photo by Robin Pritz
The Berks community embraced the brash, authentic brews and bistro cuisine when Saucony Creek Kutztown Brewery + Pub opened its doors, a decision that involved rehabbing an existing building that used to be a car dealership — with lots of natural light entering from the huge glass show-windows. Oh, and there is a vegetable garden out back, too, guaranteeing freshness to the max. So it should be no surprise to see, taste and experience Saucony Creek’s second act occurring now in the heart of the City of Reading, in the ornate, historic Franklin Station — formerly Reading Railroad’s Franklin Street Station.
The owners did not set out to duplicate their first pub in this new location, with the exception of Saucony Creek’s stellar brews, of course. Robin Pritz, as General Manager, brings his unique innovation while celebrity chef Martha Cavaretta unleashes her fresh take on a New American menu — one that differs from the Kutztown pub — with dishes that one simply cannot find elsewhere. Award-winning and classically trained, Executive Chef Martha is committed to an all-locally-sourced, “all-scratch” kitchen. “We make all our own cheese, ricotta and mozzarella,” she says with a big smile, “and we offer vegan, gluten-free, and keto choices” to please everyone’s palates. She’s a lively, dedicated, passionate-about-food person, with boundless culinary verve.
Starters include House-Made Soft Pretzels called “Fat Cigars,” a perfect tribute to Reading along with a flight of beers. Her number-one New York City winner — Shrimp and Grits — joins other uniquely delicious creations such as Crispy Beer Battered Avocado Tacos, as well as mouth-watering Coconut Braised Beef Cheeks and House Hickory-Smoked Stout-Glazed Baby Back Ribs. Each dish is made for each diner: “When you place your order, that’s when we start cooking it,” she says.
After spending 30 years in New York, Chef Martha fell in love with Centre Park in historic Reading. Her husband, Mario, who does prep for her at Saucony Creek, was similarly smitten with optimism about the downtown Reading revival. Martha says simply, “We saw what Reading could be!” and she vowed to get on the front lines of bringing amazing food and drink to Franklin Station. Needless to say, she’s a huge fan of Saucony Creek beer, not just for food pairings, but for all the flavors brews lend to the plate.
Saucony Franklin Station not only draws businesspersons and courthouse workers at lunchtime, but serves Berks residents and visitors attending evening concerts and various events at the nearby Santander Arena, as well as conference guests at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel. Parking is easy at the two-decker, secured garage.
Seventh & Franklin Streets, Reading
sauconybeer.com/franklin-station
484.755.5680
