New Bucks County restaurants offer hot chicken, cheesesteaks and more

Craving a spicy, crispy sandwich that transports you to Nashville or an ice cream shop that reminds you of a recent trip to the shore?

The latest restaurants to open in Bucks County serve up what you want and more with signature recipes, quirky 80s movie references and fun weekend events. Plus, there are more new eateries on the way with everything from smoky barbecue to high-end steaks.

Here's the latest on what's new in Bucks County's ever expanding and evolving food and dining scene:

With its first expansion outside of Philadelphia, Asad’s Hot Chicken has made it to Bensalem.

This popular Halal joint put itself on the map with its take on the Nashville favorite thanks to the culinary passion of owner Asad Khan, who opened his original location in a small but mighty takeout stand next to a gas station in Northeast Philly.

In addition to its hot chicken sandwiches, Asad’s is determined to fill you up with loaded fries, milkshakes, fruit smoothies and desserts, like banana pudding.

Go: 2568 Knights Road in Bensalem; asads.co

Leonardo’s Pizza, which has been around since 2015, has got some new digs.

Moving from their former location West Butler Avenue, the pizzeria reopened just a couple doors down into the early 1900s landmark building which previously housed the Pop Inn.

Leonardo’s has added some new dinner specials to their already large menu of Italian favorites, which includes pasta, pizza, appetizers, salads, wings, wraps, hoagies, calzone and strombolis.

In their new space, where they did a complete top to bottom renovation of the inside, Leonardo’s plans to host weekend events like trivia, bingo and karaoke nights, as well as live music. The catering side of the business will occupy the second floor.

Go: 4 North Main St. in Chalfont; 215-822-5445; leonardospizzamenu.com

Owner Bernie Dascendis, inspired by his all-time favorite movie, opened his new shop about a month ago with the goal of making it a family-friendly attraction complete with a mannequin dressed like the film’s deceased antagonist, Bernie Lomax.

This year-round ice cream and cheesesteak stand — with its takeout window, aqua blue décor, surfboard, outdoor seating and Beach Boys playing over the speakers — has a vibe reminiscent of a casual beach town eatery.

In addition to ice cream and chessesteaks, the menu includes specialty sandwiches, hoagies, burgers, salads, appetizers, water ice and a kids menu. And for those who want to belt out their favorite tunes, they have a karaoke machine set up every day from opening to closing.

Go: 2 Pond St. in Bristol; 215-826-8291; weekendatberniesmenu.com

More:Sal's Italian Deli returning to Bristol Township. What to expect from this Bucks favorite

Thanks to the success of their barbeque food truck that quickly grew a large following since opening just last year, Chief 10’s Smokehouse is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in Bensalem.

Their menu features slow-cooked meats, with comfort foods like sliced beef brisket, pulled pork sandwiches and mac & meat bowls. And for a twist on a Philly classic, they’ve created two specialty cheesesteaks, made with brisket or pulled chicken.

According to their Facebook page, they secured a storefront on the corner of New Falls Road and Bensalem Boulevard, which they hope to open by the end of the year.

“We have ALOT of inside demo and work to do. We’re shooting for December but we have to see how things play out! We will continue to post updates as things progress,” they wrote.

Go: Once open, Chief 10's Smokehouse will be located at 5821 Bensalem Blvd. in Bensalem; 267-223-5586;chief10smokehouse.com

A new eatery may be coming later in the year to Bristol Borough’s Mill Street, an up-and-coming shopping and dining destination.

More:Taste your way through these upcoming beer and food truck festivals across Bucks County

Owner Randy Taylor says plans for Drift on Mill are still in their early stages, as they wait on the approval of a pending liquor license, but he’s looking to create an Americana-style space with an upscale casual feel and a focus on steaks and other high-end dishes that are “simple, but good.”

“We’re going to have old favorites done a little different,” he said.

A specific opening date has not been set, but Taylor said they are aiming for mid to late fall. It will be situated along the 300 block, just across the street from Itri and Loretta’s.

Go: Once open, Drift on Mill will be located at 313-315 Mill St. in Bristol

A new Panda Express is coming to Langhorne at the former site of the Langhorne Speedway Diner on Lincoln Highway.

The fast-casual chain features American Chinese cuisine with dishes such as their original orange chicken, Beijing beef and honey walnut shrimp. The menu also includes convenient options like their Panda Cub meals and family meals.

The new store is projected to open in August 2024, according to a Panda Express spokesperson. Currently, the only Bucks County location is in Trevose.

Go: Once open, Panda Express will be located at 2029 Lincoln Hwy. in Langhorne; pandaexpress.com

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