Stories and photos by Jeanine Consoli (unless otherwise indicated)
The Salt House
The Salt House is a modern gastropub housed in a historic building. Originally a salt house, and then a ferry ticket depot, the tiny restaurant oozes charm in the winter when a blazing fire warms the entire place. The top floor décor is reminiscent of a typical British pub. In summer, the patio offers a perfect perch where flower boxes decorate the outdoor space and tables offer terrific views of bustling main street. Known for creative craft cocktails and delicious food, the gastropub serves generous charcuterie boards, fresh oysters, mussels and creative main dishes. The menu has international flair, but the burger topped with gruyere and caramelized onions is my favorite.
7 East Ferry Street, New Hope, PA
Bowman’s Tavern
Bowman’s Tavern Restaurant is a locals favorite. On any night of the week you can stop in for a delicious dinner and live music. Bowman’s is famous for using quality ingredients sourced locally, a warm ambience, and an extensive beer and cocktail list. The menu changes seasonally but you can always count on options like the grass-fed burgers, butcher’s cut steaks, and fresh seafood dishes. Apart from the standards, the chef loves to create unusual combinations using international ingredients. The additions result is an enticing world flavor profile that adds unique offerings alongside the incredible American menu.
1600 River Road, New Hope, PA
Nektar Wine Bar in New Hope
Nektar is an intimate wine, beer, and whiskey bar located just across the street from the famous Bucks County Playhouse. With a lovely patio on the canal and a sophisticated, modern interior, Nektar is the perfect place to share delicious Mediterranean inspired small plates, charcuterie, and salads, any time of day. The knowledgeable servers help you select the appropriate wine pairing or flight to accompany the tasty tapas or a unique whiskey to warm you from the inside out. It’s a great date spot as we love to order a bottle of wine and some plates to make a meal from our choices.
8 West Mechanic Street, New Hope, PA
Marsha Brown’s
One of the most beautiful dining rooms in the area, Marsha Brown’s is located in a 125-year-old church in the center of Main Street. The ambiance and location make it the perfect place for an elegant dinner as couple or with friends. The main dining room’s lofted ceilings and 30-foot mural (combined with stunning stained-glass windows) make this a truly romantic spot. The authentic Creole cuisine (from Brown family recipes) and premier raw bar make this a fantastic place to have a meal. My favorite is the French Quarter surf and turf, a filet mignon paired with a crab cake and crawfish risotto.
15 South Main Street, New Hope, PA
Ferry Market
Ferry Market embraces the food hall concept that is wildly popular in urban cities around the globe. The trend can also be found in the center of downtown New Hope. The open space is divided into smaller stalls serving food, coffee and dessert flavors from around the world. If you want a full meal or just a snack there are some delicious options served in a casual atmosphere. Among the thirteen food vendors, choices range from southern Italian, Peruvian, and Indian to the freshest vegetarian cuisine from Little Radish. For a pick me up, Sky Roast Coffee grinds and brews craft coffee and Sciascia Confections offers chocolates and confections. Take out is available and credit cards are accepted.
32 S. Main Street, New Hope, PA
Sprig & Vine
Sprig & Vine is a gourmet restaurant that serves vegan cuisine. The dining room is upscale- casual yet relaxed. The option to dress up or down is up to the diner. The kitchen strives to purchase or forage organic and locally sourced ingredients in keeping with the seasons. The menu is also designed to appeal to both vegans and non-vegans with hearty soups, salads, sandwiches and large plates that never include animal products. As a non-vegan, I eat here regularly and find the options delicious and satisfying. The attentive staff adds to the wonderful dining experience.
450 Union Square Drive, New Hope, PA
Karla’s
Karla’s is one of those hidden gems, tucked away on side street in New Hope. The restaurant has been open since 1978 has an eclectic European feel. The open-air terrace is covered by plants and is a sublime place to sip on one of the incredible martini’s concocted from the bar. The slogan at Karla’s is that there is something for everyone on the menu which includes flavors from Mexican to Mediterranean. The popular local’s night occurs every Monday from 5:00 – 10:00 pm with a 3- course prix fixe menu from $14-22. Add live music and local’s night is a total bargain and a really fun evening out.
5 West Mechanic Street, New Hope, PA
The Landing
The Landing is one of my favorite places in New Hope for its location and the wonderful American menu. The windows face the Delaware and the outdoor porch is a beautiful spot in warmer weather. The restaurant decor and ambience feels like you are dining at a friend’s home with a cozy bar and a warm fire (in season). Flatbread starters have unique flavor combinations like glazed figs, arugula and goat cheese with a balsamic glaze. Hearty entrees include fish, chicken and a 10 oz New York Strip crusted with peppercorns. If you want a snack at 3:00 pm or a burger at 7:00pm, the kitchen is happy to oblige. Go there to catch a sunset off the water.
22 N. Main Street New Hope, PA
The Dubliner on the Delaware
The Dubliner is a traditional Irish Pub. The menu offers all-day Irish breakfast, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash (sausage served over creamy mashed potatoes with gravy) and lamb stew. One step inside and you will feel like you took a trip to the Emerald Isle. The best part is the live music that is offered on Saturdays and Sundays in the Blacktthorne Lounge and the newly opened Paddy’O the outdoor dining area and bar. Happy hour here is not to be missed.
34 N. Main Street, New Hope, PA
