With warmer weather upon us as we prepare for handing in those last few assignments and projects of the semester, students are looking for a way to unwind and destress before the final exam-cram hits. Luckily for us, West Chester has one of the best downtown areas.
Whether it is the many bars, restaurants and shops getting you in town or even the monthly festivals and gatherings, there are endless outdoor springtime activities that you should take advantage of in West Chester this season.
Outdoor dining is what some feel the highlight of springtime in the borough consists of. What better than 70-degree weather and a nice meal as you enjoy views of the historic town? Depending on what you are in the mood for, there is a spot with outdoor dining for you. Some of the most popular outdoor dining spots in town are Mercato, The Couch Tomato, Kildares, Landmark, Lemoncello, Teca, Side Bar, Más and Iron Hill Brewery to name just a few.
Of all of these wonderful options, I find my personal favorites to be Más Mexicali Cantina and The Couch Tomato.
Everything from the atmosphere of the inside restaurant’s Cantina-like feel to the second floors rock-n-roll décor to the rooftop bar and dining sets Más apart from previous Mexican restaurants you’ve been to. Más has a large menu full of traditional Mexican fares. Menu items range anywhere from the delicious Baja Style Paella to a large variety of made-to-order fajita combinations just for you.
The main aspect that I believe truly makes Más better than the rest is their daily specials and happy hour deals. Each day of the week, Más offers a different special. Some of the best specials include $5 Burritos on Modelo Mondays and $6.99 Bad Boy Nachos on Thirsty Thursdays. Más’ nachos are something you do not want to miss.
If Mexican food isn’t exactly your preference, The Couch Tomato is among one of my other favorite tasty outdoor spots that downtown West Chester has to offer. With a second location in Manayunk, West Chester is lucky to have this spot which opened up just last year.
Order your flat bread pizza or create your own salad at the counter, and join friends on the rooftop garden seating area to embrace the beauty of spring this year. This café offers fresh items with endless choices for those keeping organic and gluten free.
Although there is no happy hour here, The Couch Tomato offers a reward system called “Tomato Points” where frequent customers can rack up rewards and specials for every dollar that they spend in the café.
The Couch Tomato is a hot spot for West Chester students looking for a healthy meal at affordable prices and can even be a perfect hangout spot on sunny days.
“I love The Couch Tomato. The food is so fresh and the staff is always extremely welcoming,” said Lindsay Bodine, WCU senior and frequent customer at the popular Gay St. café.
Along with the endless spring-friendly restaurant options downtown, there are always festivals and events to attend in the borough. Some of the upcoming outdoor events include, but are not limited to, the West Chester Vintage Market, beginning on May 6 as well as The May Day Festival of the Arts on Sunday, May 1.
Along with these two highlighted upcoming events, there are endless lists of activities to engage in this spring. Find a full calendar of events on www.downtownwestchester.com/events.
So, turn off the Netflix, come out of your dorm rooms, stroll into town, gather some friends and enjoy all of the great places West Chester has to offer this season.
Carly Feldman is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. Contact her at CF787307@wcupa.edu