I wish the Front Street Fountain had existed when my sons were little. This retro ice cream parlour and restaurant, located at Front and Jackson Street, offers an excellent alternative for families looking for dinner and dessert.
Walking in the front door, the old-fashioned soda counter and stools beckoned me to sit and order a milkshake. Above the counter, a toy train ran along the rail and disappeared through the wall. I chose a table by the window with a view of the Media Library. After reviewing the lunch menu and ordering a sandwich, I took a walk through the other rooms to explore.
Two rooms feature giant chalk boards that keep kids entertained. Episodes of Sesame Street played on two flat screen monitors. On the Thursday I stopped in, kids were playing and drawing on the chalkboards, but it wasn’t too loud. One wall is decorated with the colorful crayon artwork created by Front Street Fountain fans.
I chatted with Michelle Hanway, who owns Front Street Fountain with her husband Patrick. The two met while both working for the Windrift Hotel in Avalon. Patrick is originally from Media, while Michelle grew up in Ocean City, New Jersey. When they had their daughter two years ago, they realized Media needed a kid friendly restaurant – and, Front Street Fountain was born. Now, Michelle and Patrick split the shifts. While one is at the restaurant, the other is usually home with their daughter.
Michelle said this location works well for Front Street Fountain. It’s set a few blocks away from the bustling State Street bar scene, yet close enough that couples will walk over after Dining Under The Stars. Families often stop in throughout the afternoon after taking their kids to the programs at the library.
When I mentioned to Michelle that although kids are running around and drawing on the chalkboard, it’s not too loud and the restaurant is comfortable for conversation, she laughs. “Today is not too busy. Last week, Nativity BVM had their last day of school and we were packed with kids celebrating. Not that we mind, we love it. But it was a busy afternoon!”
She also explained one of the popular conceptions is that Front Street Fountain only serves ice cream. “People sometimes come in, and we’ll ask if they are here for lunch. They didn’t know we serve lunch and dinner.” In fact, Front Street Fountain offers a rather large menu sure to please both kids and adults alike. Diners can chose from Appetizers, Salads, Wraps, Hot Dogs, Cheesesteaks, Burgers, Sandwiches, Grilled Cheese, and of course, ice cream.
I tried the chicken salad sandwich on wheat bread. Simple and fresh, with their own chicken salad recipe, onions, lettuce, tomato. I picked out a bag of chips up front and they promptly refilled my Arnie Palmer for me.
Several items on the menu have unique names, many named after members of the Hanway family. The Shelly Dog is macaroni and cheese on a hot dog and named after Michelle. There’s the Hermanator, their version of a BLT originally made by Patrick’s cousin Steve Herman. Big El’s Trio Salad, named after Patrick’s mother, features chicken, tuna and egg salad. The Little Ed, named after Pat’s brother, is a hearty burger topped with a fried egg, cheese and scrapple.
And now, let’s talk ice cream! I asked Michelle which dessert is most popular and she had to think for a moment. “The peanut butter overload is popular – it’s your choice of ice cream topped with homemade peanut butter sauce, hot fudge and Reese’s pieces.” It sounded awesome, but then she reconsidered, “also the Elvis milkshake. It’s a vanilla shake with peanut butter, bananas and bacon.”
Bacon?
“Bacon! There’s something about the saltiness of the bacon with the sweetness of the shake. It’s really popular and it was created by one of our customers!”
Front Street Fountain is located at 1 Front Street (corner of Front and Jackson Streets) in Media. Phone number is 610-565-4130. They are open Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography.
