-the-top. You can get a cup, but you’ll want a bowl full. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; closed Sunday.
1300 Jefferson Ave., Woodlyn, (610) 833-9919.
We refute the idea that mac-and-cheese is just for the kiddos! We’ve been known to dig into legacy noodles and cheese, but we’ve recently fallen in love with this slightly more adult version: Baked mac-and-cheese with a secret three-cheese blend and bacon, plus a bread crumb topping. Perfection! Open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 1 to 10 p.m.
148 Saxer Ave., Springfield, (484) 472-6176.
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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, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email, or online.
Featured photo courtesy of Iron House Brewery