Delicious food, cocktail lounge/bar atmosphere, and friendly staff! Restaurant is very clean and we can't say enough how good the food was! We got the Cajun scallops to start, then enjoyed the seafood mac & cheese, the burrata blush, and the billionaire smash burger. Everything was phenomenal. Pasta and seafood were cooked perfectly and the sauces were delicious, and the burger was SO juicy and complimented by the truffle aioli and bacon onion jam. The side Caesar salad was heavy on the fish since they do top it with anchovies, but you could ask for it without them. We'll definitely be back again soon!
Overview
Walking into State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen feels like stepping into a place that understands why people love diners and neighborhood restaurants in the first place. I’ve stopped in after work more than once, sometimes just for a quick drink, other times staying long enough to sample half the menu, and each visit has felt consistent in the ways that matter. Located at 1 Wellington Blvd, Reading, PA 19610, United States, it’s easy to find and even easier to settle into once you’re inside.
What stands out immediately is how much attention goes into the drink program. Craft cocktails aren’t just a buzzword here. I watched a bartender walk a couple through the process of choosing a drink, explaining why a rye base pairs better with certain bitters and how fresh citrus changes the balance. That kind of hands-on approach shows real experience. According to data shared by the National Restaurant Association, more than 60% of guests say beverage quality directly affects where they choose to dine, and it’s clear this place takes that seriously.
The kitchen follows the same philosophy. The menu reads approachable at first glance, but once the plates hit the table, you notice the extra care. On one visit, I ordered a classic comfort dish and expected something simple. Instead, it came out layered with flavor, clearly made from scratch, and plated like the chef actually cared how it looked when it reached me. A server mentioned that sauces are prepared daily and proteins are handled in-house rather than pre-portioned, which lines up with current industry research showing guests increasingly value transparency in food preparation.
Reviews from regulars often mention consistency, and that matches my experience. Whether it’s a busy Friday night or a slower weekday evening, the service doesn’t drop off. Staff members seem trained to read the room, checking in without hovering. Hospitality studies from Cornell University have shown that perceived attentiveness is one of the strongest drivers of repeat visits, and this diner-style kitchen clearly gets that balance right.
There’s also a strong local feel that makes the space work. I’ve chatted with other guests who treat it as their go-to spot for casual celebrations, date nights, or just unwinding. One couple told me they come every month to try a new seasonal cocktail, calling it our unofficial tradition, which says a lot about how the restaurant fits into the community. Another guest described the kitchen as reliably creative, a phrase that stuck with me because it captures how the menu evolves without losing its identity.
From a practical standpoint, the location helps. Being right in Reading makes it accessible for locals and visitors alike, and parking hasn’t been an issue during my visits. While I can’t speak to every dish on the menu, the range I’ve tried shows thoughtful variety without being overwhelming, which aligns with best practices recommended by hospitality experts to keep quality high and waste low.
No restaurant is perfect, and like any busy spot, there can be short waits during peak hours. That said, the staff is upfront about timing, which builds trust. Accurate expectations matter, and consumer research consistently shows guests are more forgiving when communication is clear.
Overall, the experience feels grounded, confident, and welcoming, built on real culinary knowledge rather than trends. It’s the kind of place where craft cocktails and a solid kitchen come together naturally, supported by service that understands what diners actually want when they sit down to eat and drink.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Live music ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 442 reviews
Service was good, the food was pretty expensive for what it was. It depends what you get but sometimes you get very small portion sizes. With some food, the flavor wasn't all there, but overall pretty good! Pizza that we got was flavorful but very greasy. Cocktails were not priced too bad and they were good! Absolutely wonderful atmosphere too.
Ok Reading PA... You MUST GO TO STATE HILL CRAFT COCKTAILS AND KITCHEN!!! Where do I start? Everything about this restaurant was CLASS! From the host to the bartender, everyone was just great. The food was TOP NOTCH, so gratitude to the kitchen and chef. Our waiter, Michael was one of the best, knowledgeable, professional, friendly and efficient waiters I've ever had. We had to get his photo! The restaurant is sparkling like new and had lots of seating. A fun fireplace, a few TVs in the bar area and just right decor. 2 huge booth that could easily sit 10-12 guests. Can't speak highly enough about our time here. Wish it was closer to Newark, DE. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This place was so awesome! My husband and I got all dressed up for a special night out and State Hill did not disappoint! Our waitress Mandy was incredibly nice and helpful! Our drinks were top notch and the food was mouth watering! And the music was so good it just really enhanced the whole experience!
This was my second time here. I had to bring a friend and do a review. We sat at the bar to have a Saturday brunch. Our bartender Mike was amazing! He was so nice and knowledgeable. The bogo mimosas were a great way to start. I had the pineapple and then a cranberry. Our food was sooo good! We ended with an espresso martini. Excellent! I live about 40 minutes away. It’s worth the drive.
We had brunch at this State Hill this past Saturday and were pleased with the entire experience. The grounds are well manicured and the inside is clean and well decorated. The whole place just looks upscale (which might be what they're going for). The prices were reasonable. Our server, Chris, was patient with us and offered recommendations on different items. I got the pork belly bowl which was really great. My kids mac and cheese was probably as good if not better. They could get away with just serving up some kraft mac and cheese, but they made this beautiful mac and cheese my kids just loved. The drinks were also so good. I think everyone, except for the kids obviously, got a cocktail. I got an old fashioned that was perfectly made. I am super excited to go back next time we're in the area.
State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen in Wyomissing is genuinely impressive. The space is beautiful with a unique aesthetic that stands out from the usual spots in the area. Their menu is wide-ranging, offering plenty of options for different tastes without feeling overwhelming. I visited for dinner and went with a few small plates, and every single one was filling, well-prepared, and absolutely delicious. Their new back patio is a great addition. It is extremely cozy, inviting, and perfect for relaxing over drinks or a meal. My waitress, Bekkah, was exceptional from start to finish, and Barrett behind the bar mixed some fantastic cocktails and provided top-tier service. This place delivers on atmosphere, food, and hospitality. Highly recommend.
This was the most pleasant surprise spot. It was recommended for a bridal planning brunch. The food was phenomenal, prepared exactly as requested. The drinks were so good, they have absolutely perfected the craft of cocktails! Farrah was our server and they were lovely, kind, and so sweet! Though it’s an hour drive, I would make it every weekend to be here!