Every restaurant has its own stories to tell, some much much older than others. Chester County is home to many historic establishments, some even dating back to the revolution. Plan to dine (and even stay!) in these beautiful touches of the past.
One of Chester County's oldest, and most storied establishments, the General Warren invites diners to step back in time. Though the building and the restaurant date back to the mid 18th century, their contemporary menu and historic atmosphere have kept it a local landmark and favorite. You can even stay the night in their historic accommodations
White Dog Cafe Chester Springs
Formerly the Vickers Restaurant, and 19th century home of abolitionist John Vickers, who made it a stop on the Underground Railroad, the White Dog Cafe Chester Springs fuses modern American dining with the buildings historic roots to give customers a truly unique and eclectic dining experience. Ask your server about some ghost stories, they have plenty!
Living inside of the historic Ship Inn on Ship Road in Exton, once a prominent stop on stage coach lines during the 1800s, VK Brewing puts a modern twist to this historic inn and tavern. Sitting at their bar is like taking sipping through history!
Fun fact: during the 19th century, oysters were a common snack in the Brandywine Valley, and have been enjoyed at Ludwig's Grill & Oyster Bar since 1816, though it has been known by many names, most notably the Captain Lawrence, or as locals would call it, the Bucket of Blood.
Bloom Southern Kitchen occupies one of Chester County's oldest inns, the Eagle Tavern. Enjoy some southern comfort food in this building that dates back all the way to 1799, with its foundations dating all the way back to 1702, when the original structure was built.
Duling-Kurtz House & County Inn
Enjoy a meal and stay the night at the Duling-Kurtz House & Country Inn; an 1830s farmhouse with a storied past. It is a special place to savor a wonderful meal and relaxing getaway in one of the 13 uniquely appointed period rooms.
The Four Dogs Tavern & The Marshalton Inn
Tucked away in the village of Marshalton, both The Four Dogs Tavern and the Marshalton Inn offer two distinct dining experiences, while sharing a kitchen. While Four Dogs offers a historic bar setting, the Marshalton Inn offers a cozy, historic dining room.
Butterscotch Pastry Shop & Birchrunville Store Café
The historic crossroad of Birchrunville in Chester Springs is home to not one, but two historic hidden gems: Butterscotch Pastry Shop and the Birchrunville Store Café. Butterscotch has functioned as a bakery since 1902, and still today churns out extraordinary confections in a charming setting.
Originally constructed as a creamery at the turn of the century, the Birchrunville Store Café delivers an unrivaled fine dining experience that keeps diners wanting more. Fun fact, the restaurant shares a building with a working post office for the village!
For more on Chester County's historic inns and taverns, check out this piece in County Lines.
