Best Restaurants, Shops, and Things to Do in Swarthmore

Swarthmore is the quintessential college town, anchored by the prestigious Swarthmore College campus and centered around a charming, walkable downtown village on Dartmouth Avenue. With its leafy streets, historic homes, the world-renowned Scott Arboretum, and a carefully curated collection of restaurants and shops, Swarthmore offers a lifestyle that combines academic energy with small-town warmth. This guide explores the best places to eat, shop, and explore in this Delaware County gem.

Best Restaurants in Swarthmore

Swarthmore's restaurant scene is compact but impressive, with most dining options clustered on or near Dartmouth Avenue and Chester Road. The emphasis is on locally owned, chef-driven spots that serve the Swarthmore College community and area residents.

Dartmouth Avenue Dining

• Broad Table Tavern is widely regarded as Swarthmore's best restaurant. Located in the heart of the village, this warm and inviting gastropub serves an American seasonal menu with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The house-made pasta, roast chicken, and craft cocktail program are excellent. Their Sunday brunch draws crowds from across Delaware County.
• Aria Mediterranean Cuisine at 405 Dartmouth Avenue brings the flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean to Swarthmore. The menu features house-made hummus, lamb kebabs, falafel, shawarma plates, and wood-fired flatbreads. The cozy dining room and outdoor patio seating make it a neighborhood favorite.
• 320 Market Cafe is a Swarthmore institution. Part gourmet market, part cafe, this Dartmouth Avenue staple serves excellent coffee, breakfast sandwiches, salads, paninis, and house-baked pastries. It is the go-to spot for students, faculty, and residents alike for a quick bite or to stock up on specialty groceries, cheeses, and wines.

Chester Road and Park Avenue Favorites

• Antonia's Family Restaurant at 615 S Chester Road is a classic American-Greek family diner serving hearty breakfasts, omelets, burgers, and Greek specialties like souvlaki and gyros. The portions are generous and the prices are family-friendly.
• Swarthmore Pizza at 601 S Chester Road has been serving pies to Swarthmore families for decades. Their thin-crust pizza, cheesesteaks, and Italian hoagies are local staples for takeout and delivery.
• Bamboo Bistro at 333 Dartmouth Avenue offers Chinese and Japanese cuisine including sushi rolls, hibachi entrees, and classic takeout dishes in a casual setting.
• Vicky's Place on Dartmouth Avenue is a cozy American cafe serving sandwiches, salads, soups, and daily specials for lunch and early dinner.
• Luna's Mexican Grill serves authentic Mexican street food, tacos, burritos, and enchiladas in a casual, no-fuss environment on Dartmouth Avenue.
• Pastry Pants Bakery at 10 Park Avenue is a small-batch bakery specializing in artisanal cookies, cakes, and pastries. Their whoopie pies and brown butter chocolate chip cookies are legendary among Swarthmore residents.

Shopping in Swarthmore

Swarthmore's shopping is centered on the Dartmouth Avenue village district and focuses on specialty, convenience, and locally owned businesses rather than big-box retail.

Village Shops and Stores

• 320 Market Cafe doubles as Swarthmore's premier gourmet grocery, offering specialty cheeses, charcuterie, craft beers, wine, olive oils, and pantry staples alongside its cafe counter.
• The village also has a Rite Aid Pharmacy, Swarthmore Hardware, and several small independent shops offering gifts and personal services.
• Springfield Mall and Walmart Supercenter are a 10-minute drive north on Baltimore Pike for major retail needs.
• The Media State Street shopping district is just a 10-minute drive east. Read our Media shopping guide for more options including Three Potato Four, Bookish Notions, and Per Lei Boutique.

Things to Do in Swarthmore

Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College

Scott Arboretum is Swarthmore's crown jewel. Spanning the entire Swarthmore College campus, this 300+ acre arboretum is a living plant collection featuring over 5,000 species and cultivars, including spectacular magnolias, cherry trees, rhododendrons, and an acclaimed cactus and succulent collection in the greenhouse. Entry is completely free, and the arboretum is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. The magnolia collection in spring is one of the Philadelphia region's most stunning floral displays.

Crum Woods and Outdoor Recreation

The Crum Woods is a 220-acre forested natural area adjacent to the Swarthmore College campus, crisscrossed by hiking and running trails that follow the Crum Creek. The wooded trails connect to nearby Strath Haven and offer quiet nature walks where you can spot white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, and great blue herons. It is one of the largest remaining intact forest tracts in Delaware County.

Just north of Swarthmore, Ridley Creek State Park offers 2,606 acres of additional hiking, fishing, and picnicking opportunities.

Swarthmore College Events and Culture

Swarthmore College hosts a year-round schedule of public events including the Swarthmore Concert Series, theater productions at the Lang Performing Arts Center, art exhibitions at the List Gallery, and guest lectures. The college's Middletown Friends Meetinghouse (a National Historic Landmark) and the Victorian-era campus architecture are worth exploring on a self-guided walking tour.

Annual Community Events

• The Swarthmore Farmers Market operates Sunday mornings at the Swarthmore Co-op, featuring local produce, baked goods, and artisan products.
• Swarthmore Borough Day is an annual community celebration with live music, food vendors, children's activities, and local organizations showcasing their work.
• The Swarthmore Holiday Tree Lighting in the village brings the community together each December.
• Nearby Media's Dining Under the Stars and Linvilla Orchards seasonal events are just a short drive away.

Neighborhood Guide: Living in Swarthmore

Swarthmore is served by the highly rated Wallingford-Swarthmore School District (Strath Haven High School) and offers SEPTA regional rail service on the Media/Elwyn Line with a 27-minute ride to Philadelphia's Suburban Station. The village is extremely walkable, with most homes within a 15-minute walk of the train station, shops, and restaurants.

The real estate market in Swarthmore is characterized by historic Victorian homes, stone colonials, and Craftsman bungalows, many set on large, tree-filled lots. The strong sense of community, excellent schools, and easy commute to Philadelphia make Swarthmore one of Delaware County's most sought-after addresses. Explore our pros and cons guide for more details on Swarthmore living.

Frequently Asked Questions

Experience Swarthmore Living

With its world-class arboretum, cozy restaurants, excellent schools, and the intellectual energy of Swarthmore College, this Delaware County village offers a lifestyle that is both enriching and welcoming. Whether you are visiting for the day or considering a permanent move, Swarthmore's charms are undeniable.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Swarthmore? Contact John Smart at Smarty Home Solutions for expert guidance. With deep knowledge of Delaware County real estate, John can help you navigate the Swarthmore market. Call 215-598-6848 or schedule your consultation today.