The Best Places to Eat Off Campus

Posted on by Michelle Glitzer '20, marketing and communications intern.

As someone who has lived in the Doylestown area her whole life, I’ve become familiar with the multitude of restaurant options in our town. Doylestown and its surrounding areas have so many options to satisfy all different tastes and occasions. I have curated a list of my favorite places to eat off-campus for each meal. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore Doylestown during your years at DelVal – I hope you fall in love with all it has to offer.

Breakfast

My favorite time to go to a restaurant is breakfast. One of my personal favorites is the Groveland Grill in Plumsteadville, only a 14-minute drive from campus. This small café has a breakfast option for everyone at reasonable prices. The staff knows regulars by name, and the grill has a cozy atmosphere.

Other options:
  • The Hattery – Doylestown (1.8 mi from campus)
    • They have the most amazing, fluffy pancakes I’ve ever had.

  • Cross Keys Diner – Doylestown (2.4 mi)
    • Similar to the Groveland Grill, they have your typical breakfast options. Quick, easy, inexpensive.
  • Lovin’ Oven – Frenchtown, NJ (16 mi)
    • A little bit of a hike, but worth it. Amazing vegan pancakes, locally grown food, and the menu changes seasonally.

  • The Oaks Family Restaurant – Pipersville (7.9 mi)
    • A cozy restaurant with plenty of breakfast options to please everyone.
Lunch

The Buttonwood Grill is my favorite place for lunch around here. Only 13 minutes from campus in picturesque Peddler’s Village, Buttonwood has salads, soups, and even flatbread pizza. Their burger is amazing, and equally as tasty is their vegetarian option – the black bean burger (I get that almost every time). Make sure you take a stroll through the village to check out the cute shops and seasonal festivals.

Other options:
  • Jules Thin Crust – Doylestown (1.4 mi) 
    • So many amazing toppings and specialty pizzas. Make sure to check their menu online for other options that aren’t on display.

  • Lilly’s Gourmet and Catering – Doylestown (1.7 mi)  
    • Lots of yummy sandwiches!

  • Select Pizza and Grill – Warrington (4.2 mi)
    • Not just pizza – this menu has EVERYTHING and the décor is adorable.

  • Bacco – Doylestown (2 mi)
    • Just try the Drunken’ Brooklyn. Trust me.
Brunch

If you’re not sure whether you want breakfast or lunch, have them both. The Turning Point in Valley Square, a 13-minute drive, has unique and healthy brunch options. Attached to the restaurant is the Cowabunga Coffee Roasters shop, allowing you to meet all of your brunch cravings.

Other options:
  • The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm – New Hope (6.2 mi)
    • This beautiful farm offers an amazing Sunday brunch every week. It’s on the pricier end ($35/person), but it’s all you can eat and perfect for special occasions.
  • Plumsteadville Inn – Plumsteadville (6.2 mi)
    • It offers a diverse Sunday brunch buffet.
Dinner

It was difficult to pick a favorite dinner restaurant because there are so many I love for different reasons. However, I want to highlight The Metropolitan American Diner & Bar in North Wales. About 20 minutes from campus, this restaurant has a massive menu. There is something for everyone, tons of appetizers, and great desserts.

Other options:
  • Porterhouse – Lahaska (7.7 mi) 
    • Ask to sit upstairs for a beautiful vineyard view.  

  • 86 West – Doylestown (1.3 mi)
    • Amazing sushi and seafood.
  • Harvest Seasonal Grill – Newtown (14 mi)
    • Local, farm to table menu. Great vegetarian options.

  • Villaggio Cucina – Lahaska (8.8 mi)
    • Authentic Italian food, so the pasta is incredible.
Dessert

The Happy Mixer Gluten Free Bakery is the perfect place to grab a sweet snack, even if you aren’t gluten-free. It’s only 12 minutes away in Chalfont and has cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cakes, and other sweet treats for those with gluten allergies/sensitivities. I am personally not gluten-free, but I’ve been using this bakery for cakes and desserts for years.  

Other options:
  • Nina’s Waffles and Ice Cream – Doylestown (1.5 mi), Lahaska (7.3 mi), New Hope (11 mi)
    • Hot waffles and hard ice cream is the perfect combination for someone with a sweet tooth.

  • ​​​​​​​Annie’s Water Ice – Doylestown (1.3 mi)
    • I know everyone loves Rita’s, but Annie’s is a local favorite in the spring and summer.

  • ​​​​​​​Nonno’s Italian Coffee Parlor – Doylestown (1.4 mi)
    • Gelato, pastries, and ice cream.

  • ​​​​​​​Factory Donuts – Newtown (12 mi), Doylestown coming soon (2.7 mi)
    • Create your own flavors or choose from one of their signatures.
Quick Stops

This section is dedicated to counter service spots. The Carversville Kitchen has a breakfast and lunch menu, as well as some premade options. It’s about 20 minutes away from campus, but only a couple of minutes from the Delaware River canal path (so it’s a great place to grab lunch and walk along the river). They have great sandwiches and a cute garden where you can set up a picnic.

Other options:
  • Chive Café – New Hope (9.1 mi)
    • Creative sandwiches and salads. There is a sit-down restaurant as well, but if you choose to use the counter service, you can eat in the outdoor garden.

  • Empanada Mama – Doylestown (1.5 mi) 
    • Daily menu changes. Sweet, savory, and veggie empanadas.

  • ​​​​​​​Nourish by MAMA – Doylestown (1.8 mi)
    • Local and organic ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan breakfast, bowls, burritos, and more.

  • ​​​​​​​The Zen Den – Doylestown (3.6 mi)
    • Coffee and snacks. Sandwiches, wraps, soups, and quiches.
Smoothies and Bowls

My favorite place to get a smoothie is Planet Smoothie in Doylestown. This spot is only four minutes from campus. Planet Smoothie has great flavors and supplemental blasts you can add into any smoothie for an extra health benefit. They also have a couple of acai bowls.

Other options:
  • ​​​​​​​Playa Bowls – Doylestown (3 mi)
    • Tons of smoothies, juices, and specialty bowls. Some of the bases of their bowls that you can add delicious toppings to include acai, pitaya, coconut, green, chia, banana, and oatmeal. 

  • Greenstraw – Newtown (12 mi)
    • Specialty smoothies, juices, and bowls to meet all of your health needs.