by June Portnoy

Walking into Karla’s is an experience in itself. Its eclectic decor of old, new and unusual makes it a visually appealing and interesting place to eat while enjoying an upscale meal in a casual setting.

Located right in the heart of New Hope, Karla’s head chef, Francisco “Poncho” Barrios, prepares gourmet food with a European flair. Every dish is made completely from scratch on the premises.

“We are very accommodating and take special requests,” says Alexis Zanias, co-manager and daughter of owner Louis Zanias, who has been proprietor of Karla’s for over 27 years. “If you want something that’s not on the menu and we have the ingredients, we will make it for you.”

You can expect good quality, large portions at reasonable prices at Karla’s. It offers full lunch and dinner menus with daily specials. Dinner entrees range from chicken, steak, duck, pork and pasta to a large variety of fresh fish.

Some favorite lunches include a diverse selection of sandwiches, appetizers and salads.

Desserts are all homemade practically down the street at Zoubi’s Cakes and Catering, also owned by Louis.

If you like Eggs Benedict, you’ll love brunch at Karla’s every Sunday from 10:00am until 3:00pm. It’s well-known for its different varieties of Eggs Benedict entrees, each named after good friends and family.

Brunch also includes all your favorite breakfast foods, or if you prefer you can choose something from the regular lunch menu.

Karla’s has received rave reviews for its large variety of unusual specialty martinis. For summer it is featuring a fresh watermelon martini. Karla’s has a full bar with wine, beer and cocktails.

Late night Happy Hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00pm until midnight. You’ll receive $2 discounts on drinks during Happy Hours.

Come by and catch up with your neighbors. You’re sure to know someone here.

While most other restaurants in town are closed on Monday evenings, Karla’s is open and ready to serve you. Locals Night every Monday has become a tradition at this restaurant for over 25 years.

The menu changes each week and you’ll have eight options from which to choose.

Enjoy a three-course meal for only $12 to $19 that includes a soup or salad, an entrée, coffee and dessert. Live music is also part of the evening’s festivities.

Now that summer is here, you can enjoy the warm weather at Karla’s. Its dining room has two large French doors that when opened, create the feeling of open-air seating. It also has outdoor seating for eight.

In addition, Karla’s offers a perfect view of New Hope’s Friday Night Fireworks.

Many of Karla’s employees have been here for over 10 years. Co-manager, Cynthia Meyers has worked here for over 25 years.

“We all love working here and we love our customers who are mostly from the area,” says Alexis. Many of them are regulars who return on a routine basis. We call ourselves a big family.”

An ideal place for couples, Karla’s has been the site for many first dates and engagement proposals.

Karla’s offers on- and off-site catering. When you book your party or event in advance, the staff will work with you to create a special menu for your guests.

For more information about Karla’s, located at 5 West Mechanic Street, call 215-862-2612. Reservations are recommended for weekends.