When crepes had to be on the menu for Mother's Day brunch it was immediately on my mindset to book a reservation for Beau Monde. but being the likely 500+th person to come up with that plan that stood no chance in getting a table, McThrill had to act fast in researching the next best destination. Fortunately it lead to my discovering a new spot from the owners of a forever favorite Pub on Passyunk East ( yelp.com/biz/the-pub-on-… ), that resided inside the spot that used to house one of my former favorite's Ministry of Information ( yelp.com/biz/ministry-of… ), and was completely inspired by timeless actress Brigitte Bardot. With a resume like that it seemed a little to perfect to believe, but those things led to a bit of a hidden gem ( philly.com/philly/blogs/… ), that delivered on all fronts. Upon first entry I was able to notice borrowed things like the Octopus Chandelier and exposed brick wall, and new things like the Bardot inspired decor and chic "waiting area where you could lounge around until someone finished up in the water closet. add in the attentive and informative customer service, French bistro inspired menu, and solid beer & cocktail menu; and you had welcome features throughout. The delicious crepes that brought us here came with Fromage Blanc and a strawberry/meyer lemon jam that heightened the flavor. The spicy hangover cure Hail Mary was fully loaded with Habanero vodka, horseradish, tabasco, black pepper, and a meaty olive. And the well rounded draught menu had solid choices from Nodding Head, Ommegang, North Coast, and Duchesse Du Bourgogne. But for me the main feature by far was the BEST frittata I've ever had that was filled with duck confit, baby kale, toulouse sausage, and more. With even more examples of standard bar fare being French elevated, solid beers and cocktails, and good happy hours during regular and brunch hours; Bardot is a perfect destination to visit no matter what occasion.
(5)
Tim W.
This hidden gem has an awesome atmosphere, delicious French style food, consistently good drafts selection, and a soundtrack that never disappoints. The staff are quick to learn your name and really nice. You can go but don't tell too many of your friends because I don't want this place to get crowded.
(5)
Kris H.
Amazing. Food was perfect. Me and my date shared a few small plates. It was really good. I recommend the liver mousse. The atmosphere was really nice and service was great.
(5)
Ann C.
J'adore Bardot! Perfect sexy dark atmosphere. Like a sexy speakeasy in NYC. The burger is prepared correctly to temperature. The drinks are have thoughtful and are well executed. For once someone has put thought in there bar, menu and theme. It's perfect! My new favorite welcomed spot to this area.
(5)
beezneez b.
Friendly, low key service, interesting seasonal menu with enough vegetarian choices to have a nice tasting menu (cheese plate, young greens salad, cauliflower gratin dish, eggplant panzanella), nice wine selection. The music playlist was varied and cool. Can't wait to come back!! What a great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)
Jack M.
Great beer list, great cocktails and really nice wine selection, very reasonable pricing. We ordered the octo, steak tartare and both were awesome. My girlfriend ordered the mussels special, which was also awesome. Now here is why this place gets 3 stars. I ordered the burger, sounded awesome, heard good things. It came out and looked great, I took a bite and spit it out. It was easily the saltiest thing I have ever been served in a restaurant. Not just salty but salty beyond being edible for anyone. I made my girlfriend try it just to be sure and she spit it out as well. I sent it back and the bartender was very accommodating and apologetic. He asked if there was something else I'd like but I wanted a burger so I gave it a second shot. Having worked in kitchens for the last 8 years I know what happens if something gets sent back. There is usually a mad rush to get a replacement out ASAP. Well the second burger came out a few minutes later, first bite was great, second bite and upon examining the middle I noticed it was just charred on the outside and raw in the middle. Cold and raw. I really didn't feel like waiting for a third, so I ate the fries(which were great) and the outer edge of the burger which was probably not the best idea, being that I woke in the middle of the night and have been suffering food poisoning symptoms for the last 2 days. Was it for sure the burger ? Maybe not, but there is a good chance it was. I will go back to Bardot and give it another shot, cause the rest of the food was great. But I don't think I'll be ordering the burger again.
(3)
Alli M.
Great food, good prices for NoLibs. Enjoyed the grilled octopus, cheese plate and lettuce salad with mustard degassing. Good wine pour for the $. Decent knowledgeable bar staff but had to keep asking for water although not busy. Atmosphere was quiet and romantic. Good for a local date night.
(4)
Chris T.
I like that its off the beaten path, cozy, relaxed and seems to be focused on quality over revenue. The draft list always features top breweries and the cocktails seem professional. Great for brunch also.
(5)
Rachael Gray C.
Bardot is great great great. Great bartenders, great servers, great food, great happy hour specials, great atmosphere, great location. They've got the burger.. and it's really awesome (and typically cooked perfectly, I've had it a few times). They've got fancy more expensive food, and that's awesome too. We live in the neighborhood and were psyched to find out that it's living up to expectations. We just hope it catches on enough to stick around for awhile.. part of that is just that people don't know about it and it's a little off the beaten track.. Being Dennis Hewlett's new place (he's known for the P.O.P.E., also great in that divey with great beer kind of way), I'm guessing he's waiting for word of mouth to spread. And to the guy who posted the review about the burger not being cooked enough for you.. why wouldn't you just explain it to them and ask for a new one? I mean, they're pretty awesome and I'm sure they'd have made you a new burg. It wasn't like there was anything wrong with it.. Just relax buddy. No need to rip on the reputation by Yelping about it.
(5)
Haley W.
This place is very underrated! The food, the service, and decor are all outstanding. I went we a friend on a Tuesday night. The place was pretty empty, but we did not mind at all since we like sitting at bar tables and not being bothered by other's conversations. We ordered the octopus which was amazing. The octopus was nicely charred with a great salsa verde. My favorite thing of the night was the duck special. Honestly, I never knew that I could love duck so much. Josh was our waiter and he was so friendly and recommended great dinner options for us. Also, we loved the decor of the restaurant and Josh gave us the artist's name that designed the pieces. Overall, I am going back very soon! ** only thing I would change would be that the food came out to fast!
(5)
Zachary C.
Great spot with cool tile artwork on the outside. One of the best burgers I've ever had. I have had a lot of burgers.
Food was really good. We had a burger and the octopus. Drinks were just OK. My husband's martini was tiny, and was swiped by the waitress before he could finish it. My cocktail was pretty good, but still kinda small. I ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio next but they were out of it so I chose another white wine. That glass was really skimpy as well. I will definitely go back and give them another chance but for a bar that just opened I think they should've been overfilling rather than under filling. Atmosphere was nice and the service was good.
(3)
Micaela M.
Three and a half stars and three words: brunch happy hour. What an amazing idea. We got to Bardot Cafe on the earlier side of brunch (11am) and enjoyed three rounds of $5 Bloody Marys. Five dollars! And they were quality Bloody Marys, too. Not too tomato-ey or spicy, just the perfect mix. The food: super rich, which I think would be good for hangovers. Since we were catching up on our drinking that morning, it just left me feeling a bit greasy and lethargic. My favorite was the pork belly biscuit, which was decadent and delicious. I would not recommend the octopus.
(3)
Alex S.
This is one of the best spots around. The food is completely different than the normal garbage you usually see in the area. The attention to detail was meticulous and the food was outstanding. The only thing better than the meal was the staffs friendly and accommodating attitude. I am excited to watch this restaurants fantastic reputation grow.
Beautifully appointed bar and cafe in a quirky building (see pic) tucked into an odd intersection in Northern Liberties. French-inspired brunch was outstanding. Excellent Counter Culture coffee. Very reasonable pricing, too. I had the mushroom omelette, which also featured asparagus and goat cheese. Delicious flavors and perfectly cooked eggs (no browning or burning, as so often in restaurants). Have to go back for drinks from the impressive beer, wine, and cocktail lists sometime.
(5)
Sammip P.
I'd like to say I've become a regular here. The bar area is great with good beers on tap and very friendly bartenders. What makes this place get 5 stars is their brunch. I've been here every Sunday for the past 4 weeks now and keep coming back because every meal there is fantastic. First time I was there for brunch I got the Cinnamon Raison French Toast. Amazing and such a huge portion. The maple marzipan is what made it so great. Next week was when I got the Classic Breakfast. Classic, simple, delicious. Then is was the Pork Belly Biscuit. My god that was the perfect meal and the perfect amount of food. Make sure you get everything in each bite. Come before 1 and you get $5 brunch cocktails.
(5)
Amber T.
Favorite happy hour spot for me and my coworkers. Quiet, delicious food and excellent beer and wine selection.
(5)
Michelle C.
Wow. This place is fantastic. Let's cut right to the chase. - Perfect date spot. Dark (Like, really dark. You won't be instagramming any of your plates here--hope you don't mind actually talking to your date) and sexy decor with velvet wallpaper and a gorgeous chandelier by Adam Wallacavage. - Excellent food. The spaghetti noir is amazing. The fromage blanc is bright, airy and delicious. - Skip the beets. - Solid cocktails, really nice wine selection. Just wonderful all around. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Michelle C.
I'm picking up what you're putting down, Bardot. The dark and sexy bar is perfect for a date or small group. And the tiny, tucked-away parlor with curtain would be perfect for a scandalous liaison. The staff was sweet but not entirely up to speed on menu items. The buttery shrimp were served head-on, though when I asked before ordering I was told that they were served only with the tails still attached. Minor, but enough of a turnoff for me that I probably would have opted for a different plate. The octopus dish was a win amongst our table of three, and I simply could not get enough of the spaetzle with purple cauliflower. It was perfect. Our server recommended cocktails for my friends while I tried the Côtes du Rhône Blanc, which I deeply enjoyed. I can't wait to go back for another glass, some more French pop, and that delicious-looking burger that accidentally almost made its way to our table.
(4)
Jason D.
Updated to five stars. My favorite place in Philly. Always pleasant, always great food, always low-key. Wow!
(5)
Jonny R.
Lovely. Great service, great vibe, and great physical building. Um, and these were the POPE owners? Awesome work. The beer menu was intriguing enough to keep me ordering, and the cocktail menu looked great too. Although I could not tell from the menu description, the house-made pastrami made the reuben an obvious choice. Great meal, over. Succulent and thirst-quenching. Exactly what I want in a gastropub. Standard Tap? Your monopoly on Northern Liberties--at least to me--may be over.
(4)
Xinda Q.
We reserved a table for 10 people yesterday for brunch, and it was absolutely an amazing experience for us! The price was fair and the service was great! Food was delicious and pretty! Me and my friends had tons of fun dining at Bardot cafe, took lots of pics in and out of the restaurant. It was classic! Love it. Def coming back.
Excellent food and drinks in an intimate setting. I had the crab cakes which were a deconstructed and more thought-out version than the traditional. I also had the octopus was the best I've ever had. Beautiful and deliberate plating. Drinks were creative and delicious. I went with a large group, the staff was very accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable. I loved that the space wasn't overly crowded as so many other restaurants in the area seem to be. Get in here before everyone finds out about this place, definitely a hidden gem. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Jay W.
An excellent place for a date. Small tables, darker lighting, romantic. My significant other and I came here for a late valentine's day dinner (and walked back in the snow). We tried a few cocktails, I liked the weekend (a bourbon drink mixed with red wine). There were also some specialty cocktails for the holiday that were very good. We shared the pork belly appetizer. This is a small plate, just enough for two to try the pork, served with a sherry glaze on top of peas. The pork was perfectly cooked, I would love to see a pork belly dish as an entree. I had the duck cassoulet. It was served with kale in a cream sauce. It was tasty, all the flavors worked well together. She had the eggs en cocotte. This was a pork dish served with tomato, feta, and egg. This reminded me a lot of a ragu, the largest flavor in the dish was tomato. It was pretty good, though much more her type of dish than mine. For dessert, the cocoa banana bread. I liked how dense the banana bread was. It paired well with the ice cream and the fudge. Service was great, I barely noticed them throughout the meal (which is perfect for a place like this).
(4)
Ian S.
Cozy bar around the corner of Poplar and 5th in NoLibs. Authentic French cuisine with excellent house reds and good whisky/bourbon selection. They age their own cocktails as well. Been here multiple times. Simple organized menu. Pomme frites are to die for. The Sherry glazed pork belly melts in your mouth. Their artisanal cheese plate always has some excellent cheeses. The Bardot burger definitely has a nice French twist to it. Very disappointed that the Arctic char came off the menu. Desserts are pretty good and inventive. Cherry Panna Cotta is a new addition which is definitely a spring dessert. Check it out!!! Parking can be a pain though.
(5)
Hungover I.
Below is a snippet from our Brunch review. Check out HungoverInPhilly.com for the full review! The Good - Wonderful Decor/Very relaxed environment - Great service & really good bartender - Food was very tasty The Bad - Limited menu for Breakfast - Meals were a little on the pricey side - Parking can be tough due to its location (be sure to plan an extra few minutes for when you go) The Review - Food: 3/5 - Bloody Marys: 3/5 - Atmosphere: 4/5 - Price: 3/5 Overall Rating 3/5 - I'm going to end this review the same way I started it, by saying that when it comes to brunch Bardot Cafe is the one of the new kids on the block. They definitely have a lot of potential with their already good menu and location, but I think still have some growing left to do in the brunch category. I almost want to add an appointment in to my calendar to come back here in a little over a year because I know when we go back their brunch will be phenomenal!
(3)
Mike Z.
Came here 2x this past weekend! Once at night for drinks and then the following morning for brunch. At night its a really nice chill ambiance. We sat at the bar with very friendly bartenders and ordered wine and dirty martinis. Drinks were good. Next morning we all had bloody marys which were really good with an awesome presentation. For my breakfast I ordered the lamb omelet, it was amazing and I really liked that its not salty. My options were very limited because it was passover. My cousin ordered the mushroom omelet and said it was amazing. This is a great local bar "hole in a wall" and its very enjoyable. Coming back here for dinner in the near future.
(5)
Bri H.
I've been to Bardot a couple of times now and I really like this place. It's dark & candlelit with a good beer & wine list (including a few wines on tap) and well made cocktails. Service has always been great. This may be due to the fact that the place is usually not very busy, which is a shame. The food is very good. The octopus was melt in your mouth tender. My eggs en cocotte were comforting and hearty, exactly what I was looking for on a cold January night. They came with tender pork, tomato & feta. I ate the entire delicious thing. The prices are higher than the more gastopub-y places in the area, but the prices accurately reflect the type of food that is being served. They were playing Bjork and have a big Adam Walacavage chandelier in the dining area. Solid food & drinks. Great spot.
(4)
Kim H.
I just moved into the neighborhood about a block away from Bardot, and I am not disappointed!! The bar itself is super cute, with brass looking ceiling tiles and an extensive wine selection. I've never had even the slightest problem getting a seat at the bar, even on a weekend night. They also seem to have an awesome selection of beers on tap each time I've been. Service is super friendly, prices are pretty standard, and the food is great! I cannot rave enough about the duck fat fries, my god. I have yet to try their brunch, but I hear great things. This is my new neighborhood bar and I will be back here many, many times!
(4)
Suzette A.
Love love love love this place! The customer service here was phenomenal. The waitress and busboy were consistently cleaning our table away etc. This place is a little hidden gem. Small menu, large bar selection. Their egg Benedict are to die for! anything in the menu is fresh, well cooked and lovely presentation. I am a huge coffee person.... the coffee was just how I like it! That just seals the deal for me lol. I will certainly be coming back, parking is limited in that one way street. But if you aren't rushing and don't mind walking you'll find something. Overall, I was impressed with the service. Oh did I mention they have a lovely playlist playing. More than likely you'll sit there for an extra 15-20 min after your meal having a drink. Its a great brunch place. There is a few outdoor tables available. 2 people with entrees,coffee and alcoholic beverages around $50.00 not a bad deal.
(5)
Makenzie F.
Dude. I haven't even eaten all the food I ordered yet, but I'm too blown away by how good it is to not give it 5 stars immediately.
(5)
Brad P.
That squid ink pasta is something else. I can't get it out of my head. Remember the scene in Blue Valentine where everyone was sad? Well, this dish will make you feel the exact opposite of that. It is so transcendent that I actually really forgot about that heartbreaking scene with the daughter until right now this very second. Now it's back in my memory and my day is ruined. Welp, I digress. They have other things on the menu that are pretty darn good. Bardot is what happens when Vernick and The Ranstead Room have a glorious baby who grows up super hip in NoLibs.
(5)
Joe D.
Previous to trying to Bardot, my favorite burger was a toss up between Whiskey Village or Grace Tavern. Bardot surpassed them both as the top burger I've ever had with delicious fries to go with it. I have not tried brunch, but have experienced most of the other dishes on the Dinner menu, and have been pleased w/ each (Try the dumplings, nothing like what you're thinking). Awesome drinks and service. To complement the great food, the wine list is sized and selected appropriately for the venue, with ample pours. Well-deserved 5 stars for drinks or dinner. LaBan gave only 2 bells, but that was mostly due to the service at the time, and I would have agreed at the time, but you can tell that this has been addressed. It wasn't a question of quality of employees, but rather quantity at the offshoot.
(5)
Cindy W.
Went to Bardot for lunch, and could not have had a better experience. The atmosphere was pleasant and relaxed, service was excellent and the food was terrific. The fries are to to die for, we shared as an appetizer. Everyone at the table could not have been happier with their meal. The salads were delicious with a carrot vinaigrette, extremely colorful and fresh. This place is definitely worth going to.
(5)
Olivia B.
I was out with my boyfriend in the city and needed to get out from the cold. We ended up ordering a ruben and we both ordered the cinnamon teas. The food was amazing but the service was horrible. The bar was empty besides a few others and we were taking our time and curling up to one another. The waitress served us and quickly pushed us of the door into the door without letting us enjoy our meal. No matter how good the food is when you're unable to enjoy a quiet evening with the person you love it completely destroys any respect I have for a bar that prides itself on atmosphere. I suppose next time we'll act like an Amish couple and sit across the table staring at one another showing no affection what so ever. If you're a couple looking for a romantic night, avoid this place. You'll only get 15 minutes.
(1)
Natasha C.
I went there for lunch today and my waitress Alex was super nice and the bar staff was very welcoming. Great vibe on a nice day and I love the decorum inside. I would certainly go back for dinner with friends for drinks and food. The food today was very tasty and packed with flavor! My only concern is I don't want to share with too many people of fear of not having it all to myself. haha So happy I went to Bardot. Will def be going back AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
(5)
Matt R.
I have been back to Bardot about half a dozen times since my initial review, and it's only gotten better. The duck cassoulet is more complex than before (and I already loved it). I'm not the kind of person who regularly orders the same thing every time I go to a place, but I've mad an exception for this fantastic dish. Bardot also has done a great job of keeping the overall menu and flavor profiles consistent while changing things up seasonally - the beet salad is great and a bit different every time; and every dish is perfectly balanced (fat vs acid, salting, and so on). The wine list remains full of good, reasonably priced options, and the service remains friendly and attentive.
(5)
Caitlyn H.
Came here for dinner mid-week. The staff was very nice, the food excellent. The service overall was very good, though they initially brought the wrong entrees to our table. They were very apologetic and corrected the mistake immediately. A little pricey, but fair for the quality of the meal. Great atmosphere. Would definitely come back.
(4)
Ami O.
Can't believe we haven't been here sooner. Brunch is 11-3, brunch happy hour 11-1. We had the pan du jour which was a subtly sweet bread pudding (absolutely fantastic). I had the crab cakes eggs Benedict and my husband had the omelette with mushrooms and asparagus+ a side of bacon. My dish was great. I am an eggs bene fanatic and I order them everywhere. More often than not (and yes I get the level of skill it takes) the eggs are overdone or by the time I eat 1, the 2nd is overdone. Bardot nailed it! They were cooked to perfection and so pretty draped in the hollandaise with paprika and tiny green onion chopped on top. The crab cake tucked underneath was all crab and nearly no cake sitting atop a light corn bread. There are roasted potatoes to accompany. The omelette was packed to the brim with mushrooms, asparagus and cheese. Also accompanied by potatoes and additionally a lightly dressed mixed green salad with a bright citrus dressing. According to my husband who didn't leave a crumb, it was amazing. Now here's the deal... It isn't difficult to cook bacon. But!! It IS difficult to make bacon even better than it already is. Maybe it's the thickness of the slices or maybe it's how it was cooked but the bacon was so good and a generous amount as a side dish. They've got a diverse draft list and a cocktails list which included the classic mimosa at $5/each at happy hour. ($8 regularly). Briefly checking out the dinner menu and judging by brunch the selections were equally as appetizing and I am excited to return to try them out. Go- enjoy- go again- you won't regret it.
(5)
Devon W.
GO HERE! This is a great date spot or place to go with a group of friends for dinner or a great glass of wine, beer or awesome cocktail. It has a romantic/sexy ambience about it. Low lighting, it feels like a hidden gem. It might seem to be off the beaten path but if you are in Northern Liberties it is about a 3 minute walk from busy 2nd street. The food is great. Bardot really puts its own signature on every dish. If you aren't that hungry then their little bites are fabulous as well. A must try you won't be disappointed. There is nothing really like it in Philadelphia, so if you want to go somewhere different or impress a date go to Bardot! Also their kitchen is open till 1 am always good to know**
(5)
Claire O.
A little off the beaten track, but 100% worth it. Never a wait (please help this place fill up), great service, great drinks, and consistently AMAZING food.
(5)
Andrew P.
First timer to Bardot and loved it - had the Octopus, Rabbit, Cauliflower and Bardot burger. Everything came out on time and was super delicious (Fries were ridiculous as well). Also. If you are looking for a nice cocktail - try the weekender. Highly recommended!
(5)
Hilary A.
Excellent food and excellent service!! Really Good cocktails & dinner menu and the brunch is delicious. I had the mushroom omelette and it was one of the best I've ever had. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Joanna C.
Gorgeous room, delicious food, well curated draught list. Nice smallplates set up. Had two tartines and two small plates. The Tartines are 'deconstructed', so could just as easily been named "meat dips with bread", but I think tartine sounds prettier and the deconstructed allowed me to put as much meat dip as I wanted on the bread! Chicken liver mousse tartine: Good mousse, but entirely elevated by the pickled carrots Steak tartare tartine: Absolutely delicious, and don't even like steak tartare. Shrimp: three heads on shrimp that were prefectly tasty Cheese course: Jasper hills, cowgirl creamery, and I forget the last one, but all were nicely ripened with an appropriate accompaniment. I hope it stays around!
(4)
Dan J.
My second time eating here, I cant get over the French inspired menu. The mix of flavors on some of the dishes are amazing. I had the scallop special, scallop, in-house smoked bacon, and an apple-brussel sprout salad. A true manage-a-trois of flavors. Bridget Bardot herself would have eaten here. The beer/wine list compliments the menu with strong flavors and high %s. I recommend the Devil's Dancer. They have a very attentive and friendly wait staff. A great bar selection with cocktails that are assembled with the artistry and skill of the finest cocktail bars in Philadelphia. I highly recommend Bardot Cafe for any occasion, a first date, anniversary, or a regular Tuesday afternoon dinner. I will come back for brunch... Oh yes I will.
(5)
Jason S.
The beer list is excellent and the cocktails are finely crafted. The menu/food on the other hand might just be the best value in the city. I used to confidently give that crown to The Good King Tavern, but Bardot's flavors and textures assuredly approached me from behind, embraced me, caressed, and softly kissed the nape of my neck. When it comes to price point these are the best plates around. Like others mentioned, it's very dimly lit and sexy. The feel of this place is lovely. If Emmanuelle and Torst (BK... most amazing beer bar in the solar system?) mated, Bardot would be their 3rd love child. (Definitely leaning closer to that of her mother's image) Bottom line... Bardot is a fucking superstar. Go here. PS - The chicken liver mouse is amazing. Like possibly maybe (yes, a blatant Bjork reference) the best I've ever.
(5)
Jess S.
Haven't tried the cocktails or the octopus That everyone raves about but five stars go to this: The service The vibe/atmosphere But most importantly --- THE BURGER. So juicy, the meat doesn't make you feel terrible after, and it is cooked to perfection and EXPLODING with flavor. As a foodie, this burger is very simple but something that really stands out. Just get it. Seriously.'
(5)
Victoria S.
The Bardot Burger is actually out of this world. My boyfriend lives across the street from Bardot and we order burgers way too frequently for take out. They always quote 20 minutes and it always takes at least 25, but it is worth every second of the wait. And the fries! With that sauce! Incredible.
(5)
Kris F.
Everything was spot on!!! Restaurant off the beaten path in NoLibs. Most certainly underrated. My gf loved the wine list. Lastly, the Cocoa Banana Bread was the best dessert I have had in years.
(5)
B. C.
What a gem! I live nearby, so I had waited with anticipation to see what would fill the former Wino space. My wife and I got dinner -- we got the Falafel appetizer; I got the pastrami Reuben; she got the curry chicken sandwich. Each was served with the pomme frites (French style fries). The Falafel appetizer was, and I don't use this description often - perfect. The Falafel were tender, hot and tasty -- not the crunch, mealy Falafel that is sold cheaply. And included amongst the hummus was a touch of pomegranate, giving what could be a run of the mill appetizer vibrant flavor. By the same token, the pastrami sandwich was tender and delicious. My only nitpick -- I think with the pastrami sandwich, steak fries are the way the go; large fries have a creaminess that the small pomme frites lack. But I realize that "fancy" restaurants tend not to serve streak fries, so this probably won't happen. With a first meal like that, I'm eagerly awaiting an excuse to come back for seconds.
(5)
Laur A.
Wonderful food, wonderful service, and the key lime curd was simply incredible. I will be back to get it again!
(5)
Sarina K.
This place is the perfect addition to the neighborhood. It's warm and inviting inside, stunningly decorated and lit. The food is amazing and the drinks are even better. Get the Contempt cocktail. It's out of this world. Love coming in here for a drink, light bite, or dinner. Haven't tried brunch yet, but that's up next. Based on everything else I've experienced here, I'm sure it won't disappoint.
(5)
Jeff M.
I recently had dinner here and everything was delicious. For appetizers, we tried the rabbit crepe, octopus, and the cured artic char. For dinner we had the spaghettini noir and the short rib. Everything was great, I am glad I finally tried this place after passing by it dozens of times.
(5)
Anonymous A.
This hidden gem in No. libs is one of my favorite places to eat in the city. The wait staff, atmosphere, and cocktails are great, but the real reason to come to Bardot is for the food. The chicken liver mousse is amazing along with everything else on the menu. I couldn't even pick a favorite dish because they're all so good! We've only eaten here for dinner so far and can't wait to try out their brunch.
(5)
Pascual A.
For a group of four for dinner this was an exasperating experience. Inept servers who were unfamiliar with menu and provided painfully slow service in an uncrowded setting. Pate appetizer was a tapas sized portion hardly enough for one. A request for additional bread for this appetizer finally arrived near the end of the meal. Beet salad was uninteresting with traditional red beets of no particular gustatory interest. Past portion was an appetizer portion and diners left unsatisfied. Bardotburgers, although sounding imaginative, were very traditional. Excellent fries but that was it. Be aware this is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bread) since they do NOT serve bread at all.
(1)
michelle b.
I just moved to the neighborhood and I have been waiting for this restaurant to open. It is perfect stumbling distance from my front door. And when it did open a few weeks ago, it did not disappoint. Great food. Great cocktails. Great great great staff. I'm trying to work my way through the menu. So far I have a lot of high praise. The chicken liver mousse is bananas if you are into chicken liver mousse. Also, I recommend the cheese plate. I was a huge fan of the eggplant panzanella. Oh, oh...THE OCTOPUS! And I finally got around to trying the hamburger for lunch last week and it was fantastic. If you're into fancy burgers, this place has had the best one I've had so far in Philly. So anyhow, go to here, eat their food and drink their drinks.
(5)
Zachary A.
Sexy, dark, candle lit atmosphere, with great music, friendly staff providing excellent service make this spot a top choice for dinner or brunch in the northern liberties section... Amazing food and modern cocktails definitely a spot to mark on your radar!
(5)
Joh R.
This place is very well-done overall; from the decor, the vibe, the food to the service which was very accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable. The spaghettini noir was out of this world. The house wines were both fabu. The cheese plate was well-rounded, the accouterments were creative and paired well. My only complaint: extra bread was extra money. Bread is inexpensive and should be endless, in my opinion, this came across as very tacky and completely out of sorts for the Bardot cafe.
(4)
Joan B.
OMG!!! Bardot Cafe was fabulous! We had the chicken liver mousse (to die for), octopus (possibly the best ever), pork belly grits and bisquit - out of this world and short rib farrotto - delicious! So much more on the menu we wanted to try and as it was we went home with a doggie bag! This place is awesome! Also, must try Sympathy For the Devil - cocktail!
(4)
Minnie A.
Cafe Bardot's decor whisks you to another time and place. The food is eclectic and exceptionally well prepared. My husband and I shared the rabbit crepe, the falafel, and the burger. The burger was one of the best I've ever had. We ended with a deconstructed cocoa banana bread - unique and delicious. We will definitely come again.
(5)
Matthew H.
Dropped in here for some apps and drinks a few weeks back and it was good. The wines, beers, and cocktails are well thought out and everything was good. The food is very good and I would like to go back and try a few other things. I ended up getting the burger and it was really really good, no complaints I know that. As for the price, the food is reasonable but where you will spend money is drinks so just be prepared for that. All in all a great place and I would like to go back when it matures a bit more. This place is perfect for this weather because they just open the windows and let everything be open air.
(4)
Christina D.
Enjoyed my second visit to Bardot. As before, cocktails and beer list are solid. The food is done with great care. I've sent several of my clients to visit Bardot for a post dinner snack and a cocktail, and they've all enjoyed it. I would visit more if they had an outdoor table, but that can't be helped. I thought the bill was reasonable for the drinks and quality of food.
(4)
Aliyia P.
Thought I put my review in apparently not. I want to say brunch was excellent here. I had the lamb en cocotte. It was so full of flavor, the lamb was cooked to perfection! Enveloped in a hardy tomato sauce and feta cheese. Drinks were great not overly sweet I had a seasonal drink with bourbon, can't think of the rest of the ingredients. They also had a wonderful bread pudding made from brioche and pecans, like warm buttery pecan pie! I would surely go again! Service was great! It's dark inside, which I like but just giving a heads up.
(4)
Joseph M.
Easily one of the top 5 meals I've ever had. Pork belly and Falafel (yes falafel as an entree is amazing) were out of this works and creative. But the Chicken Liver?....I was in heaven
(5)
Sarah M.
This place is amazing. The atmosphere is romantic but not stuffy or pretentious. It's been a while, so I don't remember all the details of what we ordered. However, I never liked octopus before, but theirs was amazing. They also had fantastic grilled veggies. Everything was well cooked and beautifully flavored. This is really a neighborhood gem that I can't recommend enough.
(5)
Cara S.
Super sexy great date spot. food and drinks were fantastic. Service was a little slow but it gave me more time with my honey in this dimll lit romantic room. I loved it!!!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Bill M.
When crepes had to be on the menu for Mother's Day brunch it was immediately on my mindset to book a reservation for Beau Monde. but being the likely 500+th person to come up with that plan that stood no chance in getting a table, McThrill had to act fast in researching the next best destination. Fortunately it lead to my discovering a new spot from the owners of a forever favorite Pub on Passyunk East ( yelp.com/biz/the-pub-on-… ), that resided inside the spot that used to house one of my former favorite's Ministry of Information ( yelp.com/biz/ministry-of… ), and was completely inspired by timeless actress Brigitte Bardot. With a resume like that it seemed a little to perfect to believe, but those things led to a bit of a hidden gem ( philly.com/philly/blogs/… ), that delivered on all fronts. Upon first entry I was able to notice borrowed things like the Octopus Chandelier and exposed brick wall, and new things like the Bardot inspired decor and chic "waiting area where you could lounge around until someone finished up in the water closet. add in the attentive and informative customer service, French bistro inspired menu, and solid beer & cocktail menu; and you had welcome features throughout. The delicious crepes that brought us here came with Fromage Blanc and a strawberry/meyer lemon jam that heightened the flavor. The spicy hangover cure Hail Mary was fully loaded with Habanero vodka, horseradish, tabasco, black pepper, and a meaty olive. And the well rounded draught menu had solid choices from Nodding Head, Ommegang, North Coast, and Duchesse Du Bourgogne. But for me the main feature by far was the BEST frittata I've ever had that was filled with duck confit, baby kale, toulouse sausage, and more. With even more examples of standard bar fare being French elevated, solid beers and cocktails, and good happy hours during regular and brunch hours; Bardot is a perfect destination to visit no matter what occasion.
(5)Tim W.
This hidden gem has an awesome atmosphere, delicious French style food, consistently good drafts selection, and a soundtrack that never disappoints. The staff are quick to learn your name and really nice. You can go but don't tell too many of your friends because I don't want this place to get crowded.
(5)Kris H.
Amazing. Food was perfect. Me and my date shared a few small plates. It was really good. I recommend the liver mousse. The atmosphere was really nice and service was great.
(5)Ann C.
J'adore Bardot! Perfect sexy dark atmosphere. Like a sexy speakeasy in NYC. The burger is prepared correctly to temperature. The drinks are have thoughtful and are well executed. For once someone has put thought in there bar, menu and theme. It's perfect! My new favorite welcomed spot to this area.
(5)beezneez b.
Friendly, low key service, interesting seasonal menu with enough vegetarian choices to have a nice tasting menu (cheese plate, young greens salad, cauliflower gratin dish, eggplant panzanella), nice wine selection. The music playlist was varied and cool. Can't wait to come back!! What a great addition to the neighborhood!
(5)Jack M.
Great beer list, great cocktails and really nice wine selection, very reasonable pricing. We ordered the octo, steak tartare and both were awesome. My girlfriend ordered the mussels special, which was also awesome. Now here is why this place gets 3 stars. I ordered the burger, sounded awesome, heard good things. It came out and looked great, I took a bite and spit it out. It was easily the saltiest thing I have ever been served in a restaurant. Not just salty but salty beyond being edible for anyone. I made my girlfriend try it just to be sure and she spit it out as well. I sent it back and the bartender was very accommodating and apologetic. He asked if there was something else I'd like but I wanted a burger so I gave it a second shot. Having worked in kitchens for the last 8 years I know what happens if something gets sent back. There is usually a mad rush to get a replacement out ASAP. Well the second burger came out a few minutes later, first bite was great, second bite and upon examining the middle I noticed it was just charred on the outside and raw in the middle. Cold and raw. I really didn't feel like waiting for a third, so I ate the fries(which were great) and the outer edge of the burger which was probably not the best idea, being that I woke in the middle of the night and have been suffering food poisoning symptoms for the last 2 days. Was it for sure the burger ? Maybe not, but there is a good chance it was. I will go back to Bardot and give it another shot, cause the rest of the food was great. But I don't think I'll be ordering the burger again.
(3)Alli M.
Great food, good prices for NoLibs. Enjoyed the grilled octopus, cheese plate and lettuce salad with mustard degassing. Good wine pour for the $. Decent knowledgeable bar staff but had to keep asking for water although not busy. Atmosphere was quiet and romantic. Good for a local date night.
(4)Chris T.
I like that its off the beaten path, cozy, relaxed and seems to be focused on quality over revenue. The draft list always features top breweries and the cocktails seem professional. Great for brunch also.
(5)Rachael Gray C.
Bardot is great great great. Great bartenders, great servers, great food, great happy hour specials, great atmosphere, great location. They've got the burger.. and it's really awesome (and typically cooked perfectly, I've had it a few times). They've got fancy more expensive food, and that's awesome too. We live in the neighborhood and were psyched to find out that it's living up to expectations. We just hope it catches on enough to stick around for awhile.. part of that is just that people don't know about it and it's a little off the beaten track.. Being Dennis Hewlett's new place (he's known for the P.O.P.E., also great in that divey with great beer kind of way), I'm guessing he's waiting for word of mouth to spread. And to the guy who posted the review about the burger not being cooked enough for you.. why wouldn't you just explain it to them and ask for a new one? I mean, they're pretty awesome and I'm sure they'd have made you a new burg. It wasn't like there was anything wrong with it.. Just relax buddy. No need to rip on the reputation by Yelping about it.
(5)Haley W.
This place is very underrated! The food, the service, and decor are all outstanding. I went we a friend on a Tuesday night. The place was pretty empty, but we did not mind at all since we like sitting at bar tables and not being bothered by other's conversations. We ordered the octopus which was amazing. The octopus was nicely charred with a great salsa verde. My favorite thing of the night was the duck special. Honestly, I never knew that I could love duck so much. Josh was our waiter and he was so friendly and recommended great dinner options for us. Also, we loved the decor of the restaurant and Josh gave us the artist's name that designed the pieces. Overall, I am going back very soon! ** only thing I would change would be that the food came out to fast!
(5)Zachary C.
Great spot with cool tile artwork on the outside. One of the best burgers I've ever had. I have had a lot of burgers.
(5)love n.
Great brunch. Very cool décor inside, reminds me of a place you'd see in the Village in Manhattan. Service was friendly and on top of it. The pork belly biscuit was excellent. So was the mushroom omelette. The neighborhood is hip and trendy. I've tried many different brunch spots in Philly and Bardot is one of the better places.
(5)Kim-Lan C.
Food was really good. We had a burger and the octopus. Drinks were just OK. My husband's martini was tiny, and was swiped by the waitress before he could finish it. My cocktail was pretty good, but still kinda small. I ordered a glass of Pinot Grigio next but they were out of it so I chose another white wine. That glass was really skimpy as well. I will definitely go back and give them another chance but for a bar that just opened I think they should've been overfilling rather than under filling. Atmosphere was nice and the service was good.
(3)Micaela M.
Three and a half stars and three words: brunch happy hour. What an amazing idea. We got to Bardot Cafe on the earlier side of brunch (11am) and enjoyed three rounds of $5 Bloody Marys. Five dollars! And they were quality Bloody Marys, too. Not too tomato-ey or spicy, just the perfect mix. The food: super rich, which I think would be good for hangovers. Since we were catching up on our drinking that morning, it just left me feeling a bit greasy and lethargic. My favorite was the pork belly biscuit, which was decadent and delicious. I would not recommend the octopus.
(3)Alex S.
This is one of the best spots around. The food is completely different than the normal garbage you usually see in the area. The attention to detail was meticulous and the food was outstanding. The only thing better than the meal was the staffs friendly and accommodating attitude. I am excited to watch this restaurants fantastic reputation grow.
(5)Salvatore R.
I'm not too sure how this restaurant has so many positive reviews, but I'm going to unfortunately go against the grain and write a less flattering one. First off, the staff seemed friendly and accommodating, the food came out much more quickly than I'd expected and the service overall was excellent. The restaurant, on the other hand, was much less pleasing. It seems to advertise itself as a "French New Wave-inspired restaurant," but, really, it's just a run-of-the-mill bar with a few cheap tables and some cheap, bright damask wallpaper. It seems to want to strive for a Hop Sing ambiance, but unfortunately falls short - very short - of achieving such a feel. It isn't as decorated as it should be and I don't see the French New-Wave inspired ambiance that they pride themselves on (personally, I think the name "Jean-Luc Goddard" just ropes in some hipsters in that neighborhood). I want to say that the furniture and the decoration of the place had a certain "je ne sais quoi," but I know what I want to say and that is "cheap." This place is to a French café what Olive Garden is to an Italian trattoria. The food was also cheap and poorly done - I ordered a Bardot burger, which was much smaller than the bun and tasted odd. The dish had some pommes frites on the side, but even those just tasted outright bad. (There are other places in the city with great pommes frites - Monk's and the Belgian Café both have pommes frites that are to die for.) Couldn't finish the salad, since it was soaking in dressing and the saltiness of the dish actually made the skin on the inside of my mouth start to peel. The "house red" was also scanty and a bit stale. Overall, I'd neither recommend this restaurant for a date nor for general dining. It's sort of off-the-beaten track, somewhere in the developing parts of Northern Liberties where there's a lot of construction going on, and it's not worth the long trudge. The food's overpriced, not worth the value; the ambiance fails to achieve what it sets out to do. Bardot Café is cheap in many respects and no, it didn't even have a French New Wave film. And to make matters worse, I went there at 8PM on a Friday night and only 3, maybe 5, out of the 35 tables were filled and one or two hangers-on were sitting at the bar. This place didn't do it for me -- and seemed to fail so miserably at what it sets out to do that I just needed to write a review to make sense of it all. But again, the staff was great; this place just wasn't to my taste. Cheers.
(2)Jake M.
Beautifully appointed bar and cafe in a quirky building (see pic) tucked into an odd intersection in Northern Liberties. French-inspired brunch was outstanding. Excellent Counter Culture coffee. Very reasonable pricing, too. I had the mushroom omelette, which also featured asparagus and goat cheese. Delicious flavors and perfectly cooked eggs (no browning or burning, as so often in restaurants). Have to go back for drinks from the impressive beer, wine, and cocktail lists sometime.
(5)Sammip P.
I'd like to say I've become a regular here. The bar area is great with good beers on tap and very friendly bartenders. What makes this place get 5 stars is their brunch. I've been here every Sunday for the past 4 weeks now and keep coming back because every meal there is fantastic. First time I was there for brunch I got the Cinnamon Raison French Toast. Amazing and such a huge portion. The maple marzipan is what made it so great. Next week was when I got the Classic Breakfast. Classic, simple, delicious. Then is was the Pork Belly Biscuit. My god that was the perfect meal and the perfect amount of food. Make sure you get everything in each bite. Come before 1 and you get $5 brunch cocktails.
(5)Amber T.
Favorite happy hour spot for me and my coworkers. Quiet, delicious food and excellent beer and wine selection.
(5)Michelle C.
Wow. This place is fantastic. Let's cut right to the chase. - Perfect date spot. Dark (Like, really dark. You won't be instagramming any of your plates here--hope you don't mind actually talking to your date) and sexy decor with velvet wallpaper and a gorgeous chandelier by Adam Wallacavage. - Excellent food. The spaghetti noir is amazing. The fromage blanc is bright, airy and delicious. - Skip the beets. - Solid cocktails, really nice wine selection. Just wonderful all around. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Michelle C.
I'm picking up what you're putting down, Bardot. The dark and sexy bar is perfect for a date or small group. And the tiny, tucked-away parlor with curtain would be perfect for a scandalous liaison. The staff was sweet but not entirely up to speed on menu items. The buttery shrimp were served head-on, though when I asked before ordering I was told that they were served only with the tails still attached. Minor, but enough of a turnoff for me that I probably would have opted for a different plate. The octopus dish was a win amongst our table of three, and I simply could not get enough of the spaetzle with purple cauliflower. It was perfect. Our server recommended cocktails for my friends while I tried the Côtes du Rhône Blanc, which I deeply enjoyed. I can't wait to go back for another glass, some more French pop, and that delicious-looking burger that accidentally almost made its way to our table.
(4)Jason D.
Updated to five stars. My favorite place in Philly. Always pleasant, always great food, always low-key. Wow!
(5)Jonny R.
Lovely. Great service, great vibe, and great physical building. Um, and these were the POPE owners? Awesome work. The beer menu was intriguing enough to keep me ordering, and the cocktail menu looked great too. Although I could not tell from the menu description, the house-made pastrami made the reuben an obvious choice. Great meal, over. Succulent and thirst-quenching. Exactly what I want in a gastropub. Standard Tap? Your monopoly on Northern Liberties--at least to me--may be over.
(4)Xinda Q.
We reserved a table for 10 people yesterday for brunch, and it was absolutely an amazing experience for us! The price was fair and the service was great! Food was delicious and pretty! Me and my friends had tons of fun dining at Bardot cafe, took lots of pics in and out of the restaurant. It was classic! Love it. Def coming back.
(5)Cristen S.
My boyfriend and I had a great experience at Bardot Café last night! We frequent the fishtown/nolibs/kensington area quite often, and I am always interested in trying new places to eat and drink. Last night we decided to go out for a late dinner and had Kraftwork in mind. When we got into the area, I mentioned to my boyfriend that I had passed Bardot Café a few weeks ago and thought it was cute, leading me to check yelp and notice its great reviews. After a little convincing on my part, we ended up here. When we walked inside, the vibe was dark and romantic, with candles everywhere that illuminated the French-style tin bar ceiling. We chose a seat near the bar and our server promptly took our drink order. I started with the "Shoot the Piano Player" cocktail (napoleon armagnac, citrus, pear, prosecco). My boyfriend ordered the double IPA on tap. My drink was pretty good- a bit on the sweet side but overall enjoyable. For dinner, I ordered the pork shoulder sandwich with fries. The pork sandwich was out of this world! The flavor profile was spot on- sweet, spicy, sour and salty. Perfect texture of the pork and bread- plus the red cabbage added a nice crunch. The fries were perfectly thin and crisp and paired perfectly with the red pepper aioli. I just finished the second half of my sandwich for lunch- it was amazing cold too! My boyfriend had the spaghetti noir- He absolutely loved it. I tried a bite and was equally impressed. You could tell it was all homemade. I decided to try another drink - the Lola (vodka, pear, ginger beer, lime, cranberry bitters). This drink was, again, nothing I would shout from the mountain top about. It tasted like a well vodka cranberry. Overall I loved this place. Good vibes, great food and service, decent drinks. I will definitely be back!
(4)Shannon C.
Excellent food and drinks in an intimate setting. I had the crab cakes which were a deconstructed and more thought-out version than the traditional. I also had the octopus was the best I've ever had. Beautiful and deliberate plating. Drinks were creative and delicious. I went with a large group, the staff was very accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable. I loved that the space wasn't overly crowded as so many other restaurants in the area seem to be. Get in here before everyone finds out about this place, definitely a hidden gem. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Jay W.
An excellent place for a date. Small tables, darker lighting, romantic. My significant other and I came here for a late valentine's day dinner (and walked back in the snow). We tried a few cocktails, I liked the weekend (a bourbon drink mixed with red wine). There were also some specialty cocktails for the holiday that were very good. We shared the pork belly appetizer. This is a small plate, just enough for two to try the pork, served with a sherry glaze on top of peas. The pork was perfectly cooked, I would love to see a pork belly dish as an entree. I had the duck cassoulet. It was served with kale in a cream sauce. It was tasty, all the flavors worked well together. She had the eggs en cocotte. This was a pork dish served with tomato, feta, and egg. This reminded me a lot of a ragu, the largest flavor in the dish was tomato. It was pretty good, though much more her type of dish than mine. For dessert, the cocoa banana bread. I liked how dense the banana bread was. It paired well with the ice cream and the fudge. Service was great, I barely noticed them throughout the meal (which is perfect for a place like this).
(4)Ian S.
Cozy bar around the corner of Poplar and 5th in NoLibs. Authentic French cuisine with excellent house reds and good whisky/bourbon selection. They age their own cocktails as well. Been here multiple times. Simple organized menu. Pomme frites are to die for. The Sherry glazed pork belly melts in your mouth. Their artisanal cheese plate always has some excellent cheeses. The Bardot burger definitely has a nice French twist to it. Very disappointed that the Arctic char came off the menu. Desserts are pretty good and inventive. Cherry Panna Cotta is a new addition which is definitely a spring dessert. Check it out!!! Parking can be a pain though.
(5)Hungover I.
Below is a snippet from our Brunch review. Check out HungoverInPhilly.com for the full review! The Good - Wonderful Decor/Very relaxed environment - Great service & really good bartender - Food was very tasty The Bad - Limited menu for Breakfast - Meals were a little on the pricey side - Parking can be tough due to its location (be sure to plan an extra few minutes for when you go) The Review - Food: 3/5 - Bloody Marys: 3/5 - Atmosphere: 4/5 - Price: 3/5 Overall Rating 3/5 - I'm going to end this review the same way I started it, by saying that when it comes to brunch Bardot Cafe is the one of the new kids on the block. They definitely have a lot of potential with their already good menu and location, but I think still have some growing left to do in the brunch category. I almost want to add an appointment in to my calendar to come back here in a little over a year because I know when we go back their brunch will be phenomenal!
(3)Mike Z.
Came here 2x this past weekend! Once at night for drinks and then the following morning for brunch. At night its a really nice chill ambiance. We sat at the bar with very friendly bartenders and ordered wine and dirty martinis. Drinks were good. Next morning we all had bloody marys which were really good with an awesome presentation. For my breakfast I ordered the lamb omelet, it was amazing and I really liked that its not salty. My options were very limited because it was passover. My cousin ordered the mushroom omelet and said it was amazing. This is a great local bar "hole in a wall" and its very enjoyable. Coming back here for dinner in the near future.
(5)Bri H.
I've been to Bardot a couple of times now and I really like this place. It's dark & candlelit with a good beer & wine list (including a few wines on tap) and well made cocktails. Service has always been great. This may be due to the fact that the place is usually not very busy, which is a shame. The food is very good. The octopus was melt in your mouth tender. My eggs en cocotte were comforting and hearty, exactly what I was looking for on a cold January night. They came with tender pork, tomato & feta. I ate the entire delicious thing. The prices are higher than the more gastopub-y places in the area, but the prices accurately reflect the type of food that is being served. They were playing Bjork and have a big Adam Walacavage chandelier in the dining area. Solid food & drinks. Great spot.
(4)Kim H.
I just moved into the neighborhood about a block away from Bardot, and I am not disappointed!! The bar itself is super cute, with brass looking ceiling tiles and an extensive wine selection. I've never had even the slightest problem getting a seat at the bar, even on a weekend night. They also seem to have an awesome selection of beers on tap each time I've been. Service is super friendly, prices are pretty standard, and the food is great! I cannot rave enough about the duck fat fries, my god. I have yet to try their brunch, but I hear great things. This is my new neighborhood bar and I will be back here many, many times!
(4)Suzette A.
Love love love love this place! The customer service here was phenomenal. The waitress and busboy were consistently cleaning our table away etc. This place is a little hidden gem. Small menu, large bar selection. Their egg Benedict are to die for! anything in the menu is fresh, well cooked and lovely presentation. I am a huge coffee person.... the coffee was just how I like it! That just seals the deal for me lol. I will certainly be coming back, parking is limited in that one way street. But if you aren't rushing and don't mind walking you'll find something. Overall, I was impressed with the service. Oh did I mention they have a lovely playlist playing. More than likely you'll sit there for an extra 15-20 min after your meal having a drink. Its a great brunch place. There is a few outdoor tables available. 2 people with entrees,coffee and alcoholic beverages around $50.00 not a bad deal.
(5)Makenzie F.
Dude. I haven't even eaten all the food I ordered yet, but I'm too blown away by how good it is to not give it 5 stars immediately.
(5)Brad P.
That squid ink pasta is something else. I can't get it out of my head. Remember the scene in Blue Valentine where everyone was sad? Well, this dish will make you feel the exact opposite of that. It is so transcendent that I actually really forgot about that heartbreaking scene with the daughter until right now this very second. Now it's back in my memory and my day is ruined. Welp, I digress. They have other things on the menu that are pretty darn good. Bardot is what happens when Vernick and The Ranstead Room have a glorious baby who grows up super hip in NoLibs.
(5)Joe D.
Previous to trying to Bardot, my favorite burger was a toss up between Whiskey Village or Grace Tavern. Bardot surpassed them both as the top burger I've ever had with delicious fries to go with it. I have not tried brunch, but have experienced most of the other dishes on the Dinner menu, and have been pleased w/ each (Try the dumplings, nothing like what you're thinking). Awesome drinks and service. To complement the great food, the wine list is sized and selected appropriately for the venue, with ample pours. Well-deserved 5 stars for drinks or dinner. LaBan gave only 2 bells, but that was mostly due to the service at the time, and I would have agreed at the time, but you can tell that this has been addressed. It wasn't a question of quality of employees, but rather quantity at the offshoot.
(5)Cindy W.
Went to Bardot for lunch, and could not have had a better experience. The atmosphere was pleasant and relaxed, service was excellent and the food was terrific. The fries are to to die for, we shared as an appetizer. Everyone at the table could not have been happier with their meal. The salads were delicious with a carrot vinaigrette, extremely colorful and fresh. This place is definitely worth going to.
(5)Olivia B.
I was out with my boyfriend in the city and needed to get out from the cold. We ended up ordering a ruben and we both ordered the cinnamon teas. The food was amazing but the service was horrible. The bar was empty besides a few others and we were taking our time and curling up to one another. The waitress served us and quickly pushed us of the door into the door without letting us enjoy our meal. No matter how good the food is when you're unable to enjoy a quiet evening with the person you love it completely destroys any respect I have for a bar that prides itself on atmosphere. I suppose next time we'll act like an Amish couple and sit across the table staring at one another showing no affection what so ever. If you're a couple looking for a romantic night, avoid this place. You'll only get 15 minutes.
(1)Natasha C.
I went there for lunch today and my waitress Alex was super nice and the bar staff was very welcoming. Great vibe on a nice day and I love the decorum inside. I would certainly go back for dinner with friends for drinks and food. The food today was very tasty and packed with flavor! My only concern is I don't want to share with too many people of fear of not having it all to myself. haha So happy I went to Bardot. Will def be going back AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
(5)Matt R.
I have been back to Bardot about half a dozen times since my initial review, and it's only gotten better. The duck cassoulet is more complex than before (and I already loved it). I'm not the kind of person who regularly orders the same thing every time I go to a place, but I've mad an exception for this fantastic dish. Bardot also has done a great job of keeping the overall menu and flavor profiles consistent while changing things up seasonally - the beet salad is great and a bit different every time; and every dish is perfectly balanced (fat vs acid, salting, and so on). The wine list remains full of good, reasonably priced options, and the service remains friendly and attentive.
(5)Caitlyn H.
Came here for dinner mid-week. The staff was very nice, the food excellent. The service overall was very good, though they initially brought the wrong entrees to our table. They were very apologetic and corrected the mistake immediately. A little pricey, but fair for the quality of the meal. Great atmosphere. Would definitely come back.
(4)Ami O.
Can't believe we haven't been here sooner. Brunch is 11-3, brunch happy hour 11-1. We had the pan du jour which was a subtly sweet bread pudding (absolutely fantastic). I had the crab cakes eggs Benedict and my husband had the omelette with mushrooms and asparagus+ a side of bacon. My dish was great. I am an eggs bene fanatic and I order them everywhere. More often than not (and yes I get the level of skill it takes) the eggs are overdone or by the time I eat 1, the 2nd is overdone. Bardot nailed it! They were cooked to perfection and so pretty draped in the hollandaise with paprika and tiny green onion chopped on top. The crab cake tucked underneath was all crab and nearly no cake sitting atop a light corn bread. There are roasted potatoes to accompany. The omelette was packed to the brim with mushrooms, asparagus and cheese. Also accompanied by potatoes and additionally a lightly dressed mixed green salad with a bright citrus dressing. According to my husband who didn't leave a crumb, it was amazing. Now here's the deal... It isn't difficult to cook bacon. But!! It IS difficult to make bacon even better than it already is. Maybe it's the thickness of the slices or maybe it's how it was cooked but the bacon was so good and a generous amount as a side dish. They've got a diverse draft list and a cocktails list which included the classic mimosa at $5/each at happy hour. ($8 regularly). Briefly checking out the dinner menu and judging by brunch the selections were equally as appetizing and I am excited to return to try them out. Go- enjoy- go again- you won't regret it.
(5)Devon W.
GO HERE! This is a great date spot or place to go with a group of friends for dinner or a great glass of wine, beer or awesome cocktail. It has a romantic/sexy ambience about it. Low lighting, it feels like a hidden gem. It might seem to be off the beaten path but if you are in Northern Liberties it is about a 3 minute walk from busy 2nd street. The food is great. Bardot really puts its own signature on every dish. If you aren't that hungry then their little bites are fabulous as well. A must try you won't be disappointed. There is nothing really like it in Philadelphia, so if you want to go somewhere different or impress a date go to Bardot! Also their kitchen is open till 1 am always good to know**
(5)Claire O.
A little off the beaten track, but 100% worth it. Never a wait (please help this place fill up), great service, great drinks, and consistently AMAZING food.
(5)Andrew P.
First timer to Bardot and loved it - had the Octopus, Rabbit, Cauliflower and Bardot burger. Everything came out on time and was super delicious (Fries were ridiculous as well). Also. If you are looking for a nice cocktail - try the weekender. Highly recommended!
(5)Hilary A.
Excellent food and excellent service!! Really Good cocktails & dinner menu and the brunch is delicious. I had the mushroom omelette and it was one of the best I've ever had. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Joanna C.
Gorgeous room, delicious food, well curated draught list. Nice smallplates set up. Had two tartines and two small plates. The Tartines are 'deconstructed', so could just as easily been named "meat dips with bread", but I think tartine sounds prettier and the deconstructed allowed me to put as much meat dip as I wanted on the bread! Chicken liver mousse tartine: Good mousse, but entirely elevated by the pickled carrots Steak tartare tartine: Absolutely delicious, and don't even like steak tartare. Shrimp: three heads on shrimp that were prefectly tasty Cheese course: Jasper hills, cowgirl creamery, and I forget the last one, but all were nicely ripened with an appropriate accompaniment. I hope it stays around!
(4)Dan J.
My second time eating here, I cant get over the French inspired menu. The mix of flavors on some of the dishes are amazing. I had the scallop special, scallop, in-house smoked bacon, and an apple-brussel sprout salad. A true manage-a-trois of flavors. Bridget Bardot herself would have eaten here. The beer/wine list compliments the menu with strong flavors and high %s. I recommend the Devil's Dancer. They have a very attentive and friendly wait staff. A great bar selection with cocktails that are assembled with the artistry and skill of the finest cocktail bars in Philadelphia. I highly recommend Bardot Cafe for any occasion, a first date, anniversary, or a regular Tuesday afternoon dinner. I will come back for brunch... Oh yes I will.
(5)Jason S.
The beer list is excellent and the cocktails are finely crafted. The menu/food on the other hand might just be the best value in the city. I used to confidently give that crown to The Good King Tavern, but Bardot's flavors and textures assuredly approached me from behind, embraced me, caressed, and softly kissed the nape of my neck. When it comes to price point these are the best plates around. Like others mentioned, it's very dimly lit and sexy. The feel of this place is lovely. If Emmanuelle and Torst (BK... most amazing beer bar in the solar system?) mated, Bardot would be their 3rd love child. (Definitely leaning closer to that of her mother's image) Bottom line... Bardot is a fucking superstar. Go here. PS - The chicken liver mouse is amazing. Like possibly maybe (yes, a blatant Bjork reference) the best I've ever.
(5)Jess S.
Haven't tried the cocktails or the octopus That everyone raves about but five stars go to this: The service The vibe/atmosphere But most importantly --- THE BURGER. So juicy, the meat doesn't make you feel terrible after, and it is cooked to perfection and EXPLODING with flavor. As a foodie, this burger is very simple but something that really stands out. Just get it. Seriously.'
(5)Victoria S.
The Bardot Burger is actually out of this world. My boyfriend lives across the street from Bardot and we order burgers way too frequently for take out. They always quote 20 minutes and it always takes at least 25, but it is worth every second of the wait. And the fries! With that sauce! Incredible.
(5)Kris F.
Everything was spot on!!! Restaurant off the beaten path in NoLibs. Most certainly underrated. My gf loved the wine list. Lastly, the Cocoa Banana Bread was the best dessert I have had in years.
(5)B. C.
What a gem! I live nearby, so I had waited with anticipation to see what would fill the former Wino space. My wife and I got dinner -- we got the Falafel appetizer; I got the pastrami Reuben; she got the curry chicken sandwich. Each was served with the pomme frites (French style fries). The Falafel appetizer was, and I don't use this description often - perfect. The Falafel were tender, hot and tasty -- not the crunch, mealy Falafel that is sold cheaply. And included amongst the hummus was a touch of pomegranate, giving what could be a run of the mill appetizer vibrant flavor. By the same token, the pastrami sandwich was tender and delicious. My only nitpick -- I think with the pastrami sandwich, steak fries are the way the go; large fries have a creaminess that the small pomme frites lack. But I realize that "fancy" restaurants tend not to serve streak fries, so this probably won't happen. With a first meal like that, I'm eagerly awaiting an excuse to come back for seconds.
(5)Laur A.
Wonderful food, wonderful service, and the key lime curd was simply incredible. I will be back to get it again!
(5)Sarina K.
This place is the perfect addition to the neighborhood. It's warm and inviting inside, stunningly decorated and lit. The food is amazing and the drinks are even better. Get the Contempt cocktail. It's out of this world. Love coming in here for a drink, light bite, or dinner. Haven't tried brunch yet, but that's up next. Based on everything else I've experienced here, I'm sure it won't disappoint.
(5)Jeff M.
I recently had dinner here and everything was delicious. For appetizers, we tried the rabbit crepe, octopus, and the cured artic char. For dinner we had the spaghettini noir and the short rib. Everything was great, I am glad I finally tried this place after passing by it dozens of times.
(5)Anonymous A.
This hidden gem in No. libs is one of my favorite places to eat in the city. The wait staff, atmosphere, and cocktails are great, but the real reason to come to Bardot is for the food. The chicken liver mousse is amazing along with everything else on the menu. I couldn't even pick a favorite dish because they're all so good! We've only eaten here for dinner so far and can't wait to try out their brunch.
(5)Pascual A.
For a group of four for dinner this was an exasperating experience. Inept servers who were unfamiliar with menu and provided painfully slow service in an uncrowded setting. Pate appetizer was a tapas sized portion hardly enough for one. A request for additional bread for this appetizer finally arrived near the end of the meal. Beet salad was uninteresting with traditional red beets of no particular gustatory interest. Past portion was an appetizer portion and diners left unsatisfied. Bardotburgers, although sounding imaginative, were very traditional. Excellent fries but that was it. Be aware this is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bread) since they do NOT serve bread at all.
(1)michelle b.
I just moved to the neighborhood and I have been waiting for this restaurant to open. It is perfect stumbling distance from my front door. And when it did open a few weeks ago, it did not disappoint. Great food. Great cocktails. Great great great staff. I'm trying to work my way through the menu. So far I have a lot of high praise. The chicken liver mousse is bananas if you are into chicken liver mousse. Also, I recommend the cheese plate. I was a huge fan of the eggplant panzanella. Oh, oh...THE OCTOPUS! And I finally got around to trying the hamburger for lunch last week and it was fantastic. If you're into fancy burgers, this place has had the best one I've had so far in Philly. So anyhow, go to here, eat their food and drink their drinks.
(5)Zachary A.
Sexy, dark, candle lit atmosphere, with great music, friendly staff providing excellent service make this spot a top choice for dinner or brunch in the northern liberties section... Amazing food and modern cocktails definitely a spot to mark on your radar!
(5)Joh R.
This place is very well-done overall; from the decor, the vibe, the food to the service which was very accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable. The spaghettini noir was out of this world. The house wines were both fabu. The cheese plate was well-rounded, the accouterments were creative and paired well. My only complaint: extra bread was extra money. Bread is inexpensive and should be endless, in my opinion, this came across as very tacky and completely out of sorts for the Bardot cafe.
(4)Joan B.
OMG!!! Bardot Cafe was fabulous! We had the chicken liver mousse (to die for), octopus (possibly the best ever), pork belly grits and bisquit - out of this world and short rib farrotto - delicious! So much more on the menu we wanted to try and as it was we went home with a doggie bag! This place is awesome! Also, must try Sympathy For the Devil - cocktail!
(4)Minnie A.
Cafe Bardot's decor whisks you to another time and place. The food is eclectic and exceptionally well prepared. My husband and I shared the rabbit crepe, the falafel, and the burger. The burger was one of the best I've ever had. We ended with a deconstructed cocoa banana bread - unique and delicious. We will definitely come again.
(5)Matthew H.
Dropped in here for some apps and drinks a few weeks back and it was good. The wines, beers, and cocktails are well thought out and everything was good. The food is very good and I would like to go back and try a few other things. I ended up getting the burger and it was really really good, no complaints I know that. As for the price, the food is reasonable but where you will spend money is drinks so just be prepared for that. All in all a great place and I would like to go back when it matures a bit more. This place is perfect for this weather because they just open the windows and let everything be open air.
(4)Christina D.
Enjoyed my second visit to Bardot. As before, cocktails and beer list are solid. The food is done with great care. I've sent several of my clients to visit Bardot for a post dinner snack and a cocktail, and they've all enjoyed it. I would visit more if they had an outdoor table, but that can't be helped. I thought the bill was reasonable for the drinks and quality of food.
(4)Aliyia P.
Thought I put my review in apparently not. I want to say brunch was excellent here. I had the lamb en cocotte. It was so full of flavor, the lamb was cooked to perfection! Enveloped in a hardy tomato sauce and feta cheese. Drinks were great not overly sweet I had a seasonal drink with bourbon, can't think of the rest of the ingredients. They also had a wonderful bread pudding made from brioche and pecans, like warm buttery pecan pie! I would surely go again! Service was great! It's dark inside, which I like but just giving a heads up.
(4)Joseph M.
Easily one of the top 5 meals I've ever had. Pork belly and Falafel (yes falafel as an entree is amazing) were out of this works and creative. But the Chicken Liver?....I was in heaven
(5)Sarah M.
This place is amazing. The atmosphere is romantic but not stuffy or pretentious. It's been a while, so I don't remember all the details of what we ordered. However, I never liked octopus before, but theirs was amazing. They also had fantastic grilled veggies. Everything was well cooked and beautifully flavored. This is really a neighborhood gem that I can't recommend enough.
(5)Cara S.
Super sexy great date spot. food and drinks were fantastic. Service was a little slow but it gave me more time with my honey in this dimll lit romantic room. I loved it!!!
(5)