Nestled on a quiet residential street just blocks from the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a small, unassuming establishment with a big drink menu that transports you straight to Brussels. Whether you remain downstairs at the bar or opt for the quieter dining room upstairs, Bridgid's is a friendly, homey locale just waiting to satisfy whatever thirst you may have and appeal to your appetite as well.
The extensive drink menu boasts a variety of wines and beers, grouped regionally, but Bridgid's is best known for its wide selection of Belgian ales. Our extremely knowledgeable waitress suggested the Maredsous ($13), a lighter Belgian ale with a high alcohol content (believe them when they tell you that), and the Echtkreikenbier ($5), a dark, sour brew with a distinct cherry flavor. Both arrived in goblets rather than mugs, which -- in addition to being aesthetically appealing -- enhances the flavor of the ale. In addition, my guest and I couldn't resist sampling the Duvel ($6.75), which is Dutch for "devil"; luckily, however, the bitter carbonated drink bore little resemblance to its name.
Thankfully, since we all know it's best not to drink on an empty stomach, Bridgid's is well equipped to please almost any palate. The food here is, on the whole, uncomplicated yet delicious. The menu offers a variety of appetizers ($4.50-$8) and entrees ($8-$16), somewhat frustratingly organized by price. Many of the dishes have a western European flair (think veal and escargot), and -- though not impossible -- vegetarians might find their selections a bit limited as the menu emphasizes hearty meat and fish dishes.
The marinated mushroom salad ($8), with sweet peppers, olives and tomatoes, is a vinegar-lover's paradise, and the black bean soup ($4.50) is a must-try, with hunks of meat buried in the thick, creamy concoction. To follow, try the filet Roquefort ($16), a specialty of the house. Though mine arrived more medium-well than medium-rare, the flavorful beef was perfectly complemented by a rich cheese sauce that fell into the so-good-you've-got-to-sop-up-every-last-bit-with-your-bread category. The pork tenderloin in sherry and portobello sauce ($14) was fork-tender and pleasantly sweet. Both entrees arrived on platters with rice, salad and stewed vegetables.
Although I'm a firm believer that dessert should never be optional, it is indisputably mandatory of a trip to Bridgid's. The carrot cake ($5) was fresh and moist, with a delicious buttercream frosting. However, the pi?ce de resistance was the Marjolaine tart. A steal at $5, the huge pastry alternated layers of flaky meringue with creamy chocolate buttercream and fluffy whipped cream for a textural extravaganza, and the whole thing was topped with a rich chocolate ganache -- all of which gives reason for pastry lovers to rejoice.
Bridgid's is the perfect place to take a break from the typical Saturday night PBR-and-Allegro's combo. So the next time you're looking to bring a little transatlantic flair to your Philadelphia lifestyle, hit the Dali exhibition and then head to Bridgid's for some Belgian beer and European cheer.
