Although the City of Brotherly Love certainly heats up in the spring, the Main Line is home to one of the hottest culinary events of the season—and it recently kicked off with a delicious bang. Ardmore Restaurant Week 2022 is now in full swing, and any Philadelphian can take advantage of the prix-fixe lunch and dinner specials until May 22.
This year’s run will follow in the footsteps of previous Restaurant Weeks, with participating spots offering a prix fixe, 3-course dinner menu at either $20, $30 or $40, plus lunch specials at their own price points. It also marks the first year back since COVID that most establishments will be offering in-person dining, and a wide variety of different cuisines from skilled chefs will be offered up to showcase just what the culinary-clad activation is all about.
“Ardmore Restaurant Week is one of our most anticipated events and we are thrilled to welcome it back for in-person dining this year,” said Nancy Scarlato, Executive Director of the Ardmore Initiative in a statement. “Ardmore is one of the fastest-growing dining destinations in the area and Ardmore Restaurant Week gives us a chance to celebrate established Ardmore favorites and introduce our newcomers.”
Sophie’s BBQ, a fan-favorite, for one will be serving up chicken and jalapeno cornbread waffles, along with a classic BBQ platter with your choice of ribs, brisket, chicken or pork. Another standout comes from a new restaurant on the Ardmore scene, Osushi. The recently-opened establishment will be showcasing fresh sushi and rolls to try throughout the two week period.
Another crowd-pleaser comes from Autana, who recently just won Best Arepas from Best of Philly. The award-winning, authentic Venezuelan restaurant will be serving bundles of house-made arepas, mandocas and traditional tequeños.
Lola’s Garden will also be returning for Ardmore Restaurant Week 2022. The Ardmore eatery opened in 2021, and comes from Avram Hornik and FCM Hospitality, who are known around the city for other venues such as Morgan’s Pier, Juno, The Garden at Cherry Street Pier, Rosy’s Taco Bar, Harper’s Garden, River Beer Garden and Parks on Tap. What the destination is known for, and what diners can soak in for the next two weeks, are specials with the backdrop of a 2,500 square foot outside area featuring a four-season outdoor trellis.
Another new addition to the occasion comes from the newly opened roastery plus flagship all-day café and cocktail bar, Char & Stave. From Jared Adkins, Founder and Master Distiller of the acclaimed Phoenixville distillery, Bluebird Distilling, this new destination offers a selection of classic and nouveau breakfast beverages spanning everything from traditionally brewed coffee to Char & Stave’s signature barrel aged espresso, cocktails, mocktails, and a variety of pastries and baked goods from local purveyors. During this foodie activation however, libation lovers will be able to indulge, as Char & Stave will be offering drink specials only.
Ardmore Restaurant Week 2022 will also feature Buena Vista Mexican (an authentic Mexican restaurant in the heart of downtown Ardmore), Iron Hill Brewery (serving elevated American comfort fare), Jack McShea’s (a classic Irish pub serving up traditional fare), John Henry’s Pub (a local watering hole with comforting favorites), the Juice Dr. (a plant based coffee shop, cafe and fast casual restaurant), Local Wine and Kitchen (a vino-lover destination serving seasonal new American fare and charcuterie), Mikado Thai Pepper (elevated Japanese cuisine), Positano Ristorante (serving up authentic Southern Italian cuisine) and Tired Hands Fermentaria (offering up small batch microbrews and a locally-sourced menu).
As a release states, each restaurant can select if they will do lunch, dinner or both, and their price points. For this year—as a special way to support restaurants during the pandemic and in some cases, as they grand open right around the Restaurant Week dates—there will also be some spots offering out of the box specials instead. Some restaurants will additionally offer upgrades to their meals for those seeking a higher end experience.
Restaurants have the option to offer inside dining, outside dining, take-out and/or delivery for Ardmore Restaurant Week 2022. Tax and gratuity are not included. Philadelphians who are interested can check out ArdmoreRestaurantWeek.com for more information and more extensive menus.
