30 Main: Metropolitan Meets the Main Line

A recently opened Main Line restaurant fuses late night hotspot, family-oriented vibe and event-accommodating features all in one with a disco ball, neon lights, a projection screen and a piano.

30 Main, the new kid on the block in the Berwyn restaurant scene, debuted on U.S. 30/Lancaster Avenue in April under the ownership of father-son duo Matt DiDomenico and Michael DiDomenico. In its three-month span, the American-style restaurant has added several events to its calendar, living up to its "city-feel" and offering something for everyone. 

"People are so pleased that we're not just another Italian restaurant," said general manager Katie Burnside.

In an upcoming public event, the restaurant will revive the glimmer of the Saturday Night Fever era with more than just its rotating disco ball. A three-day reunion taking place July 22 to July 24 will emit a nostalgic feel with guest bartenders, deejays, employees and guests from former Philadelphia area restaurants. These past spots, which are no longer in operation, include 2601 Club, Cheers, Down Under, Fran O’Brien’s, The Library and Yankee Doodle Inn.

The event is intended to evoke the 1970s and early 1980s restaurant vibe, allowing all attendees to reminisce. Additional special guests of the event include radio personality Mike Bowe, former television personality Al “Big Al” Meltzer and Temple University men’s basketball coach Fran Dunphy.

The layout of the restaurant is designed to host fashion and art shows, live music, wedding receptions, birthday parties and corporate events. Michael said that 30 Main achieves an “eclectic, modern feel” allowing for a more urban environment in a typically suburban community.

The seating includes two-tops (tables for two), four-tops, seven booths in the dining room, three booths in the bar and a dozen tables that can be arranged as needed. A music lounge in the back provides an aura for post-dinner drinks, complete with a piano, fireplace, television and several white couches. Adjacent to the music lounge, another room contains additional seating, paintings by a local artist on display and a 109-inch retractable projection screen.  

According to Matthew DiDomenico, the single largest demographic is females.

“Women feel very comfortable here,” said Michael DiDomenico. “They can come for a good meal and drink at a reasonable price.”

But the restaurant also welcomes families. 

"They love to come, send the kids home and hang out," Michael said.

The restaurant is also conveniently located across the street from a Paoli/Thorndale SEPTA regional rail stop, allowing guests to drink without worrying about driving, Burnside said. The front-of-house window seating that overlooks the street and train station are also frequently preferred.

"I have a doctor friend who comes in every Sunday night and sits at a high top in the front," Matthew DiDomenico said.

Notable menu items include the filet and whole fish options, and the coconut tempura lobster on a wakimi salad, Matthew DiDomenico told Tredyffrin-Easttown Patch.