Discover The Small-Town Pennsylvania Restaurant Serving Steaks Worth Traveling For
Some towns know how to turn dinner into a whole evening, and New Hope has that walkable, twinkly kind of energy that makes you want to linger.
Oldestone Steakhouse in Pennsylvania fits right into that mood, sitting on South Main Street like an invitation to make a night of it.
Step inside and the vibe shifts fast, warm lighting, polished comfort, and that unmistakable steakhouse aroma that says something good is happening back there.
A great steak place is not just about the cut, it is about the anticipation. The sizzle, the first slice, the moment you realize you chose correctly.
Oldestone leans into that classic, special-occasion feeling while still keeping the atmosphere relaxed enough to feel like a local favorite.
Outside, New Hope stays charming and lively, which makes the whole experience feel like dinner plus a little mini getaway.
Here is the personal truth, when a menu promises a steak worth traveling for, my calendar suddenly becomes very flexible.
Add in the small-town stroll factor, and it feels like the kind of plan you look forward to all week.
A Former Church Turned Fine Dining Destination
Walking into Oldestone Steakhouse feels like stepping into a different era. This isn’t your typical restaurant conversion story.
The building served as a church for decades before becoming one of the most stunning dining spaces in Pennsylvania.
High vaulted ceilings stretch overhead while original stained glass windows cast colorful light across the dining room.
Located at 15 S Main St in New Hope, PA 18938, the upstairs main dining area showcases the building’s sacred past with breathtaking elegance.
A massive mural rises near the altar in the main sanctuary, creating a focal point that diners can’t help but admire.
The downstairs bar area maintains a more intimate vibe with polished wood and cozy seating.
Preserving architectural details while creating a modern steakhouse atmosphere takes serious skill, and Oldestone nails it.
Every corner tells a story of thoughtful restoration. The space manages to feel both reverent and celebratory at once.
Steaks That Justify The Three Dollar Signs
Oldestone earns its reputation as a serious steakhouse with every cut that leaves the kitchen. The menu features classic options like filet mignon, New York strip, and porterhouse for two.
Guests rave about the perfectly seared exteriors that give way to juicy, tender centers cooked exactly to order. Medium rare arrives blushing pink, not overcooked or underwhelming.
What sets these steaks apart is the quality of the beef itself. The restaurant sources premium cuts that showcase rich marbling and deep flavor.
Several sauces and add-ons pair with each steak, letting diners customize with options like a blue cheese crust or garlic butter. Sides are ordered separately, which is standard for steakhouses.
Popular choices include creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and sautéed spinach that melts in your mouth. The 20-ounce cuts are generous enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Pricing reflects the fine dining experience, but regulars insist it’s worth every penny.
Crab Cakes That Rival The Steaks
Not everyone wants red meat, and Oldestone understands that beautifully. Their crab cakes have developed a cult following among regulars who return specifically for them.
These aren’t your typical filler-heavy patties. Each cake arrives loaded with sweet, succulent crab meat held together with just enough binding to keep its shape.
The golden-brown exterior provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender interior. Seasoning is subtle, letting the quality of the crab shine through without overwhelming it.
Multiple reviewers have mentioned choosing the crab cakes over steak, which says volumes at a steakhouse. They’re substantial enough to serve as a main course, not just an appetizer.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just treating yourself to a nice meal, these crab cakes deliver. The kitchen clearly takes as much pride in their seafood as they do in their beef.
Paired with creamed spinach, they create a meal worth remembering.
Service That Makes Special Occasions Truly Special
Anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrations get the VIP treatment at Oldestone without guests having to ask for extras.
Mention your special occasion when making a reservation, and the staff delivers thoughtful touches throughout your meal.
Extra table details greet anniversary couples. A complimentary toast can appear for milestone celebrations during dinner.
Servers earn consistent praise for being attentive without hovering, and they know when to check in and when to give diners space to enjoy their conversation. Care stays steady even during busy seatings, too.
The team approach means multiple staff members contribute to your experience, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Knowledgeable servers offer excellent menu suggestions, explaining preparation methods and flavor profiles with genuine enthusiasm.
Even during busy Christmas dinner service, staff maintains professionalism and warmth. They understand that working holidays means creating memories for families who chose to dine out.
One couple noted feeling absolutely doted on, which captures the Oldestone service philosophy perfectly.
Brussels Sprouts That Convert Vegetable Skeptics
Side dishes at steakhouses often play second fiddle, but Oldestone’s Brussels sprouts demand center stage.
Guests specifically recommend ordering them, using words like “heavenly” to describe the experience.
Bacon pieces scattered throughout add smoky richness that complements the slight bitterness of the sprouts. A glaze, possibly fig jam or balsamic reduction, coats each piece with sweet and tangy notes.
The cooking technique achieves that perfect balance where the sprouts are tender but not mushy, with some caramelized edges for textural contrast.
Even people who typically avoid vegetables find themselves reaching for seconds.
These sprouts work equally well as an appetizer to share or as a side dish for your main course. The portion size is generous without being overwhelming.
Pairing them with a perfectly cooked steak creates a meal that feels balanced and satisfying. The kitchen clearly puts as much thought into vegetable preparation as they do into their protein options.
It’s comfort food elevated to fine dining status.
A Stunning Mural Where The Altar Once Stood
Art lovers dining at Oldestone get an unexpected bonus with the massive mural dominating the main dining room. This isn’t generic restaurant decoration; it’s a genuine conversation piece.
The artwork rises near the church altar in the main room, creating a dramatic focal point visible from every table.
Its scale and detail reward close inspection, but you’ll want to admire it without staring too obviously at other diners.
The mural’s style blends vintage art deco elements with romantic imagery, complementing rather than competing with the architectural features. Some tables face it directly, offering the best views in the house.
Guests frequently mention the mural in reviews, indicating it leaves a lasting impression. Combined with the stained glass windows and soaring ceilings, it creates an atmosphere unlike any other restaurant in the region.
Photography enthusiasts will want to capture the space, though remember to be respectful of other diners. The artistic touches throughout Oldestone show a commitment to creating a complete sensory experience.
Operating Hours That Accommodate Weekend Warriors
Planning your visit to Oldestone requires checking their schedule since hours vary by level. The main dining room opens at 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday, making it a dinner destination on those nights.
Weekends offer more flexibility with lunch in the lounge from noon to 4 PM Friday through Sunday, plus dinner service, with later hours Friday and Saturday and earlier Sundays.
Located at 15 S Main St, New Hope, PA 18938, the restaurant sits in the heart of a charming small town worth exploring. Parking can be challenging, especially during peak hours and tourist season.
Some guests report paying for nearby lot parking and walking about ten minutes to reach the restaurant. Street parking fills up quickly on weekend evenings.
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for Friday and Saturday nights when the dining room packs out. The restaurant’s popularity means walk-ins often face long waits or may not get seated at all.
Calling ahead at 215-862-7044 saves disappointment and ensures your table is ready when you arrive.
Appetizers That Set The Tone For Excellence
Starting your meal right matters, and Oldestone offers several appetizers that have earned devoted fans.
The Caesar salad receives particular praise, with one reviewer calling it one of the best things they ate during their entire visit.
Wedge salads also make frequent appearances in positive reviews, delivering that classic steakhouse starter with crisp iceberg, bacon, and creamy dressing.
The bacon appetizer is substantial enough to share, offering a rich, savory start to your meal.
Shrimp dishes appear throughout the menu, including a shrimp Mornay that arrives incredibly hot and delicious.
The garlic shrimp preparation features crustaceans so large that one reviewer joked they could guard your property.
French onion soup gets described as excellent, and it is a classic order here. Shareable starters round out the beginning, giving groups extra variety.
The kitchen maintains consistent quality across appetizers, not just focusing solely on main courses.
Starting with one or two shared starters lets you sample the range of flavors before committing to your entrée.
Desserts Worth Saving Room For
After a substantial steak dinner, dessert might seem impossible, but Oldestone’s sweet offerings deserve consideration.
The crème brûlée appears frequently in reviews, arriving with a perfectly caramelized sugar top that cracks satisfyingly under your spoon.
The 24K Carrot Cake plays on the restaurant’s upscale theme with a clever name and delivers with moist layers and rich cream cheese icing.
One Christmas diner praised both the cake itself and the decorative icing drizzle.
Portion sizes are reasonable, designed to finish a meal rather than overwhelm already-full diners. The kitchen clearly sources quality ingredients for desserts rather than treating them as an afterthought.
Some guests skip dessert after heavy meals, which is understandable given the generous portion sizes of main courses.
However, those who indulge report satisfaction with both flavor and presentation. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, dessert provides another opportunity for the staff to add festive touches.
Sharing a dessert between two people offers a nice compromise when you’re full but want something sweet.