WEST READING, Pa. – During a time devoted to love, a restaurant in West Reading that’s been serving up romantic meals for generations shines brightest.
Tablecloths, soft lighting, handwritten reservations, and a warm family welcome: Some things never change at Mom Chaffe’s Cellarette.
“I’ve been here for 47 years. The restaurant itself has been here for 90,” said owner John Lehman.
Since 1936, Mom Chaffe’s has been a romantic destination for lovers.
Lehman says Valentine’s is not just a day.
“It’s almost like a little bit of a Valentine season,” he said.
And this year, it’s on a Saturday.
“We’re not normally open on a Sunday, but because it was on a Saturday night, we decided we’d be open on Sunday as well,” Lehman said.
If you want to score your seat at Mom Chaffe’s on Valentine’s Day, you need to plan ahead.
“The very popular times at the restaurant —5, 5:30, 6, 6:30 — basically are gone by New Year’s Eve,” Lehman said.
Those who don’t make reservations in advance are usually out of luck.
“Without exaggeration, I’d say more than a thousand have been refused,” Lehman said.
This staple in Berks County is serving hundreds, struck by cupid each night.
“It’s warm, it’s cozy, it’s good for couples,” Lehman said. “It’s like a date night sort of place.”
The restaurant does its part to prepare for the busy occasion.
“My chefs are really pretty, pretty proficient at that,” Lehman said. “They really know what to do…”
The goal is for everyone to leave with full stomachs and smiles on their faces.
“It makes me feel really good that they’ve chosen us,” Lehman said.