More importantly, the new menu reflects a dramatic change in the recent trend of rising prices, said tavern owner Andrew Abruzzese.
Jeff Werner, Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Apr 15, 2025 at 1:16 am ET
WRIGHTSTOWN, PA — The Pineville Tavern has released a new, affordable menu for the spring whipped by its executive chef, Matthew Levin, and chocked full of "fresh and exciting" dishes.
“In designing our new menu, our original intention was to remove some things that weren’t top sellers and add some items that would bring excitement and variety for our guests to enjoy,” said tavern owner Andrew Abruzzese. “As we began to analyze the menu, it struck me that it’s just too expensive for most families and those on fixed incomes to dine at The Pineville Tavern.”
Abruzzese said when he first purchased The Pineville 36 years ago, his intent was to create a dining experience with great food, served by really nice people, in a comfortable and well-designed atmosphere, at an affordable price.
“I remember thinking at the time, ‘Why isn’t there a place where a family of four can eat for under $50?’ With original dinner entrées starting at $6.75 each, we were well on our way to becoming one of the most popular and affordable restaurants in the Delaware Valley,” said Abruzzese.
Featured in Philadelphia Magazine as one of the top 50 bargain restaurants in the area, the Pineville began to build the reputation that diners have enjoyed for many, many years.
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“Of course, we have had to adapt to the ups and downs in our economy over the years, as I’m sure The Pineville Tavern has adapted over the last 200 years, but we’ve always managed to serve our guests, delicious and affordable food,” said Abruzzese.
A bowl of French Onion Soup. (Pineville Tavern)
And then came the pandemic, which brought skyrocketing food and labor costs. And that was just the beginning, said Abruzzese. Operating expenses, shipping fees, huge increases in insurance premiums, and many other fixed costs followed, he said, forcing the tavern to raise prices at least once a year for three years.
“With our original check average, including drinks, being under $10, our goal has always been to increase that as menu selections expanded. However now, we are feeling the same economic pressures that our customers feel,” said Abruzzese. “That’s why our new menu not only features fresh and exciting menu additions formulated by Chef Matthew Levin, we are dramatically lowering prices - making it affordable for young families and those of us on fixed incomes, who still want to dine out, but have to make ends meet with their personal finances.
“I really miss seeing the bright-eyed faces of children in their athletic uniforms, on the way to and from practice or games,” said Abruzzese. “Ladies, meeting their friends for lunch, sometimes two or three times a month, and young families enjoying the meals they look forward to every time they come dine with us. As my late friend and mentor, Joe Morrison, who owned several diners, once told me, 'The most expensive thing in your restaurant is an empty seat,' and we have lots of seats to fill,” said Abruzzese.
Pan-roasted Sea Bass. (Pineville Tavern)
“What stuck out the most to me, with regard to pricing was, 'Why does our famous, award-winning tavern burger with French fries need to cost $22?' Well, over the last two weeks we’ve been looking hard at how we can bring prices down, while maintaining our excellent quality. After a lot of hard work and creative thinking by our incredible chef and management team, our new menu reflects a dramatic change in the recent trend of rising prices. The same great Tavern burger, with fries is now $16.
“We have also added a selection of items from our pizza kitchen, including an incredibly delicious, individual pizza, with a choice of toppings starting at $9,” said Abruzzese. “We are very excited to offer a combination of delicious, affordable classics, mixed with the latest in new American cuisine, prepared by our world-class chef and his team. Perhaps now, our guests can, 'Have their cake and eat it too.'”
The Pineville Tavern is located at 1098 Durham Road in Pineville on the border between Wrightstown and Buckingham townships in Bucks County. Hours are Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For information or to make reservations, call 215-598-3890.
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