Guide To Phoenixville
The vibrant Chester County borough of Phoenixville, for years owed it's recognition to images of screaming teenagers, fleeing a movie theater, running from an amorphous creature known only as, "The Blob". The 1950's Steve McQueen flick was filmed in the shadow of the sprawling Phoenix Steel plant. When the plant folded, the town's future seemed as grim as anything caught in the path of the slithering Blob. But restaurant operators, artists, craftsmen and small shopkeepers fueled the Phoenix rise from the ashes of a dying industry.
Today the Colonial Theater, site of the indelible movie scene still anchors a parade of restaurants, pubs, lounges, boutique shops and a dynamic downtown scene that resonates with frequent street festivals and a bustling weekend farmer's market. The center of it all ranges up and down Bridge Street and brackets the theater. And be assured, parking is plentiful. Let's take a stroll.
COLONIAL THEATER
227 Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA 19460
http://www.thecolonialtheatre.com/
On silent movie nights, you might think of grandparents in their youth, sitting in hometown theaters just like this, watching in amazement as the Great Houdini performed his incredible escape routines or some of the all-time classic vaudevillians including pony and dog acts. Today the Colonial is packed with moviegoers for more eclectic fare. The theater, operating with a cadre of dedicated volunteers blends art films, classics, cult films, current movies, children's programs, documentaries and live concerts in refurbished elegance. It's a theater that has become frozen in time.
What it costs: Movie ticket prices are $8. Seniors pay $6. Members and juniors under 13 pay $5. For all ticket information, go to: http://www.thecolonialtheatre.com/about-the-colonial/ticketing-faq/
ARTISAN GALLERY AND CAFÉ
236 Bridge Street
http://www.artisansgallery-cafe.com/
Take a stroll across the street from the theatre and discover a unique little café with sidewalk seating, free Wi-Fi and a name that spells out just what you'll find. The Artisans Gallery and Café combines the work of local artists in a bright, vibrant setting while offering up specially blended coffees, morning snacks, soup and sandwich lunches along with the chance to meet the artists whose works are on display. The scones are a local favorite here at morning gatherings. After dinner at any of the numerous restaurants in town, save a bit of room for coffee and dessert. Artisan focused events are frequent and you can stay up to date at: http://www.artisansgallery-cafe.com/gallery-events.html
Restaurants are abundant and commendable in this revitalized, once industrial town. While many excellent choices are located on the fringes and just out of town, for this stroll, we'll stop at those I regularly visit and particularly enjoy along Bridge Street. With the sounds of Ireland wafting out the swinging doors, a good place to start is:
MOLLY MAGUIRE'S
197 Bridge Street
http://www.mollymaguiresphoenixville.com/
The live Irish music mingles with the aroma of steak and Guinness pie, bangers and mash and of course, a chicken curry. Molly Maguire's is as close as you'll get to a true Irish Pub in the Philadelphia suburbs. The owners even have names like Connor and Declan, and pulls on the beer taps advertise Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks and rare for this side of the Atlantic, Kilkenny. From the solid Mahogany bar to the old world furnishings, Molly Maguire's provides an authentic setting to dig a fork into the some traditional dishes. Don't pass up the shepherd's pie. To check out the music and nightly events, just head for: http://www.mollymaguiresphoenixville.com/events.htm
COLUMBIA BAR AND GRILLE
148 Bridge Street
http://www.columbiabarandgrille.com/
Fine dining has been a Phoenixville tradition for generations. The Columbia Bar and Grille housed in the classic Columbia Hotel has been serving Steel Industry moguls and local movers and shakers since the late 19th century. Its classic old world downstairs bar goes back to the beginning and is still buzzing at cocktail hour, even though the old iron works whistle is stilled. The dinner menu is classic American. Rack of lamb is a favorite. Steaks are a staple and a variety of seafood dishes fuel the palates of anyone looking for a red meat alternative. Friday and Saturday evening dinners are accompanied by entertainment in the upstairs piano bar. Adding a French twist to the background of live music, the Columbia has been the setting for Pooches on the Patio, allowing dogs to accompany sippers at happy hour every Tuesday during fine weather months.
IRON HILL BREWERY
130 Bridge Street
http://www.ironhillbrewery.com/phoenixville/
A consistent addition to the popular chain brew pub has livened up the north end of town with a smartly decorated sports bar, eatery, lunch and happy hour stop for the crowd of nearby pharmaceutical employees. Perched at a high table with a window on Bridge Street, I can make a meal of the gumbo and devour a savory chicken pot pie. The menu is extensive. So is the bar conversation and fun.
ELLIE'S CHOICE
211 Bridge Street
http://www.ellieschoice.com/
Between sipping and supping in Phoenixville, a number of unusual shops are bound to catch the eye. A bit of browsing at Ellie's Choice fits the retro mood created at the Colonial Theatre, just a few steps away. Clothing, jewelry and tchotkes (knick knacks) that take you back to another generation are casually laid out to lure the nostalgic soul. Great for rare gifts.
DIVING CAT SUDIO AND GALLERY
246 Bridge Street
http://www.divingcatstudio.com/
Her name is Markels – just Markels and she practises her art in a colorful storefront known as the Diving Cat Studio and Gallery. The art is sculpture, the media - pottery, clay and glass. The subjects, as the name implies are largely from the animal kingdom, heavy on cats with a fascinating selection of birds and dogs. Unique one of a kind pieces are on display for browsing while strolling the street or scoring a definite conversation starter.
BLACK WALNUT WINERY
260 Bridge Street
http://www.blackwalnutwinery.com/locations.html
Phoenixville can boast that rarity in home town America – a wine bar. The Black Walnut Winery is a cozy bar and lounge where the pours are pressed and aged at the owner's own Chester County winery. It offers a relaxing atmosphere with live music that ranges from folk to jazz interspersed with a schedule of wine tastings. Before dinner or after theater, it's a pleasant, casual drop-in stop.
Other restaurants in the heart of Phoenixville that bear mentioning include:
P.J. RYAN'S PUB
231 Bridge Street
http://pjryanspub.com/index.php
An Irish American Pub style eatery and sports bar that cranks out a varied menu of pub grub and entrees that cross the line between Italian and traditional Irish fare. Live music and D.J.'s are on a regular schedule.
THE BLACK LAB BISTRO
248 Bridge Street
http://www.blacklabbistro.net/entrees.htm
A popular BYOB with a menu that blends traditional comfort food with a stylish serving of creative dishes that make the best use of a tender duck breast, divers scallops, Ahi tuna and South American oriented steak. Look for a familiar and not so familiar range of pasta dishes.
FRANCO RISTORANTE
246 Bridge Street
http://franco-ristorante.com/
An old Phoenixville favorite and classic example of a well appointed, basic Italian restaurant and Pizzeria. A popular spot for families where traditional pasta dishes blend with a variety of pizzas, a bit of wine or an Italian beer at easy-on-the-wallet prices. Love their red gravy with spaghetti and meatballs or sausage. You get the idea.
THAI L' ELEPHANT
301 Bridge Street
http://www.thailelephant.com/
Classic Thai cuisine in an eye pleasing setting. The restaurant serves up traditional curry dishes alongside familiar pad thai, spicy satay and a wide range of wokked, fried and steamed offerings that evoke an invitation to Bangkok. It's a taste of the exotic in the heart of Phoenixville.
Getting to Phoenixville: From Philadelphia take the Schuylkill expressway to King of Prussia. Pick up 422 west to the Phoenixville/Collegeville exit. Take route 29 south right into Bridge Street. There's free parking on the street and at a number of lots, just off Bridge.
Enjoy the visit.
Jay Lloyd