Boyertown is experiencing a rebirth in its quaint downtown, and it’s easy to say that the new “bright” light on the horizon is the charming Firefly Café. Owners Loriann Wade and Michael Martinez (a warm and dynamic husband-and-wife team) opened their doors less than a month ago and, based on the busy lunch crowd, they already have a winner on their hands.
With its beautiful hardwood floors (and ceilings) and exposed brick walls, Firefly Café exudes a warm and cozy ambience. One look at the menu and you may never want to leave. Cozy seating and delicious food are always the earmarks of a good restaurant for me.
Loriann grew up in Boyertown. After living in New York City for more than 20 years, she and Michael decided that it was time to come home to Berks County to raise their two-year-old son. Michael, who is the chef, loves to cook. Together, their motto is “we cook what we like to eat,” and if that’s the case, they are champions in the kitchen. Along with Brie, the front of the house employee, Firefly runs very smoothly and each patron is tended to with warmth and prompt service.
When you go, look for the extensive menu of breakfast and lunch items, all plant-based. You can easily exchange a breakfast item for something to chow down on at lunch. Firefly Café underscores the importance of locally sourcing food as much food as possible. Bagels are sourced from Loriann’s favorite NY-based bagel bakery, Best NY Bagels. You can start sipping on a cup of organic and fair-trade coffee from Souderton’s One Village Coffee. And if not locally sourced, they hunt for artisanal goods like nut-based cheeses from Miyoko’s Kitchen.
At Firefly Café, there are no freezers and no fryers. Everything is freshly made. The neat and tidy kitchen is a palette for creating sustainable, from-scratch dishes for patrons. Loriann and Michael served the foods to me as though I was a visiting guest at their home.
Their most popular menu item is a jackfruit “pulled pork” sandwich. If you’re new to jackfruit, it is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world and can weigh anywhere between 10–100 pounds. Its fruit pulp is meaty and can be used to create meat-like textures in any vegan dish. Michael served me a “pulled pork” sandwich that was piled on a beautiful roll and served with a fresh, mixed greens salad. Every bite of this sandwich was more delicious than the one before and, truthfully, the texture of it strongly resembled a barbecue sandwich. Vegan or not, this sandwich was just that delicious.
I arrived to the café after closing, and the place was still packed! Loriann added, “Sometimes it is so crowded that we literally have a line out the door.”
Every small town needs a community hub, and it was clear to me that the newly opened Firefly Café is, in fact, just that spot. Whether you go for a cup of coffee and a bagel or a delicious plant-based lasagna, you won’t want to leave. I suggest the front window table, where you can watch life pass by on Reading Avenue.
When You Go
- Leaving from King of Prussia, it is less than a 40-minute drive.
- Parking is on the street, so be sure to take change—or look for a parking lot.
- Firefly also has a smoothie and juice menu; ask for the “Daily Special.”
- Take some extra money to peruse the array of locally created art and jewelry for sale at Firefly.
- While most dishes are vegan, a few are vegetarian. The menu is clearly defined.
- Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Find Firefly Café at 12 N. Reading Ave. in Boyertown; phone: (484) 415-5506.
- Photos: Char Nolan
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