( raved roadside retro: the jukebox café )

raved roadside retro: the jukebox café
by amy strauss

jukebox café—since 1995—has put chrome-trimmed, elvis photo-decked diners to shame. nestled on a bend of south reading avenue, the nostalgic, above-average café celebrates all-day-breakfast in a snappy setting specked with leather-lined turquoise booths, pink countertops, an old-fashioned bubble jukebox, and of course, pin-ups of marilyn monroe and james dean.

conceptualized by sandy l. and john e. hilbert, the area's 15-year-old go-to breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot has been a constant hustle since opening day, when the managing couple premiered their soda shop-inspired eatery to the boyertown crowds, mashing their love for coffeehouses with the simple structure of a retro diner.

the black-and-white checkerboard-floored space opens everyday, monday through saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., slinging original, luxe updates of fifties comfort food, while celebrating the best of the season peppered through various selections. for example, as fall is prime apple and pumpkin season, items like hot apple stuffed french toast, apple bread french toast, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin soup, and pumpkin pancakes currently line their regularly-updated menu of specials.

previous seasons also followed suit, including their attractive “peach mania” roundup as seen this past summer, that roundup, as seen this past summer with fresh slices pressed into sandwiches. 

family-run and friendly, jukebox café also encourages visitors to savor bites at their counter space, available in addition to their up-to-four sleek booths and tables, for an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink omelet or a piping bread bowl flooded with one of their homemade soups, available also in to-go quarts. with well-done mainstays served aside continuously-new varieties, like hungarian mushroom, tomato bisque, baked potato, italian wedding, and vegetarian chili, this nearby establishment swirls cordial soups on-par with grandma's best.

( all photographs by amy strauss )

considering they spout a moniker which marvels in the glory days of sock hops and triple-thick milkshakes, jukebox café also trots a classic assortment of burgers, fries, and meat and non-meat eater sandwiches, including melts and BLTs. proud to not pack any of their menu items with canned creations, the always-fresh ingredients are locally-sourced, including goods found next door at frecon farms.

better yet, if you have come to satisfy your sweet tooth, you may easily slip into a sugar coma. with this step back into the fifties, they bake all of their own perfectly-pinched pies, fruit-topped cheesecakes, traditional sticky buns, and multiple-flavored muffins.

jukebox café is no secret, as the lines for weekend brunch attest, and the service—manned by attentive, favorable females—leaves cozy diners dashing to squeeze more and more pop-ins into their wild work weeks.

jukebox café is cash-only, located at 535 south reading avenue in boyertown and can be reached by phone at 610.369.7272. operating hours are as follows: monday—saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. take-out is available, as well, during operating hours.

(freebie alert ! comment on this story to enter for a chance to win a slice of pie to go along with your next meal at jukebox café. please include your e-mail address in your comment. this contest ends sunday, october 24th. good luck !)