It’s impossible to know what abolitionist John Vickers would think of his home today. The former stop on the Underground Railroad carried on for a half-century as Vickers Tavern. Now, it’s the fifth and latest addition to the White Dog Cafe family.
Philadelphia’s Stokes Architecture + Design outfitted its seven rooms with unique identities that each pay homage to the spirit of the original 1820s farmhouse in their own way. Its 7,500 square feet now accommodate about 400 guests. Print wallpaper, dark wood paneling, cushioned booths, and a blend of vintage and new furnishings accentuate the building’s historical relevance while providing a comfortable tavern feel. Canine-themed knickknacks and commissioned portraits of local pups by area artists Scott Rowell and Janelle Morrison add to the whimsical flow throughout.
The menu is similar to what you’ll find at other White Dog locations, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a knack for blending textures and flavor profiles. We’ve had the crispy cauliflower appetizer at the Glen Mills location, but this version added the kick of sliced red chili peppers to complement the sweetness of the kung pao sauce. Topped with roasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of chili oil, the butternut squash soup was rich and velvety, with a hint of nutmeg. Sangria fans should love White Dog’s fruit-laden version—and we doubled up on the spicy margarita.
Moving on to the main course, our Verlasso salmon was moist and textured, with a balanced fat content. It arrived encrusted with pecans atop a small pool of maple-bourbon glaze. On the turf side, a perfectly prepared lamb shank (from Meadow Run Farm in Lititz) easily fell off the bone into a soft Parmesan polenta. We topped off our meal with chocolate cheesecake—decadent, but not as heavy as you might expect.
Service was surprisingly polished for a new restaurant, accompanied by warm greetings, menu knowledge, smiles and eye contact. But then, this isn’t White Dog’s first rodeo. “The neighborhood has embraced us,” says Sydney Grims, director of business development for White Dog Cafe parent company Fearless Restaurants. “We’re not perfect, but we hope to become a neighborhood staple.”
They’re well on their way.
Cost: $9-$55.
Atmosphere: Classic charm, with working fireplaces and nods to dog-lovers everywhere.
Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m Sunday.
Attire: Casual.
Extras: “Happiest Hour” 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday.
White Dog Cafe Chester Springs
181 Gordon Drive, Exton
(610) 827-9000
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