A Taste of Family Tradition Comes to Glenside

Bernie's Restaurant & Bar brings comfort food and tradition to Glenside next week

A traditional family-style, neighborhood restaurant and bar opens in Glenside this Monday, December 7.

The new Bernie’s Restaurant & Bar (which used to be Bernie’s Pub when it was operating one town over in Oreland) is located at 391 Highland Avenue, a few blocks away from the Keswick Theatre, brings upscale pub fare and comfort food served in a modernized setting.

Eric Kretschman partnered with general manager Sean Kelly, formerly of Triumph Brewing Company in Old City, as well as chef Raul Bacordo (ex of Continental Mid-town and the former Swanky Bubbles in Old City), to create this restaurant inspired by his childhood memories.

Named after his grandmother Bernice Kretschman (aka “Bernie”), Eric Kretschman’s mission is to uphold their family legacy by creating a comfortable atmosphere to eat, drink and socialize with family and friends.

His grandmother’s signature family event were her Sunday dinners, which she hosted out of her house in Glenside for over 35 years. More than 50 extended family members would ritually gather every week, creating a welcoming environment that left a lasting impression which Kretschman intends to uphold in Glenside. Where better to continue this nostalgic tradition and open his doors to the public than in his grandmother’s hometown?

A preview of a few menu items include…

Small Plates: POUTINE with house-cut fries, beef gravy & fresh cheese curds ($8); and MUSSEL POTS with a choice of garlic white wine, traditional red or thai curry ($12).

Salads: THE OLD SCHOOL WEDGE an iceberg wedge, crumbled blue cheese, bacon, diced tomatoes & blue cheese drizzle ($8); and ROASTED BEET SALAD with bibb lettuce, Mediterranean chick peas, feta, bacon & red wine vinaigrette ($9).

Sandwiches: BERNIE’S HAND-CUT CHEESESTEAK with sautéed shoulder filet, onions, teriyaki, provolone cheese & roasted garlic aioli ($10); and THE ZAPPA, a grilled seitan cheesesteak with onions, teriyaki, provolone cheese & roasted garlic aioli ($10).

Entrees: SHAKEN CRISPY BEEF with pan-roasted shoulder tenderloin glazed with ginger-orange sauce, mustard drizzle & served over house cut fries ($15); SALMON VERA CRUZ topped with olives, white wine, onions, tomatoes & cilantro, served with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes & string beans ($19); and FISH & CHIPS, beer-battered crispy cod served with tartar sauce, house cut fries & a side of malt vinegar ($16).

Burgers: served with hand-cut fries & kosher pickles ($9 – $13)

The bar will offer 16 taps featuring local craft beer. There’s also a $6 kids menu. In addition, each bar stool will have access to usb ports, phone chargers and free wifi.

Bernie’s will be open Monday-Friday, 11am-2am and Saturday-Sunday, 10am-2am.

Bernie’s [official]