Conveniently located on State Hill Road near Starbucks and the Berkshire Mall is the Berkshire Family Restaurant, owned by Manny Vlastos. This dining destination won “Best Kids’ Menu” honors for 2021, as voted by Berks County Living readers — and one look at that section of the menu will surely bring a smile; it’s so creatively written. The award brought a tremendous distinction for this recently reopened business, to be sure. But their welcoming locale attracts a much broader clientele than kids, parents and grandparents!
On a recent evening were couples of all ages who say that the Berkshire has become their “date night,” a place to enjoy wine and cocktails as they check out the ever-enticing weekly list of house specials. Groups of friends and business associates alike also have discovered the joy of dining here; some folks were dining solo, yet within the friendly layout that defines the restaurant’s atmosphere, everyone appeared perfectly content as they exchanged light banter with upbeat, attentive servers.
Extensive Menu of Berks County Faves and Worldly Specials
Vlastos and manager Allyson LaRocca explain the extensive menu is carefully designed to be broad and inclusive, all while focusing intently on flavor and freshness. In fact, Vlastos reveals, he called on a highly respected gourmet chef-friend to train the kitchen staff with recipes that would consistently please patrons. Indeed, the menu balances traditional local favorites such as super-cheesy Loaded Tots (appetizer), Meatloaf and Chicken Croquettes, against such choices as Lemon Chicken Rice Soup (Mediterranean-style), The State Hill Panini, Black Diamond Steak, Chicken Francaise (sauteed in lemon-butter sauce) and Shrimp Portofino.
3 Starters to Try
Bruschetta – This very pretty bruschetta offers the usual acidic bite and crunch of tomatoes and chopped juicy onions, with fresh mozzarella and Romano cheeses on toasted herbed ciabatta breads. The drizzled glaze of balsamic sauce delivers a sweet-tart finish.
Berkshire Sampler – When you can’t make up your mind, this platter’s a clear choice: two crispy chicken fingers, two fried mozzarella sticks, four buffalo chicken wings, three onion rings. It comes with honey mustard and bleu cheese for tangy dipping. Everyone’s happy!
French Onion Soup – Fans of this classically presented soup with seared, melted mozzarella can lean into the Berkshire’s version with 100 percent confidence. It is divine. The key lies in the wonderful, beefy broth at the base. Says Vlastos, “The chef starts the day with cooking the onions. They cook a long time. That’s what makes it so good.” And, adds Vlastos, if you find yourself loving this French Onion Soup, “come back and order our Frenchy Burger” which imparts the same exquisite flavor.
Loaded Tots – Who doesn’t love tater tots? Inspired by popular loaded potato skins, these appetizers are wowza shareables for the dinner table, with fresh-chopped scallions, gooey cheese and sour cream, and boasting salty chunks of bacon interspersed with the potato cubes. Utterly decadent.
Shrimp Portofino and Chicken Croquettes
So many entrees! There are four full-fledged entrée salads available, including an alluring Tomato Bomb (tomato stuffed with tuna, chicken or egg salad). While beef-eaters can select from prime rib and steak, seafood lovers have their choice of broiled crabcakes, flounder, haddock and much more. The Broiled Salmon Dijon boasts of lemon-honey melodies.
Shrimp Portofino – Crazily popular with very good reason. Envision sweet shrimp and al dente ravioli filled with ricotta, plus baby spinach and shallots, bathing in an almost lemony, garlic sauce. So indulgent. (Note: Bacon is sometimes added; ask first if you don’t consume bacon.) A glass of crisp white wine pairs perfectly with this elegant dish.
Chicken Croquettes – Mixed herbal hints infuse two mounds (shaped like twin peaks) of luscious chicken made into patties using the Berkshire’s homemade recipe. Naturally, they’re served over traditional-style mashed potatoes and doused with a heavenly golden, hearth-scented turkey gravy. Infinitely satisfying.
An abundant list of hamburgers and handheld sandwiches (including French Dip), chewy-smooth Mac ’n Cheese with all sorts of accompanying options, plus many pasta options ensure that everyone will find their personal “happy food.” Added bonuses: a Seniors Menu and All-Day Breakfast.
Guilty Pleasures!
Last but never least are the dessert stars.
The Blackout Cake – Chocoholics will leap toward this aptly named, huge hunk of mouthwatering pleasure created in layers of chocolate fudge, chocolate ganache, chocolate cake and chocolate icing. It truly pays homage to textures and moistness imaginable in the cake-eating world.
Red Velvet Cheesecake – Get ready for this #1 “patrons’ most popular” cake. A visual wonder with its traditional red cake tiers and contrasting, creamy-gold cheesecake center, it is very sharable due to the generous portion size. The nicest part of this cake is the cheesecake itself: delicate yet firm, sweet yet not overly sugary. It’s like cheating to be able to eat red velvet cake and cheesecake together. A terrific invention.
