Someone should tell Bridgewater’s Pub that it’s in a busy train station. The delightful gastropub seems to be under the impression that it’s located in an English hamlet or a small German town. As soon as you walk through its wrought iron façade, the fact that the pub is nestled inside 30th Street Station’s food court seems to melt away. This makes it a go-to destination for travelers, commuters, and even savvy locals who pop by once the crowds dissipate.

Hoping to avoid the pub’s busiest hours (rush hour and lunchtime), I decided to check it out for dinner on a Saturday. There were still people filling up its tables and lounging at the bar, but a calm, relaxing feeling dominated as laid-back regulars watched the football game and a smattering of people stopped by for bites and brews. Bridgewater’s beer selection is formidable, with a lengthy list of fancy drafts and bottles, many imported from Germany (the influence and expertise of their German bar manager is apparent!). Unsure of what to go with, I told the knowledgeable waitress what I was in the mood for and she picked out the perfect beer for me.

The first thing you’ll notice when perusing the menu is the presence of some rather unusual foods. The pub is known is its game dishes, which range from the less-surprising (wild boar) to the truly wild (crocodile!). But don’t worry, animal lovers – they’ve got you covered as well with vegetarian grilled tofu sandwiches, salads, and stews. One must-try appetizer is the Arepas, a new phenomenon of sorts popping up in restaurants across the country. Bridgewater’s tops their Arepas with pulled chipotle chicken, peppers, onions, chimichurri, colby jack cheese, and sour cream. The presentation is a gorgeous surprise coming from a pub kitchen, and the flavors meld magically in your mouth. The combination of ingredients is lovely, with the perfect amount of spice.

If you’re in a more traditional mood you can’t go wrong with a Caesar salad (top it with medium rare salmon for a unique, hearty, and healthy combination), but I was feeling adventurous and opted for an international dinner. Next up was the Wild Boar Burger, topped with cherrywood smoked bacon, blue cheese, and brandy blueberry caramelized onions. A refreshingly exotic take on the standard bacon cheeseburger, the burger comes with a serving of perfectly prepared fries. The Moroccan Vegetable Ragout is another attention grabber on the eclectic menu, and the authentic African dish is filled with dates, manchego cheese, and preserved lemons over couscous. Fragrant and unique, I would never have expected such a treat from a pub! If you’re feeling indulgent, end the meal with a rich and creamy Kahlua Crème Brulee paired with a dessert beer. Or, if you’re catching the late train, stop by just for that dessert and cordial.

It’s a perfect haven for the harried traveler, but Bridgewater’s is well worth a trip to the station even if you don’t have places to go or time to kill.

Bridgewater's Pub
In 30th Street Station, 30th and Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19104
www.thepubin30thstreetstation.com
(215) 387-4787