Bartender was accommodating and very friendly, cocktails were delicious, love there was snacks on the bar. Service for dinner was excellent and food was very good. Chocolate cake is AMAZING!! read more

Great homemade food extremely reasonably priced. Nice service stuff. Ambiance comfortable.

We started going here a few years ago and we love the whole place.The staff is friendly and Jeffrey the bartender is awesome.Yes some of the clientele is older but so what? We never had any issues with the food,it is consistent and price fairly well.The decor is what makes the place comfortable.Why be like everyone else? read more

Dinner at Schmeck's Villa tonight was our first time and it was a pleasant surprise. My wife and I have been looking for a decent restaurant alternative in the Exeter Township area, an area noted for it's limited dining options. Schmeck's pretty much fills the bill! Pros: 1 - The food is really good. I recommend the blackened salmon with sauteed ed onions and capers. Though my serving was just a little dry, it was flavorful and the portion was generous. 2 - Good variation on the menu. Though slanted toward an Italian style, it's not all pasta and red sauce. Plan on a nice selection of seafood, steaks and surf and turf combinations. 3 - The staff were helpful. My wife had some questions and she got prompt and informative answers about menu items. 4 - Unlike many "contemporary" dining options in the area, Schmeck's Villa is quiet and cozy enough to have a conversation across the table, or as we observed among some of the apparent regulars, from table to table. 5 - Real cloth napkins and table cloths! 6 - Very reasonable pricing. 7 - Though we didn't take advantage of the fact, they have a full bar and it appears wine is available by the glass with meals. 8 - Ample parking. Cons: 1 - The interior could use a bit of an update. Everything seems a little aged and worn. Thought not in desperate need of a "Restaurant Rescue", new carpeting and a coat of paint would go a long way. Matching chairs would help, too. It's always the little details that make the difference between good and great! Neither a plus nor a minus, the regulars tend to be a little on the older side. Patronage may be different later in the evening. We plan on returning. There were quite a few things on the menu that we're looking forward to sampling, shrimp fra diavolo among them! More than a 4, just not quite a 5. read more

Schmeck's Villa - a dining room with tables and chairs - Restaurants Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

My best friend lives in the area of Schmeck's and comes here often. I've been here a few times and today it was cause for celebration of my friend's wife's birthday. Compared to the other times I've been here, although this was a special where the restaurant opened early just for this party, the food is good and service great. Schmeck's is dated inside and has been around for a long time with plenty of senior citizen regulars that come for a good meal and conversation. The very friendly staff have been around a long time and you'll very much get to know them on a first name basis just as they will you if you come often enough. For the party of forty or so people, two waitresses handled everything with ease and also poured the drinks for the open bar. The pours are very healthy and I know are reasonably priced. It's also a full bar, not just wine and beer. They have Pepsi products (booo). My veal Parmesan was nice and thin, well breaded and fried, with the right amount of tasty sauce and cheese. The excellent lobster bisque was buttery and creamy. A side salad was nothing much but it was fresh. The chocolate peanut butter pie I could have done without. My wife's two crab cakes had little filling and lots of crab. Her coconut cream pie also could have been dropped out. Schmeck's is a place for regulars who know the place well and have been coming for years. New customers will like it, too, but don't expect super fancy here. The food is really good, and service is super. I'm not sure what else is in the area, but I believe you'll enjoy Schmeck's. read more

See all

I remember coming here as a child with my family many times. It was my Uncle's favorite place and he would come here almost every Sunday and every Wednesday night. It is not easy to find a truly good crab imperial served inland, however I remembered the crab imperial from Schmeck's Villa as a kid. It is THAT good!  I was surprised and incredibly happy to find they still serve this delicious dish.  Amazingly the quality is just as good as I remember and they have another hard to find favorite of mine which is escargot, and it is served correctly.  Everything on the menu that family and friends have ordered is high quality as well. The desserts are incredible!  I especially love the creme brulee. We will be back again and again.  Some of the servers even remember my uncle! It is  not often you can find a place that has stayed in business this long and maintains the same high quality food and service.  I'm grateful to remember and find this restaurant again after so many years. Everything is fresh, the chefs are truly talented and the servers are professional as well as friendly.  The atmosphere is for sure vintage however I appreciate that and it is a clean place.  Sometimes the bar gets busy however if you are waiting on paying your bill (as I have seen mentioned in a few reviews) just go pay at the bar, the bartender always makes time for this and it is easy to do instead of waiting on a server on a busy night. read more

See all

Our first visit to Schmeck's was about 4 years ago. We were somewhat charmed by the throwback quirkiness of the elephant decor and the mid century American classics on the menu. The table service is brusque, with hard working servers ramming metal carts to and fro, added to the quirky ambiance. The food quality was average but priced reasonably for what it was, and so we returned with lowered expectations. Over several visits, we have seen the food quality gradually decline. The fried menu items became a "go to" for us, as Schmeck's consistently failed to cook fish or meat to the desired temperature. On our last and final visits, they served up oysters and chicken fingers fried to an off-putting dark brown, dried out. A neighboring diner commiserated, sharing her disappointment with the fried oysters which were not plump and juicy, as they used to be. We took a chance on Oysters Rockefeller which bore very little resemblance to the classic dish, and was completely unappealing, with scorched spinach on top. In short, Schmeck's no longer delivers acceptable dining quality or value. The amusing bartender is excellent, so it might be with the trip, for cocktails at the bar. read more

Ok let me start with Service service was excellent. I forget our servers name but really sweet. The food not so much I order flounder stuff with crab, I took 2 bites and after the 3rd I couldn't swallow it. It tasted a bit funky and smelled. My husband ordered a New York strip steak he wanted it medium rare it was well done. It was OK mashed potatoes were good. The Ambiance a lot of older people go there, but honestly, I think this place could be a hit. I think it was just a miss on the food that day and that happens with all restaurants. read more

The service was excellent the staff very nice but the food just doesn't cut it. Salad wasn't the freshest veggies weren't fresh looking my steak was medium well I wanted medium rare. Ambience was dated. Food prices were very reasonable though. read more

This is the second time we have been there. Leaves a lot to be desired. I had the shrimp. It was about 10 really small shrimp that looked like they came from a frozen ring of shrimp that you can get at holiday time. My partner had a burger. Said it was ok. Not in a hurry to try them again. However the waitress was very nice and accommodating. read more

I really enjoyed my email here. Great pasta sauce. Great prime rib. Excellent brussel sprouts for not being fried. Great pie. Lots of quality ppl here dining I will be back and the prices are low. read more

Nice atmosphere, good service,great food and selection, not overpriced, sizable portion.

Come here every other week with my husbands family. They are always super nice and accommodating ( my grandfather in law is not always the nicest, well know at schmecks though). The food is always fantastic and I love their specials. Not only is the food tasty and service great, but it is way more affordable than other options in the area! See you next week! read more

Our first visit ! I read about this place online and have been passing it for years. First I'll say it is a tad dated but not in a bad way. The atmosphere is nice and quiet so you can hear yourself speak. Comfy chairs, linen tablecloths and napkins. Nothing fancy but clean and neat. Very friendly and attentive waitress which is a huge plus for me. Unfortunately we were seated by the hostess at a table by the bussing station and ladies room. That's never a good option and frankly the place was completely empty so it's not like it was a necessary evil. The food - shrimp cocktail for me The shrimp was fairly tasteless as if it had been soaking in water and the cocktail sauce was bland. The salad was a salad, basic but with a nice big chunk of a delicious tomato which I really liked. The bread was hot and crusty but the butter was hard. I had cheese ravioli with meatballs and it was simply scrumptious. I'm very picky about meatballs but these were really delish ! The ravioli was light and had a great cheese filling with wonderful homemade sauce. Really pleased ! Pumpkin pie for dessert was yummy. Oh and the bartender has a good hand with the pours so no worries there. All in all a good experience that could have been better, but we will probably go back. Don't seat people by the lavatories ! read more

Great service. Bartender know what he is doing and is quick on refills. Love the ambiance.

As a new resident of the area, I have to admit I was put off by an Italian restaurant named Schmeck's. But I won a gift certificate at the Carsonia Beer Event and decided it was time to stop driving past. We were warmly greeted upon entry, possibly by the owner/manager and promptly seated in the dining area. That particular Wednesday they had Prime Rib at an unbelievably attractive price. Perfectly prepared and delicious. Excellent tableside service throughout and there were enough servers to properly staff the room. Nothing skimpy about the cocktails, filled to the brim (a rarity these days). I am a convert. Prices were certainly reasonably and all the food delicious. We have a new, friendly neighborhood restaurant. Next time I'll post photos. read more

Nice place food was good . Nice bar very friendly bartender . Menu was nice plenty of selections. I would recommend at least to try it out.

Our family had a birthday / gender reveal dinner here and we couldn't have been happier with the service and food! The manager was nice enough to open the doors about 15 min. early so we could throw a little confetti on our tables and set up a couple of small balloons. Our waitress Kim was outstanding! She was so friendly and made sure we were all taken care of. Not only was she just on point with everything, she was FAST! She was considerate and let us take all of the photos we wanted and once we cut the first slice of our gender reveal cake, she sliced the rest and served everyone so quickly. I would definitely come back and highly recommend Schmeck's Villa. And... it's a boy!!! read more

Greetings yelpers! Susan Q with another yelping review. Today I want to talk about Schmecks. After a hard day of work my husband loves to relax and go to Schmecks because they have great food and padded chairs with wheels. And a bar. Our favorite special is the "Tour of Poland" which consists of golumpki, pierogies, halushki, and polish sausage(just like my mom used to make)! Try it you won't be disappointed. read more

This is a very nice place it's been around for a long time so I hear the food was very good the waitress was very nice .nice Decour . It has a bar room area several different kinds of beers on tap .a little on the classy side but a very nice place prices are very reasonable. read more

This is our favorite restaurant and has been since we started going here in the 80's. The food is consistently good, the dining area is relaxing, the service is always friendly, and prices are reasonable. We are already looking forward to our next visit. read more

Last time I was there I was about in my late 60's.I felt I was in a nursing home's dining room.Not that I mind old folks like me,but so many walkers,wheel chairs.....Waitress was old and rude.Paid for our drinks and left.That was about 10 yrs ago read more

We do Schmecks pretty often, the place is usually consistent and good quality for the price. Unfortunately, our meals last night (Tues 3/17) were not what i would expect. Salads had old brown lettuce, my entree was both lukewarm and scalding (i think that indicates microwaving???), I was brought the wrong beer and my wife didn't feel very well after dinner (could be a coincidence??) Anyway, we've had much better at Schmecks, so I'm hoping that Tuesday nights are not the best nights to attend. I'll do an update later. read more

This is a local institution. Many of your friends and neighbors are here enjoying a meal or beverage at the bar. I have become a bit of a regular on Tuesday nights after tennis. The service has always been friendly and I enjoy trying various dinner specials. The wedding soup and ham and bean soup are a couple of my favorites here. Overall, a good value for dinner with friends. read more

Hi, My wife and I went to Schemcks on our anniversary, in Aug. The neighbors said everything was good and reasonably priced. Everything we had was excellent, Scallops/linguine, Mahi Mahi, green beans n almonds & calamari w/ marinara. Chris G. read more

Not what it used to be when Ritchie was owner. Service was mediocre and the food was less than mediocre. The mahi mahi was served with too much sauce and was swimming in the sauce. All in all OK...... will go back one more time but if it is not better. Will cross it off of my list. read more

4 of us had dinner At Schmeck's last evening and all 4 dinners were great! Can't beat the selection, prices and quality of the food. This is my favorite restaurant in the area for years. don't miss sitting at the bar - the conversation is always engaging and the bar tender Jeffrey is "spiffy" and makes a great drink. read more

Great food, wonderful homemade desserts, great prices. Just decor a little dated. Specials not always on menu that are posted as you come in. Either take a Picture with phone or try to remember. read more

Me, my Uncle, and Great Uncle are staying in Reading, PA. My Great Uncle Bill been here a few times. He told us that we must to this resturant. It took us about 25 mins to drive there from the hotel. When you see the resturant, is not a amazing building our anything like that. When you go in they have a nice bar and they only have tables in the dinning room. The owner of the resturant used to be the cook at this place. When the past owner wanted to sell the place, he had decided he wanted for himself. The waitress name was Kim. So was very good, you ask her question about the menu see told you what was good and what was not. This is really an hidden treasure. read more

Schmeck's Villa - Great place to eat - Restaurants Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Once again a great meal good drinks good service can't beat this place. Good prices food fine to perfection drink prices and quality

Schmecks is a very good causal Italian restaurant. The service is always outstanding as is the food. The chicken florentine is my favorite. Everything is fresh and delicious. I higly recommend this berks county land mark read more

The chicken Florentine used to be amazing today it was not even edible today. I Am so sad we used to love this place and this was my favorite meal. read more

My wife and I decided to take a ride out to Schmeck's Villa,outside of Reading.From our home it's about a 30 mile ride, but worth the time and distance.This restaurant has something for everyone ,a varied menu,along with supplemental daily specials.Every time we visit,the friendly staff welcome us as if we were old friends. One of the reasons we enjoy going to Schmeck's , is to take in an NFL game .Unlike a loud and rowdy sports bar, the atmosphere is more subdued,yet they put TV volume at a reasonable level .The food is very good and plentiful ,and the young lady who tended bar made my drink the way I would at home .Our waitress was helpful on our menu selections ,and delivered our food in a timely manner.Once again we came away very satisfied . read more

Schmeck's Villa - Taken in the Burgundy Region of France. - Restaurants Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

Been going there for many years, but last visit was very disappointing.. The strip steak was tough, baked potato and eggplant were over microwaved, very disappointed. Giving the place a rest sad to say. Richie needs to come back. read more

A staple of our family for years. This is fine dining for the blue-haired crowd and me. Families have been coming here on a regular basis for a long time. It is a high-class diner with a bar. Unfortunately as I write this review that was the first time I had a horrible meal. Rare blackened means quickly seared on both sides not dry in the middle. Additionally never order the oysters they are served warm and are totally unacceptable. noting this one-time experience don't let it diminish you what a wonderful place this is that you could eat on a regular basis for a reasonable amount of money in a nice atmosphere. Food is reasonable and well done. read more

Friends were going there so we went there for our first time. We usually eat earlier than 5 p.m., which is their opening time. Waiter was on top of things and honest. We were there for their special- oyster pie. Our friends told us hey serve a relish tray. What? It's not relish sauces, but sliced carrots, radish, celery, and small banana peppers. To me- letdown. Plenty of butter for the small bread offering. Sliced small loaf? Cup of soup du jour or nice salad was included. My choice- spinach w/ dressing. Then the pie entree. Which if you had eaten at Virginville Hotel, before they closed, did not compare. My partner said her's had 4-5 oysters. I was shorted with 3. One of which, half was hard as eating a hard German cookie. Price- $16.5. Coffee and water tasteful. Sodas? Our friend had open roast beef on bread w/ french fries. ~$10. Not a big sandwich. About a soup cup of fries. She was happy with the meal. My take on this visit is- if you don't have a big appetite, spend a little more for it, don't want a salad bar, this place may be for you. I prefer well lit dining and a setting where the bus people don't flip the table cloth to serve the next people. Okay, sans table cloth. We won't hurry back. read more

The peanut butter pie was to die for. Great service. Very friendly. We will definitely be going back with the kids.

Had a business meeting last night there. The reception was warm, inviting and professional. While the place was packed, the our table conversation was not overshadowed by background noise. Very pleasant. The service was everything that you would expect from a very nice restaurant with the warmth of a local establishment. The food was served well timed and at a good temperature. The quality was better than expected for the price. Everyone in our party really enjoyed the meal. Great taste. After dinner we migrated to the bar. The entire bar seemed to know each other and was happy to include all in the conversation. Very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Definitely a favorite of Berks County. All for an unbelievable value. I highly recommend this place for a date night or a nice family dinner. read more

Another local place I've always wanted to try, but haven't until tonight. It's known to have an older crowd, and it does. Decor is a mix of styles, but what stood out like a sore thumb were the wheeled chairs. Instantly thought 1978. But that's not really important. We were seated right away, and our waitress was at the table shortly after. They have a small wine list, as well as a small selection of beer. Specials were very reasonably priced ($15.95 for crab stuffed lobster tail), as were most of the regular menu items. We did have to wait a little longer than expected for our food to arrive, but it was worth the wait. The scallops I ordered were cooked perfectly. My wife ordered the crab stuffed lobster tail, and it was larger than what we expected for the price. I would have expected my daughter to get more than 9 steamed shrimp for the price, though. My son said his burger was dry, but he gets it well done with nothing on it but cheese, so take that for what it's worth. Overall a nice experience, and we will probably return. read more

Ate here Friday night. It was busy! I had a delicious shrimp cocktail with large, fresh, cold shrimp. Chose the chicken florentine as my entree. It was very good, perfect creamy blend of spinach and some golden brown, buttery bread crumbs. I don't recommend the chopped sirloin my husband ordered, as it was only a thick hamburger with no seasoning at all except for some gravy and mushrooms. He ordered it medium rare and the blood had pooled around the edge of the plate, bordering the brown gravy. It was cooked fine, and was not that rare, so not sure why so much bloody juice was on the plate. Rather unappetizing...but our dogs loved it. The broccoli could have been cooked a minute more and we did not request cheese on it but it came with orange cheese. I will request it without next time. The long island iced teas were small but delicious ($7). Our waitress, Kim?, was more than awesome and remembered us from the first time we dined there. Again, our salads were great, bread was hot and fresh, mashed potatoes were good, and the peanut butter pie was decadent! I am sure we will be back. Prime rib night is Friday and Saturday. read more