Dim lights and curry fries at Bard’s

By Anthony Chwastyk
Collegian Editor
March 1, 2006

Some taverns were meant to attract throngs of thirsty travelers looking for a quick meal. The Bard’s is not one of these places.

Patrons of this Center City destination are in it for the long haul. Granted, a quick meal is undoubtedly possible, but be forewarned: 30 minutes can easily become two hours and two hours can easily become four. And the longer you stay, the harder it is to leave.

One of the factors that kept me glued to the wooden seats is the crowd, or more importantly, the lack thereof. Top 40 music rarely makes it on the stereo. Bon Jovi and Belinda Carlisle do not exist. Radiohead and Coldplay are typical, and don’t be suprised if some enterprising patron buys a block of Led Zepplin or Pink Floyd. Collared shirts are monochromatic, and Gucci shoes are pleasantly absent. Bard’s is not a place to be seen; rather, it is a place to collect, reflect and spend time with old friends.

An unavoidable feature about Bard’s is its Irish flavor. Too many times, restaurants and bars connected to the emerald isle go overkill, painting everything green and putting “shamrock” in front of everything.

You can’t escape the Irish influences in the bar, but they are more subdued—the walls have pictures of Ireland’s more well-known inhabitants. The wooden placemats are decorated with Irish poetry.

If dim lights and smokey smiles aren’t enough to keep you, the food at least will hold off your departure.

Once again, one encounters the subdued influence of the Irish tavern. The menu is littered with more contemporary cuisine. Many of the appetizers are typical favorites—French fries, quesadillas and buffalo wings. The fries are highly recommended. They are perfectly seasoned and go down quicker than one would hope, especially with their special curry sauce. The staff doesn’t bat an eye when you ask for mayo or vinegar (I’m told it’s a European thing).

For the main course, I would advise two stand-bys that test the kitchen—fish and chips and hot roast beef. Both are served with pub fries and do not disappoint. Both are hearty, stick-to-your-rib-meals that go perfectly with any number of the imported draughts behind the bar.

Although Bard’s would provide a great meal for a semi-decent price, making it perfect for a quick stop, I highly advise against going unless you have at least two willing friends and a few hours to kill.

chwasta1@lasalle.edu