Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
Are you hungry, but it’s too early for Renatos or Cheng Hing? Are you craving some eggs but woke up too late for Sharples or are simply looking for something different? You may be in luck. Vicky’s Place recently opened in the Ville only a few doors away from the Co-Ed Hair Salon. Students may remember getting ice cream and other goodies at this location in the past. The restaurant offers breakfast “and a little bit of lunch” every day of the week from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Vicky’s Place was already busy at 9:00 a.m. on a Sunday when I arrived, and the customers were all smiling. They offer a variety of traditional breakfast foods including pancakes, omelets, muffins, and oatmeal. Those interested in lunch can choose among several options including sandwiches, burgers, and more. What is great is that most of the food comes at fairly reasonable prices.
My breakfast consisted of orange juice, a corn muffin, and French toast. The orange juice was fine, though it was a little expensive. The corn muffin was tasty. It was huge and well worth the price. The French toast smelled and tasted delicious; it was golden brown and wasn’t too light or too heavy. A little bit of butter and maple syrup added the perfect touch to this breakfast classic.
Others had mixed feelings about the restaurant. Adam Roddy ’06 commented, “It’s no Java Joe’s, but it’s better than nothing in a town with as many hair cutters as restaurants.” He added, “Go there when Sharples offers blintz bar. But if you have a car (or know how to hotwire one), go to Java Joe’s–it’s still top in my book. Really, though, support the local businesses, it’s your civic duty.”
Jessica Larson ’06 noted, “The restaurant was good, but not great. The blueberry muffin I had was very good, but it is obvious that it was not homemade. I want this place to stay in business, [because] of the lack of restaurants in the ville. So the more variety, the better, and this place was good for a quick bite! I want to try lunch sometime, too. Also, the price was right!”
Overall, the service was great, and the waitress was very friendly. Vicky’s Place provides a new option for food in the Ville with a specific service that really isn’t available anywhere within walking distance of Swarthmore. Take out is also available. Vicky’s Place can be reached at (610) 328-2453.
