Mount Penn Family Restaurant
What people love here...
Perfect Breakfast Staples
Consistent praise for flawlessly executed classic breakfast items makes these staples a reliable draw.
Key Themes from Reviews
Food QualityMixed
Some customers rave about consistently perfect breakfast and standout dishes, while others complain of cold, bland or poorly prepared meals.
About Mount Penn Family Restaurant
Discover Mount Penn Family Restaurant in Reading, PA
Nestled in the heart of Reading, PA, Mount Penn Family Restaurant invites neighbors and visitors alike to experience honest, hearty meals in a warm, hometown setting. As a locally owned family restaurant and breakfast destination, Mount Penn has become a go-to spot for everything from classic morning staples to mid-day pick-me-ups. Whether you’re craving oversized eggs cooked to perfection or intrigued by signature entrées, this laid-back diner promises a taste of familiarity—seasoned with genuine hospitality.
Breakfast Staples You Can Rely On
Many diners proclaim Mount Penn’s breakfast offerings among the best in Reading. In fact, eggs are “always huge and made as ordered,” according to one traveler who’s sampled diners nationwide. Home fries emerge fully cooked, with just the right hint of crisp at the edges, while bacon consistently strikes the perfect balance—never underdone or charred. These “flawlessly executed classic breakfast items” exemplify the restaurant’s commitment to serving comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or savoring a slow weekend morning, these dependable staples ensure you leave satisfied.
Standout Specials: Chicken Croquettes & Salad Bar Delights
Beyond eggs and bacon, Mount Penn Family Restaurant showcases menu highlights that keep guests talking. The chicken croquettes, hailed by one patron as “the best … in years,” blend tender meat and savory spices into golden, crunchy bites. Paired with friendly, attentive service, these croquettes make for a memorable lunch or early dinner.
For lighter appetites, the salad bar offers unexpected gems: plump stuffed grape leaves, crisp mixed greens, and even a rotating selection of house-made soups—lobster bisque included. Diners praise the variety of fresh toppings, and though compact, the spread adds a colorful, healthful counterpoint to the heartier diner fare.
Friendly Faces & Thoughtful Service
Hospitality is at the heart of the Mount Penn experience. While guests’ experiences vary, many single out Sophia for her “phenomenal,” “professional,” and “warm” approach—seating parties swiftly, answering questions with a smile, and ensuring dishes arrive in a truly reasonable timeframe. Other servers—Brittnee, Mercedes, Nicole and Jen among them—earn praise for their genuine warmth and quick attentiveness. These team members transform a simple meal into a friendly gathering where you’re greeted by name and treated like family.
A Casual, Hometown Ambience
Step inside and you’ll find a comfortable, laid-back environment that feels straight out of a Main Street postcard. Regulars appreciate the diner’s casual décor and unpretentious charm—perfect for families, solo breakfasts, or catch-ups with friends. Some visitors note that a modern refresh could brighten the space, but many find the classic booths and well-worn surfaces add to the authentic, “lovely little diner” vibe they return to time and again.
Value & Everyday Affordability
Mount Penn Family Restaurant balances generous portions with approachable pricing. Diners frequently remark on leaving “full and happy” without feeling a pinch in their wallet. The salad bar, breakfast platters, and daily specials all deliver solid value—though occasional fees, such as a small “convenience charge” on card transactions, can surprise those expecting a purely cash-only checkout. Still, most guests find the overall cost well justified by the hearty servings and friendly atmosphere.
Listening, Learning & Growing
As with any busy neighborhood eatery, experiences range from rave reviews to constructive criticism. Some patrons have reported longer wait times for take-out orders or occasional mix-ups with dishes. A few guests encountered concerns around cleanliness and food handling, reminding Mount Penn of the importance of consistent upkeep behind the scenes. These voices are heard—and they fuel the restaurant’s ongoing commitment to refining service, reinforcing hygiene standards, and nurturing the authentic warmth that keeps most guests coming back.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back
Mount Penn Family Restaurant stands as a true family-run diner, where breakfast is more than a meal and every omelet tells a story. From perfectly executed eggs and home fries to unforgettable chicken croquettes and an inviting salad bar, the menu offers enough variety to satisfy any appetite. Attentive servers like Sophia greet you with genuine smiles, while the unhurried pace and hometown décor create a space where friends linger over coffee and families share stories across the table.
So whether you call Reading home or you’re just passing through, make time for one of Mount Penn’s renowned breakfast platters or dive into a hearty lunch special. You’ll leave not just with a full plate, but with a true taste of local hospitality that feels as familiar as family.
Categories
About This Business
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Parking
- Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
- Good for kids
Payments
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Comfort food
- Small plates
- Healthy options
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Casual
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Dining options
- Lunch
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Breakfast
Service options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Contact Information
Reading, PA 19606
United States of America
Phone: +1 610-779-8120
Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
Based on 854 reviews
Review data
5 star reviews
- 59%
4 star reviews
- 26%
3 star reviews
- 9%
2 star reviews
- 2%
1 star reviews
- 4%
Working Hours
- Monday:
- 6AM-8PM
- Tuesday:
- 6AM-8PM
- Wednesday:
- 6AM-8PM
- Thursday:
- 6AM-8PM
- Friday:
- 6AM-8PM
- Saturday:
- 6AM-8PM
- Sunday:
- 6AM-8PM