Head to Speck’s Broasted Chicken in Collegeville PA When You’re Feeling Peckish

2017 Update: Speck's is still one of my fave places to go when I don't feel like cooking (who am I kidding, I never like cooking!) so I visit often and still can't help but snap a photo or two of this dining room. Oh, I hope they never change it!

Original 2009 Post:

Located smack dab between Pikes (Germantown and Ridge) in Collegeville PA, Speck’s Drive In has been serving up tasty food since 1965, and it’s still owned and operated by the family of Stanley “Speck” Landis, who founded the restaurant in 1953.

There are signs on either Pike to guide you into their parking lot, and interestingly no signage on the building itself, which is reminiscent of a small Howard Johnsons, but with a red and white color scheme. The signs are beauties though, and would make any Retro Roadmap fan detour immediately to investigate.

If the sign didn't clue you in the menu sure will- Speck's is all about the Broasted chicken (did you know that Broasted is actually a trademarked term meaning to cook using pressure and frying? Well now you know!)

There are other things on the menu, but you'd be foolish not to go for the chicken, at least on your first visit. If you feel the need later to branch out there are sandwiches and hoagies as well. Belly up to the counter, place your order and wait for your tray.

And oh, that chicken! Sold by the piece (individually or in buckets, up to 100 pieces or more) it is crispy on the outside, moist on the inside- what more could you ask for? I recommend ordering a dinner as I'm a sucker for the not often seen crinkle cut fries, and theirs are excellent and fried up nice, not mealy or flabby like some fries.

And do you see what else is cool about Speck's? Well take a look at that Nelson-esque starburst pattern on that table, it's just the start! There was a fire in Specks around 1973 and they remodeled the place then, giving it a colorful orange and yellow palette. Have a look-see:

This triple threat of signage, food and decor put Specks at the top of my list, and it's open year 'round so you can get your fix any time!