Mom Chaffe’s Cellarette – Since 1936! West Reading PA

Restaurant open since 1936 named after a Mom? - Check

Cozy low ceilinged dining room called a...cellarette? ("Daintier than a cellar...it's a Cellar-ette!") Check

(It's not really a cellar at all, 'cept it's in the ground floor of a house in residential West Reading, PA.)

Great vintage angled sign that they took care to replace when it was damaged a few years back. Check!

When you're there look to the right and notice the awesome multi-colored terra cotta roof tiles on the roof next door. (I think they may have come from the long defunct Reading Terracotta Works but that's just a hunch!) Check!

Authentic glass block wall that lets the light in but gives privacy? Check!

Polly the founder at age 95 sitting at the hostess station, answering the old timey phone? Check!
(Polly and her husband Melvin - who sadly passed away in 2009 - were owners, now she and their son John run the place.)

Small menu, filled with classic "Red Sauce / Gravy" Italian favorites (Like spaghetti and meat sauce)- Check!

Daily seasonal specials - like the soft shell crabs pictured here that the folks behind us raved about so much we were not allowed to say no? Check!

Tempting dessert tray even though you had too much garlic bread and pasta and are even taking food home, rationalizing the 2 fork share method because it is your wedding anniversary? Check!

Local place that has become a new fave?

Check!

(oh and PS I was reminded by a fan of Mom Chaffe's to give the heads up on the Tiniest Bathroom Ever!)