Winter 2022–2023 may have been disappointing from a snow standpoint, but Montgomery County has seen its share of damp, raw days. The best antidote, other than wishing for early spring, is a savory soup.

Here are just a few of the local restaurants that offer delicious, warm, and comforting homemade soups to pick up and enjoy. Plus there’s the added appeal of supporting a community restaurant.

The Eagles Nest Deli (500 Bridge Street, Mont Clare) is a neighborhood staple. Queue up with neighbors for whom this is a go-to and sip the New England clam chowder.

Java & Friends (254 Main Street, East Greenville) has coffee, tea, and sandwiches, and does a lot for the community too — like donating to local front-line workers during the pandemic. Supporting its efforts are a great confirmation that this eatery is engaged in bettering Montgomery County. The homemade soup of the day often includes split pea and Italian wedding.

J.J. Ratigan Brewing Company (227 East High Street, Pottstown, 484-524-8391) scratch cooking plus great craft beer makes this place a local favorite. The house-made brisket chili — a flavorful bowl — is highly recommended. Non-soup menu favorites include burgers, salads, chicken and waffles, and craft beer.

Collegeville Diner (E. Main Street, Collegeville, 610-409-9600) features pretty much anything you’d want to eat, but the focus is on their hot soups like French onion soup, matzo ball soup, or homemade chili with cheese. Pair your soup with a wrap, grilled cheese, or a steak sandwich and you’ll leave with a full belly.

Java’s Brewin’ (296 West Ridge Pike, Royersford, 610-489-3468). Simmering recommendations include harvest veggie, creamy chicken and wild rice, butternut squash, and even bison & lamb chili with cornbread.

The Hatboro Dish (102 S York Road, Hatboro, 215-347-0036) offers breakfast and brunch, with sandwiches, skillets, breakfast, and soup by the pint.

The Bucktown Grille (2090 Pottstown Pike, Pottstown, 610-469-2757) gets creative with all scratch-made, cooked-to-order meals, like taco Tuesdays are time for taco soup, but the wonton, split pea (vegetarian or with ham), New England clam chowder, shrimp bisque, broccoli cheddar, and loaded baked potato soups are all solid.

Editor’s Note: This MONTCO.Today post ran originally on Jan. 30, 2021; it has been verified as accurate.

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Food Network’s Alton Brown looks at why chicken soup is so darn comforting.