With so many great local farms that offer top-quality ingredients, it’s no wonder that Berks County’s farm-to-table dining scene grows in popularity and quality year after year. In particular, our farm-to-table restaurants offer the best combination of places to dine out and the freshest local produce, meats, poultry, dairy, and more, all composing meals that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Rather than choosing processed foods, the natural and sustainable options at these restaurants support customers with convenient, nourishing options.
For many restaurant goers, a preference for farm-to-table options can represent a healthy return to our Berks County roots with wholesome living. For others it can be a great way to start the new year with cleaner and healthier food options that directly support our community. To help provide some insight into just a few of Berks County’s exciting farm-to-table destinations, we’ve included some of our favorites below!
Saucony Creek Brewery & Pub
Since the Saucony Creek Kutztown pub debuted in Reading in 2015, the restaurant and brewery has prioritized quality service and delectable food options with ingredients that are all sourced from local vendors and local farms. On the brewing side of the business, they create signature batches of beer using Pennsylvania-produced malt, hops, and fruit. Their Executive Chef Martha specializes in creating a wide variety of distinct New American cuisine in addition to her own interpretation of classic American dishes. You’ll be able to enjoy her award-winning Cajun Shrimp & Grits with a side of Crispy Maple Dijon Brussels. You could also go for a fan favorite option, like the Franklin Station Burger, which is a blend of the best local Chuck, Brisket, and Short Rib topped with Provolone and Bacon Jam. When you stop by in the summer, you might even catch the owners Rob & Karen, Kirby & Deb, and Terry & Deb dropping off produce they hand-selected from their own farms.
HIVE
HIVE is a unique farm-to-table takeout cafe based in Kutztown, PA. With a friendly and courteous staff, all of this restaurant’s food options are organic, meaning they don’t include any genetically modified organisms (GMO) or heavily-processed ingredients that could come with unhealthy pesticides. HIVE even has their own dedicated farm in Kutztown that helps them guarantee the richest and cleanest produce for their cafe and market downtown. Additionally, if there’s anything at the cafe that they haven’t harvested with their own hands, HIVE sources ingredients from other trusted local, family-owned farms. Their nutritious farm-to-table preference comprises every bite of their meals, including the HIVE burger made with Red Earth greens, organic cheddar, and a smoky chipotle sauce, their best-seller. You can also choose their signature millennial breakfast avocado toast to start your day off with a delicious crunch.
The Farmhouse Kitchen
Based in West Reading, The Farmhouse Kitchen is dedicated to serving food that is as tasty as it is nutritious. Their goal is to always support customers with healthy food options during restaurant hours, and they also offer an evening educational program that fosters a dialogue on topics of food-based health and wellness. Their entire menu is made from scratch with fresh, seasonally-sourced ingredients that are creatively incorporated into incredible meals. All their ingredients are non-GMOs, completely organic, ethically-sourced, and whole until it’s time to cook. Their belief is that food is like medicine and meant to help heal and grow our bodies with natural and carefully-prepared meals. They offer a wide range of different breakfast options, wraps, and more!
Plum Creek Farm
Located in the hills of Berks County, PA, Plum Creek Farm offers customers farm fresh and locally grown fruits & vegetables for healthy eating whenever you visit. Their impressive creamery provides a delicious selection of ice cream, soft pretzels, hot sandwiches, french fries and more. Plum Creek Farm’s delicacies are so successful that in the winter of 2019 their initial farm market and creamery was replaced with a new facility to meet the needs of the growing business. When you need excellent old fashioned hospitality, or if you’re in the market for a homemade soft pretzel, Plum Creek is always here to support customers with the best customer service and the best local ingredients!
Local Leaf Market
Based in Oley PA, the Local Leak Market offers locally-sourced goods from more than 60 Growers & Producers across Eastern Pennsylvania. Customers can discover the region’s healthiest and freshest produce, beef cuts, dairy, mushrooms, breads & baked products, roasted coffee beans, teas, and more. They even feature Kombucha & Nitro Cold Coffee you can get straight from the tap! You can also enjoy their delicious homemade soups, salads, and convenient Grab & Go meals too!
Greenhouse Cafe
Are you looking to improve your diet for the new year? Berks County has great news for vegetarians and vegans near Wyomissing, PA! The Greenhouse Café continues to grow in popularity in just a short time since opening its doors in fall of 2019. They’ve supported thousands of customers in Berks County who have already committed to eating more mindfully and healthfully. They offer delicious food that comes with plenty of fiber and which helps you reduce your dependency on meat-based protein. With their menu, you can easily avoid saturated fats and any unwanted dairy via global dishes full of flavor and fresh local, seasonal ingredients. Overall, the Greenhouse Cafe provides astonishingly tasty, wholesome, filling dinners, as well as convenient lunches and breakfasts.
