Dining
 

Best of the Best
World-class dining, relaxing escapes, can’t-miss shopping, and so much more make the Philadelphia suburbs easy to love.
by Bill Donahue

We’ve spent the last 12 months on a mission: hunting down the people, places, and experiences that make the Philadelphia suburbs the magical place it is. The result? Our “Best of the Best,” a collection of local treasures that run the gamut from delicious dining and blissful spa escapes to must-shop boutiques and destinations you’ll want to turn into a habit.
 
This year’s list is packed with spots that demand your attention—longtime favorites and new-to-the-area delights (or new to us, at least)—some of which were shared by readers. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, a midweek treat, or just want to explore some of the things that make our communities shine, there’s something here for everyone.
 
DINING & DRINKS
Brewery

The Philly suburbs have too many excellent breweries to list. One of our favorites is Branch Creek Taphouse in Souderton, because of the relaxed vibe (especially in spring and summer), the cornucopia of excellent PA-produced beers and other adult libations, and Branch Creek’s commitment to the community. It’s a brewery of a different feather, in part because of its unique operating structure, in which the brewery contributes its profits to worthy causes. branchcreektaps.com
 
Brunch
Sunday brunch at Bowman’s in New Hope is a world away from ordinary. The culinary team serves up house-made ricotta, bourbon French toast, and baked goods, all paired with live jazz and handcrafted cocktails. It’s flavorful, creative, and warmly welcoming—the kind of brunch that turns a weekend into a reason to celebrate. bowmanstavernrestaurant.com
 
Burgers
At McCoole’s, inside Quakertown’s Historic Red Lion Inn, tradition meets flavor. Sink your teeth into savory and satisfying burgers like iterations topped with wild mushrooms or Boursin cheese and bacon, among others, served with house-made pickles and gently seasoned fries. The burgers are hardly the only thing worth remembering, given McCoole’s setting in a lively, centuries-old tavern. mccoolesredlioninn.com
 
BYOB
A cozy Italian gem in Jenkintown, Via?417 sets the mood for date night with warm, intimate ambiance, attentive service, and a menu starring fresh, flavorful dishes such as the capellini scampi, clams with linguini, and mushroom risotto. Of course, don’t forget to bring the perfect bottle (or two) from home. via417.com
 
Casual Dining
Located near the tail end of Quakertown’s northbound stretch of Route 309, The West End has become a favorite local hangout. The food menu features elevated pub fare such as brisket-loaded fries, Memphis-style pulled pork, and Baja fish tacos, as well as our personal favorite, the “Jacked Up” burrito. The bar is roomy and well attended, thanks to a fantastic assortment of cocktails, martinis, and draft beers, including The West End IPA, made by Lansdale’s Round Guys Brewing Company. Also, be sure to check out The West End’s sister location in Hatfield, fittingly named The East End. thewestendpa.com 
 
Cheesesteaks 
Maple Glen’s Verona Pizza serves up some extraordinary brick-oven pizzas—it’s in the name after all—but don’t overlook Verona’s sandwiches. The cheesesteak, made with freshly sliced ribeye and Cooper sharp cheese, is a hands-down winner. For another fantastic option, check out the Philly cheesesteak at The Fort Kitchen & Bar in nearby Fort Washington. veronapizzamapleglen.com | thefortpa.com

Coffee Shop
The Broad Street Grind in Souderton is close to perfect. What you’ll find: a quiet and comforting space; a menu featuring excellent breakfast and lunch dishes, each one made better by a side of sweet potato hash; and a lineup of handcrafted coffees, teas, and other hot beverages. The BSG serves as a community hub, where locals come to not only dine and sip, but also connect with friends, their work, or just themselves. It’s a shining example of Souderton’s ongoing resurgence. broadstreetgrind.com
 
Fine Dining
An elegant French BYOB set in the charming façade of an historic train station in Ambler, La Provence serves classic and creative French fare with attentive service and intimate ambiance. With several standout dishes, capped off by a delightful lineup of desserts, La Provence has become a destination for special dinners, weekend brunch, and memorable nights out. laprovenceambler.com
 
Global Cuisine
We love Indian food. So when we met someone who moved from India to the Philadelphia area and suggested breaking bread (garlic naan, specifically) at Mod India in Glen Mills, we felt obliged to give it a try. What awaited us: a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary; the masala fries were an absolute treat. We’re thrilled to hear Mod India has a second location in Lafayette Hill. modindiaus.com
 
Happy Hour
The one-of-a-kind backdrop and elegant interior at The Pullman in Bryn Mawr may seem too lofty for some, but this a place for everyone. Consider the festive “social hour” that includes generous specials on handcrafted cocktails, wines by the glass, and small plates like the always-popular Maine lobster bites. The Pullman also has a late-night happy hour on Fridays and Saturdays. thepullmanrestaurant.com
 
Healthy Dining
Ron’s Original Bar & Grille makes healthy eating not only possible but also delicious. Fresh and wholesome ingredients, hormone-free proteins, and customizable dishes, like zucchini noodles with grilled chicken, can turn Italian standbys into creative, guilt-free favorites. Casual, welcoming, and full of zest, Exton-based Ron’s proves that eating well can be exciting and flavorful. ronsoriginal.com
 
Ice Cream
Indulge your sweet tooth with a scoop or two from The Hickory Stick, a charming ice-cream shop housed in a vintage Perkasie schoolhouse. (There’s a second location on Perkasie’s 7th Street.) Choose crowdpleasers such as Tandy Cake or Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle, or opt for a build-your-own sundae to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content. With more flavors than you might expect, The Hickory Stick is a gateway to unadulterated bliss. hickorystickicecream.com
 
Pastry Shop/Bakery
A Bryn Mawr institution since 1989, The Bakery House delights with freshly baked classics: rich cheesecakes, pies, and French macarons, alongside scones, muffins, cupcakes, and cookies, as well as seasonal favorites like pumpkin rolls. Consider The Bakery House a must-visit for desserts and sweet treats, all scratchmade from high-quality ingredients. thebakeryhouse.net
 
Pizza
Bacco Bistro’s thin-crust pizzas are a local favorite in Doylestown, with standout pies like the “Drunken Brooklyn” featuring vodka sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil, and the classic Margherita layered with garden tomatoes and basil. Nearly a dozen specialty options—from meat lovers to white pizza—all deliver on the promise of bold, authentic flavor. baccobistro.com
 
Sushi
At Omiza in Doylestown, sushi shines as part of an expansive pan-Asian menu. Fresh nigiri, creative rolls such as the Screaming Spicy and the Rock & Roll, and sashimi selections coexist with Korean barbecue, bibimbap, bao buns, and other flavorful small plates. It’s a bright and vibrant spot where sushi lovers and fusion fans both find plenty to savor. omizarestaurant.com

HOME SERVICES
Awnings
Abington’s JMT Awnings delivers custom shade solutions built for durability, style, and comfort. Specializing in residential and commercial awnings alike, the company combines high-quality materials, precise craftsmanship, and dependable service. From design to installation, JMT Awnings strives to enhance outdoor spaces while protecting customers from sun and weather, with tailored options that provide lasting value. jmtawnings.com
 
Bamboo Installation and Management
For anyone in need of sustainable bamboo solutions—privacy, landscaping, natural fencing, etc.—contact Chester County Bamboo. The Malvern-based company offers expert consultation, quality plant varieties, and professional installation, as well as management and removal services. No matter the need, Chester County Bamboo applies its record of service to transforming each client’s property for optimal beauty and functionality. ccbamboo.com
 
Blinds
Serving homeowners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Budget Blinds offers custom window coverings that blend style and functionality. The company offers personalized design consultations, professional installation, and trusted service, with tailored solutions—blinds, shades, shutters, etc.—to enhance comfort, privacy, and light control. budgetblinds.com
 
Closets
Closet Factory designs and installs custom storage solutions for homes and offices: walk-in closets, home offices, pantries, garages, and more. The company, which offers personalized consultations, brings artful design, quality materials, and years of experience to bear in its efforts to help clients maximize space, improve organization, and reinforce their unique style. closetfactory.com
 
Flooring
Holland Floor Covering, which has locations in Newtown and Wayne, combines expert guidance with the skilled installation of hardwood, carpet, vinyl, laminate, and tile. Known for its dependable service and long-lasting results, Holland Floor helps each client choose a durable, stylish flooring option catered to their precise needs, budget, and lifestyle. hollandfloor.com
 
Home Builder
A premier home builder in Delaware, particularly along the shore points, Schell Brothers does much more than create homes; it curates thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient, and tightly knit communities. The company brings to each home impeccable workmanship, innovative technology, and a commitment to involving homeowners in each aspect of the design. It’s a builder with few, if any, peers. schellbrothers.com
 
Home Organization
Clutter can add unwanted stress to even the happiest home, but customized storage systems from Malvern-based Closets By Design can tame the chaos in closets, garages, pantries, and more. With high-quality materials, personalized design, and lifetime support, Closets By Design helps homeowners regain control over their spaces and reclaim their peace of mind. philadelphia.closetsbydesign.com
 
Home Renovations
Chalfont’s Carr Home transforms houses into beautiful spaces customized for each client’s life and lifestyle. Specializing in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, as well as whole-home renovations, the company goes above and beyond to bring a homeowner’s vision to life, without compromise. carrhome.com 
 
Dilworth’s Custom Design excels in home renovations, crafting spaces that combine style, functionality, and quality. A family-owned and operated firm with a sprawling showroom in Phoenixville, Dilworth’s has been reimagining kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and other parts of the home for more than three decades. Its team of professionals takes great pride in helping clients navigate every step of the process, from concept to completion. dilworthscustomdesign.com
 
Kitchen and Bath Design
Colonial Marble & Granite—a name that has become synonymous with high-quality stone fabrication and installation for kitchens, baths, and other parts of the home, plus a host of allied services. Offering marble, granite, quartz, and other options, both natural and manmade, the King of Prussia-based company works with homeowners, as well as designers and contractors, to deliver beautifully finished countertops that add elegance and efficiency to any home. colonialmarble.net
 
Landscape Design
Gale Nurseries has history on its side. For more than 100 years, the Gwynedd Valley-based firm has been transforming landscapes into veritable showpieces. Combining horticultural knowledge with creative planning, the company tailors landscape designs to each property. From product selection to layout to ongoing maintenance, Gale Nurseries helps homeowners enhance the curb appeal, sustainability, and long-term health of their outdoor spaces. galenurseries.com
 
Party Barns
B&D Builders Inc. creates stunning, high-end party barns that inspire awe and bring people together. Each B&D-led project blends visionary design with a seemingly monastic devotion to making clients happy. The result: warm and inspiring spaces that serve as unforgettable backdrops for years of memorable celebrations. Of course, the Paradise, Pennsylvania-based firm’s expertise extends to much more than just jaw-dropping party barns. banddbuilders.com
 
Pools and Patios
KS Pools & Patios designs and builds custom outdoor living spaces that combine luxury, function, and style. Through expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Langhorne-based company transforms backyards into inviting retreats built for relaxation and entertainment. kspoolsandpatios.com
 
Ted’s Pools has been delivering custom gunite and vinyl liner pools, renovations, and service for 40 years and counting. Known for its Good to Great culture and meticulous craftsmanship, West Chester-based Ted’s earns rave reviews (and plenty of referrals) by exceeding expectations, embracing quality over quantity, and maintaining long-term relationships with clients. tedspools.net
 
The pool experts at family-owned U.S.A. Pools LLC specialize in custom inground pools, renovations, and dependable seasonal service throughout the greater Philadelphia area. With decades of experience under its belt, the Avalon, New Jersey-based company strives to make the process of realizing your backyard dreams a cinch—and a splash. usapoolsnj.com
 
Roofing
C&C Family Roofing provides expert roofing solutions for residential and commercial properties—installations, repairs, maintenance, you name it. Pairing high-quality materials with the skill of true craftspeople, Hatboro-based C&C ensures durable, weather-resistant roofs that add value and curb appeal to clients’ properties. candcfamilyroofing.com
 
Windows and Doors
ACRE Window Replacement partners with some of the industry’s most trusted brands to deliver premium windows, doors, and other home-exterior solutions. ACRE, which has locations throughout the Philadelphia area, may specialize in well-made, energy-efficient products that are expertly installed, but its end-product is something much more personal: comfort, security, and long-term value. acrewindows.com

LIFESTYLE
Antiques

Stenella Antiques & Interiors offers an expansive yet curated selection of antiques and home furnishings known for their timeless charm and modern elegance. Looking to transform your space with some one-of-a-kind pieces with uncompromising quality? Start at Stenella Antiques & Interiors, which has locations in Perkasie and Lansdale. Guidance from an on-site design team can help you choose pieces personalized to your taste and budget. stenellaantiques.com
 
Bookstore
The Philadelphia area has some truly awesome independent bookstores: Capricorn Books in Jenkintown, Celia Bookshop in Swarthmore, Doylestown Bookshop and its sister location in Lahaska, Next Chapter in Sellersville, the newly opened Thrillerdelphia in Manayunk, Wellington Square in Exton. One of our favorites is Main Point Books in downtown Wayne. MPB’s owner, Cathy Fiebach, seems to love what she does, and it shows in the breadth of the books on its shelves, the helpfulness of the staff, and the literary programming offered to community members. It’s what every bookshop aspires to be: a place where people come together to learn and connect. mainpointbooks.com
 
Bridal Shop
La Belle Mariée Bridal is a premier bridal boutique run by a mother-daughter team who share a passion for helping brides. Celebrated for its personalized service and a selection of exquisite gowns made by elite designers from around the world, La Belle Mariée provides a warm and welcoming experience. The Langhorne-based boutique strives to help every bride find the perfect dress, and in the process make her wedding day one she will always remember. labellemarieebridal.com
 
Healthy Living for Kids
World Elite Martial Arts in Newtown teaches much more than just self-defense. Here, young learners build discipline, focus, and self-confidence while staying active and engaged. Essentially, World Elite Martial Arts helps develop life skills, resilience, and a sense of achievement, all in an environment rooted in fun and empowerment. grow@worldelitemartialarts.com
 
The Yoga Gnome in Doylestown is a vibrant, welcoming space designed for children to explore yoga, mindfulness, and movement. Kids build flexibility, focus, and confidence while developing healthy habits. At The Yoga Gnome, children can grow and learn something new in a space designed for the young and the young at heart; the studio continues to develop programs that welcome adult participation. theyogagnome.com
 
Home Entertainment
Royal Billiard transforms homes into entertainment destinations: billiards, shuffleboard, pickleball, arcade games, tabletop games, etc. Based in Hatfield, Royal Billiard also helps families pass down one-of-a-kind game pieces from generation to generation; the company has the skill needed to restore and revitalize precious heirloom pieces. royalbilliard.com
 
Live Music
As one of the area’s most storied venues for live music, John & Peter’s in New Hope has welcomed a huge list of performers to its diminutive stage: George Thorogood, Norah Jones, and Tiny Tim, to name a few, plus the local treasure known as Ween. Few venues have had books written about their history, but this one has: Still Drinkin’ & Smokin’, Rockin’ & Rollin’: An Oral History of John & Peter’s, published by DiWulf Publishing House. John & Peter’s continues to draw a solid list of performers, and their devotees; these days people come not only for the live music, but also for the excellent food and drink menu. johnandpeters.com
 
Pet Store
Dog Town in Hatfield includes an expansive boutique where “pet parents” can pick up all manner of food, treats, and toys, but this is a place built more for animals than humans. Dog Town provides doggie day care, grooming, and other services. It also has a history of helping animals in need, either through direct intervention or by supporting rescues and other organizations devoted to making the world a better place for our nonhuman companions. dogtown309.com
 
Shopping Destination
Doylestown’s Bucks Country Gardens is a beloved shopping destination, especially during the winter holidays. Known for its festive displays, unique gifts, and seasonal décor, the store offers an inspirational experience that’s more about bringing people together than shopping. Although it’s quite popular during the holiday season, BCG helps visitors create lasting memories all year long. buckscountrygardens.com
 
Specialty Retail
Newtown’s Oil Divine offers unique, high-quality natural skin care, wellness products, and curated gifts. Owned by the same visionary entrepreneur behind My Eco Toys in Richboro, Oil Divine reflects a commitment to thoughtful, sustainable living—a place where “Clean Beauty Meets Luxury.” Both shops provide distinctive, eco-conscious products designed to enhance lifestyle, health, and home. oildivine.com | myecotoys.com
 
Veterinary Care
Pets Furst Urgent Care has a bold yet simple mission: to deliver expert veterinary care with expediency and compassion. Combining advanced medical knowledge with a family-like atmosphere, the Langhorne-based clinic delivers personalized attention to every pet—and assurance to every owner. By nurturing animals’ health in emergent situations, Pets Furst helps safeguard our companions’ overall health and well-being. petsfursturgentcare.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY
Facial

Ame Salon & Spa in Wayne offers transformative facials and wellness treatments designed to nourish the skin and body from within. Under Lori Pastore’s expert guidance, Ame helps clients enjoy HydraFacials, dermaplaning, micro-channeling, and infrared sauna sessions, all delivered with personalized care and results-driven expertise. amesalonandspa.com
 
Hair Styling
At Salon Millán in Yardley, Melissa Millán Colón and her expertly trained team bring big-city glamour to the suburbs. Specializing in cuts, color, balayage, and high-quality hair extensions, Salon Millán stays ahead of the latest trends and delivers luxurious treatments to help clients look and feel their absolute best. salonmillan.com
 
Head Spa
Wayne’s Mane Techniques offers a full spectrum of hair and beauty services, from precision cuts and color to extensions and styling. One of the salon’s signature features is a luxurious in-house head spa, Petite Retreat, which aims to revitalize the scalp in ways that enhance relaxation, hair health, and overall well-being. manetechniques.com
 
Medical Aesthetics and Skin Care
NS.Aesthetics in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, guides patients toward natural, radiant results. Known for her honesty, compassion, and personalized approach, owner Nicole Schaefer has more than 30 years of industry experience. She educates clients on innovative treatments designed to bring out their inner beauty, such as collagen biostimulators and dermal fillers, reshaping their appearance and confidence in the process. nsaestheticsrn.com
 
Medical Spa
Bella Body Medical Spa in Yardley offers a broad menu of evidence-based aesthetic treatments, delivered in a luxurious and welcoming environment. Led by Bonnie Benedetto, the spa offers injectables, microneedling, body contouring, and wellness services alongside facials, massage, and lash work. Expert providers ensure personalized care and natural-looking results, a truly holistic approach to boosting beauty and confidence. bellabodymedicalspa.com
 
Specialty Salon
Bryn Mawr’s Jude Plum in Bryn Mawr is a salon with a whole lot of heart. While Jude Plum offers an array of traditional salon services, it also specializes in wigs and hairpieces for clients facing hair loss from cancer or other health conditions. With great skill and empathy, the team creates personalized solutions that help clients look and feel more like who they were prior to their diagnosis. judeplumsalon.com

Your Health, Their Priority
Philadelphia boasts a wealth of skilled physicians and practices dedicated to patient care. From cancer care and dermatology to plastic surgery and orthopedics, the clinicians from the practices featured here help keep the region healthy and thriving.
 
Alliance Cancer Specialists
alliancecancer.com
 
Bucky Plastic Surgery
drbucky.com
 
Connolly Dermatology
connollydermatology.com
 
Dr. Robert Fortino Weight Loss | Anti-Aging | Lifestyle Medicine
drfortino.net
 
Female Pelvic Health Center and MedSpa
fphcenter.com
 
Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics
princetonbrainandspine.com

Navigating Life’s Tough Spots
From legal entanglements to financial decisions, life can throw plenty of curveballs. The trusted attorneys and financial advisors from the firms featured here can provide the counsel, strategy, and support needed to navigate these challenges with confidence and clarity.
 
Crouthamel Law Offices
crouthamellaw.com
 
The Fairman Group LLC
fairmanfinancial.com
 
Flager Law
flagerlaw.com
 
Gibson Family Law
gibsonfamilylaw.com
 
Gross & Kenny LLP
philaworkerscomp.com
 
Karen Ann Ulmer P.C.
ulmerlaw.com
 
Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan
laffeybucci.com
 
The Law Offices of Jennifer Courtney P.C.
courtneylaw.net
 
The Manchester Group of Firstrust Financial Resources, in alliance with Equitable Advisors, LLC
themanchestergroupffr.com
 
Tucker Law Group
tlgattorneys.com

Creating Smiles That Shine 
From cosmetic touch-ups to full smile restorations, Philadelphia-area dentists deliver skill, experience, and a friendly touch. Meet some of the area’s finest practices devoted to keeping smiles in peak condition in terms of aesthetics, functionality, and overall health. 
 
Azizi Orthodontics
aziziorthodontics.com
 
James A. Vito, D.M.D. 
jamesvito.com
 
Kaminsky-Wolf Dental Associates 
ruflossing.com
 
Main Line Smile
mainlinesmile.com
 
Main Street Dental Center
yourmainstreetdentist.com
 
Mastaj Orthodontics
lynannmastaj.com
 
Miracle Dental Center
miracle.dental
 
Robert A. Lantzy, DMD, LLC
buckscountydental.com
 
SK Smith & Associates
drsksmith.com
 
Think Oral Implants & Periodontics
thebestdentaloralcare.com

Guiding You Home
Buying or selling a home can be complicated and stressful. Trusted Realtors like the ones featured here use their expertise, market insights, and personalized guidance to help clients navigate every step of the process with confidence.
 
Colleen Bell 
colleenbellhomes.com
 
Tina Guerrieri 
tinag.remax.com
 
Jody Kotler 
jodykotler@comcast.net
 
Carie Ochsenreither
serhant.com/agents/carie-ann-ochsenreither
 
Maureen Reynolds
societeselect.com/agent/maureen-reynolds
 
Debbie Wilson
compass.com/agents/debbie-wilson
 
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life, November 2025.