It’s pure joy to take in the marvelous renovation at The Inn on Main in Oley and equally enjoyable to experience a brash, innovative cuisine that is not only seasonal but responds directly to what the Berks County public has long yearned for. From fine wines to Filet Mignon with Bearnaise (or your choice of four other elegantly created sauces), signature drinks to classy entrees such as ProsciuttoCrusted Scallops, this historic locale “revival-restaurant” offers all the menu depth that a storied stone building demands for discerning diners.
Not only is The Inn on Main the right destination for folks who love a combination of great food, nostalgia and rustic flair (and they have devoted patrons who come weekly), but it is also a highly suitable setting for out-of-town visitors and family who arrive in the county raring to celebrate high school and college graduations, birthdays, weddings and any sort of special occasion in a captivating, memorable atmosphere.
Unique Cocktails
Whether you settle into the ambiance of the lovely old-time bar or decide on a table in one of several separately well-spaced dining rooms, you’ll probably want to sample a fashionable beverage to wet your whistle. Here’s just a window into a few of The Inn’s unusually thoughtful, locally named and definitely delicious cocktail selections to start off the night:
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- The Inn on Main Bloody Mary: Grey Goose, Triple Sec and fresh-made Bloody Mary Mix with garnishes of jalapeno, olives, celery, bacon, lime, lemon, cheese and pickle. Wow. Talk about complex.
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- Berks Cosmopolitan: Grey Goose Le Citron, Cointreau orange liqueur, squeezed lime, cranberry and fresh orange.
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- Espresso Martini: made with brewed-for-you espresso, vanilla vodka, Kahlua and simple syrup. AND you can ask for a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream or Bailey’s Salted Caramel Cream for a latte effect. Yum.
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- Oley Valley Vanilla Pomtini: Vanilla vodka, pomegranate, limoncello and lemon — served with a sugared rim. The vanilla comes through bigtime, and, as one patron says, “It almost tastes like cotton candy with a kick!”
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- The RMC: Bulleit Bourbon 10-Year, angostura and orange bitters, fresh orange and Bordeaux cherry — for a decidedly refreshing Manhattan- like, amber-hued concoction with citrus notes.
Appetizers, Salads & Sandwiches
Berks Countians love all sorts of appetizers, especially wings. These wings are right up there with the best, especially if you’re fond of crunchy, buttery, lumpy wings that deliver the best of the skin and the tender chicken meat itself.
Other truly enticing starters include Filet Mignon Meatballs, Scallops Bruschetta and a super popular Seafood Dip — shrimp, lobster and crab in creamy, cheesy sauce, served with warm pita.
“Historical meets modern” — a slogan that defines The Inn on Main — is expressed everywhere, even in the salad and sandwich offerings, where a full-scale traditional Cobb Salad competes with Quinoa Black Bean Salad; the Reuben and Pulled Pork sandwiches line up next to the Smoked Gouda Burger and a Chicken Florentine Panini.
Hickory Charred Salmon, New York Strip Steak
Choosing an entree is a real challenge: they all sound yummy. According to owner Mark Pollack, “Our Hickory Charred Salmon is the best seller. That’s followed by Prosciutto Crusted Scallops, then Chicken Piccata and Steak.” Indeed, the salmon is amazing: the crusted top is totally charred, yielding a smoky, woodsy flavor with each generous, sweet bite, even as a beautiful lemon garnish gives bright contrast with light acidic tinge. The fillet itself lounges on a bed of justwilted baby spinach and spicy arugula along with a few bursting cherry tomatoes. The whole effect is a garden party laden with textures and flaky salmon, woodsy and leafy, tendered in a warm bacon dressing. Accompanying are chunky mashed potatoes — classically tight, delightfully substantial.
The Chicken Piccata features sauteed chicken breasts enlivened with caper-lemon sauce, perfect with vermicelli or those lovely mashed potatoes. A lusciously smooth Chicken Alfredo is another tempting choice, served on linguini pasta.
The New York Strip Steak with an add-on of sauteed onions is enlivened by tangy port wine sauce and, if you wish, a side of double-curly, super smooth, sweetly chewy mac and cheese, which brings an old-fashioned family supper to mind. Add the Fire-Roasted Corn with red peppers for a more wholesome, hearthside flavor — a veggie dish that sings of an open flame in a hundred-year-old kitchen.
Chic Desserts
Chocolate Mousse, Carrot Cake, Cheesecake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Sundae…? What a mouthwatering selection — all homemade in this kitchen! On a recent evening, young pastry chef Rebecca prepared a superb Coconut Cream Pie with a tall meringue sprinkled with toasted coconut, followed by sugary layers — all insanely light — for a fabulous combo of cool textures and buttery crust. A true treat.
Tip: Do wander around and check out all the antique features and artwork. Especially interesting on one wall is a large, round mirror ringed with vintage wooden shoe forms. So original.
401 Main St., Oley | 484.491.1257 | 401onmain.com
