Without a doubt, West Reading shines brightly in Berks County’s galaxy, with so many great places to visit — from art galleries to boutique fashion shops, not to mention cool craft beer bars and a worldly array of restaurant cuisines. Now, it’s got an all-new, wonderful remake at a location long known as a popular watering hole called 3rd & Spruce Drafthaus.
“Yes, that word drafthaus means we serve amazing drinks,” says General Manager Taylor Santiago. “But,” she adds, “you’re going to love what our chef and sous chef are making for dinner every night.” Indeed, 3rd & Spruce manages to offer not just a huge variety of beers (over 26 taps) and wines, but their extensive spirits menu lists much more under headings like Bourbon, Rye, Irish Whiskey, Single Malt Scotch, Blended Scotch and Agave. Wow.
So…how about an Espresso Martini? Love hot coffee and adore martinis? This luscious, gorgeously presented drink is a big “Oh yes!” It’s designed to melt your tastebuds with the bitter, fine-espresso-grounds edge on the glass contrasting with just-sweet liquor. Its frothy, creamy top is decorated with three teeny coffee beans.
Every bit as enticing, says Santiago, is the Lavender Cosmos or the Halle Berries Nectar. She also points to a drink that’s literally smokin’ when it arrives at the table: the Smoky Kentucky Old Fashioned. Truly top-notch. Smooth. Mellower than mellow. The scent of toasted marshmallow as a magical amber fruit swirls piquantly on the tongue and tickles your nostrils, and then whoosh! — liquid flame flows down gently.
Soups, Appetizers & Small Plates
Clearly, a lot of thought and taste-testing went into every offering here. Even if you stop in for just a beer and finger food with friends, you’ll have appealing, fun choices. There are Wisconsin Battered Cheese Curds, Crabby Tots and Sweet Potato Fries with hot honey. Those sweet potato goodies are made waffle-style, preserving natural sweetness and crunch. Santiago mentions that the final flavors were decided collaboratively, with best taste and texture as main goals. She credits Chef Diaz (Alexander Diaz Cruz) and Sous Chef Mikey for imaginative touches inherent in every dish.
Take the rich Roasted Tomato Soup, for instance: “That one has a little bit of a kick,” explains Santiago. Folks who are partial to ordering a crock of French Onion Soup will find this version overwhelmingly delicious, with subtle differences in its creation that impart a light sensation (this soup isn’t the typical heavy, too-beefy type). A Gruyere-cheesy soup with sweet onion flavor, the crock holds a warm, satisfying broth that keeps calling you back. A totally smart choice for an early-winter night.
As for an innovative, super healthy small plate, the Sauteed Brussels Sprouts have already made their mark. “They’re very popular,” nods Santiago. Here, the kitchen created a fabulous, complex version of what has become a trendy veggie in recent years. They’ve sliced and near shredded up the sprouts, adding shallots, prosciutto and garlic and making the greens musky with goat cheese while enhancing the sprouts’ natural nuttiness with sliced almonds. The dish is finished off with an umami maple balsamic reduction.
Other small plates to sample: Reuben Egg Rolls and Short Rib Poutine.
Spruce Wings are spot-on excellent with craft beer or any beverage. Go all in with the Spruce Sauce to dip these crispy-edged, perfectly prepared meaty morsels for flavor that’s burn-y without being killer hot.
Top of the Marquee:
West Reading Cheesesteak & Signature Spruce Burger
No wonder diners love the West Reading Cheesesteak! To be clear: this version of a Pennsylvania classic is not the heavy tomato-ey type. Nor is it the Velveeta type. This is an authentically cheese-y cheese-steak on a perfectly sized warm hard roll, holding just a touch of crunchy crust. The seasoned meat and melted white cheese combine with a jazzy touch of jalapeno heat for an aromatic treat. Bite after bite, this one’s a superior food experience.
Also, waving a flag that says “Favorite!” to many patrons is the Signature Spruce Burger, and though there are loads of hamburger options to try, definitely aim at this many-layered specialty sandwich made with Snake River Farms American wagyu beef. You’ll bite down into an integrity-filled, sweet brioche bun that does its best to hold the creamy sriracha Spruce sauce dripping into the hearty wagyu, caramelized onions, juicy tomato slice and flat, green lettuce. It’s salty and spicy and saturated with good taste. This is one fine burger.
Peppercorn Steak Bowl & Sweinebraten are Specialty Entrees
Hungry for a large plate? Steak and mushrooms in au poivre sauce over white rice with roasted red peppers and garlic broccoli comprise the GM’s personal heartthrob: Peppercorn Steak Bowl. This well-melded combo is mind-blowing.
Finally: fall-apart-tender pork is roasted for hours to make Sweinebraten. It’s then sliced thickly and slathered with beer-mustard gravy, pickled onions and carrots. A mound of homemade mashed potatoes anchors this fulfilling meal.
610.376.5254
238 S. 3rd Avenue, West Reading
