Peanut Bar Restaurant

I like the Peanut Bar. I'm glad that a few places like this still exist. It's my belief that the corporate weenies who created the sterile TG McFunster restaurants based their original concept around places like this. Casual dining in a fun atmosphere with decent food. If you've never been to the Peanut Bar I say you have to check it out. It's worth seeing at least once and deciding for yourself if you like it.

TV foodie fans, note that the chef is Andrea Heinly of Hell's Kitchen fame.

Great wings - maybe some of the best I've ever had. They have hot wings and garlic herb - both were delicious. We started with the breaded cheeseball appetizer and they were very good as well, nothing like the mini mozzarella sticks we had expected. Their famous "pretzel ice cream pie" was not great unfortunately - but the rest of the food was certainly good enough to warrant a return visit (or two or three!)

Sometimes people who visit Reading only remember the Pagoda and the Peanut Bar.  With a storied history dating back to  Prohibition, the dark vintage space has long been a local institution.  Five Guys has free peanuts, but this place has been doing it for ages.

Now it is time for some vintage cocktails, a trend Reading has not experienced.  It could be done very well here, because the bartenders are skilled, and it is the perfect authentic atmosphere for it. (See menu from the Bookstore Speakeasy in Bethlehem.)  Peter is particularly good with the Manhattans.  

Their new logo wine glasses are certainly nice and only $4 if you want to buy one.  Not sure if there is a happy hour.  I expected the wines by the glass to be better.  They do a good job with the beer selection.

I used to be able to get great veg entrees here such as meatloaf and a really good homemade veggie burger (has cheese in it though).  There is a new chef from a cooking show competition, so I am hoping she will consider alternative diets and add a few savory vegan dishes -- or at least some soups made with veggie broth instead of chicken.  

There is still Taste of the Middle East, an all vegan appetizer.  I used to love their desserts too and would sob with gratitude to see a vegan choice or two, since no one else really does this in town but Good Eatz.  I will definitely change my rating if I can find more to eat.  They do a good job at marking gluten-free entrees.

If the Sovereign Center is having an event, you won't be able to find a seat.  They often have free acts during JazzFest, but it gets packed.  

Be sure to join the Birthday Club, for a free drink, picture, gift, coupons, and your name on the board.  I cannot believe they still do this, so cool.  

There are tvs, but they have the great sense to fill them with a fascinating slide show of old Reading and Peanut Bar history.  

If you are coming from out of town, there is a parking lot in back with a guard, so don't fear.  And don't be put off by the nasty billboards someone with a lot of disposable income has anonymously placed around our city, touting the rich and ridiculing the poor, very bad taste to see this in the country's poorest city.  The quotes were initially mistakenly attributed to Abraham Lincoln and had to have his name blacked out after the error was made!