West Reading, PA sits to the west of the City of Reading, separated by the Penn Street Bridge and Schuylkill River. Like its municipal neighbor, West Reading was first settled in 1733, but while Reading grew to become the 5th largest city in Pennsylvania, West Reading remained relatively unchanged until the end of the 20th century. In the last twenty years, borough has become a thriving community with an eclectic mix of businesses and homes. Its main street, Penn Avenue bustles with restaurants, shops, breweries, and seasonal events. 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not start your West Reading adventure with a delicious breakfast or brunch at The Farmhouse Kitchen? This local eatery is well-loved for its responsibly-sourced, farm-to-table menu designed to prioritize your overall health and wellness while simultaneously benefiting the community.

After your meal, take a walk through West Reading to get familiar with all the area offers. A good way to acclimate yourself is with the Mural Walk. Download the Mural Map to your phone to follow the tour which includes 45 incredible murals created by and for West Reading’s  residents and visitors.

For more art and discovery, the Reading Public Museum is a short ride or walk from Penn Avenue. The Museum has served the citizens of Reading and Berks County with hands-on learning, and rich, interesting experiences for more than 100 years. Its initial collection of 2,000 pieces has grown to include more than 300,000 objects, including art, antiquities, and scientific and cultural artifacts from around the globe. The museum welcomed the addition of the Neag Planetarium in 1968. As if that’s not enough the Museum’s Arboretum offers seasonal wonders all year.

Penn Avenue is the heart of West Reading and home to a plethora of unique and incredible shopping experiences like Allison Clothing Company, a delightful fashion gallery with a mission to support local artists. You’ll also find shops like Betula’s Botanica and Muddy Creek Soap Company, purveyors of natural and organic soaps, scrubs and more. There’s Symbiote Collectibles, a shop that specializes in action figures, comics, and collectibles. Find items for your home at The Compleat Baldwin Brass Center and Finch and Fern.

The street is also home to wonderful places to eat and drink like Sweet Ride Ice Cream, a timeless ice cream parlor and soda fountain that makes premium frozen treats that include ice cream cookie sandwiches, waffle sundaes, hot chocolate, and hand-crafted soda. When ice cream isn’t enough to sustain you, look to local favorites like Say Cheese, A Taste of Crepes, La Abuela, and GNA Ristorante

Chatty Monks, Barley Mow Craft Beer House, Winedown Cafe and Wine Bar and many more. Early on Sunday morning, you can shop the West Reading Farmers’ Market and purchase the very best in locally grown produce, sustainably-raised meats, poultry, dairy products, artisan baked goods, and so much more, this market has a serious commitment to the rich agricultural history of the area.

When your day starts to wind down, you’ll find West Reading is also home to a vibrant nightlife. Stop into The Barley Mow Craft Beer House for some evening brews and experience a tasting room that offers over 750 different American craft bottles and ten rotating taps.Chatty Monks welcomes you to try their selection of craft brews, while enjoying tasty selections from their menu. 

For wine fans, West Reading is also home to the Winedown Cafe and Wine Bar, an intimate locale that offers over 30 wines by the class from all around the world. Great cheeses and artisan small plate dishes are also available.

If you’re looking to end your night with a fantastic dining experience, look no further than the West Reading Tavern. Locally owned and operated by the same family for 35 continuous years, this restaurant offers all the warmth and coziness of an authentic English pub. 

With stained glass windows and a bold, brilliant fireplace, there really is nothing like this Tavern throughout all of Berks County. Look for the iconic “Big Red Door” to find this hometown favorite.

After a full day of making cherished memories and enjoying the pleasures of West Reading, it won’t be long until you’re back for more. There’s always something to see and do in this incredible town.