State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen

Overview

State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen is a modern restaurant gem tucked into the heart of Reading, PA. Combining Mid-Century Classic décor with a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, this locally beloved spot serves up inventive fare alongside an award-worthy cocktail program. Whether you’re meeting friends for happy hour, settling in for dinner, or dressing up for one of their monthly themed brunches, State Hill invites you to experience a menu that’s as creative as it is approachable—and a bar team that prides itself on raising the craft cocktail bar.

Atmosphere & Decor

From the moment you walk in, State Hill’s clean lines, warm wood accents, and pops of vintage flair create an inviting backdrop. Live music regularly fills the air, with jazz ensembles and acoustic acts giving each evening a distinctive soundtrack. While the band’s energy occasionally spills into the dining room—making conversation a bit of an adventure if you’re seated front-and-center—most guests appreciate how the music amplifies the restaurant’s convivial vibe. Clean, well-lit seating nooks and a central bar area ensure there’s a corner for every mood, whether you crave an intimate table for two or a lively spot to toast with friends.

Craft Cocktails & Drinks

If you love inventive drinks, State Hill is your haven. Led by industry pros like Mike, Jon, and Karlee, the bar team crafts cocktails that spark conversation and repeat visits. One guest raved, “Just had the best cocktail I’ve ever had in my life! Thank you, Mike!” Signature creations—whether boozy riffs on classic sours or seasonal specials featuring house-made syrups—land on a menu where presentation and flavor are equally important. With most cocktails priced around $16, you’re investing in quality ingredients, precise technique, and a drink that becomes the evening’s highlight.

Culinary Offerings

State Hill’s kitchen embraces bold twists on familiar favorites, but like any evolving restaurant, it has its peaks and valleys. Standout dishes often steal the show:

• Seared Scallops Appetizer: Praised for perfect caramelization and consistent warmth, diners call them “the most superb scallops I’ve ever had.”
• Short Rib Croquettes: Born from an accidental order swap, these golden bites have become a “must-try” for their rich, tender filling and crisp exterior.
• Buffalo Cauliflower & Pierogis: Vegetarians and comfort-food lovers alike applaud these shareable plates for balanced spice and inventive twists.

That said, some entrées (like a recent fall carbonara) have faced criticism for underseasoning or portion size relative to price. State Hill’s chefs take feedback seriously, refining recipes nightly in pursuit of that perfect flavor balance. If a dish doesn’t fully hit your expectations, fear not—a friendly server will help you find another menu item bound to impress.

Service & Hospitality

One of State Hill’s greatest assets is its people. Guests routinely single out servers by name—Josh, Mandy, Barrett—and praise their professionalism, personality, and product knowledge. “Mandy was a phenomenal server, very attentive and personable,” wrote one diner, while another noted, “Jon and Karlee are the definition of craft cocktailers.” Even on busy Friday nights, the staff hustles to keep glasses filled and plates arriving in order. On the rare occasion a table waits longer than expected or an order needs correction, the team addresses it swiftly—often turning a potential negative into an opportunity to showcase genuine hospitality.

Wait Times & Order Accuracy

Because State Hill’s kitchen specializes in made-to-order dishes and complex cocktails, there are nights when the pace slows down. A handful of diners have mentioned longer-than-anticipated waits and occasional mix-ups. However, management views every piece of feedback as fuel for improvement—streamlining kitchen workflows and strengthening communication to ensure that your rack of seared scallops or your hand-crafted Grasshopper at brunch arrives both accurate and timely.

Pricing & Value

State Hill positions itself at the higher end of Reading’s casual-dining spectrum. With main dishes often ranging from mid-teens to low-twenties and cocktails averaging $16, the cost reflects the use of premium ingredients and specialized techniques. While some patrons feel certain plates could offer a bit more bang for the buck, most agree that signature items—like the scallops, croquettes, and lush specialty cocktails—justify the investment. Plan your visit around small-plate sharing or brunch events to maximize both variety and value.

Themed Brunch Events

One of State Hill’s biggest draws is its monthly themed brunch—an immersive affair complete with staff in costume, vendor pop-ups, curated playlists, and photo-worthy décor. From 1950s sock hops to ‘Roaring ’20s’ speakeasies, these events extend brunch service until 2 PM and sell out fast. Guests praise the attention to detail: “The only place in the Reading area that has themed brunches that are ACTUALLY themed from the staff being in character,” wrote a repeat visitor. Specialty brunch cocktails—like Barrett’s Grasshopper—only sweeten the deal.

Why Visit State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen?

If you crave cocktails that tell a story, shareable plates that spark conversation, and an atmosphere where live music feels like part of the furniture, State Hill delivers. Yes, every restaurant has its off nights—and feedback on seasoning, timing, or value is part of the journey. But with a talented bar team, a kitchen focused on creative growth, and service staff who consistently go the extra mile, this Reading, PA restaurant stands out as a spot worth revisiting again and again. Whether you’re in for happy hour, a laid-back dinner, or the next big themed brunch, State Hill Craft Cocktails & Kitchen promises an experience full of character, flavor, and genuine warmth.