RiderX

About a year ago a bar tender atThe Epicurean and I were in a converstion about great beer bars.  I waxed nostalgically about a place I used to go to in Etters PA called KClingers Public House. KClingers rocked.  Two very large bars, sixty six taps, great wait staff, etc.  A gem for central Pennsylvania.  The chap behind the bar at the ep told me about a new place called Theresa’s Next Door in Wayne PA.  A year later I finally paid them a visit.

The first challenge was finding the place.  If you’re taking the train into Wayne it’s right around the corner from the train station on Wayne Ave.  The Great American Pub is also right around the corner.  So if you see either of these, you’re in the right neighborhood.  The signage makes them difficult to recognize from the street. 

So here’s my standard list of for evaluating:

• Service: Our server was a professional, informal, no-nonsense gal.  She took good care of us though didn’t have all the cheer that I typically look for.  Still our glasses were never empty, and we didn’t wait long for anything.
• Napkins: Paper.  I prefer cloth.  Cloth napkins are one of those touches that distinguishes a place.
• Beer: Selection was very good.  Not KClingers, but still a very good selection.  I had Sly Fox Pale on the beer engine.  Yummy.
• Tables and Chairs: Small and somewhat uncomfortable.
• Aesthetics: Very good
• Acoustics: Deplorable.  This place is an echo chamber.  If you’ve ever been to Sly Fox in Phoenixville or Victory in Downingtown, you know what I mean.  Theresa’s was about 1/4 filled and quite loud.
• Price: Mediocre.  Apps were $7 - $12, Entrees $9 - $27.  I had the fillet which was quite good.  Cooked to a perfect medium, and very tasty.
• Food presentation: Decent but not brilliant.  IMO, the food quality and presentation fall slightly behind The Black Lab in Phoenixville, and the Drafting Room in Exton. 
• Overall?  I’d give it a 7/10. I’ll clearly go back.

In general I quite enjoyed myself.  There are a few things they could do better though.  First I’d get more comfortable chairs, potentially slightly larger tables.  I get that in this business you need to maximize use of space.  But tiny tables make me feel like I’m eating at an urban Wendy’s.  Cloth napkins.  It’s just a thing of mine.  Acoustics.  For the love of your customers, do something about the way sound carries.  Far too many restaurateurs don’t seem to place any consideration on acoustics.   Dining is an experience, and noise detracts from that experience. Sure a compromise between aesthetics and acoustics needs striking but Theresa’s clearly falls more on the aesthetic end ignoring the acoustics altogether.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ll absolutely go back. If you’re into a decent dining experience with good beer give it a try.