Slim Pickens Cafe

My boss and I had just finished a job installing a copper roof on the Bernville Veterinarian clinic. We were tired, ached, and had worked up a ravenous appetite! We remembered a small restaurant we had tried last Fall in West Reading and headed to 400 Penn Avenue.



The former owners were no longer in business, but Justin Violette, the new owner, welcomed us like we were old friends.



His Cafe' is small, but nicely appointed. There are no tables as yet, so we were faced with the choice of take-out or stools at the counter. We chose the latter, directly facing Justin as he expertly and quickly prepared our meals.



When asked how he started his Cafe', Justin said he was disappointed with a sandwich he bought when he first arrived in the Reading area. He opened it, turned to show his wife and asked, "What did I just buy? It's nothing but a couple pieces of meat and cheese. It's mostly bread!"



From that day, Justin began looking for an opportunity to show Reading what they were missing.



Armed with awards for his unique culinary talents and his passion for creating flavorful dishes, Justin opened up his Cafe' in March of 2015... three weeks prior to our arrival.



My boss decided to try the "Point Break Tacos" stuffed with Johnny Utah Shrimp and nicely appointed with Justin's pineapple salsa, while I ordered two "Blazin' Saddle Tacos" in which laid the choicest, most tender, marinated Brisket I have ever had! (Justin told me what was in my salsa, but frankly, I was enjoying myself too much to remember what he said!)



Suffice it to say, they were delicious!



The prices were a little higher than you would expect for a small sidewalk Cafe' in West Reading, but we didn't expect the culinary masterpieces with which Justin rewarded our patronage.



We consider Slim Pickens Cafe' to be West Reading's best kept secret. When you go, be prepared to have your taste buds indulged.



And tell him Tony and Tim will be back for more!