New Hope Yocal

Tortuga's Cocina: Delish!

2010-09-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

Tortuga's Cocina
11 1/2 Church St.
Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-397-7272
http://www.tortugascocina.com/
*Not open on Mondays. Call or check website for specific hours.

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: Southwest/Mexican
Serves: Lunch & Dinner
Price: Reasonable
Ambiance: Traditional

Comments: I heard of this place through a friend so I looked it upon restaurant.com. I was so thrilled they had a coupon listed on there so I took up on the opportunity to check it out.

All I can say is yum, yum and more yum. I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this place. Everything from the chips and salsa, to the chipolte shrimp dish and fajitas. Everything we ordered came out hot, fresh and yummy. I also enjoyed myself a couple of margaritas! The bar is attached to the restaurant, although listed under a different name.

I would definitely recommend checking this place out. I do feel this is a kid friendly place, although there weren't any there when we dined...it had a good atmosphere where I think children would be welcome.

They also had a small outdoor area to dine. It is not anything fancy...but if it is a nice day it is an added bonus. The only thing I would caution about this place is that it can be a bit tricky to find. I almost walked right by it. Look for the little turtle on the sign.

The Sandbar has some good eats

2010-08-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Sandbar (Old 90 Main)
90 South Main St.

New Hope, PA 18938

(215) 862-3030
http://www.sandbarnewhope.com/

NHY Rating: 9 of 10
Food: American/Cuban
Serves: Lunch & Dinner
Price: Reasonable
Ambiance: Relaxing, cool

Comments: Love, love, love the replacement bar/restaurant for the old 90 Main. This place has really wow'd me as far as the food and service. So far, we have been there about 3 times...and I am addicted. I am addicted to their Cuban nachos appetizer and their Fried Green Tomato Salad. I have also tried the Summer Salad which has fresh watermelon, grilled pineapple and mint. Super refreshing salad.

For dinner I have had the Cuban Pork Shoulder and the Chipolte Pasta. Both outstanding dishes! I literally intend on trying everything on their menu because I just love the selection of food they offer...really, everything sounds scrumptious.

This place is hands down a great one to visit for a bite. They also have outdoor seating if you are a people watcher. Some of the tables are a little too close to the sidewalk though...my only beef with sitting there is that someone walking by can literally just reach over and grab one of my nachos real quick!! Ha ha!

So if you are looking for a place with fast, good service, reasonable prices and absolutely excellent food, go to the Sandbar...and please, let me come with you too : )

No. 9 in Lambertville Worth a Visit

2010-01-29T06:03:00.000-08:00

No. 9 Restaurant
9 Klines Court

Lambertville, NJ 08530-2113

(609) 397-6380

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: American
Serves: Dinner (limited hours, call ahead; reservations recommended because small restaurant) BYOB
Price: On the expensive side
Ambiance: Simple, small...not a lot of decor. Not a kid-friendly place.

Comments: We were apparently there on a slow Friday night, but we made reservations anyway. Walking in we realized that is indeed a good thing to do because it is a small restaurant, probably only seats 30 people or so comfortably. We were waited on by perhaps the owner. He was very friendly and explained the specials as well as their regular meals that seem to be favorites.

Our meal, including salad and entrees for both was very good. I almost licked my plate. My husband has the fra dioblo pasta and that was also very tasty. I would definitively visit this restaurant again.

Lilly's on the Canal: Delightful Dinner Place

2009-08-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

Lilly's on the canal
2 Canal St
Lambertville, NJ 08530-1704
(609) 397-6242
http://www.lillysgourmet.com/

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: American
Serves: lunch and dinner (only serves bottled wine, no beer or by the glass drinks)
Price: Very reasonable
Ambiance: Nice and airy. Their indoors was very unique with an upstairs and downstairs. The kitchen is open in the middle. They have a beautiful wall fountain inside. They also have a nice outdoor patio.

Comments: The food was delightful and the service was great. We ordered an appetizer which was quite filling, calamari and onion rings. They were done to perfection. For dinner, I had the Filet Mignon which was done over mashed potatoes with bacon and horseradish sauce and was quite delicious. We also had the Ahi Tuna topped with shrimp and vegetables, also scrumptious.

What we would have loved to try but didn't have an inch left of available stomach was the desserts. When you first walk in you are literally greeted with an eyeful of their decedent dessert options. They had a chocolate cake that looked like it was to die for...

Overall, it's a great spot. They did seem like an acceptable place for older kids but not toddlers. Their food prices are a bit high but comparable to other restaurants in the area.

Note: They have a little parking lot so you may get lucky and not have to pay for a meter. Also, they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Sweet Lorraines: It's Good. It really is!

2009-05-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

Sweet Lorraine's
Route 202 and Street Road
Lahaska, PA 18931
(215) 794-4040
http://www.sweetlorraines.com/

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: American
Serves: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Price: Reasonable
Ambiance: Nice contemporary atmosphere, clean, spacious. Bar area is nice a large and separate from the dining areas. They also have new outdoor patio seating.

Comments:
Sweet Lorraines certainly did not disappoint. I took the whole family and felt that it was indeed a good overall family restaurant. It's not the cheapest place on the block but the quality is fitting of the prices. I tried a nice beverage, an alcoholic specialty smoothie and it was quite refreshing. We tried a couple appetizers, the Mess O Fries and Coconut Shrimp; both very scrumptious. We then moved on to Chicken Gorgonzala Pasta...topped with some spiced walnuts...Mmmm is all I have to say. The husband was more into getting a burger so he asked about ordering off of the bar menu since the regular dinner menu did not have sandwiches and they politely obliged. His burger was pretty much standard however. No bells and whistles there. The kids meals were very good. My son tried the Pita Pizza and my daughter the Mac and Cheese. Both where very happy with their choices.

The service was so-so. Our waiter was very polite and friendly, but it seemed that they were still trying to coordinate who does what and the food did take slightly longer than I would preferred. He was gracious enough though to keep us updated on the progress. They also offered the kids some plastic bendy stick things to play with which was very helpful.

I say go check them out. I think they have a very high potential to please a lot of customers!

The Raven has reopened

2009-05-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

After several months of being closed, the Raven has finally reopened. It was a busy first weekend over there. The parking lot was certainly full.

Plus it looks like they are getting a web site up and running. It is not yet ready but they do have a placeholder screen. My understanding is that it is new folks running The Raven but they are just leasing it from the owners of The Nevermore.

385 W Bridge St
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-2081
http://www.theravennewhope.com/

Nancy's Village Cafe: New Little Lunch Shop in Lahaska

2009-01-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

A new little sandwich and soup shop opened up in Peddler's Village. It's called Nancy's Village Cafe and it is yummy. It is situated behind Earl's Prime. It has replaced the Cross Culture restaurant (Indian-American restaurant) that was there previously. It is small place but neatly decorated with a mom and pop feel. I was recommended to go there from another shop owner and it definitely didn't disappoint.

They are only open though for breakfast and lunch 7AM - 3PM and have a nice array of sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, chili, quiches and of course homemade tasty desserts. It is definitely kid friendly and very low key. The prices are also very reasonable and the portions just right. This place is more about quality, not quantity. Don't worry though, it will fill you up.

The only thing was that it was kind of small so I guess on a busy day it could get a bit uncomfortable. I stopped there for lunch and it wasn't that busy. I think they just opened so maybe it is still a secret they are there. I guess I am now breaking open the secret because here's the info:

Nancy's Village Cafe
P.O. Box 634
Lahaska, PA 18931
Phone: (215) 794-8201

Special Hours: 7 am to 3 pm daily

New Lahaska Restaurant: Sweet Lorraine's

2009-01-11T22:17:00.000-08:00

Sounds like a new local restaurant is giving off mixed reviews. Former restaurant, The Spotted Hog, has now reopened as Sweet Lorraine's. You can check out their own website for more information and menu (just remember to turn down your speakers).

New Hope Yocal hasn't been over yet but has been informed from several local friends that Sweet Lorraine's didn't quite win them over. Their menu was described as slightly more vegetarian type dishes, sandwiches, salads, pasta. Now with Earl's Prime right across the street I see no competition for a great steak meal regardless. After having 3 scrumptious dinners there, plain and simple....Earl's has no competition.

As for Lorraine's more light fared food, word on the street is... although her atmosphere is esthetically pleasing and a nice addition to Lahaska's artsy flair (with supposedly a great bar by the way), she could use a little more flavor in the food and a little more service in the service. New Hope Yocal will be on the prowl there soon...details to come.

Working out in New Hope

2009-01-11T21:43:00.000-08:00

For the Locals:

It's not always about eating here at the New Hope Yocal; sometimes its about working off that delicious food! Yep, in New Hope we can be fit and fabulous! If you haven't already, go check out the local gyms.

My top pick right now is definitely Body Tech in Lambertville. They have taken over the old Centre Club behind Riverhorse Brewery and have made quite a lovely little workout spot. "Little" may not be a good descriptor because in fact, they have a nice sized main facility, complete with gym, coffee and beverage area, fitness studio, child care center, spinning room, tanning room, massage offices, large yoga and dance studio.

I was also very impressed with their personal trainers and staff. Everyone is very professional and friendly. After being a member for only a month and half, I have never seen a day yet where any employee has been anything but kind and helpful.

Body Tech also has a lot of great services. They offer free towel service and great childcare, again, completely free in the membership (no extra fees!). The kids have a ball in the colorful, clean, fully equipped room moderated by some very fun people. The facility, overall, is extremely clean and basically has everything you could need in a gym. Aside from benches, free weights, universals and weight machines, they have plenty of cardio machines such as treadmills, ellipticals, bikes and stair climbers and many with TVs with CD/DVD players.

Also, the room is also very well ventilated and nicely spaced. You most certainly don't feel like you have to squeeze through machines to walk down the aisle.

The only trouble I have noticed is the parking and that usually is around the time they have multiple classes running, sometime between 9 and 10ish. Usually it is not a big problem but occasionally, you have to wait for a spot.

The best thing though by far of Body Tech is the variety of classes. They have everything; just to name a few, they have Zumba, Step, Total Body Workout, On the Ball Classes, Pilates, a variety of Yoga, Tai Chi, and even Moving Mediation. It's no joke people, if you can't find a class you like here, you are nuts.

Zumba is energizing and fun...On the Ball will work you out and Moving Mediation is an experience like no other. The fact that all these classes are part of the monthly price makes Body Tech well worth your dollar. Go check them out; they are running lots of new member specials!

Body Tech Fitness
80 Lambert Ln,
Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-397-6900
http://www.lovemybodytech.com/

Next up, I will share some info about our other local fitness clubs, newly rennovated and expanded New Hope Fitness and Cornerstone and the Tree House.

Fran's Pub: All around good eats and drinks

2008-09-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Fran's Pub
116 S Main St
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-5539
http://www.franspub.com

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: American
Serves: lunch and dinner
Price: Very reasonable
Ambiance: Nice airy outdoor area, large patio, inside and outside bar. Inside bar has pool tables and is now non-smoking!

Comments: Great place for eats and drinks! For New Hope, it is one of the few more affordable food stops. But don't let the price fool you, the food is high quality. Definitely no ordinary bar food. The portions also are just right. We tried out Mexican night on Wednesday and were very impressed. I have also been there for lunch several times and had a scrumptious salad and pizza. Their menu is mostly burgers, chicken, salads, and munchies. I love their chicken fingers and fries! You just can't go wrong at Fran's. They have a great beer selection too!

This place is also very kid-friendly on the outdoor patio or their semi-indoor patio area. The kids menu is also pleasing and there is no worries about noise level which is a welcome relief when searching for dining spots in New Hope with kids.

Note: This place is hot spot for bikers on the weekend. Also, there is some parking in the rear of the restaurant (if you get lucky).

New local dating website

2008-09-26T11:57:00.001-07:00

There is a new local website out there for all you singles.

It is called NewHopeDating.org. Go check it out and let us know what you find...

Check out these videos about Bucks County

2008-08-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.gwforpresident.com/

Funny!

The Landing: Dropped their customer service

2008-08-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Landing
22 N Main St
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-5711
http://www.landingrestaurant.com/

NHY Rating: 8 of 10 (restaurant only); 5 of 10 (bar)
Food: American
Serves: lunch and dinner
Price: Pricey
Ambiance: Small, yet contemporary on inside; outside is larger with nice patio area, overlooks Delaware

Comments: The restaurant of The Landing has a nice selection of foods, a bit pricey though...I was stuck with the thought several times that this food is a bit ordinary and not exactly worth my $28. I still wouldn't discount it though, the view is lovely and for the most part, the service is good. If you have to it toss around and desire an outdoor setting, the Landing is for you.

I also do not recommend The Landing if you have kids, the place is just too "restrictive." They are also minimalist when it comes to bathrooms. I have no idea what their capacity is but I would think with the indoor and outdoor, somewhere around 70. They have 2 private restrooms. That's it, just 2 individual restrooms.

As far as the bar area, I am completely disappointed. I am not sure who they have working there but the overall customer service and accommodation was entirely lacking. I went with a large group of women for a night out and we were completely soured by the staff not allowing us to move to a table that would fit us...thus, they lost a couple hundred dollars that night.

If you can't let us sit somewhere comfortable together, we don't want to be there. Way to go Landing. You really treat your patrons well. We almost felt like we were "sorry to have bothered you." Ridiculous too because it was a slow night. There were tons of tables right next to us but for some unGodly reason, we were not "allowed" to sit there.

Their bar tables fit no more than 4, so we were standing around in walkways amidst tons cobwebs radiating from their uncleanly bar area. Several of our pricey drinks were also made incorrectly and no justification from the bartender was made. I would NOT recommend anyone to visit The Landing just for a few drinks. Your scenery might be great but not worth the lack of customer service. As that is the case, next time we'll take our thermoses full of correctly made cosmos and relax on a nice bench next to the river for free.

To read other reviews that mention The Landing, click here. (Someone mentioned Pompous--not a bad descriptor I feel after THAT bar experience).

Triumph: Maybe a little over-stating

2008-08-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Triumph Brewery
400 Union Square Dr
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-8300
http://www.triumphbrewing.com

NHY Rating: 6.5 of 10 (restaurant only); 8 of 10 (bar)
Food: American
Serves: lunch and dinner
Price: Reasonable
Ambiance: Simple, contemporary, brewery style, large, nice and open

Comments: Triumph is a great place for a large group. They have adequate space and easy parking. It is a pay-lot, but very reasonable and I believe only goes up til 9pm if you are there for an evening bar-hop. They usually have a nice variety of beers.

As for food and service though, it is pretty much a mixed bag. It really depends on the night. We have probably been there at least 15 times because it is one of the few more child-friendly places, only because it is loud and has ample space, so you don't feel like you are on top of the other tables like most New Hope restaurants. They do have the benefit of a nice view of the New Hope train during the day if you want to ask for upstairs seating to keep the kids somewhat entertained.

The biggest beef I have with Triumph is their very limited menu. I don't know how many times I have turned over the menu thinking, where is the rest? Is this really it; a choice of 7 meals? Their food is usually good though and I say "usually" because I noted that it is really all about the chef on duty that night. I have ordered the same meal (which they took off the menu sadly) about 4 times and each time it would come out tasting somewhat differently. For those Triumph people, that would be the Chipolte Pasta dish. It was scrumptious, yet gone from said menu. The other thing they had at one time which was yummy was a spicy ceasar salad. Again, good, but varied according to who made it. I think Triumph in New Hope (versus the Princeton location) has such a good potential, especially amongst us locals, but they really need to promote a better menu. The service is mostly good. I think out of the 15 times, our service was fair or less than only about 2-3 times. That is a nice score in my book.

The best reason to visit Triumph would be to hang with a nice group of friends either at their bar, which now they have just included a pool table area, or outside on their patio. It is a nice open area and a great meeting spot.

To read other reviews that mention Triumph, click here.

The Spotted Hog: Saying good-bye

2008-06-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Looks like the Spotted Hog is closed for renovations. Sounds like they are changing it up to be a little more modern. The restaurant was nearly 20 years old and most definitely could use a new look.

The plans are to reopen in the fall. It will be called Sweet Lorraine's Cafe & Bar (named after the soon to be chef Lorraine Platman). Their daily menu will include homemade soups, pastas, seafood and vegetarian entrees inspired by ethnic flavors.

The furnishings of the Spotted Hog will be auctioned July 10 at the Alderfer Auction Co. in Hatfield. For more on the auction, call 215-393-3200.

John and Peters: Don't pass up a chance

2008-06-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

John and Peter's Place
96 South Main St.
New Hope, PA 18938
215-862-5981
http://www.johnandpeters.com/

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: American
Serves: salads, sandwiches and appetizers
Price: Very reasonable
Ambiance: Inside is a bit small, a little dingy (smell from too many floods) but it really is a hometown quaint little place; with the feel of a hippie bar. They have a great outdoor patio and bar. Don't let the crazy color building scare you though, it is really a unique place.

Comments: John and Peters is one of my all time favorite stops when taking a trip down Main street. They are known for hosting lots of great musicians. I have stopped in several times where they also just had local bands and it was worth the listen. I love John and Peters mostly because they are reasonable with their drink cost and they have the best nachos. If you are taking a trip downtown, make it a pit stop for a quick drink or two. It is worth the experience.

By the way, there are a few times that I passed up old John and Peters because it is small on the inside and if it looked crowded, I knew there was a lot of smoking...but guess what? The smoking ban in PA was approved; to take into effect sometime in August. Now, I will most definitely not pass up John and Peters on my way around town.

Villagio: Italian at its best

2008-05-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

Villagio Restaurant
Penn's Purchase Shopping Center (next to Coach outlet)
Lahaska, PA

215-794-2777

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: Italian, BYO
Serves: lunch and dinner
Price: Reasonable
Ambiance: Tuscan decor, open type of kitchen, modern

Comments: One of the nicest Italian restaurants I have been to in awhile. This was actually my second visit; the first being for lunch. The service was impeccable and the food was simply delicious.

The bread was homemade and definitely set the tone for what was to come. They also provided a small dish of olives and peppers which was also a nice touch. We ordered calmari and that was simply done to perfection. Their menu has a wide array of dishes, pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, eggplant. The prices were also just right. I couldn't get enough of my pasta dish or the fish and pasta of that of my husband.

This place is indeed kid friendly. I actually found it quite loud in there. Still, it wouldn't be my first choice for dining with the kids at Peddler's Village but I wouldn't stray away from it if you were interested. The room was large enough so they could sit families in a different area than those, say who were looking for a romantic spot.

To read other reviews that mention Villagio, click here and here.

The Raven is closed

2008-05-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

The owners of The Raven, Rand Skolnich and Terrence Meck, have decided to officially close their doors. The restaurant/bar/pool/motel was put up for sale or lease back in April.

As of Sunday, May 11th, the Raven closed until new ownership takes over. Rand and Terrence are focusing their energies on their newer property, Nevermore Hotel (formally the New Hope Inn and Cosmopolitan Club).

Get more on this story here.

Another one bites the dust

2008-05-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

The dust has not nearly even settled on the spot where the Cartwheel once stood and now it looks like The Raven is now up for sale.

Per the Bucks County Courier Times article, "the owners Skolnich and Meck said “unfortunate life circumstances” prompted the “difficult decision to step away” from the business they bought four years ago.

I wonder what those unfortunate life circumstances were...

The article also said, "Should a buyer or leasee not come forward within the next two months, the e-mail said they will close The Raven by early summer."

That is most certainly going to change the town quite a bit as The Raven has an enormous number of visitors, especially on the weekends. The Raven has been a popular bar and restaurant in the gay and lesbian community since 1979.

Another one bites the dust.

Peddler's Village: Giggleberry Fair

2008-04-16T10:39:00.000-07:00

Peddler's Village boasts a lot of wonderful unique shops and restaurants. When you are coming with the kids though, browsing through shop after shop might not be the most fun for them. My recommendation is to check out Giggleberry Fair. It is located in the back of Peddler's Village and is a big indoor play place. Mind you though, I have not always had the greatest experience there but all in all, I still think it is worth a try.

They have a carousel, arcade type games, a room called Giggleberry Mountain which is basically a big room where kids can climb through rope mazes and play with soft foam balls. I would really only recommend Giggleberry Mountain for kids 5+. My four year old basically got stuck in the maze that was pretty high up and there is nothing like being a full grown adult trying to navigate through those rope things to get your child. Another thing is, you may want to ask to peek inside first before purchasing entry to it because I have been there a couple times when it looked like there was a pound of dust in there. I am not sure how often they clean but if you have a child with allergies, that dust will surely get to them. Just take a peek behind the rope thingies on the side. By the way, if you go on a Wednesday or Thursday, they are running a promotion where it is free from 4-6pm.

The other area they have for play for the smaller kids is called Discovery Land. This is really a great place for kids 1-7. Again, peek in to be sure it is clean as unfortunately I have been there when the water in the fishy play area looked like a swamp. I am sure it is difficult to keep toys from being moved around but the water should be cleaned at least daily. I have also had to ask them to put a safety plug in the socket in that room.

As for eating there, again, you are taking your chances. Remember, it is all food totally geared to kids so expect hot dogs, chicken fingers and pizza. No healthy choices here. I think at one time they offered a salad bar but it appears they have stopped doing that. My only food recommendation of all the food choices would be the chicken fingers, the pizza and hot dog was horrible. The chicken fingers actually seemed worth the price. Note that they do not offer kid cups for juice, etc. so if you are not ordering a soda be sure to pack a sippy cup if your child needs one. All the juice and milk they sell comes in bottles (not juice boxes). I say either eat before going or take the kids to Subway or Villa Galleria which is on the other side of Peddlers.

Old Best Western now Harlans - The Nevermore

2008-04-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

The New Hope Best Western is now called Harlans ~ The NeverMore. It was purchased by the same two guys who also own The Raven which is a local hoppin' gay bar/restaurant/hotel down the street. Obviously, ever since the Cartwheel burned down, patrons have utilized The Raven more often. Per their press release back in February, they say the hotel will continue to rent rooms during the construction. Hopefully they will bring the place up a bit as it had been looking shabby for a few years.

Their restaurant, called Plate and the cabaret also are open, with shortened hours.

Harlans - The Nevermore is at 6426 Lower York Rd., New Hope. For tickets or more information, call 215-862-5225 or visit www.harlanscabaret.com.

The reviews in the past have not good folks so to be on the safe side until you hear more you may want to stick to one of the nicer Bed and Breakfasts if you are staying in town. As for the restaurant and cabaret, we'll keep you posted as we are playing our first trip there soon.

The Cartwheel Bar and Restaurant

2008-04-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

Residents of New Hope are now insanely happy because yesterday they finally, and I mean finally began demolition of the Cartwheel.

The Cartwheel was a fun little bar off Rt 202 that catered mostly to the gay crowd. It was destroyed by a fire back on April 12, 2005. Yes, that was 3 years ago. Sadly it has been an eyesore just sitting there damaged with broken fences surrounding it.

I am sure everyone is looking forward to what will be rebuilt there. I am not sure if the Cartwheel will be returning, although I believe the property was resold. Let's all just be thankful they are taking measures to make it look nicer!

Ota-Ya: Good for the Sushi

2008-03-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Ota-Ya Restaurant
21 Ferry St.
Lambertville, NJ 08530
(609) 397-9228
http://www.ota-ya.com/

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: Japanese
Serves: dinner only
Price: reasonable
Ambiance: nothing fancy, kind of plain, a little tight.

Comments: Quite simply, it's all about the sushi. I will only give you one reason to visit Ota-Ya...GREAT sushi. That's it. There is nothing else to it folks. The place is BYOB, the wait staff is so-so. It is a popular joint, always crowded, you MUST have reservations but the food is what is bringing em. We had a wide variety of their rolls with our dinner guests, spider roll, spicy tuna, incredible roll, mango roll, shrimp and asparagus roll, along with wasabi shumai, and salad. It was all good. Fresh, neatly prepared, just all around good stuff. My only complaints would be the close quarters. I would have preferred my sushi place to be open and airy with green plants everywhere...okay, so I am being a bit picky, but it would have been nice. It was a little claustrophobic and a little hot, aside from that, we were happy campers.

To read other reviews, click here.

Marsha Browns: Singing Praise for Great Food

2008-03-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Marsha Brown's Restaurant
15 South Main St.
New Hope, PA 18938
(215) 862-7044
www.marshabrownrestaurant.com

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: American, highlighting New Orleans creole and southern dishes
Serves: lunch and dinner
Price: expensive
Ambiance: upscale, unique, classy, beautiful decor within old church

Comments: Marsha Browns is a great place for a nice dinner. It is located within an old church and it really is a divine place to eat. They also have a raw bar if you have a taste for oysters and such. We tried their specialty appetizer of the night which was a crab and lobster dip in a cream sauce with a crusty topping. It could have been a little thicker but the taste was delicious. We also chose the Caesar salad which was perfect. For our meals, we chose the Pan Seared Scallops and Lobster Tail, the 10 ounce filet and onion rings. The food was out of this world. Everything was done to perfection. As avid steak eaters who have seen the inside of some of New York's finest, we were completely wow'd by the quality of the steak. Shortly after our meal was presented, the chef even came out to ask about the food. I highly regard a restaurant that will do this. I know there are times when they cannot do this but since it was a week night, it was greatly appreciated.

The staff appear very experienced in fine dining. The atmosphere is truly cool. This is a wonderful place for a business meeting or a romantic dinner. Sorry, the kids would not appreciate its' beauty and there are certainly no kids meals so I definitely put this on the not kid-friendly list and only for good reason.

Their desserts looked just as yummy even though we did not try one. This is our 3rd visit to Marsha's and I believe previously we tried the Fudge bottom pie. No complaints here.

My only quirk I had with Marsha's is that you check the bill carefully. The last two times I was there we were charged for an extra little something. When you bill gets beyond the $100 mark, it is easier for a charge to be hidden in there. There was only 2 of us though so very easy to keep track of our order. It could have been a very honest mistake but like I said, this was the second time.

Special note: Marsha Brown's offers valet parking on the weekends. If you can make it in during the week, be sure to take advantage of their $25 gift certificate on Restaurant.com that you can purchase for $10 or less.

To read other reviews about Marsha Brown's, click here and here.

Giuseppi's: Great place for the family

2008-02-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

Giuseppi's Pizza
473 Lower York Rd.
New Hope, PA
(215) 862-1740

NHY Rating: 6 of 10
Food: Italian
Serves: lunch and dinner
Price: reasonable
Ambiance: Family-friendly, clean, large, basic restaurant

Comments: Giuseppi's is a great choice for a family dinner in New Hope. The prices are very reasonable. No need to constantly shush your little ones. here. This is also a great choice for those on a budget. If you are in the area, and don't want to be paying for a $15-20 meal then Giuseppi's is a good option.

The food menu is quite large. They certainly have more than just pizza and steak sandwiches. I would recommend being careful what you order though, remembering though no matter how fancy the dish sounds, they are still really pizzeria-quality. I usually stick to the old favorites such as pizza, hoagies, calmari, chicken fingers rather than the Salmon Giuseppi. They do not have a bar but they do serve beer and wine.

The service has always been fair. Many times they have seemed a bit understaffed but I can't say that we've had any real terrible experience that would cause us not to go back.

Also during the nicer weather, they have a great sized gazebo outside. They also offer a good place for hosting a party. In addition to the gazebo, they also have a nice large separate room inside.

Special note: This restaurant is not on main drag of New Hope but located off of Rt 202 near the Logan Square shopping center.

Update: Porterhouse Brewpub=poor service

2008-01-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

Porterhouse Brewpub Restaurant
5775 Lower York Road
Lahaska, PA
215-794-9373
http://www.porterhousepub.com/index.html

NHY Rating: 1 of 10 (for bar only); 5 of 10 for restaurant
Food: American
Serves: lunch and dinner
Price: A little pricey. The bar menu alone starts with sandwiches and salads from $9-$15. Dining room menu from $20-32.
Ambiance: Downstairs had a nice brewpub feel. The room is open, comfortable and large. The upstairs is a more formal dining area with great views. The whole restaurant is smoke free.

Comments: Unfortunately another visit to this place lowers it score even further. I reviewed it back on 11/29/07 as well. I am lowering the score due to their obvious lack of customer service. Their wait staff has absolutely no "sense of urgency" and seem to walk around as if lost in a dreamland. I am basing this review not only on my new experience there but also that of a friend who was there a week ago and herself waited almost a half hour for a simple appetizer. When she asked about her food, not only was she NOT given an apology for their slow service but instead a look of disregard. I'm sorry folks, but that is just horrendous. Restaurants are a service industry and it's not like they are in short supply.

The other night some of my friends planned a gathering there and again, the bar staff worked like slugs. To make things even worse, 45 minutes before the bar was close began the process of cold shouldering the customers right out the door. It was 10:15 pm folks on a Saturday night. In my book, they need to change their name because brewpub they are not. They can consider themselves a glorified restaurant that tries to appear as though they cater to beer drinkers but I would say they cut that achievement short by not only not creating their own beer on site but also by not providing adequate bar service.

Fu Li: Superb Chinese/Japanese Restaurant

2008-01-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

Fu Li Chinese/Japanese Restaurant
24-25 Logan Square Shopping Center
New Hope, PA
(215) 862-3018

NHY Rating: 8 of 10
Food: Chinese & Japanese
Serves: lunch and dinner
Price: Very reasonable
Ambiance: Oriental, classy, clean, simple.

Comments: Fu Li is a diamond in the ruff. If you are looking for some authentic, quality Chinese or Japanese food, this is the place. It also will not break your wallet. You get a lot for your $$ here and the selection of the menu is quite extensive.

The food is always, and I mean always freshly prepared, hot and of good quality. This is no fast food Chinese restaurant. We visit probably once a month and get take-out weekly. The dishes that I have enjoyed that are most delicious are their steak teriayki, shrimp tempora, spicy tuna roll, veggie rolls, specialty maki and many others. Unfortunately, they do not have a web site but their menu is quite extensive.

The service there is fair. We have occasionally had to wait for service but I would consider them more leisurely in their presence than lacking total customer service.

This place is indeed kid friendly. The kids will love to stare at the very large fish tank when you come in.

Special note: This restaurant is not on main drag of New Hope but located off of Rt 202 in the Logan Square shopping center in the very front so you will have no parking issues.

To read other reviews that mention Fu Li, click here.

Porterhouse: Delicious crab cakes

2007-11-29T11:09:00.000-08:00

Porterhouse Brewpub Restaurant
5775 Lower York Road
Lahaska, PA
215-794-9373
http://www.porterhousepub.com/index.html

NHY Rating: 2 of 10 (for bar only); 7 of 10 for restaurant
Food: American
Serves: lunch and dinner
Price: A little pricey. The bar menu alone starts with sandwiches and salads from $9-$15. Dining room menu from $20-32.
Ambiance: Downstairs had a nice brewpub feel. The room is open, comfortable and large. The upstairs is a more formal dining area with great views. The whole restaurant is smoke free.

Comments: Basically this place is all about the food and beer. They have a pretty wide selection of brews ("a twist on the traditional Belgian, English, and German beer"). The beer is actually from the Riverhorse Brewing Company in Lambertville. Their food has always been good. We have eaten both upstairs and downstairs several times. I would highly recommend the Smoked Chicken & Andouille Spring Rolls ($8.50), the Chesapeake Crab Bisque ($6.00), and the Roasted Pork Tenderloin Sandwich ($8.00). They also have a great crab cake sandwiches and salads.

For dinner, they have dishes such as Striped Bass Ala Rousse ($23.50), Veal Isabella (veal medallions stuffed with crab-boursin filling ($24), Horseradish and Crab-Crusted Strip Loin $29). They also have a nice selection of pastas. Literally everything we have had here has been outstanding.

As far as service goes, unfortunately this has not been their strong point. Most of the time we are greeted and seated quickly but then the good part stops there. Several times we have had to wait a long period of time for our food.

The reason I gave the bar service a low score is because of the terrible service. More than once we have had to wait for drinks or appetizers. Recently, we visited on a weeknight and the bar was very slow. Instead of coming back to see if I needed another drink, the bartender decided to clean the whole bar instead. I waited 10 minutes when I had even put my empty glass in plain sight. It was irritating since we had just started our spicy appetizer and the need for a drink was pretty important.

This place is generally kid friendly (at least downstairs) but not so much in the formal upstairs.

Special note: This restaurant is closed on Mondays. I am not sure why; seems like it could disappoint some people who may be in town that night. Also, they usually have valet parking on the weekend.

To read other reviews that mention Porterhouse (i.e. Riverhorse Brews), click here.

Tastebuds: It's all in the name!

2007-11-12T21:41:00.000-08:00

Tastebuds
49 W. Ferry Street
New Hope, PA
215-862-9722
http://tastebuds-newhope.com/index.htm

NHY Overall Rating: 9 of 10
Food: American with a Mediterranean twist
Serves: Dinner
Price: $$$. Competitive
Ambiance: Minimalist but cozy. Simply chic.

Comments: A friend of ours actually referred us to this establishment and although at first glance I felt the decor was a bit too simplified and the techno music a little trendy, it only took a few minutes to feel the room blend together. Inside, there are 3 small eating areas. Luckily there is not a lot of in and out traffic as we were seated near the front door. This appears to be the type of place though you don't dare walk in without a reservation. The other two seating areas are a bit more secluded and private.

The bottom line about Tastebuds...it is all about the food. Between the 3 of us we had several things off the menu and everything, I mean everything was outstanding. The portions were a bit small but the flavor and quality of the food meant everything.

A few of the things we splurged on were the Butternut Squash Dumplings ($8), Chicken and Apple Sausage ($10), the carmelized Beef Tenderloin with Ancho Chile Rub ($32), and the Striped Bass En Papillote ($25). And as far as the dessert, Chocolate Mousse, again outstanding.

Tastebuds is BYOB so don't forget your favorite beverage. The service was timely and well done. This is a place that will definitely make a trip to New Hope more than worthwhile! I can't wait to eat there again.

To read other reviews, see here.

Villa Vito is all about family

2007-10-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Villa Vito Ristorante
26 W. Bridge Street
New Hope, PA
215-862-9936

NHY Overall Rating: 7 of 10
Food: American, Italian
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
Price: $$. Reasonable.
Ambiance: Italian family feel, like Momma's parlor

Comments: Villa Vito is a great New Hope favorite. I can best describe this restaurant as a family-run, comforting, homey establishment. The Favoroso family is welcoming and ready to please. Don't be afraid to ask them how the family is, and they will do the same. Remember, this is a family type of place so don't be offended if they treat you like cousin Angelo (who never calls) for a minute. Be sure to be vocal about what you need and they can help you out.

They have 3 dining areas. A bistro type downstairs, a cozy parlor room upstairs, complete with family photographs and a large outdoor patio with garden which is very romantic in the evening.

They are well suited towards kids and also are very reasonably priced. That is probably another reason Villa Vito is always on our list. They claim the "best caeser salad" in town and in my opinion, they are right. Their menu is also comprised of homemade Italian favorites as well as gourmet pizza. Their bread is fresh so if you are in the mood just for a good steak sandwich you will enjoy it. Their also serve alcohol with a variety of different drink specialties as well as wine & beer.

As far as the service, on almost all occasions, we been served quickly and very pleasantly. I have heard stories from a couple of people that have unfortunately not had the greatest service while visiting. We have had such 1 occasion where we were left a bit stranded but in my mind, the proportion of good versus bad service is still much on the positive side.

We order take-out quite frequently well as they are one of the few that deliver and we are never disappointed by their pizza or salad. When they have made a mistake with our order, they are good to make it up returning with the correct stuff and maybe throwing in a dessert.

Also, here is a secret for those that don't know. They have a tiny parking lot for Villa Vitos, right next to it, alongside the canal. If you are lucky and you give it a shot, you might get a spot there and avoid looking along the street.

To read other reviews, see here.

When visiting New Hope with...

2007-10-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Just to squeeze in here some helpful recommendations on places to go based on who you are visiting with, here is my 2 cents...

Best places to go when:

Visiting New Hope with a group of friends

Fran's - A place right on Main street that won't break your budget. They have a nice mix of food but they are on the less pricey side. They are known for catering to bikers but on a typical Friday or Saturday night, there is a wide mix of folks. One drawback is that Fran's is mostly outside place, so if it is a cold day it is not a good choice as there is not a lot of seating inside (and it is quite smoky).

Triumph - Great parking and nice atmosphere. If you are meeting up with a lot of people, Triumph is in a great locale and you can park right there (no finding a meter and walking 1/2 mile). They also are spacious, have indoor and outdoor seating and can usually accommodate a large # of friends. Only drawback is their menu does not the largest selection.

Logan Inn - A little more pricey and on the sophisticated side but the food is yummy so if you are meeting with another couple or two that don't mind shelling out a few bucks, the Logan Inn is a great spot. Plus, they have parking right there and you get a 2 hour limit free in the lot. Also to shave off some cost (only if you are going on a weekday), they may have a coupon on restaurant.com so check there first.

Visiting New Hope with significant other and/or kids

El Taco Loco - Now this is strictly Mexican food but the atmosphere is very casual and the food is cheap. Kids can make some noise in here and not upset the stuffy people. The place is small but every time we have been there we always get a seat. The owner is also a very nice guy.

Giuseppi's - This is off of the main drag on Route 202 but this is an ideal family restaurant. They are geared towards families. They have a very good menu for kids and are very reasonable. They also have alcohol for parents who still want to celebrate the evening.

Triumph - There are no jungle gyms here but bringing kids is in fashion. They are pretty good about seating the families in one room and the couples who want quiet in another. It wouldn't be my first choice if you have a toddler age child but you can be asked to be seated where there is a view of the train and ask to have a quick server. I think it is fair to ask this when being seated in a restaurant with kids. Again, though menu is somewhat limited and a little bit pricey.

Visiting with a loved one/or trying to impress:

Karla's - see previous post/review

Wildflowers - see previous post/review

*Esca - A very romantic cozy place. Just be sure to give a call first to be sure they do no have any large (and noisy) parties that night. We made the mistake once showing up for a nice romantic dinner and were sat right next to a 50th birthday party. The love talk was slightly difficult to hear over the noise.
*Update: Esca has closed and is now re-open as Tuscany on the Towpath- no review of this new restaurant as of yet.

Visiting with someone who wants to splurge:

Marsha Browns - Right on the Main street and offering valet parking. Make a reservation and be ready to enjoy steak, sushi, or whatever in this old, renovated church. A unique atmosphere with high end service. Also, may have a coupon on restaurant.com to use for weekday only.

The Landing - An old time favorite of mine. They are awesome when it is nice enough to sit on the outside patio. They back up directly to the river so the view is great. I have eaten here at least 5 times and never had a bad meal or bad service.

Tastebuds - They are only open for dinner and their menu speaks for itself.

Havana: Everyone knows this place.

2007-10-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Havana
105 S. Main Street
New Hope, PA
215-862-9897
www.havananewhope.com

NHY Overall Rating: 6 of 10
Food: Variety of American, Carribean, European and Latin America
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
Price: $$. A little pricey for the portions. A burger will start you at $12 and that doesn't even include fries. Dinner entrees will run you from $15-22 (even just a salad entree is starting around $15).
Ambiance: Artsy. Comfortable. Nicely decorated.

Comments: Almost everyone who visits New Hope is somehow introduced to this place. They have been around a long time and have renovated quite a bit to become a larger more dominating restaurant/bar/club. Although I have visited more to drink out on the very large and scenic outdoor patio (complete with colorful lights and heating lamps), we have also eaten here quite a bit and to say the least, the food is pretty average. For first time visitors to New Hope this would not be my recommendation as the service and food is definitely not consistent.

As far as brining the kiddies, I think Havana is pretty accommodating to that during the day; not so much at night as the bar atmosphere really takes over.

I have had their Apple Pecan Chicken Salad ($15) which I would say with confidence was good. I have also tried their Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas ($14) which were horrible and I am not sure how you can even mess that up. The Black Bean Nachos ($12) were good but basically I could have eaten the whole dish myself; the portion said "large" but only if you are a midget.

For dinner, they have items such as Lump Crabcake-Cajun Remoulade ($22), Pan Sautéed Tilapia ($16) and Tequila-Lime Duck Breast ($18). They have an array of pasta dishes as well. If you are in the mood for a sandwich you can find on their menu items such as Chicken-Spinach and Asiago Panini ($14) and BBQ Brisket Sandwich ($14).

Although the name implies a taste of Cuba, you will not find much of this here. In general, the food is satisfactory and the service depends on the day. They probably have a higher turnover therefore the training and level of experience is not consistent. My biggest complaint overall, being a local, is that I feel this places does not have the cozy New Hope flavor and also is a bit over-priced, especially for drinks.

To touch on the bar and entertainment side of Havana for a second I would have to say that they do have the market when it comes to this. Other than John and Peters, Havana is really the only other places that has bands and other types of entertainment. During the week they have karoke night (Mondays), which is basically a handful of local types that support each other through their addictions to sing (and make a fool of themselves).

They also have Kinky Quizzo on Wednesdays which is really fun if you can make it out with a group. I believe they have an open mic night as well. Their bands on Thursday through Saturday are usually a mix of cover bands that play rock and pop, those that play jazz, blues and then those of what I would say falls into a whole other category. This is usually the night I turn around and go to John and Peters. It is best to find a night when they have drink specials since drinking there could cost you an arm and leg. Don't try to impress to quickly buying a big round unless you have a big bank account that won't shrinking just a tad. They have a nice selection although some beers you can only get at the outdoor bar (the good ones). Service has been fair at the bar. Again, it really depends on how busy they are and as you go into the later part of the night (about 10-1pm) you are likely to wait a few minutes unless you have a cute ~~butt~~ smile.

Update: Their onion rings are the bomb!

The Boat House: They will make you feel stranded!

2007-09-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Boat House
8 Coryell St. at the Porkyard (Across from Hamilton's Grill)
Lambertville, NJ
609-397-2244

NHY Rating: 2 of 10
Food: None, strictly a bar
Serves: Cocktails and beer
Price: Pricey of course. It is no TGIF with drink specials.
Ambiance: Nautical, very unique style. Chairs downstairs are unbearable, very uncomfortable, must be made of twigs or something but upstairs has comfy couches.

Comments: Here's all I have to say about this place. Rude, rude and more rude. We have visited this place a total of 3x. Yes, I said 3. First time, nice service. Second time, so-so service. Third time, extremely bad service. Seeing a trend here? Minus the unique nautical interior, this place has nothing to offer. The employees appear to have worked there since the beginning of time and are not all that friendly to "non-regulars." So if you are new they seem to take their sweet old time getting you drinks. Regulars appear to get their unlimited amount of time with conversation so if you are thirsty, be patient. I am not quite that laid-back especially when I'm thirsty. There are a ton of places to drink in Lambertville and New Hope; my advice, try them first.

To read other reviews that mention The Boat House, click here.

49 North Main: A Pleasant Night Out

2007-09-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Update: Oh no, it looks like this place has been replaced with a new Mexican restaurant! Why did you go? No reviews yet on the new eats at 5 de Mayo.

49 North Main Restaurant
49 N. Main Street
Lambertville, NJ
609-397-5990
www.49northmainrestaurant.com

NHY Rating: 7 of 10
Food: American, BYOB
Serves: Lunch and Dinner Only (They have a Brunch on certain holidays, see website for more info)
Price: Lunches range around the $8 and up. Dinners from $9 (burgers) to $25 (seafood stew)
Ambiance: The decor is casual. It is small, cafe-style with a nice family feel.

Comments: This restaurant was what I would call a "pleasant surprise." We initially came to know it by visiting restaurant.com which offers great coupons for cheap (for example: a coupon for $25 off bill that costs you $7) and decided to make a go of it. It was certainly worth the $$ with or without coupon. Their menu has an exquisite range of options and each plate looked like it was a piece of art. The sauces were delightful. They have a Pear Gorgonzola Tart ($9) that looks scrumptious. We had their appetizer sampler of the day and caesar salad. They have a wonderful Grilled Porterhouse Pork Chop ($25) which was done to perfection and although we didn't try these, they have a Roasted Yellow Pepper Ravioli ($19) and a Lewis Island Seafood Stew ($25) which sound like heaven. I looked up their website for some price info and they also show pictures of these yummy dishes if you are interested.

Their customer service was fair on this occasion. They were a bit busy and a little short staffed. After they called in reinforcements, things became more satisfactory. They were friendly, apologetic and helpful.

As far as bringing the tots along I would say it is fair game considering it is casual although it appeared to be a quiet type of restaurant that really did not cater to little ones that may want to run around.

To read other reviews, click here.

Spotted Hog: A Mixed Bag

2007-09-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

Update: The Spotted Hog has closed as of 6/08 and will be renovated into a new restaurant bar. See here.

The Spotted Hog Restaurant
Located in Peddlers Village just 3 miles from New Hope
Rte. 202 & Street Rd.
Lahaska, PA
215-794-4040

NHY Rating: 5 of 10
Food: American
Serves: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Price: Dinners range around the $10.95 and up. Average is around $16.95. They do also have burgers sandwiches as well starting around $8.50.
Ambiance: The decor is mostly country. The obvious of pigs and rooster icons around. The ceiling has a strange drapery attached but the restaurant is large and appears mostly clean.

Comments: This restaurant caters a bit toward the "older" crowd. I definitely would not recommend bring kids for two reasons. One they usually have a wait, a long wait, and two, because the waiting area is also a gift shop which contains toys as well as breakables. I am not sure what genius thought this would be a good idea but I am assuming they won't change it since they probably make most of their money from children breaking the glass roosters that are right next to the stuff animals.

As far as the service I would say it is a mixed bag. I have been to this restaurant at least 6 times and I would say the service is somewhat of a hit or miss. Entrees are pretty basic. Dinner includes items such as Stuff Flounder, Country Ribs, Pork Chops, and Grilled Salmon. They also serve pizza and several pasta dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Chipolte Alfredo and Shrimp Pasta.

To see other reviews, click here (they're not pretty)

Wildflowers: A Wealth of Options

2007-09-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

Wildflowers Restaurant
Garden Cafe and Thai Corner
8 W. Mechanic Street
New Hope, PA
215-862-2241
www.wildflowersnewhope.com

NHY Overall Rating: 8 of 10
Food: Variety of American, Italian, Thai and Mexican cuisine
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
Price: $$. Reasonable.
Ambiance: Garden cafe style. Small but fresh and airy.

Comments: There is not enough I can say about this hideaway restaurant on Mechanic street. This lovely garden cafe has such a fresh and romantic atmosphere. The murals of flowers and the trickling sounds of the water fountains are soothing. It is definitely a small place but not too overcrowded. It is good for couples or parties of 4. I wouldn't recommend for a group setting. They have a great outdoor patio with burning torches at night. It overlooks a small creek and although set back a bit there is still a view of the main street. The only drawback in my opinion is the little over-bearing gold deco but I am sure that is to accentuate their style. I believe their signage with the gold emblems is relatively new.

We have eaten there several times and have never disappointed by the food. They have a HUGE variety on their menu. My lunch favorite is the Herb Tuna Melt for $6.75 and the vegetable fondue for $9.00 which I love sharing with mom and sis. They serve a nice mix of Thai specials like the Pad Khing, Pad Thai, Pad See-ew or Gang Dang.

For dinner, they have one of the widest menus you will ever find in New Hope so this is a great place to take a picky eater! They have down home favorites such as Chicken Cordon Bleu ($14), Meatloaf, ($14) and Vegetable Lasagna ($14). They also have several pasta dishes with my favorite sauce, pesto! And of course yes, you guessed it, Thai dishes. And if any of those don't suit your mood that night, go for their Mexican dishes such as Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas ($10) to Sweet Chili ($10) and Vegetarian Taco Salad ($8).

Whenever we have been to Wildflowers they have always had a nice casual friendly service. The employees sort of that have that, "we want to treat you like family" feel. They are not white-gloved but certainly provide warm customer service. They are somewhat kid-friendly during the day but in the evening it sort of weens out to a more calm, romantic place. In my opinion, it is not a half bad place to even get engaged : )

To read other reviews, click here.

Karla's Restaurant: An All-Around Favorite

2007-09-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Karla's Restaurant
5 W. Mechanic Street
New Hope, PA
215-862-2612
www.karlasnewhope.com

NHY Overall Rating: 9 of 10
Food: American but with a mix of different ethnic flair, very original
Serves: Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch
Price: $$. Average range for New Hope
Ambiance: Cozy but airy. Elegant and romantic. See slide show from their website.

Comments: By far, my personal favorite is Karla's. A delightful atmosphere with some outdoor patio seating, they have the most unique sampling of quality food and wine. How does Poached Pear, Gorgonzola and Walnut Salad or Smoked Salmon, Cucumbers and Capers Salad sound? And to move onto entrees, their Veal Cutlet Milanaise and Seared Asian Spiced Duck will send you swimming. My old favorite is the Lemon Tilapia.

I also applaud the wonderful customer service and personalized attention. They do have a separate bar area which is also partially outside. Although they are not located on the river side, the restaurant interior is very pleasing and the quaintness is enough to make you feel warm and fuzzy. This is a perfect spot for a romantic date. Not kid-recommended.

If you happen to also be a local, take advantage of their Monday night locals special which includes a soup or salad, entree and dessert from $12-19.

To see other reviews, click here.