It’s no secret — Berks County is known for wonderful restaurants. But where do you go for a culinary experience that is so special that it’s one for the memory books? Not surprisingly, these three locations — noted for the finest of food and drink, attentive service and uniquely warm ambiance — are no secret to residents who pen them onto their special-occasion calendars year after year.
1. Savory Grille
Shawn Doyle is the chef-owner of this extraordinary restaurant in the countryside, now celebrating 25 years in business. Intimacy and excellence are the hallmarks of Savory Grille, with diners who adore their fine foods — especially the sea scallops, petit filet mignon and duck entrees.
“We’re in Berks County,” says Doyle, “but close enough to Lehigh, Montgomery and Bucks,” which means the restaurant draws attention from all corners. When it comes to special occasions, Savory Grille is often foremost on people’s minds, especially anniversaries, says Doyle. “We have a good amount of repeat business.”
In fact, he says, “We still get those days of having anniversaries on the same night in the restaurant. This year, we had a night where three couples celebrated 50-ish wedding anniversaries! They all started conversing with each other.”
Savory Grille is also a great place to pop the question. Doyle laughs, “It’s nice seeing people drop down on one knee. Or being really discreet about it, like asking us to place a ring in a dessert — which always makes me a little nervous, actually.”
For wedding-related parties, especially for close-knit weddings on the smaller side, Doyle says it’s best to just call and talk it over.
2934 Seisholtsville Rd., Macungie
610.845.2010 | savorygrille.com
2. Dans at Green Hills
Proprietor Monir at this exquisite, white-linen
establishment smilingly affirms the obvious: “People come for anniversaries, birthdays, holidays and all sorts of special events — or they have a party here for their parents’ anniversaries, retirement parties, and so forth. We do rehearsal dinners and small weddings, and we even have ceremonies on the patio in warm months.”
In the winter, the main dining room has a
fireplace that makes it “nice and cozy,” says Monir. “Also, we have a very big Christmas tree outside on the patio from Thanksgiving to mid-January, which people love.”
Naturally, this spot lends itself to popping the question. “We do have people who get engaged here, yes!” says Monir. Bob Inman, who works closely with Monir, asserts that champagne and other celebratory beverages are always ready for pouring. “We have at least 10 different kinds, from $35 to $300 in price range.” Monir adds, “We have a six-page wine list — one of the biggest in Berks County. We offer very expensive French ones and more modestly priced champagnes from California, plus modestly priced French wines and sparkling wines.”
Eternally popular with diners are the filet mignon and the rack of lamb. For seafood, the scallops and the salmon rank high. “Those four items never change,” says Monir, “because people come for them — they’re always on the menu.” Their signature soup is a luscious sweet potato soup. For dessert, crème brulee and bread pudding are favorites.
“This is a special place,” says Monir. “We have many regular, loyal customers. Some customers come every week, or at least two or three times a month.” Importantly, Dans honors personal requests, so as to accommodate for allergies, gluten-free diets and more. Says Monir: “Nothing is pre-made, so everything can be tailored.”
2444 Morgantown Rd., Reading
610.777.9611 | dansatgreenhills.com
3. Judy's on Cherry
Proprietor Judy Henry is celebrating 20 years of being in business and shares just one of many keys to her success: heartfelt enthusiasm. “I think that heartfelt enthusiasm is very contagious! I make a particular effort to ask people whether they’re celebrating a special occasion, and my staff does that as well — we can make their experience very special. We recognize our newcomers in the same way as our many repeat customers, to convey the intimacy and connection we feel about dining here.”
Judy’s Mediterranean-inspired ambiance and delicious entrees seal the deal when it comes to celebrating a special day: “It’s all about having an intimate and friendly experience — with, of course, really good food!”
Engagements are a big part of what happens here, in addition to birthdays and anniversaries, wedding rehearsal dinners, retirement dinners, and the like. “We have a good number of engagements happening here — and couples come back to that same table to celebrate year after year.” Many times, she adds, the customer “will come in for a pre-inspection and pick out the table they want to be seated at.” The fact that they choose to celebrate a significant occasion thrills this chef-owner: “It delights me! I am very happy to be in the business that I am in.”
Warm, attentive service is crucial, Judy notes. “I always train staff to be smart and to read people. We read our customers really well and adapt our service to their needs.”
30 S. 4th St., Reading
610.374.8511 | judysoncherry.com
