Philly Grub

If you read my recent article about The Inn at Swarthmore, you already know we had a wonderful stay at this charming hotel in Swarthmore, PA. But our meal at Broad Table Tavern, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, truly was the highlight. This spot deserves the spotlight because it didn’t feel like a hotel restaurant.

Broad Table Tavern is a modern American bistro and tavern with a strong farm-to-table focus. The kitchen leans into seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and producers, creating a menu that feels thoughtful and fresh without being overly fussy. Whether you’re spending the night at the Inn or simply looking for a great meal in the area, it’s absolutely worth making a reservation.

Start your day with breakfast, linger over lunch, savor dinner, or indulge in weekend brunch at the restaurant. The bar keeps the good times going late for hotel guests. Broad Table Tavern is ready to satisfy cravings at almost any hour.

Inside, you will find plenty of seating, from a cozy lounge to a grand communal table that anchors the dining room. On pleasant days, the outdoor patio beckons with its laid-back vibe and a fireplace that glows on chilly afternoons. It is the perfect setting for al fresco dining, though on our visit, the summer heat sent us indoors. Thank goodness for air conditioning, amirite?

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With its inviting atmosphere, creative menu, and genuinely welcoming service, Broad Table Tavern became a standout of our trip. The cocktails were on point, the food was outstanding, and by the end of the evening, we agreed that we needed to return to Swarthmore one day.

But yeah, more importantly, what did we eat and drink? Let’s dig in.

As with most of our dining adventures, I must always begin with a cocktail. The ‘Flirtini’, a vibrant blend of Stoli orange, Triple sec, sparkling champagne, and a delightful mix of pineapple and cranberry juice, prepared my appetite for what was to come. Meanwhile, my husband chose a perfectly poured Guinness on draught,

We kicked things off with the Cheese and Charcuterie Board, which was supposed to be shareable for 2-3 people. Honestly, while it was pretty ample, we polished it off in no time. Then again, we love charcuterie boards. I especially enjoyed the lightly pickled veggies—they added a great tangy kick which was a nice counterpoint to the rich cheeses and cured meats. Like any good charcuterie board, it had a mix of textures, thanks to the crunchy candied pecans. Such a yummy start!

Ordering the house-made bread was highly recommended, and as bread enthusiasts, how could we possibly decline that suggestion? We’re so happy that we indulged. This bread was so exquisitely soft and fluffy, with a sweetness that reminded me of Japanese milk bread. The luscious whipped butter introduced a delightful saltiness, while the berry compote brought an irresistible tangy sweetness.

Ordering the entrees was a bit of a challenge—not due to an overwhelming selection, but because every single dish sounded amazing. Our palates rum the gamut, and our choices usually hinge on our whims. This time we decided to indulge in decadence. So, we both embraced the luxury of premium proteins.

When I spot Berkshire Pork Chop on the menu, I usually gravitate towards it. It is a cut of pork celebrated for its extraordinary marbling, tenderness, and a buttery flavor. While ordinary pork chops often succumb to dryness, Berkshires will not if cooked correctly. I put my trust into this kitchen that they would know how to make a pork chop, and I was so happy I did. I was rewarded with a chop so moist and tender, resulting in pure bliss bite after bite. It was served atop a bed of creamy, cheesy grits, garnished with vibrant spring onions and rich bacon jam, all accompanied by an ultra-savory au jus that elevated the dish to a high level of gastronomic satisfaction.

His grilled Copper Creek New York Strip was exceptional. Cooked to a precise medium-rare inside, with a delicate crust and distinct grill marks on the outside, and well seasoned, it was a textbook example of pure steak goodness. The dish was completed by the velvety pommes purée and the roasted asparagus and carrots.

No scrumptious meal is done without dessert! Even though we were quite stuffed, I couldn’t resist the Creme Brulee for me, and he chose the chocolate cake. It was the perfect sweet ending. We also enjoyed some coffee, but that was all she wrote!

Everything from start to finish was spot on. This is a Delaware County dining experience that you should seek out. if you’re in the area or willing to travel a bit, make sure to include Broad Table Tavern on your Delaware Valley dining bucket list.

I’ll have an Instagram reel about the dining experience available very soon, too. In the meantime, follow them on Instagram and wish them a happy 10th anniversary.

There are so many things to do in this neck of the woods, but we were only in the area for a short time. The following day, though, we had to visit Linvilla Orchards and I gladly took home some of their famous apple cider doughnuts among other things.

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I look forward to discovering more of what the Philadelphia countryside has to offer and sharing my experiences as we go. I have missed longer form content. Thank you for reading. I hope you like it!