Some of our favorite area eateries have undergone changes, like East Branch Brewing Company’s move upstairs and Delice et Chocolat’s new eating area. Plus Al Pastor had a big expansion and Victory Brewing Company’s flagship location underwent renovations. Here’s a look inside.
East Branch Brewing Company
Downingtown’s East Branch Brewing Company has taken over the second floor at its location. The hardwood floors and high-beamed ceilings make for a warm, inviting space, perfect for a night out or midweek happy hour. Sit down to a full menu featuring smoked brisket, signature tater tots and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. The expansive bar is pouring East Branch brews on tap, plus local wine, cider and craft cocktails. Bonus: The new pool table is begging for some competition.
202 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, (484) 593-0815.
Delice et Chocolat
Ever since its opening last August, Ardmore’s Delice et Chocolat has been overwhelmed by visitors, and it’s easy to understand why after one bite of a raspberry rose macaron. Once sales exceeded projections by 12 percent, brothers Joseph and Antoine Amrani knew they had to expand. They took over the vacant property next door and quickly worked their magic to transform the space into a charming Parisian cafe, which officially opened last month. The menu of delectable pastries and sweet cakes, plus lunch, gelato and cafe options, remains the same, but we’ve got our eye on the creative affogato—espresso topped with a scoop of gelato.
9 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (610) 649-7001.
Al Pastor
With Bella Vista gone, Al Pastor has expanded into its vacant space in Eagleview Town Center in Exton. Expect an additional 50 seats, a bigger bar, and an extended menu. The bright, modern decor comes from Balongue Design, which designer Barbara Balongue and her team head out of Villanova. As for the food, the menu has doubled and features Al Pastor flatbread with pork belly and pineapple salsa, Baja fish po’boy and crispy cauliflower tacos. As for drinks, choose between items like the mango daiquiri, blackberry mojito and the cucumber jalapeno margarita.
560 Wellington Square, Exton, (484) 341-8886.
Victory Brewing Company
We all remember Victory’s major expansion a decade ago that gave us its flagship brewery and taproom in Downingtown. Victory is now in the midst of another facelift, but this time, renovations are happening off-hours, with a minor shutdown predicted for late spring. What can you expect? More dining room seating, additional high-top tables and mingling room in the bar, plus sweeping views into the brewery. Expect to feel like you’ve walked into a beer hall in the heart of Munich, thanks to the outdoor festoon-style lights in that area.
420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, (610) 873-0881.
