/r/westchesterpa

Photograph via snooOG

Local subreddit for the town of West Chester, PA, and surrounding communities in Chester County.

Whats happening in West Chester Pennsylvania.

/r/westchesterpa

13,248 Subscribers

0

What are other babysitters doing?

Hi posting here because I’m looking for feedback.  I’m a babysitter for a few different families while I’m at WCU.  Are others using something other than Venmo to keep track of their families, how much to charge, etc?  This isn’t a full time business but looking for something more organized than Venmo and cash.

https://preview.redd.it/inxde4azaege1.png?width=624&format=png&auto=webp&s=fba547c1468c7a187d6114e5312a0a5e1d02d9c9

17 Comments
2025/01/31
21:15 UTC

1

Garden shed and basement windows

Does anyone have recommendations for a contractor that can put up a garden tool shed with the slab, and also windows in the basement?

1 Comment
2025/01/31
16:44 UTC

0

Anyone know where to buy snus in West Chester?

My friend from across the pond is here and was asking me and i have literally no idea. When i googled it just showed me vape shops. Any suggestions?

3 Comments
2025/01/30
19:23 UTC

0

Cheap apartments renting to one student and one non student

I have been searching for apartments in the area but all of it is either crazy expensive or only rents to students or only rents to non students. Can anyone help me out? We are just looking for a studio or one bed

11 Comments
2025/01/30
18:09 UTC

17

ACAC worth it?

Hi, so basically I want to know if spending the $120-$150 a month for ACAC is worth it. I am a very routine gym go-er. Often 4-6 times a week. I go to the anytime fitness on route 3 currently and it's fine, but the bare minimum with really no frills and I've found myself getting bored. I'm usually in the gym around 5/5:30 am and stay for an hour or so.
Those who go to ACAC, what are the crowds like? Classes? Amenities? I've looked at all their offerings on the website of course, but am interested to hear about peoples actual opinions!

45 Comments
2025/01/29
15:37 UTC

11

Looking for opinions about Collegium Charter School in Exton- son just won a spot via their lottery

Hey neighbors,

My wife applied for a spot at Collegium for my son (kindergarten), and we got word today that he was accepted.

I’m reading reviews on different websites and it seems like it might have been great at one point, but now isn’t.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with this place?

29 Comments
2025/01/29
02:17 UTC

0

Gym Suggestion

I just moved to the area and am looking for a specific type of gym if anyone knows of one around here. Does anyone know of a 24 hour gym that u can workout with ur shirt off? I came from Diamond State Iron in Newark DE looking for something similar to this around this area… Thanks in advance.

4 Comments
2025/01/28
20:49 UTC

20

WC Wings

Asking for recommendations in West Chester area for great wings. Doesn't matter if the place is sit down or take out. Just please keep the recs within 5 miles of the Boro. Thanks!!

44 Comments
2025/01/27
21:41 UTC

3

Deck or Patio Contractor Recs

Hi everyone, relatively new to the town of WC (moved here in ‘22). We’re looking to replace our deck in our backyard with either a patio or another deck. It’s cliche, but we’re looking for a reasonable option that’s local and does a good job.

Any recommendations in the area would be greatly appreciated.

7 Comments
2025/01/27
05:58 UTC

0

Roommate inquiries

Hi! I’m a sophomore at WCU (20 F) and I’ve been looking for a roommate but haven’t had any luck on other platforms finding one. Would anyone be interested in getting an apartment on/off campus in WC? If so DM me or comment below. I don’t care if you’re a man, a woman, or someone in between!

2 Comments
2025/01/27
00:25 UTC

62

Jolene's - a review

The upscale dining scene in West Chester has been something of an enigma in recent years. Andiario is shining, with the namesake chef currently in the running for a James Beard award with a dining experience that rivals any within Philadelphia city limits.

Yet for the most part, the remaining restaurants in town are painfully mediocre. Even many of the high end restaurants have amateurish service and a sophomoric attempt at sticking out culinarily. And that goes doubly for many of the newer additions.

I have been of the opinion that West Chester is starved for something well executed - professional service and an interesting culinary experience, which doesn't pass the threshold of 'fine dining'.

Enter: Jolene's. Brought to you by the folks that own Slow Hand and the Briquette Lounge (the latter of which makes hands down has the best BBQ in the area). An upscale French joint, squarely in what the French would call « Bistronomique » cuisine.

Located in a spot that most townies know as a perpetually vacant spot that hosted the Social Lounge before it moved to its current location and later Rex's very brief attempt at a comeback, Jolene's is nestled next to the new (and beautiful) Hotel indigo, and the coming West Chester Seafood Kitchen (side note: what an abhorrently banal name).

Completely renovated and still smelling of newly cut timber, the beautiful mid century design is stunning and refreshingly tasteful. Dimly lit with warmly colored sconces and an array of Crystal chandeliers, the atmosphere might as well have been designed for me.

I am attending night 8 of official service, 8:30pm reservation. Well within the adjustment period. We had surveyed the menu before our visit, with features such as oysters, foie, onion soup, steak tartar, and other French classics, it's right up my (admittedly Francophilic) alley.

We were greeted at the door by a very friendly hostess, asking for our reservation. My wife checked her coat, and we were promptly sat at a table for two. Tables were properly spaced and we were immediately comfortable in what is a very cozy space.

Our waitress quickly visited with an introduction and to take our preference on water and drinks. I ordered a bottle of Cremant De Bourgongne to accompany the oysters we were going to order.

On return, she informed us that the Onion soup, the oysters, and the foie were sold through. Disappointing, given I ordered the bottle based on that choice, but it happens.

She leaves, and returns to take our orders. We decided on a couple of choices from each menu section, as suggested by the house. The tartare and bread to start, Gnocchi and Quail for second, and Bouillabaisse and Duck breast for mains.

Leaves and returns with our bottle and chiller. Inexperience with opening sparkling wine was pretty clear but she was trying. Bottle was popped, a bit spilled, but it's nothing I would complain about and she was apologetic. She cleans up and promptly fills our first glass.

We were given white wine glasses and not champagne flutes (huge win), and the chiller was correctly filled with ice and water. Two details often missed. If I'm being picky, we weren't presented the bottle or a first pour, but it's far from something that I would be put off by.

My wife and I toast and take a sip. The sparkling is room temp at best. Turns out the fact that the bottle bubbled up and spilled on the waitress was likely due to the fact it probably only went in the cooler 15 minutes ago. It probably shouldn't have been sold.

Our first course arrived. The bread is a brioche roll and a mini baguette served with a whipped seasoned butter. The tartare is served with an egg yolk and sliced baguette. Both were very good, the bread was warm and well baked, the butter was salty and complex. The tartare was rich and flavorful, though I think it could have used less Dijon and more salt to balance the flavors.

A little time goes by and who I assume is the front of house manager comes by and informed us that the duck had sold through, but I am free to order any other choice from the mains. Disappointing, but it happens. I order the filet.

Second course arrived. The gnocchi was beautifully tender with a flavorful squash puree. Though there was some unpleasant bitterness in the dish, I believe from the wilted arugala mixed in. But for the most part it was delicious. The stuffed quail was served with garlic sausage on a onion tart that tasted a bit like a buttermilk biscuit. The flavors melded very well, though the quail itself was a bit overcooked.

To this point the courses were well spaced. The service was a bit lackluster, the first glass of wine being the only one poured for us, as with our first glass of water.

Our third course was definitely delayed. My wife noted that the foh manager had seemingly done the same song and dance for maybe 5 other tables to tell them their first choices were no longer available. I can only imagine what the kitchen looked like at that point. Once it was clear the kitchen was backed up, our waitress poured us a gratis glass of an orange wine, apologizing for the wait. Unnecessary, but appreciated.

Our mains were delivered soon thereafter. The Bouillabaisse was flavorful and cooked well, though it didn't have any of the spicy characteristics of a traditional Bouillabaisse.

Now, the steak (ordered mid rare)... was a different story. It's clear something went a bit awry. The presented side was carbon black. The other side was grey. Cutting into it, there was a grey band about 1cm thick on the side it was seared on. The rest was rare, verging on blue. Luckily, I do like the occasional rare steak, and happily ate it. But it was clear either the steak was frozen and they needed to get it defrosted quick, or someone forgot about it on the charbroiler for too long.

The mashed potatoes were delicious. The carrots were basically raw. The cippolini onions were fine.

By this point my wife and I were stuffed. All of the portions were quite generous. We decided to skip dessert.

Overall, I am still excited for this restaurant. I feel it fills a void in West Chester of truly upscale dining.

But they have work to do. They were out of their most popular menu items by 9:15 when their last seating was 9:30. They were not tracking remaining portions and had to have multiple tables reorder. The foh manager was lecturing a food runner on the dining room floor 10 inches behind me. They served a warm bottle of sparkling wine.

All of these things are fixable with some coaching and proper management. My only hope is they don't fall down the same hole many have in the borough - getting complacent because even though service is unpolished, it's better than most.

31 Comments
2025/01/27
00:17 UTC

10

Roommates? F21

Hello! I’m searching for a roommate or two (preferably women) to room with me starting early May of this year. I’ll be attending WCU come Fall ‘25 as a BFA student. Honestly, a bit desperate as my lease is up in May, so please DM asap if interested!

7 Comments
2025/01/26
03:13 UTC

4

Local sauna?

Anyone know where I can find a sauna around here? Maybe a fitness center somewhere?

6 Comments
2025/01/25
15:20 UTC

7

DoorDash or GrubHub?

Looking to send a gift certificate for a meal delivery service to friends who just had a baby. I’m not familiar with West Chester and am wondering which is more prevalent? TIA

8 Comments
2025/01/25
14:52 UTC

0

Baby shower venues

Looking for baby shower venue to fit 20~ people and bring our own food. Please let me know of any spots. Thanks!

9 Comments
2025/01/25
11:26 UTC

5

Any recommendations for local companies/individuals to replace a large window?

Preferably someone you have personal positive experiences with.

22 Comments
2025/01/24
14:41 UTC

0

Carpet stores

Any recommendations for honest good carpet/flooring stores other than Lowe’s/Home Depot?

3 Comments
2025/01/23
21:15 UTC

223

no x.com links.

Not that it matters, but fuck that guy.

59 Comments
2025/01/23
04:24 UTC

28

Accident

Someone just ran into a utility pole on Biddle Street. Please be careful when driving. Some of the roads in town are icy.

0 Comments
2025/01/21
15:51 UTC

11

Is anybody getting hail RN?

12 Comments
2025/01/19
20:19 UTC

0

506 south walnut

What’s up with the house 506 south walnut street? We’ve been wondering for years.

All the windows are covered but it looks lived in.

Anyone know?

5 Comments
2025/01/18
22:07 UTC

2

Driving refresher lessons?

Hi all,

I’m looking for recommendations for any driving instructors or schools in this area that would be helpful to refresh on driving etiquette. I’ve moved back after living in a city for years, and I haven’t been behind the wheel in ages. Most classes are geared to entirely new drivers, which might not be entirely applicable for me, but I am willing to take any recommendations. Thank you!

4 Comments
2025/01/18
13:57 UTC

10

Old Boston Market

Does anyone have any insight into the fire? I was anticipating an Asian restaurant there and now I’m afraid it won’t happen after all.

9 Comments
2025/01/17
18:19 UTC

10

Places that have service fees for online ordering takeout, or a mandatory delivery fee

I went to go order pizza from a local place. Using their online app, it's a $2.50 "service fee". If I wanted it delivered, it's $2 or $4 plus tip.

I call to place the order, no extra charge. I get they're paying for the app, but com'n, the fees are buried in the order.

Anyone else frustrated with this?

9 Comments
2025/01/17
17:20 UTC

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