Welcome to Restaurant Report, a new Glenside Local column by Sarah Maiellano, a longtime restaurant and travel journalist with a deep knowledge of the Philly region’s dining scene.

A love of food is something that nearly all Philadelphia area residents can agree on. We’re united by great pizza, tacos, chicken wings, dim sum, Korean barbeque, hoagies, soft pretzels, microbrews, ice cream, cookies, cake… Ask “where can I find the best…” in a local hair salon or a community Facebook group and you’re sure to start a long conversation.

What to Expect

In Restaurant Report, I’ll share news, photos, and recommendations for the best local eats within easy driving distance of Glenside.

I’m not a food critic. Let’s leave that to the experts. This is a place to spotlight our region’s great food. I’ll be shouting out new restaurants, long-running institutions, fancy food, casual restaurants, awesome takeout, unique catering options, family friendly places, bars, and more.

This column will be friendly, never negative, and always delicious – I welcome feedback, but expect the same collegial tone from anyone who reaches out.

Meet the Columnist

I grew up in Northeast Philly and am a Northeast High School grad. I lived and worked in Washington, D.C. for a decade and then moved to Center City in 2015. I’ve been in Montgomery County since 2022 and have been meticulously collecting restaurant recommendations and trying new places.

Over the years, I’ve written about food, dining, and travel for Travel + Leisure, The Washington Post, USA Today, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Magazine, and Eater Philly. You can scope out my work at www.sarahmaiellano.com. I often share my dining experiences on Instagram.

By day, I run a public relations agency that supports local non-profits and arts + culture organizations.

Have a tip? Drop me a line.

Our First Restaurant Report: Is Elkins Park poised to become a coffee shop town?

Since the closure of Elkins Perk in 2022, Elkins Park has been sorely lacking a go-to café – a place open early in the morning, serving high-quality coffee and fresh pastries, with cozy spots to linger.

Good news: Allicat’s Coffee House opened in November, bringing stylish design and serious coffee to Elkins Park.

Most people assume that Allicat’s is located next to Sprinkles Ice Cream Shoppe in the former Cheesecake Lady location (yes, it recently relocated to Jenkintown). Not quite. It’s a few doors down in a standalone building – with parking in the back!

Others have wondered if it’s a cat café, with adoptable cats roaming around. Cute idea, but also incorrect.

Allicat’s Coffee House

Allicat’s is owned by Alexandra “Alli” Reich, whose family also owns Sprinkles (the most charming ice cream shop around). Reich, a U.S. Army veteran, and her boyfriend and business partner, Titian Perez, have thoughtfully designed the Allicat’s space, painting and decorating it to the nines.

Inside, you’ll find three distinct seating areas filled with comfy sofas, chairs, tables, and small desks. It’s a space that invites lingering – whether you’re settling in on a Sunday morning, opening your laptop on a workday, or meeting a friend or colleague. Colorful murals, quotes on the walls, and tons of mirrors make it especially photogenic.

Come hungry. Allicat’s offers a substantial food menu, including fresh pastries like almond pistachio cake, along with café staples such as avocado toast and a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich on a sesame seed bun.

To drink, find fresh-brewed coffee from Ambler’s Wake Coffee Roasters, plus matcha, espresso drinks, and more.

Before you head out, make sure to check out the too-cute restroom.

Did I mention there’s a parking lot in the back? You’re welcome.

Hours: Open daily 6:00am (8:00am weekends) to 4:00pm

For more on Allicat’s Coffee House, located at 920 Township Line in Cheltenham Township, you can visit their Instagram page.

The Buzz

Rumor has it another local spot is preparing to step up its coffee (and vibes) game, too. Free up your mornings, Elkins Park. A comfy seat and a steamy mug are waiting.

Restaurant Report columnist Sarah Maiellano is an independent journalist covering food and restaurants in the Philadelphia area and beyond. She’s not a food critic, but a dining expert who knows good food. Read her work at www.sarahmaiellano.com or follow along on Instagram.

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Photos: Sarah Maiellano