Berks Connect

Try explaining a medical symptom in your second language. Try understanding a legal document that will affect your family's future when the words blur together. Try describing what's wrong with your car when you don't know the technical terms.

For the roughly 65,000 Latino residents of Berks County—over 15% of the population—these aren't hypothetical situations. They're Tuesday.

This guide exists because language shouldn't be a barrier to getting the services you need. Reading has one of the largest Latino populations per capita in Pennsylvania. The community has been here for generations. And yet, finding a doctor who speaks Spanish, an attorney who can explain your rights in your language, or even a mechanic who won't make you feel like a burden—that's still harder than it should be.

Esta guía existe porque el idioma no debería ser una barrera. Reading tiene una de las poblaciones latinas más grandes per cápita en Pensilvania. Encontrar servicios en español debería ser fácil—y con esta guía, lo será.

La Comunidad Latina de Reading: A Brief History

Before we get to the practical information, let's acknowledge where we are.

Reading's Latino community isn't new. Puerto Ricans began arriving in significant numbers in the 1950s and 60s, many originally coming to work in the textile mills and mushroom farms of the region. They were followed by waves of immigration from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Central America, Colombia, and throughout Latin America.

Today, Reading is approximately 70% Latino—one of the highest percentages of any city of its size in the United States. Penn Street downtown, once the center of the Anglo business community, is now alive with bodegas, restaurants, churches, and businesses serving the Latino community. Spanish is spoken everywhere—in stores, on the street, in schools.

This isn't a community on the margins. This is the community.

And yet, language access in professional services—healthcare, legal, financial—still lags behind the demographics. Many professionals who serve Berks County don't speak Spanish. Those who do aren't always easy to find. That's what this guide is for.

Derechos Que Debe Conocer | Rights You Should Know

Before anything else, know your rights:

In healthcare settings:

Hospitals and clinics receiving federal funding must provide language services—interpreters or translated materials—at no cost to you.
You have the right to an interpreter for medical appointments. This is federal law.
You should never have to bring a child to interpret for you in a medical setting. Ask for a professional interpreter.

In schools:

Schools must communicate with you in a language you understand.
You have the right to an interpreter at IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and any school meetings.
School documents should be available in Spanish.

In court:

Courts must provide interpreters for legal proceedings.
Never waive your right to an interpreter, even if you speak some English.

In emergencies:

911 dispatchers have access to interpretation services. Say "Spanish" or "Español" if you need an interpreter.
Hospitals cannot refuse treatment based on immigration status or language.

Nunca deje que nadie le haga sentir que sus derechos lingüísticos son una molestia. Son la ley.

Healthcare | Servicios de Salud

Finding a doctor who speaks your language makes a real difference. Not just convenience—studies show that language-concordant care leads to better health outcomes. You explain more accurately, you understand instructions better, you're more likely to follow through on treatment.

Hospitals and Emergency Care

Both major hospital systems in Berks County provide interpreter services:

Reading Hospital (Tower Health)

Address: 6th Avenue & Spruce Street, West Reading
Emergency: (484) 628-8000
Interpreter services: Available 24/7 via phone and in-person for many appointments
Spanish-speaking staff work throughout the hospital, but always request an interpreter if you need one.

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center

Address: 2500 Bernville Road, Reading
Emergency: 610-378-2000
Interpreter services: Available for appointments and emergencies

In an emergency: Don't let language prevent you from seeking care. Emergency rooms must provide interpreters. Say "Necesito un intérprete en español" (I need a Spanish interpreter) or simply "Español."

Finding a Spanish-Speaking Doctor

When calling any medical office, ask:

"¿El doctor habla español?" (Does the doctor speak Spanish?)
"¿Tienen personal bilingüe?" (Do you have bilingual staff?)
"¿Ofrecen servicios de interpretación?" (Do you offer interpreter services?)

Penn Street Health Center on Penn Street in Reading serves primarily Latino patients with bilingual staff and providers who understand the community. Tower Health and Penn State Health both maintain lists of Spanish-speaking providers—ask when you call.

For specialists, you may need to travel to the Lehigh Valley or Philadelphia for providers who speak Spanish. Telehealth has expanded options—you can now see Spanish-speaking specialists throughout Pennsylvania via video.

Find doctors on BerksConnect.

Dentists | Dentistas

Many dental practices in Reading serve Spanish-speaking patients. Ask about bilingual staff when you call.

Kotula Dental
3011 Kutztown Rd, Reading — (610) 929-3070
⭐ 5.0 (21 reviews)
Known for a warm, welcoming atmosphere and advanced technology. Call to ask about Spanish-language availability.

Find dentists on BerksConnect.

Mental Health | Salud Mental

Finding a therapist who speaks Spanish is particularly important—mental health care relies on nuance, emotion, and cultural context that's hard to convey through interpretation.

The reality: Spanish-speaking mental health providers are in short supply everywhere, including Berks County. Wait times can be long.

Options:

Community mental health centers often have bilingual counselors
Telehealth expands your options—you can see Spanish-speaking therapists throughout PA
Ask specifically for Spanish-speaking providers when you call

Crisis resources that speak Spanish:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Spanish-speaking counselors available 24/7. Dial 988 and press 2 for Spanish.
PA 211: Dial 211 and request Spanish for community resources

Find counselors and therapists on BerksConnect.

Legal Services | Servicios Legales

Legal matters require absolute clarity. A misunderstanding in a legal context can have serious consequences. Work with attorneys who speak your language.

Immigration Attorneys | Abogados de Inmigración

For immigration matters, working with a Spanish-speaking attorney who understands the system is critical.

Cambria & Kline PC
532 Walnut St, Reading — (484) 926-2014
⭐ 4.6 (47 reviews)
Specializes in immigration law with bilingual support. Clients praise their deep knowledge and personalized care. Have helped clients achieve citizenship, asylum, and favorable outcomes in complex cases.

Kitay Law Offices
1258 Penn Ave, Wyomissing — (484) 271-0048
⭐ 4.9 (414 reviews)
While primarily a personal injury firm, they handle immigration matters and have Spanish-speaking staff. Excellent communication and compassionate client care.

Immigration services you may need:

Visa applications | Solicitudes de visa
Green card applications | Tarjetas de residencia
Citizenship applications | Solicitudes de ciudadanía
DACA renewals
Deportation defense | Defensa contra deportación
Family-based immigration | Inmigración familiar
Work permits | Permisos de trabajo

CUIDADO CON EL FRAUDE | Beware of Fraud:

This is critical: Only licensed attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives can legally provide immigration advice. Many people claiming to help with immigration are not qualified—and can destroy your case.

Watch out for:

Anyone calling themselves a "notario" who claims to provide legal services. In Latin America, "notario" is a legal profession. In the United States, it is not. This is a common scam.
Immigration "consultants" who aren't licensed attorneys
Anyone guaranteeing specific results
Anyone asking you to sign blank forms

Verify credentials: Check the PA Bar Association or ask for their attorney license number.

Find attorneys on BerksConnect.

Other Legal Needs

Spanish-speaking attorneys in Berks County handle:

Family law: Divorce, custody, child support, protection orders
Personal injury: Car accidents, workplace injuries
Workers' compensation: Workplace injuries and benefits
Criminal defense: If you're charged with a crime
Real estate: Home purchases, contracts

Financial Services | Servicios Financieros

Banking | Bancos

Many bank branches in Reading, particularly in predominantly Latino neighborhoods, have Spanish-speaking staff. Ask when you visit or call.

Services you may need:

Cuentas de cheques y ahorros | Checking and savings accounts
ITIN accounts (if you don't have a Social Security number)
Transferencias internacionales | International transfers
Préstamos | Loans

Tip: Credit unions like ESSA Bank and First Keystone often provide more personal service and may be more willing to work with ITIN holders.

Find banks on BerksConnect.

Tax Preparation | Preparación de Impuestos

Tax time is stressful enough without language barriers. Many tax preparers in Berks County serve Spanish-speaking clients.

Important:

If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), you still file taxes
You may qualify for tax credits like EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and Child Tax Credit
Keep records—receipts, W-2s, 1099s—even if you pay in cash for some work

During tax season (January-April): Many preparers who speak Spanish become available. Start looking in January to get appointments.

Find accountants and tax services on BerksConnect.

Insurance | Seguros

Understanding insurance policies is much easier in your native language. Don't guess about coverage—know what you're buying.

Types you may need:

Seguro de auto | Auto insurance (required by law in PA)
Seguro de hogar/inquilinos | Home or renters insurance
Seguro de vida | Life insurance
Seguro médico | Health insurance

Many independent insurance agents in Berks County speak Spanish. Ask when you call.

Find insurance agents on BerksConnect.

Restaurantes y Comida Latina | Latino Restaurants and Food

Reading has one of the best Latino food scenes in Pennsylvania. This isn't just "Mexican food"—you'll find cuisines from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Colombia, Cuba, and throughout Latin America. Here are some favorites:

Mexican | Mexicano

Comālli Taqueria
701 Court St, West Reading — (484) 869-2824
⭐ 4.7 (549 reviews)
Dynamic menu with flavorful tacos (try the El Brole), oversized burritos, and house-made aguas frescas. Warm, inviting atmosphere in West Reading.

Norte Sur Mexican Restaurant
2610 Kutztown Rd, Reading — (484) 869-2178
⭐ 4.6 (406 reviews)
Authentic Mexican cuisine with a diverse menu. Welcoming atmosphere.

La Abuela Mexican Restaurant
448 Penn Ave, West Reading — (484) 509-5778
⭐ 4.4 (488 reviews)
Fresh, flavorful Mexican food. Their birria tacos are standout. House-made drinks. Bilingual service.

Alebrije Mexican Restaurant
2224 State Hill Rd, Reading — (610) 373-5680
⭐ 4.3 (826 reviews)
Vibrant atmosphere with live music. Known for shrimp nachos.

Plaza Azteca
955 Woodland Rd, Wyomissing — (610) 898-1512
⭐ 4.5 (3,329 reviews)
The biggest, most popular Mexican restaurant in the area. Table-side guacamole. Generous portions. Great margaritas.

Taqueria El Carreton
817 Oley St, Reading — (610) 374-2420
⭐ 4.0 (1,443 reviews)
Authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting. A Reading institution.

Jalisco Supermarket
925 Green St, Reading — (610) 320-9040
⭐ 4.3 (278 reviews)
Grocery store with excellent tacos and tamales. Famous for their 10 for $10 taco deal. Real neighborhood spot.

Durango Food Market
1200 N 9th St, Reading — (610) 685-1196
⭐ 4.3 (273 reviews)
Mexican grocery with incredible tacos, breakfast burritos, and generous portions at affordable prices. Must try the avocado and spicy orange sauces.

Puerto Rican | Puertorriqueño

El Bohio Restaurant
309 N 5th St, Reading — (610) 372-1743
⭐ 4.5 (96 reviews)
Authentic Puerto Rican cuisine with flavorful pork and cheese pastelillos. Generous portions, bilingual service, excellent value.

Old San Juan Cafe
808 N 9th St, Reading — (610) 685-3081
⭐ 4.2 (864 reviews)
Puerto Rican classics like pernil with rice and beans. Friendly staff, quick service.

Mofongo Restaurant
124 S 5th St, Reading — (610) 743-4277
⭐ 4.4 (668 reviews)
Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine with island-inspired atmosphere. Their Sancocho soup and pork bites are standouts.

Dominican | Dominicano

4th & Penn St Restaurant
400 Penn St, Reading — (610) 478-4077
⭐ 4.2 (1,121 reviews)
Authentic Dominican cuisine known for generous portions. Roasted pork and tres leches cake are favorites. Great value.

Jetset Restaurant
118 S 9th St, Reading — (610) 396-1010
⭐ 4.0 (414 reviews)
Dominican cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Karaoke nights and live music. Also hosts community events.

Salvadoran | Salvadoreño

El Roble Salvadoran Restaurant
900 Schuylkill Ave, Reading — (484) 845-8054
⭐ 4.6 (293 reviews)
Authentic Salvadoran dishes—the pupusas are renowned, and the birria tacos are excellent. Bilingual staff. Weekend tamales sell out.

Colombian | Colombiano

Café de Colombia Restaurant and Bakery
645 Penn St Suite 106, Reading — (610) 301-2673
⭐ 4.5 (394 reviews)
Authentic Colombian food—empanadas, bandeja paisa, fresh fruit juices, and excellent coffee. Cozy atmosphere, generous portions, bilingual staff.

Cuban | Cubano

El Único Restaurant
1701 Kutztown Rd, Reading — (484) 755-5199
⭐ 4.2 (418 reviews)
Authentic Cuban cuisine with traditional flavors.

Bellas Sweets
1164 Perkiomen Ave, Reading — (484) 878-2110
⭐ 4.6 (90 reviews)
Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and their flan is famous. Warm service and generous portions.

Latin Fusion

Mi Casa Su Casa Cafe
320 Penn St, Reading — (610) 375-1161
⭐ 4.6 (371 reviews)
Latin American cuisine with standout Mangu and specialty coffees. Friendly service, generous portions. A Penn Street favorite.

Origen Latin Fusion
3998 Penn Ave, Sinking Spring — (610) 750-6255
⭐ 4.5 (84 reviews)
Unique Latin fusion dishes. Diverse culinary experience.

Latino Grocery Stores | Tiendas y Bodegas

La Union Mini Market
1004 Hampden Blvd, Reading — (610) 741-6742
⭐ 4.7 (27 reviews)
Authentic Mexican groceries and specialty items. Their fresh guacamole and homemade tamales are popular. Seasoned meats. Family-friendly atmosphere.

El Puerto Mexican Grocery
800 N 10th St, Reading — (610) 375-1456
⭐ 4.2 (95 reviews)
Diverse selection of authentic Mexican and Hispanic products. Fresh meats, Oaxaca cheese, prepared tacos. Family-run with convenient services.

El Primo Grocery And Deli
1356 Cotton St, Reading — (610) 406-5520
⭐ 4.7 (17 reviews)
Fresh produce and famous pastalillos in diverse flavors. Variety of products and convenient ATM.

Browse all restaurants on BerksConnect.

Other Services | Otros Servicios

Barbershops | Barberías

Reading has excellent Latino barbershops where you'll feel at home:

De los mio barbershop
702 Nicolls St, Reading — (610) 743-4680
⭐ 4.9 (57 reviews)
Family-friendly atmosphere with trusted barbers. Free parking and gaming amenities.

Los Amigos Barbershop
733 Washington St, Reading — (610) 607-4747
⭐ 4.9 (16 reviews)
Jesus is frequently noted as the best barber in town. Vibrant atmosphere, top-tier service.

El Pequeño Barbershop
603 N 10th St, Reading — (484) 794-9965
⭐ 4.8 (67 reviews)
Precise cuts, welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices. Gabriel and Julian are praised for exceptional service.

Divla Barbershop
835 Washington St, Reading — (787) 643-0586
⭐ 4.8 (25 reviews)
Skilled haircuts, shaves, and face massages. Smoke-free, professional environment.

Auto Services | Servicios de Auto

Many auto repair shops in Reading have Spanish-speaking mechanics:

Miguel Towing & Auto Repair LLC
601 N 3rd St, Reading — (484) 513-7694
⭐ 4.7 (67 reviews)
Reliable towing and auto repair. Miguel is praised for honesty, quick response, and expert mechanical skills.

Next Level Auto Repair
2300 Lancaster Pike, Reading — (484) 855-8584
⭐ 4.8 (28 reviews)
Professional automotive services, efficient tire repairs, affordable pricing. Warm, family-like atmosphere.

Find auto repair on BerksConnect.

Landscaping | Jardinería

Castillo's Landscaping
1109 Green St, Reading — (484) 926-5046
⭐ 5.0 (22 reviews)
Skilled landscaping and hardscaping. Attention to detail, responsive communication, competitive prices.

Find landscaping on BerksConnect.

Cleaning Services | Servicios de Limpieza

Villa Antonetti Cleaning
15 N 6th St Suite 300, Reading — (484) 721-6427
⭐ 4.9 (35 reviews)
Meticulous house cleaning with professional service. Nicole is known for reliable, attentive work.

Find cleaning services on BerksConnect.

Childcare | Cuidado de Niños

Crayola Kids Daycare
431 W Oley St, Reading — (610) 905-7222
⭐ 4.9 (55 reviews)
Family daycare with exceptional care and educational support. Vanessa and team provide real-time updates and nutritious meals.

Community Resources | Recursos Comunitarios

Latino Organizations | Organizaciones Latinas

Centro Hispano Daniel Torres

Address: 25 N 2nd St, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 685-1265
Website: centrohispano.org
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

The cornerstone organization serving the Latino community for over 55 years. Services include information and referrals, advocacy, translation/interpretation, senior services, and youth programs. Their Welcome Center at 201 Penn Street provides thousands of information sessions annually. If you don't know where to start, start here.

Si no sabe por dónde empezar, empiece aquí.

Berks County Latino Chamber of Commerce

Address: 237 Court St, Reading, PA 19601
Phone: (610) 616-5610
Website: berkslatinochamber.com

Supports Latino-owned businesses with resources, funding opportunities, training workshops, and networking events. If you own a business or want to start one, connect with them.

Churches | Iglesias

Many churches offer Spanish-language services:

Iglesia Pentecostal El Lugar de Refugio
834 Chestnut St, Reading — (484) 529-5771
⭐ 4.8 (25 reviews)
Welcoming atmosphere with impactful worship experiences.

St. Ignatius Loyola Church
2600 St Albans Dr, Reading — (610) 678-3767
⭐ 4.7 (80 reviews)
Catholic church with Spanish Mass offerings and active outreach programs.

Emergency Numbers | Números de Emergencia

Service	Number	Notes
Emergency	911	Say "Español" for interpreter
PA 211	211	Request Spanish for community resources
Crisis Hotline	988	Press 2 for Spanish
Poison Control	1-800-222-1222	Spanish available
Reading Hospital	(484) 628-8000	Interpreter services
St. Joseph Medical Center	610-378-2000	Interpreter services

How to Find Spanish-Speaking Services

Questions to Ask | Preguntas para Hacer

When calling any business:

"¿Tienen personal que habla español?" — Do you have Spanish-speaking staff?
"¿Hay alguien que pueda ayudarme en español?" — Is there someone who can help me in Spanish?
"¿Ofrecen servicios de interpretación?" — Do you offer interpreter services?
"¿El doctor/abogado habla español?" — Does the doctor/attorney speak Spanish?

Know Your Rights | Conozca Sus Derechos

Healthcare facilities must provide interpreters at no cost
Schools must communicate in your language
Courts must provide interpreters
You should never have to pay for language services in federally-funded programs

Find Services on BerksConnect

Browse providers and call to ask about Spanish-language availability:

Healthcare:

Legal:

Attorneys | Abogados

Financial:

Home Services:

Automotive:

Auto Repair | Reparación de Autos

Food:

Restaurants | Restaurantes

Una Nota Final | A Final Note

The Latino community isn't a side note in Berks County—it's the heart of Reading. The businesses, the culture, the food, the families—they've shaped this region for generations.

This guide is a starting point. As BerksConnect grows, we're working to make it easier to find Spanish-speaking service providers throughout our directory. If you know of businesses that should be included, or if you're a business owner who offers services in Spanish, list your business on BerksConnect.

La comunidad latina no es una nota al pie en el Condado de Berks—es el corazón de Reading. Esta guía es un punto de partida. Si conoce negocios que deberían incluirse, o si es dueño de un negocio que ofrece servicios en español, registre su negocio en BerksConnect.

Welcome | Bienvenidos.