Bites & Bevs

If you’re new to my story, my roots are in poetry. I’ve written two books honoring the spirit and communities of Manayunk and Conshohocken, PA, where I’ve lived for the last few years. After publishing my second book, I felt inspired to expand my writing to new places, with the hope of one day curating a book centered on my favorite places to eat while traveling.

So how did I land on Haddonfield (and Haddon Heights)? I work as a teacher in Downingtown, PA, which has kept me rooted in Pennsylvania, but my girlfriend lives in Medford, NJ. Somewhere in between, Haddonfield became our go to spot for date night. It’s actually the spot we hope to live one day as it has become a safe haven for us.

Let me lay it out for you bite by bite, sip by sip. You can thank me later…

📍Treno Pizza Bar

I never make it in time for happy hour, even though it runs from 4 to 6 PM during the week. Honestly, that’s fine, because 7 PM is the sweet spot. Skip the table. The bar is where you want to be.

When you arrive, order the Harvest Mule and the Pork Arancini right away. Let joy hit you and then try to decide which pizza to get. You will argue with your partner because you will both want something different. Choose joy and order two. Dessert isn’t an option, however if you want an after dinner bev I recommend making your way to…

📍Wildfether Distilling

This might be my favorite cocktail lounge on the East Coast. Philly who? I would pick this place every single time. Hands down.

When I say every single ingredient is made from scratch, I mean it. Kat and I have literally already picked our wedding drinks, and Wildfether is going to be seeing a very generous chunk of our money on the big day. No, I am not engaged yet, jeez.

The menu changes with the seasons, but the staff has stuck around, which means they love working there as much as I love their cocktail making skills. Right now, my favorite drink is the “It’s Corn!” If you’re a coffee fan, they’re open from 8 AM to 2 PM, and theres also an iced coffee with this delicious syrup that I cannot stop thinking about.

If you are doing Dry January or you just don’t drink at all, Wildfether has you covered. They have mocktails too. But if you are drinking right now and stop by for a cocktail, make sure you take home one of their distilled whiskeys or gins.

📍Central Taco & Tequila

This is the perfect spot for friends or family. The holidays might be winding down, but Central Taco is still sparkling with holiday vibes. If you aren’t smiling when you pull in, well… I just don’t believe you.

Here is what is going to happen when you arrive. You will put your name in unless you are organized enough to make a reservation, which I somehow never am. When Kat and I go on our own, we usually just grab a spot at the bar, but if you have a group, get yourself a table (and request Sam, she’s our fav server). There are tequila flights and margarita flights and every single person we have brought here gets ridiculously giddy every single time. I normally get the Jalapeño Mezcal marg, and it never disappoints.

Next, order the Mexican Chicken Dip. Next time I go, I want the Tuna Tostado, which is currently on the featured menu, so go ahead and do that too. I always get a burrito and rotate between chicken and beef. Whenever I get a burrito, I ask for warm queso on the inside. It is a total game changer, trust me. This girl loves cheese.

End with dessert. No matter which one you get, you will not be disappointed. Tres Leches? Yes. Churros with warm chocolate and caramel sauce. I’m SENT.

📍Giumarellos

If you are looking for a sexy little date night, this is your spot. Kat and I call it the Housewives place because the Housewives of New Jersey ate here once and now we always wonder if we might run into one. I always dress like I might actually become one when I go here because technically there is a dress code, so I go all out and get fancy.

There is outdoor seating and indoor seating and two separate hostesses depending on your mood. We always go for the outdoor area and chill by the firepits while we wait because firepits make everything better. The indoor section is fancy, proposal-ready, or perfect if your in-laws are visiting, so choose wisely and don’t say I didn’t warn you.

I felt the need to include this information because if it was my first time, I would want to know. I always start with an extra dirty Bombay Sapphire martini with blue cheese olives because what’s a girl to do whose all dressed up? As for food, I am going to need you to go check out this menu, like right now. It is extensive, as fancy as you might expect, and absolutely phenomenal. This is where you bring your future wife, okay!

📍Haddonfield Tasting Room

If the date goes well…I recommend keeping the elegant vibe by making your way to Haddonfield Tasting Room at William Heritage. My previous post celebrates this, so be sure you read that too. I mean you’ve come this far, so wine not? If you do not leave a member, well you should save up your money to become one. You will thank me one day!