There’s no reason to think that the third time won’t be another charm for Philip Ferro, whose Main Line Tavern now joins his existing upscale pubs in Chadds Ford and Coatesville. The arrival of the Paoli location comes after guests at the other spots begged for a Main Line option. And why mess with success? The tavern theme has done well for Ferro and Five Star Restaurant Group co-owner Kate Hussey, who credits the success to the brand’s approachability. “We can accommodate multiple occasions—drinks and wings during a game, dinner for the family or a date night—all in a comfortable atmosphere for everyone,” says Hussey, who’s also Ferro’s fiancée.
Most recently home to a Great American Pub, the freestanding 5,000-square-foot space just off King Road was in dire need of a refresh. Five Star updated the flooring, redid the bar and installed new kitchen equipment. Tufted leather booths, padded Windsor chairs and white linen tablecloths elevate a vibe that remains cozy.
The menu closely resembles what you’ll find at the other two taverns, with a raw bar and daily specials catering to regulars. Our Blue Point oysters were tender and springy, with just a hint of brine. If you’re looking for comfort from the get-go, opt for the hand-cut fries smothered in short rib and a cabernet demi-glace, or a hearty French onion soup heavy on the cheese. The kichen pan-seared our 16-oz. bone-in Kansas City strip steak to a perfect medium rare, delivering it on a bed of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.
If you make it to dessert, the Tavern Trio offers a sampling of three sweet treats from a list of seven. We opted for the cinnamon-apple bread pudding, chocolate stout cake and wild-berry ricotta cheesecake.
You can pretty much plan an extended weekend around Main Line Tavern’s daily specials. On Buck-a-Shuck Thursdays, oysters go for just a dollar each. Fridays bring all-day happy hour, with discounted wings, jumbo bacon shrimp and more. There’s a three-course prime-rib dinner (for under $50) on Saturdays, and half-priced bourbon with $12 burgers on Sundays.
We can all look forward to a few more Five Star Restaurant Group debuts coming to our region over the next few years. By the end of 2014, Middletown, Delaware, should have a revamped Augustine Tavern. And two ambitious projects are in the works in the heart of Coatesville: Steel City Brewing, projected for a 2025 debut, and 30 Prime Seafood & Chophouse, slated for 2026.
Cost: $8-$100.
Atmosphere: Tavern-like but classy, with candlelight and white linens.
Hours: noon-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Attire: Casual.
Main Line Tavern
516 E. King Road, Paoli, (484) 320-8198
Website
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