AroundCinci :: Dining at Voice of America in West Chester

West Chester is a large suburban area that just seems to be getting bigger. With that growth comes many dining establishments. It’s so big that we are breaking it up into smaller pieces for our readers when highlighting the dining choices of West Chester. We start by highlighting the Voice of America Shopping Centre.

A sprawling strip type mall at the intersection of Tylersville Road and Cox Lane, the Voice of America sits on land that once was home to the Voice of America Radio broadcast, which broadcast pro-democracy messages to the world from World War II all the way through to Desert Storm. Even though we may still need that, the radio center is gone and has been replaced by a shopping center that is just one slice in the West Chester dining pie.

In terms of full-service establishments, most of what can be found here are national chains. Two of theses national chains are worth noting because so far, they are the only ones in our area - CityQ Barbecue offering authentic smoked ribs and brisket, and Johnny Carrino’s serving up Italian in a fun setting. Most food groups are represented by the other national chains present: steak lovers have Longhorn Steakhouse, fish eaters can frequent Bonefish and a bit of everything is always available at Ruby Tuesday’s. Finally, keep your wallet and your stomach happy at CiCi’s pizza.

Those in search of sushi or hibachi style cooking will like SoHo Japanese Bistro. Watch the sushi chefs or the cleaver wielding hibachi masters in action. You can even cook your own food in the tatami room or regular service dining tables are available – wow, that’s a lot of options.

One slice in the West Chester dining pie

Bonefish Grill
West Chester
Started in St. Petersburg, Florida this national chain has grown rapidly to bring upscale fish dishes to the masses. Each fish dish (usually grilled on a wood fire) comes with a complementing sauce. Pork, chicken, steaks and pastas are available for the non-fish eater. “Bang bang shrimp” is a popular appetizer choice. Well appointed surroundings, yet an approachable menu, make this a good choice for a casual dinner with the family or a special evening out. Dinner only.

Chipotle
West Chester
The original concept of fast, fresh and delicious burritos made to order in front of you. Choose pork, chicken or shredded beef along with pinto or black beans, several choices of salsa, seasoned rice and lots of cheese and sour cream. Tacos and salads available also. You can even enjoy a Corona with your quick serve food. This location has an outdoor patio.

CiCi's Pizza
West Chester
Have hungry mouths to feed and not a lot of cash? Cici’s will fill you up at their pizza, salad, pasta and dessert buffet for $3.99 per person. Kids 3 and under eat for free. Made to order pizzas also available. No credit cards taken.

CityQ Barbecue
West Chester
Chain joint located in the Voice of America Centre in West Chester presenting some mean BBQ. Great pork ribs, smoked plain just add your sauce. Pulled pork, chicken, beef brisket and smoked turkey are other options. Interior is plain with wood paneling and picnic tables. Order and pick-up at the counter. Good sides add to the experience with corn pudding, cole slaw, baked beans, and mac and cheese. Try the peach cobbler for dessert.

Johnny Carino's
West Chester
Italian chain with an extensive menu offering the dinner option of going solo or larger platters to serve family style. Menu contains dishes that were inspired by the Italian countryside. Appetizers include italian nachos and bruschetta. Signature dishes are Johnny’s Skilletini – chicken, shrimp or sausage, is served sizzling in a skillet with pasta, peppers, onions, and marinara sauce. Lasagna is also a signature dish. Exhibition kitchen, kids menu, curbside-to-go, full bar and coffee options such as cappuccinos and espressos. $5.99 buys you unlimited soup, salad and bread.

LongHorn Steakhouse
West Chester
National chain steakhouse serving up grilled steaks, burgers and barbecued ribs. Wood planked floors and western memorabilia plus a large bar decorate the interior. Chicken and some seafood selections are also available. A casual and rambunctious atmosphere makes this a fun destination for the family.

Panera Bread - West Chester
West Chester
Panera is a fresh and innovative bakery and café popular with the lunch crowd both business and social. The bakery offers giant muffins, pastries, bread bowls, croissants, and a variety of bagels and flavored cream cheeses – try the cinnamon crunch flavor, yum! Café menu items include signature sandwiches, hot paninis, soups and salads. Each day of the week offers a different soup flavor such as baked potato or cream of chicken and wild rice. Sandwiches include Tuscan chicken on rosemary and onion focaccia, and asiago roast beef. Food is ordered at the counter and you bring it to your table in their modernly styled and cozy café area with a fireplace, wood booths and warm colored walls. This location offers free wireless high speed internet access.

Ruby Tuesday- West Chester
West Chester
A bar and grill themed national chain known for its signature salad bar, burgers and sandwiches. A casual atmosphere is decorated with warm colors, tiffany style lamps, polished brass and the standard artifacts on the walls. Most sections of the menu contain “Smart Eating” choices that are options for the health conscious diner – even the dessert section. A variety of steaks, chicken and pastas complete the entrée choices. Also offer curbside pick-up.

Soho Japanese Bistro
West Chester
Located in the Voice of America shopping center, offers hibachi cooking with vegetables, beef, chicken and seafood on state of the art hibachi grill tables. Sushi is also part of the menu as well as other Japanese specialties.

Alicia Lloyd is AroundCinci's restaurant writer, living in Anderson Township.