The Insider’s Guide to New Hope

New Hope Restaurants, Hotels And Much More

Our Favorite Things To Do in New Hope

by Tara Marmur, contributing editor

New Hope is filled with restaurants, hotels and antique shops. What are our favorites? After a decade of living in Bucks County, I have quite a few. But 10 years ago, I wasn’t sure I would. After living in, and just on the outskirts of, Delaware County my entire life, Bucks County seemed far. Really far. In my mind, I would be too far from Philadelphia, too far from the restaurants and bars that I’d grown to favor, even too far from the beloved shops I loved to visit on the Main Line.

Every time I lamented to someone about my move to “remote” Bucks County, I heard “Ohh, but you’ll be so close to New Hope!” These people would reassure me that, although different from my preferred Delco/Main Line towns, New Hope had plenty to offer.

Video by Main Line Tonight.

What’s not to love? New Hope is full of restaurants, hotels, and bars that attract visitors for date nights, weekend stays and everything in between. The town has also managed to achieve the ideal balance of suburban historic charm and urban sophistication. Seems like Hollywood A-lister Bradley Cooper agrees. His recent purchase of a multi-million dollar New Hope estate is getting the town a lot of recognition.

Ready to explore New Hope? Here are 18 of our restaurants, shops and hotels in New Hope.

New Hope Shopping

Eight Hands Farm Mercantile: Originating as a quaint farmstand location, Eight Hands Farm & Bee Co. now has a brick and mortar location, Eight Hands Farm Mercantile. Known for its handcrafted beeswax and soy candles, Eight Hands has also stocked its mercantile with handmade goods like soaps, lotions, linen/room sprays (check out the crisp French Linen), and other unique gifts and housewares. Don’t leave without taking a peek at the newly opened Boutique Loft upstairs! 17 W. Ferry St., New Hope

Eight Hands Farm in New Hope
Image via Eight Hands Farm Mercantile.

Farley’s Bookshop: In my opinion, a downtown area isn’t complete without an independent bookshop. Fortunately, New Hope has a great one in Farley’s Bookshop. Since 1967, Farley’s has been a staple, providing book lovers with everything from the latest bestsellers to classics. There’s also a children’s section to keep the kids engaged while you browse. 44 S. Main St., New Hope

New Hope Antique Shops: Antiquing is one of my favorite things to do in New Hope. There’s something so relaxing about leisurely strolling in and out of its many (trust me there are many) antique and collectibles shops. Some shops are expansive, while some are tiny, but all are full of unique inventory. Two to mention beyond downtown New Hope: David M. Mancuso Antiques at the Old Church and New Hope Antiques & Design Center (home to 25 different antique dealers). 6075 Rte. 202 and Upper Mountain Road, New Hope; 6148 Lower York Road, New Hope

Rice's Market
Image via Rice’s Market.

Rice’s Market: This twice-weekly market has been a a town favorite since 1860. Part farmer’s market, part flea market with a sprinkling of antiques, art and clothing, Rice’s Market holds approximately 400 vendors. Open only on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. from March-December. 6326 Greenhill Road, New Hope

New Hope Restaurants

You won’t be at a loss for dining options in New Hope. Whether you’re on a date night or celebrating with a group of friends, there is a restaurant in town for you.

Bowman’s Tavern: Gotta love a good pub, especially one with a great happy hour. Bowman’s offers small plates from 4 pm – 6 pm every Tues. – Fri. The regular menu features comfort food like meatloaf, shrimp and grits, and pastas. Or, opt for a burger or one of Bowman’s classic sandwiches. And, there’s live music most nights, adding to the fun vibe. 1600 River Road, New Hope

Bowman's Tavern
Image via Bowman’s Tavern.

Ferry + Main: One of my favorite places in New Hope to have a glass of wine is at Ferry + Main at the Logan Inn. In the winter, if I’m with girlfriends, I love sitting at the expansive bar or grabbing a table close to the fireplace. In warm weather, I move outside to the patio bar with a hand-crafted cocktail or for Sunday brunch. 10 W. Ferry St., New Hope

Logan Inn
Logan Inn’s dining room. Photo by Main Line Tonight.

Ferry Market: What’s better than a great restaurant? Ten! Ferry Market houses a tasty array of food and beverage options, from The Good Gyro to Market Pizza and Salty Pineapple. Check out Sabor’s Brazilian-ized version of burgers and cheesesteaks, Sciascia Confection’s insanely delicious macarons and Little Radish Kitchen’s tasty vegetarian soups, salads, wraps and juices. 32 S. Main Street, New Hope

Sciascia Confection in New Hope
Sciascia Confection inside Ferry Market. Photo by Main Line Tonight.

Nozomu: If you’re craving sushi, look no further than Nozomu. The menu at this BYO features a wide variety of appetizers, signature sushi rolls and other Japanese dishes. 9 W. Mechanic St., New Hope

Nozomu in New Hope
Image via Nozomu.

Nektar: Conveniently located across the street from the Bucks County Playhouse, Nektar is the ideal place to grab a drink before or after a show. Hailed for its sake, wine, beer and whiskey selection, there is something for every drinker. Nektar also has delicious charcuterie boards, small plates, salads and sandwiches. When the weather permits, try to  snag one of the window seats overlooking Mechanic Street for the ultimate people-watching while sipping. 8 W. Mechanic St., New Hope 

Stella New Hope: Indoors, outdoors and right on the river, Stella New Hope is a picturesque and palate-pleasing place for brunch, lunch and dinner. Brunch favorites include buttermilk biscuits eggs Benedict (with barbecue beef brisket) and lemon ricotta pancakes – and the Stella bloody Mary. The dinner menu is petite, but the food is great. The cocktails, while pricey, are very unique and very, very tasty. 50 S. Main Street, New Hope

Stella of New Hope
Photo by Main Line Tonight.

The Speckled Egg Café: Located inside the great barn in historic Rice’s Market, The Speckled Egg Café is just outside downtown New Hope. Homemade baked goods like cranberry-walnut scones and scrapple and egg sandwiches, combined with elevated-inspired meals like cauliflower and lentil curry caught the attention of USA Today, which named The Speckled Egg Café to its list of Best Restaurants of 2024. I agree with recognizing The Speckled Egg Café for its “laidback charm and imaginative blend of global flavors with regional favorites.” 6326 Greenhill Road, New Hope

New Hope Hotels And Inns

Carriage House of New Hope: Owned by the same team behind Stella New Hope and Ghost Light Inn, this property dates to the 1800s. If the exterior is historic, the interior is modern, swank and posh. Each of the three bedrooms in the boutique hotel has a full wall of windows and a balcony that overlooks the Delaware River. Private and ultra-luxe, Carriage House of New Hope is also right near most restaurants and shops. 8 East Mechanic Street, New Hope

Carriage House of New Hope
Image via Carriage House of New Hope.

Logan Inn: When it’s date night with my husband, we get cozy at the Logan Inn’s Whiskey Lounge. As its name implies, you can book an overnight stay at the Logan. The historic inn recently underwent a renovation where 22-luxury rooms were added to the original inn’s offering of 16 rooms. Perfect for a romantic staycation, Logan Inn is great if you’re a local and special enough for out-of-towners. 10 W. Ferry St., New Hope

River House at Odette’s: Phenomenal all-around is the description for the accommodations, food, and experience at River House at Odette’s. Most of the luxurious rooms have all the expected touches of a boutique hotel experience – along with a riverfront balcony. Take advantage of the Ride Priority Bicycle Program. Registered hotel guests have access to complimentary bikes with which they can explore the bike trail on the historic Tow Path or ride through the town of New Hope. For a fee, you can buy a River House at Odette’s membership that grants you access to ROOF, a 1970’s-inspired bar and lounge on the roof of the property. Registered hotel guests also have access to the members-only scene. 274 S. River Road, New Hope

Wedgwood Inns: If Victorian era bed-and-breakfast inns are what you’re looking for, Wedgwood has just the thing. Among its three locations, Wedgwood offers canopy beds and four-poster beds, canopy windows and antique furniture, lots and lots of lace, and Wedgwood China, of course. Breakfasts are homemade and delicious – think quiche, granola, fruit and muffins – and can be indoors or outdoors.

Entertainment

Bucks County Playhouse: There’s always something to see at Bucks County Playhouse. The theater regularly presents musicals, plays, cabaret shows and more to audiences from Buck County and beyond. Founded in 1939, Bucks County Playhouse’s stage has been graced by famous actors and performers like Grace Kelly, Thornton Wilder, Robert Redford, Dick Van Dyke, and Liza Minnelli, to name a few. Don’t miss the BCP’s Playhouse Deck restaurant and bar, overlooking the Delaware River, for drinks or dinner pre- or post-show. 70 S. Main St., New Hope

Bucks County Playhouse
Bucks County Playhouse. Photo by Main Line Tonight.

Dharma Bums: Mix live music with craft classes, vegetarian food, an inventive bar and a dash of yoga and get Dharma Bums, a good vibey joint that functions as a meeting house, restaurant and general hang out spot. In the warm weather months, the large outdoor courtyard is a great spot for a hang with great friends. 4935 River Road, New Hope

New Hope Pride Fest
New Hope is proud to be LGBTQIA-friendly. Imagine via Visit Bucks County.

Ready to explore New Hope? Just be sure you make time to do our favorite thing … nothing. Grab a drink, sit in the sun, browse the shops, discover a new favorite spot and enjoy the great energy that New Hope has to offer.


Want to to read about other great towns in our region? Check out our Insider’s Guide To Conshohocken and our Insider’s Guide To Bryn Mawr.

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