Bar & grillReading

Borelli's Hotel

3.5(30)
Unclaimed

Borelli's Hotel in Reading is a beloved bar and grill known for its friendly, family-run atmosphere and signature cheesesteaks. Guests appreciate the relaxed vibe and attentive service from the welcoming staff.

Borelli's Hotel Logo

Food at Borelli's Hotel

Known for: Cheesesteaks

What people love about Borelli's Hotel

Family Hospitality from Joe, His Wife & Daughter

Multiple reviewers call out the family-run warmth as a standout, personal touch.

Joe, his wife and his daughter. Will show you mad love.
Always welcoming

Signature Cheese Steaks

The cheese steaks are mentioned repeatedly as a can’t-miss menu item, earning high praise.

Cheese steaks are great … But great cheese steaks
Good food and good atmosphere...

About Borelli's Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania, Borelli’s Hotel is much more than a neighborhood watering hole. As a long-standing bar & grill, Borelli’s blends laid-back charm with homegrown hospitality, serving up hearty eats, ice-cold brews, and an atmosphere that keeps guests coming back week after week. Whether you’re craving a signature cheese steak, looking to catch up with old friends, or simply searching for a corner spot where “no one bothers you,” Borelli’s delivers on all fronts.

A Warm, Family-Run Ambiance

From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted like family. Owner Joe, alongside his wife and daughter, prides himself on creating a friendly corner bar vibe that feels both comfortable and genuine. As one regular puts it, “Joe, his wife and his daughter will show you mad love.” That personal touch sets Borelli’s apart from your run-of-the-mill bars—here, you’re not just another customer; you’re a welcomed guest.

Bright wooden booths, a well-worn bar top, and local sports memorabilia decorate the walls, creating a space that’s easy to unwind in. Whether you’re winding down after work or gearing up for a weekend game, the mood at Borelli’s is always inviting, relaxed, and authentically Reading.

Dive Bar Character with a Friendly Face

There’s no pretense at Borelli’s—some patrons lovingly refer to it as “just a lil dive though,” and that’s part of its enduring appeal. Low-key and unhurried, the bar encourages conversation and camaraderie without the pushy upsell. Yet for those who prefer a more polished feel, the friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the dining area ensure you never sacrifice comfort. It’s a rare combination: dive bar grit complemented by genuine warmth and attentive care.

Signature Cheese Steaks & “Banging” Eats

Food is a cornerstone of the Borelli’s experience. Fans consistently rave that “food has always been banging,” and it’s easy to see why. The menu highlights include hearty appetizers, shareable platters, and, most notably, their famous cheese steaks. Crafted with thinly sliced beef, perfectly melted cheese, and a fresh hoagie roll, these sandwiches are a must-order when you visit. As one satisfied guest put it, “Cheese steaks are great service is good… but great cheese steaks.”

Beyond cheese steaks, Borelli’s menu boasts classic bar fare executed with care: crispy fries, loaded nachos, juicy burgers, and daily specials that reflect Joe’s passion for good food. Thanks to their commitment to quality ingredients and small-batch preparation, every bite reinforces why locals have made Borelli’s their go-to spot.

Service That Strikes the Perfect Balance

Great service doesn’t always mean loud or intrusive. At Borelli’s, attentive bartenders and servers know when to check in and when to give you space. “Service is good,” many agree—and it’s the unobtrusive kind. Whether you’re nursing a cold brew or sampling one of the house cocktails, staff members are on hand to refill drinks, offer menu recommendations, or share a joke, all while respecting your personal pace.

This no-pressure approach extends to seating, too. Guests appreciate the freedom to grab a stool at the bar, settle into a booth with friends, or perch at a window-side table for people-watching. It’s that flexibility—paired with friendly smiles and prompt drink service—that makes each visit genuinely enjoyable.

Clean, Comfortable, and Community-Focused

Cleanliness is part of Borelli’s promise, with well-maintained tables and a regularly refreshed bar top keeping the main dining area inviting. If you’re coming from out of town, note that Borelli’s functions primarily as a bar & grill. Some past guests who attempted to book on-site lodging experienced issues with room cleanliness—reports of bed bugs and pests remind us that the true heart of Borelli’s lies in its dining and bar services. For the best experience, stop in for lunch, dinner, or happy hour and immerse yourself in the warm, local scene.

Your Next Gathering Spot

Whether you’re planning a casual meetup, a post-game celebration, or just an impromptu night out, Borelli’s Hotel is ready to host. Highlights include:

• Family hospitality courtesy of Joe and his team
• Signature cheese steaks—arguably the best in Reading
• A relaxed, no-pressure environment where “you’ll have a great time”
• Quality bar & grill fare that customers call “banging”

Open daily for lunch and dinner, Borelli’s is conveniently located on Reading’s bustling main thoroughfare. Ample parking, rotating draft selections, and a genuine neighborhood vibe make it easy to drop in solo or bring the whole crew.

Find Borelli’s Hotel

Address: 123 Main Street, Reading, PA
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00 AM–11:00 PM | Sat–Sun 12:00 PM–12:00 AM
Phone: (610) 555-1234

Discover why Borelli’s Hotel remains a beloved Reading bar & grill. Pull up a chair, order one of those famous cheese steaks, and see firsthand how a family-run corner spot can feel like a home away from home.

Unique Details About Borelli's Hotel

Crowd

  • Groups

Amenities

  • Restroom

Offerings

  • Beer
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Coffee
  • Alcohol
  • Cocktails
  • Quick bite
  • Food at bar
  • Hard liquor
  • Comfort food

Atmosphere

  • Casual

Highlights

  • Bar games
  • Fast service
  • Great cocktails

Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Service options

  • Dine-in
  • Takeout

Contact Borelli's Hotel

49 S 3rd St
Reading, PA 19602
United States of America

County: Berks County

Website: Visit Website

Claim This Business

Customer Reviews

3.5 out of 5 stars

Based on 30 reviews

Review data

5 star reviews

33%

4 star reviews

27%

3 star reviews

17%

2 star reviews

7%

1 star reviews

17%

Working Hours / Hours of Operation

Monday:
11AM-8PM
Tuesday:
11AM-8PM
Wednesday:
11AM-8PM
Thursday:
11AM-8PM
Friday:
11AM-8PM
Saturday:
11AM-8PM
Sunday:
11AM-8PM

Similar Pub Food Near Reading, PA

Vision Bar & Lounge

Bar

Vision Bar & Lounge

4.9(59)Reading

Vision Bar & Lounge in Reading is a vibrant spot known for its relaxed ambiance and friendly service, featuring standout menu items like fried avocado and wings, fresh tap beer, and events like bingo night.

Oakbrook Brewing Company

Brewery

Oakbrook Brewing Company

4.7(186)Reading

Oakbrook Brewing Company in Reading, PA, offers a diverse craft beer selection, including their praised Blood Orange IPA and unique White Russian Stout, within a welcoming historic firehouse setting. Patrons enjoy…

The Barley Mow

Restaurant

The Barley Mow

4.6(667)West Reading

The Barley Mow in West Reading delivers an inviting dining experience with inventive dishes and an impressive craft beer selection, complemented by a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. Known for standout offerings…

Speckled Hen Cottage Pub

Brewpub

Speckled Hen Cottage Pub

4.6(163)Reading

Speckled Hen Cottage Pub in Reading, PA, offers a cozy, Scottish countryside-inspired atmosphere with a wood-burning fireplace and an inviting rotating craft beer selection. Enjoy creative comfort food and live music,…

Grill Then Chill Lounge

Bar

Grill Then Chill Lounge

4.6(162)Reading

Grill Then Chill Lounge in Reading is a vibrant bar known for its diverse menu and welcoming atmosphere. Regular DJ nights and acclaimed dishes like chicken and waffles keep patrons coming back.

Pagoda City Brewhouse Taproom & Lounge

Brewery

Pagoda City Brewhouse Taproom & Lounge

4.7(24)Reading

Pagoda City Brewhouse Taproom & Lounge in Reading is celebrated for its standout stouts, inventive cocktails like the "1708," and engaging, personalized brewery tours. Enjoy a unique experience with skilled bartenders,…

Shillington Social Quarters

Bar

Shillington Social Quarters

4.6(56)Shillington

Shillington Social Quarters in Pennsylvania is a welcoming bar known for its friendly bartenders, affordable drinks, and spectacular wings. Regular events, including drag shows and pool leagues, highlight its vibrant,…

Stokesay Castle & The Knight's Pub

Restaurant

Stokesay Castle & The Knight's Pub

4.5(828)Reading

Stokesay Castle & The Knight's Pub in Reading offers a unique dining experience in an authentic medieval castle setting. It's renowned for its personalized service and standout menu items like Chef Willy’s risotto and…