Birchrunville Store Cafe — Restaurant in West Vincent Township

I have dined here several times and have always looked forward to a special meal. That said, we came here last night for a birthday celebration and I am not sure that I will return. We arrived early for our reservation and were planning on sitting at the tables near the parking lot while waiting. It was a hot day, so I came inside and asked whether we could get some water and some glasses for wine while we were waiting. I was told that in order to have wine, they would need to send a server across the street to open the wine, etc.

The restaurant was busy, that was fine I said, so I asked if we could just have some glasses for water. I was then told that this is not something they do and intimated some concern that we would steal the glassware, etc. I assured them that we had the reservation later, weren't planning on going anywhere with the glassware, etc. But the answer was still no, so I escalated the request and was told that they couldn't send a server with water because the restaurant was full and busy at the time. I stated that I would carry the water myself and they didn't need to send a server. I was then told that they didn't have time to fill up a few glasses with water. I just told them to forget about the request.

A server came out later and came to our table in the parking lot and told us we could hang out on the porch but that the porch table that we were told we could sit at there would be occupied later, so we decided to stay put in the parking lot.

Later, one of the other members of our party decided to go and ask again for water and emerged with 5 glasses, being helped by a server. I am not sure if race was a factor (I hope it wasn't but who knows) as my friend is caucasian and I am not. If race was a factor, it certainly would not have been the first time I've seen this movie. Nonetheless, I would think that there could be semblance of basic hospitality here, particularly after the staff made excuse after excuse for why they couldn't provide me with water (too busy, liability, concern about glassware being taken, etc.).

The food was fine as expected, but I am not sure that a place that isn't very hospitable for whatever the reason is deserves my business again after many years of...

Based on reviews, I was very disappointed with service and I’m shocked this “okay” place takes months to get into. It took a bit of time to be greeted, didn’t think much of it, the waitress (Carolyn B) apologized, but then we order, get our meals, there’s zero check ins about the meal, ZERO refills of water despite a 2 hour reservation, we had to flag someone down to uncork our bottle (our waitress comes over and spills the bottle, says “did you see me bleed everywhere” and is tripping on the floor; appears impaired herself), and they took the cork with them so when we did not finish ours, and asked for a cork, the waitress (not “Carolyn”, maybe some food runner) seemed shocked and confused by the request. They return with SOMEONE ELSE’S CORK?! And shove it in our bottle? Am I in the dark here? Do BYOB places now remove your cork and expect you to bring one from home if you don’t finish bottles at a time? we were on our second bottle, obviously not intending to finish 2 at dinner. Carolyn eventually returned, took our plates and then came back in a few minutes, placed dessert menus and walked away with no “here are our dessert options if you’re interested” sort of comment, walked away; and came back expecting an order. I noticed even the table to our right of 5 said “i think she wants us to leave but I don’t understand what other table is coming in at 10pm” In any other restaurant I wouldn’t have thought twice about the service but for a place that takes months to get a Resy, boasts delicious and unique foods, you’d think the service staff would match the level of cuisine and offer exceptional care and not wear a black T shirt and leggings as a uniform. I think I’d get the same level of service, if not better, at an Applebees or a Seasons 52. It’s fine. I’d come back for like, a high school graduation meal at most but this is in no way worth the hype. Atmosphere is a 90’s Tuscan kitchen, I’m indifferent about...

We contacted the restaurant in January 2024, looking for a Friday at 6 pm reservation. June was the earliest we could get in. The doors were unlocked promptly at 6 p.m. there is a small porch with seating for guests in waiting. On approach it's a corner home with lots of flowers and gardens. Entering the cafe there are decently spaced tables within a quaint room, enveloped in a farmhouse vibe. We were greeted and sat immediately. We were given the menus and the daily specials. I settled on the French Goat Cheese Croquette, with Baby Arugula, and Truffle Vinaigrette. My partner chose the Kangaroo Tartare, with Quail egg. Both come out fresh, exceptional, and flavorful. My partner's Roasted Rack Of Lamb with fresh Herbs & Hazelnut Crust, was the most impressive bite of the night. It melted in my mouth, kissed my palate with the delicate mint and crisp nutty finish. I would recommend trying this dish, the accoutrements were also so light and elegant. I chose the Boneless Breast of Duck, stuffed with foie gras and figs, wrapped in bacon. While this dish was flavorful, I found myself chewing and wanting to take my partner's plate. Finally dessert, me a creme brulee fan went with the Cappuccino Creme Brulee. I was instantly satisfied. It was perfect. My partner went with the Chocolate Brownie, Salted caramel, Vanilla Gelato, it was well balanced, a small enough portion to not have guilt of overeating, the bite I enjoyed was soft, warm, followed by a crunchy crust and smooth creamy gelato. Overall, we would highly recommend and we plan to dine in again. Oddly, the bathroom is located outside of the restaurant inside of the post office in line with the quaint...