Bistro 614 - West Reading

The seating at the bar faces a wall, so my view of the restaurant was limited, but I did notice some local artwork displayed on the walls that is available for purchase. The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy yet elegant. The bartender, who also acted as our host, took good care of us, providing both drinks and a food menu. We ordered the Absolute Elderflower Tini (Absolut vodka, elderflower syrup, sparkling wine for $9) and the Sazerac (Bulleit Rye whiskey, Peychaud's Bitters, absinthe rinse, simple syrup for $12). From the menu, we chose to share an appetizer: Napoleon of Roasted Beets with wild mushrooms, potato tuilles, Meadowsweet Acres peashoots, melted brie cheese, and truffled vinaigrette for $10. Overall, we enjoyed the drinks, and while the small appetizer was decent, the food was just okay. The prices were reasonable, but I felt the service could have been more personable.

Our server was prompt, efficient, and friendly. To kick things off, I ordered a drink called the espresso tini, made with Stoli vanilla vodka, Kahlua, and espresso, with espresso being the predominant flavor. My husband opted for a Yuengling beer. I was intrigued by the wild mushroom ravioli, but I’m quite particular about mushrooms and wanted to inquire about the varieties used. Our server didn’t know, so she checked with the chef, and I learned that the ravioli contained cremini and shiitake mushrooms, both of which I enjoy, so I ordered them. My husband chose the pork tenderloins. Each meal came with a salad, and we both selected the house salad, which featured mandarin orange wedges, red onion rings, almonds, a citrus vinaigrette, and mixed greens. We were also served a warm loaf of bread with olive oil infused with rosemary and black olives with pits. The salad was delightful! As I’m not fond of raw onions, I gave my onion rings to my husband. The mandarin orange wedges and citrus vinaigrette provided a refreshing flavor that complemented the salad without being overwhelming, and the slivered almonds added a satisfying crunch. We both really enjoyed the bread, which was served hot and sprinkled with salt. When it cooled down enough to eat, it was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The salt paired wonderfully with the olive oil and rosemary dip, while the black olives had just the right amount of brine. For the main course, I was pleasantly surprised by the wild mushroom ravioli. The two types of mushrooms complemented each other beautifully, and the dish was served over a bed of zucchini, yellow squash, and green beans. The sauce had a broth-like consistency, and the ravioli were clearly freshly made. It was garnished with shredded Parmigiano and red cabbage; I was initially concerned that the cheese might overshadow the ravioli, but it all worked harmoniously. My husband really enjoyed his pork tenderloins, which were wrapped in bacon and cooked perfectly. His only critique was that one tenderloin was a bit saltier than the other. He also liked the veggies, and his dish included freshly made mashed potatoes. The food was prepared slowly, in line with the slow food philosophy, but we didn’t mind as the salad and bread kept us occupied, and the wait wasn’t excessive. As we dined, more patrons arrived, most opting for outdoor seating. They have tables right on the sidewalk with no barriers, as well as a few along the side by the entrance. Before the tip, our dinner came to around $69. The service and food were excellent, and the manager stopped by to check in, which we appreciated. We both agreed that the next time we’re in town (if they’re open), we will definitely return for another dinner!

The chef offers a focused yet varied menu that highlights the abundant seasonal ingredients available in Berks County and its surroundings. As I've mentioned before, I greatly prefer a smaller menu executed with excellence over a lengthy one filled with mediocre options. The brunch at Bistro 614 is particularly noteworthy, with a fantastic deal: for just $10, you can enjoy unlimited Mimosas, Poinsettias, and Sparkling Sunrises. If you're over 21, you’re likely already acquainted with Mimosas, a quintessential brunch drink that has stood the test of time. As for the other two beverages: the Poinsettia is made with champagne, Cointreau, and cranberry juice, while the Sparkling Sunrise combines vodka, simple syrup, orange juice, and sparkling wine. Reservations are available for all occasions—lunch, dinner, brunch; you name it. Given the somewhat limited seating, I recommend calling ahead to secure your spot.

Nice cozy place in downtown west reading I have had both dinner and drinks Prices are reasonable and the quality if both food and service is great They had a lot of awesome looking cocktail options last tine i was there Great place for a date

A West Reading must! Went out with the hubs for a rare date night, and decided upon Bistro 614. We couldn't of been more pleased. Wait staff were professional and personable, atmosphere was intimate (good for a couple or small group), enjoyed an excellent martini, and the main course was just superb. Highly recommend the Edleflower Tini to start! We both ordered the diver scallops as our main entree, and we can't say enough... soooo good! My husband said this was his best meal [ever] in Berks County, and that says a lot considering we love food so much! Hats off the the chef! As an aside, Bistro 614 did not turn up in our Yelp search as we were trying to find the perfect place to go, so I felt compelled to write a review to help draw people to this Berks County treasure. We consider ourselves a well traveled family, and good food is a priority when we dine out. Although a little on the pricier side, stopping at Bistro 614 while in the area is an absolute must!