Eat Cheap, But Well
MONTGOMERY CO.
Great Burger For $3.99, you get a bigger, badder version of your favorite fast-food chain’s rinky-dink cheeseburger: fresh-ground, hand-formed patty; toasted sesame-seed bun; and your choice of free fixin’s (lettuce, tomato and onion, maybe, or salsa and jalapeños). 3616 Welsh Road, Willow Grove, 215-657-6100, greatburger.net.
Han Dynasty Adventurous diners won’t want to miss the Royersford location’s $25 multi-course tasting feast, offered the second Tuesday of every month. Owner Han Chiang feeds you whatever Szechuan specialties he wants, at communal tables, and you eat them, happily. (Feast at the Center City location on the first and third Mondays of the month.) 70 Buckwalter Road, Royersford, 610-792-9600, Exton Plaza, 260 North Pottstown Pike, Exton, 610-524-4002, and 108 Chestnut Street, 215-922-1888; handynasty.net.
NEW HOPE/ LAMBERTVILLE
Dilly’s Corner What is that posse of leather-clad bikers doing at the corner of 263 and 32 on the first warm day of spring? They’re waiting for the epic, french-fry-topped Dilly dogs ($6.50), creamy soft-serve (from $1.25) and juicy backyard Dilly burgers ($5.50), just like everyone else at this popular 25-year-old spot. Cash only. Routes 263 and 32, New Hope, 215-862-5333.
Ennis Gourmet delicatessen Earlier this year, original owner Karen Walshe bought back her sandwich shop, restoring the mouthwatering Dagwoodian sandwiches and howdy-’do vibe. Wolf down French toast stuffed with raspberry jam and cream cheese for under $6, or devour one of the dozen-plus specialty sandwiches (all $6.95), like grilled lemon chicken with warm brie on a doughy Portuguese roll. 5 North Union Street, Lambertville, 609-397-0009.
SOUTH JERSEY
The British Chip Shop Longing for authentic British Isles fare and all of its attendant silly names — bangers, pasties, crumpets? Head to this new Haddonfield spot for crisp Cornish pasties with salad ($7) and genuine fish-and-chips ($10 for a queen-size) at prices that, thankfully, aren’t in pounds. Don’t miss scones with real clotted cream for $3 at the affordable afternoon tea, or the deep-fried Mars bar ($4). 146 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, 856-354-0204.
Maple Shade Custard Stand Where to go for icy, thick frozen custard, just the way you remember it, year-round. You can coat it with any of 20 toppings (or have them blended in). But we like to stick with a small classic vanilla ($2.10), sprinkled with a generous coating of jimmies for just 50 cents more. 340 West Main Street, Maple Shade, 856-663-1351.
Weber’s Root Beer It’s about as retro as you can get, decor-wise (’50s-style signage), service-wise (it’s a drive-in) and price-wise (nothing over $5). Pull up in your convertible Caddy, er, hybrid, and order up a hot dog ($1.95), a frosty mug of house root beer ($1.29) and a free serving of nostalgia. 6019 Lexington Avenue, Pennsauken, 856-662-6632.
Edited by: Kirsten Henri
Contributors: Michael Callahan, Victor Fiorillo, Timothy Haas, Sandy Hingston, Lauren McCutcheon, Erica Palan, Bridget Salmons, Christine Speer, Janine White and Valerie Yeager
