Main Line's 2018 Award-Winning Restaurants And Bars

MAIN LINE, PA – The Main Line's food scene is no joke. Many of its restaurants and bars rival even Philly's best spots.

So let's take a look at which Main Line eateries were recognized, honored, and bestowed awards in 2018 as the year come to a close.

We've got highlights from the year below.

Most recently, Wayne's Autograph Brasserie was named among the coziest restaurants in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Magazine.

Here's what the magazine says about Autograph Brasserie:

Autograph's got stellar ambiance, with walls of iconic record covers, not one but nine chandeliers, and a mirrored ceiling. The space also boasts two fireplaces, one in its lounge and another in the luxe Club Room.

(We should say early on that some of these restaurants were in best of Philadelphia lists despite being out on the Main Line.)

Over in Ardmore, Tired Hands Brewing Company was recognized by the Daily Meal twice this year: once for having one of the best beers in the nation and again more recently for having Pennsylvania's best beer with its Alien Church brew.

Heading out on the western part of the Main Line, a cheesesteak spot was cited among the places to try before you die.

John's Pizza in Frazer was featured on Philly Mag's "30 Cheesesteaks To Eat Before You Die."

Here's what Philly Mag says about John's steaks:

It's got a huge dining room, a long counter, a vintage Pac-Man arcade cabinet in the corner, and signed pictures on the wall from Paul Anka, the Supersuckers, Kenny Rogers and Mr. Tony Danza. Know what they call that 'round these parts? Bona fides, man. This place has been around the block and back again, looks like it hasn't redecorated since 1981, and turns out a solid roster of 'steaks on crispy bread. The only option here is with onions or without, but if you need anything more than that, you're too bougie for John's anyway.

Teresa's Next Door in Wayne and Ardmore's The Ripplewood named among the 50 Best Bars in Philadelphia this year by Philly Mag.

Teresa's Next Door was listed in the magazine's "where the neighbors go" section.

Here's what the magazine has to say about the Teresa's:

Twenty-eight taps with interesting brews, a curated wine list (and shop!), lots of whiskeys, and tenders who know the difference between mixing with Schweppes and Fever-Tree — add it all up (it's a really comfortable place to drink, too) and you get a 2018 James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Bar Program. That Teresa's didn't win was a crime.

The Ripplewood was featured in the "cocktail bars" section.

Philly Mag says this of The Ripplewood.

The Rip's staff takes great pride in their cocktail craftsmanship. And thank God they do, because without them, Ardmore would still be thirsting for a place that can shake up a decent daiquiri, let alone a great one.

In addition to getting the Philly Mag shoutout, Teresa's was named a James Beard Award (the Oscars of the food world) semifinalist this year in the Outstanding Bar Program.

As for The Ripplewood, it also won two awards at the Philly Burger Brawl and was lauded by Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan.

At the Philly Burger Brawl, The Ripplewood earned top honors Cutthroat Cocktail and in the Judges' Choice Taco Takedown competitions. A cocktail made with Makers's Mark with carrot juice, ginger juice, lemon juice, rosemary tincture and rosemary sprig garnish was crafted just right for those in attendance to earn the honor; and the winning tacos feature braised veal tongue and beef cheek marmalade on a corn tortilla.

LaBan specifically mentioned the Ripple Burger in his glowing write-up of the Lancaster Avenue spot:

But even a side of Ripp fries could not upstage the juicy indulgence of Gottehrer's double-patty burger dream. I've admired this chef's burger passion since his days at Lansdale's Stove & Tap, where he began to develop his ode to the Big Mac. But he's upgraded his rendition here with even better ingredients: two quarter-pounders with extra fat content and dry-aged beefy oomph; melty Gouda; house-pickled onions (which add both crunch and tartness); a creamy "special sauce" with smoked tomatoes, capers and shallots; and a pain au lait bun that's soft without being too eggy. Most important, though, two thin pads of fried Lebanon bologna are slipped in between the patties and add a touch of smoky sweetness where, in other burgers, bacon might play a role. It's a signature touch that lends a local Dutch savor to this gusher of a burger beauty. And it's so juicy (provided you order it medium-rare), you'll need two hands to eat it, and most likely several napkins.

Lastly, Metro Philly named McCloskey's in Ardmore among the area's best Irish pubs.

Check out what the outlet said about the watering hole:

McCloskey's Tavern in Ardmore first opened its doors in 1934 and has been going strong ever since. On tap, they currently have Allagash White, Chimay Grand Reserve, Conshohocken Motherload Russian Imperial Stout, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Goose Island Sofie, Sterling Pig Shoat Pilsner, Stella Artois, Guinness and more. Their food menu includes homemade soups, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers and traditional pub favorites like Shepherd's Pie, Meatloaf and Fish and Chips.

Did we miss any honors, awards, or recognition of a local eatery in 2018? If so, let us know in the comments!

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