Serving the citizens of Conshohocken for about two years, The Stone Rose is a stone’s throw from the center of the area. From salad to main course the food is both seasonal and delicious.

Each creation on the menu is a dish one would be familiar with, but with the chef’s original touches and a flair of individuality. There is nothing to fear, but don’t expect common fare.

The menu is descriptive and foreshadows the atmosphere and creativity of the food. Certainly not old-fashioned or stodgy, it is more the traditional bistro type food with unique signature flair.

For my appetizer, I chose in the Crab, Avocado & Roasted Pepper Salad. The crab and avocado was plated parallel to the mixed greens on the plate. As I tried them separately I noticed neither were particularly seasoned well. But when eaten in combination with the mixed greens, which was tossed with a citrus vinaigrette, the flavors blended into a perfect melody for a summer salad. My salad’s garnish was a house-made cilantro potato chip which was so tasty management should make them part of the bar menu.

The Stone Rose Salad is made with mixed field greens, Wisconsin sharp cheddar, candied pecans and lightly tossed with an apple cider vinaigrette. It didn’t stand out as much as the Crab, Avocado, & Pepper Salad, but it was another lovely beginning.

I couldn’t decide on which entrée to choose so I asked my server her opinion. She suggested the fish special of the day over the other options: a panko and pine nut encrusted barramundi, served with creamy mashed potatoes, and a side of white asparagus.

All three components meshed with the mellow bite of a mustard sauce that highlighted each portion rather than hide it. Neither component overpowered the other and I had to force myself to eat more slowly than usual to savor the moment.

Their signature hamburger was made with cooked-to-order premium gold Angus beef, sautéed onions, bacon, and Cooper Sharp cheese. It was served on a toasted challah roll. As if that wasn’t enough it included a generous serving of thick hand-cut steak fries with a tangy aioli for dipping.  It has to be one of the best burgers in the area.

To close the meal our server detailed the options: a turtle cheesecake, a deep rich dark chocolate cake, or a homemade warm bread pudding with French vanilla ice cream. Being the only dessert made in-house the bread pudding was the clear winner and apparently so was I.

The bread pudding, made with a rich butter bread, nuts, and bits of chocolate, was served warm with an equally hefty serving of ice cream drizzled with more chocolate. If this sounds like overindulgence it was definitely not … it was a bit of heaven on Earth.

Neither part fought to be in center stage. Instead, just like the rest of the menu, both the bread pudding and ice cream worked in harmony in an orchestra of flavors. The ice cream made it a nice spring-to-summer dessert making it not too heavy, but a perfect finish to the meal.

Our server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable in a professional, but friendly way that was far from cloying.  With every question I posed to her she had an answer without a hesitation or stutter. My water glass was filled and more bread was offered when she saw the basket empty.

The wine, beer, and cocktail menu offered a host of options. I chose the Sparkling Pamatini: a Three Olive pomegranate vodka, triple sec, and orange juice topped with Procecco. Once again, it was another wonderful choice.

With the list of beers, red, white, and sparkling wines, The Stone Rose offers a variety of options. Anyone will be hard pressed to find something that doesn’t suit his or her fancy.

The wines are offered by the glass or bottle; beers by the bottle or draft; and the cocktails are concoctions that aren’t too extravagant or trendy.

Although I dined in the mid-evening the happy hour crowd was still going strong. The guests were boisterous without being rowdy. Dining companions talked in a higher than normal speaking voice without going hoarse.

Although the appetizers, salads, and entrées were all very good, the prices won’t empty your wallet. In general the prices are middle of the road with the highest priced entrée setting a diner back $32 for a rib-eye steak. Definitely in this case you get what you pay for. And dining here is worth every dollar.

Reservations are recommended from Sunday through Thursday.  There are the options to dine at the bar, the bar’s dining room, the back dining room, or sidewalk seating.

Both the bar and its dining room’s chairs are tall and high backed. It may be difficult for some to maneuver upon. The outdoor seating and back dining room tables and chairs were lower and a more comfortable option.

For the early evening the restaurant started fill up a bit, but it was not crowded until later in the evening. With dark wood and dimmed lights it created a nice ambience for a stop after work, a chance to meet up with friends, or a romantic dinner.

The standard crowd at the bar and dining were the area’s young professionals there to watch the HDTVs or indulge in a burger, braised beef, or a beer. 

This cozy bistro is located right on Fayette Street with easy access by I-76 or Butler Pike. There is plenty of residential street parking. The Stone Rose is handicap accessible by the sidewalk.