Gullifty's: An All Ages Restaurant

restaurant in Bryn Mawr has weathered many a financial crisis. If you take the time to walk around the mini-mall that houses the restaurant, you will see many empty store fronts where businesses used to thrive. How is it that this restaurant has not only survived but seems to still be flourishing? For any living organism, survival depends on adapting to your environment as it changes. Gullifty's has kept up with the times and offers its customers exactly what they want.

The restaurant I used to frequent when I was in high school (ages and ages ago) mostly had burgers, pizzas, salads and this crazy dessert called "killer cookie for two," which is a huge cookie baked to order and covered with ice cream, whipped cream and hot fudge sauce.

The restaurant I visited last week was a much more sophisticated version of the place I once knew. Though the decor hasn't changed much, the menu has exploded and now offers almost everything under the sun.

For starters, you will find nachos ($9.50), potato skins ($7.50) and buffalo drummies ($11) along with a three hummus platter ($10) and goat cheese bruschetta ($6.50). The baked potato soup is joined by changing soups du jour and a cheesesteak soup ($4 to $6.50 for cups and bowls).

There are nearly 20 salads that are large enough to be meals. I chose the country kitchen salad (romaine, iceberg, hard boiled eggs, carrots, cherry tomatoes, garlic croutons, cucumber, cheese and red cabbage with russian dressing on the side, $8). Also available are balsamic vinaigrette, creamy garlic ranch, blue cheese, creamy garlic dill, basil shallot vinaigrette, cilantro lime, cranberry vinaigrette and basil jalapeno vinaigrette. This is a great protein-filled salad that is also loaded with vegetables. For even more protein, add on chicken for $2.50.

The burgers are a full half pound of 100-percent black angus beef and served on Le Bus rolls. They come with or without cheese, onions, BBQ sauce, bacon or grilled mushrooms, etc. Prices range from $7.50 to $10.50. For vegans, there is a vegan burger and for pescetarians there is a mahi mahi burger. For those feeling particularly decadent, there is a kobe beef burger for $16.

Most of the grinders and sandwiches are under $10, making them an affordable option for any meal of the day. The BBQ pork sandwich on country white with fries and coleslaw ($8.50) was tender and juicy but a bit too sweet for my taste. I love a balance of sweet and salty in my BBQ sauce, but this was more sweet than anything else. The fries were crispy and delicious.

The famous fajitas and southwestern specialities are a bit more expensive ranging in price from $9 to $14 but sound delicious. The fish tacogrande (battered white fish, lettuce, tomato, mango salsa and cheddar jack cheese in a flour tortilla, $11) caught my eye.

The comfort foods section of the menu features favorites like chicken parmagiana ($10.50), fish and chips ($11) and  hot turkey platter ($8.50).

If all else fails, go for one of their numerous pizzas. They come in three sizes so you can order according to the size of the group or the size of your appetite. I'm always a sucker for a hawaiian pizza which they make with fresh pineapple and prosciutto.

The dessert list is extensive, so bring your sweet tooth. In addition to the "killer cookie for two," they offer a number of desserts for one that are just as decadent and equally satisfying.

There is a full bar and a decent sized wine list. Cocktails come in all shapes and colors, and drink specials abound at this neighborhood spot. My favorite is Gullifty's teacher-themed happy hour where educators get discounts on drinks.

There is literally something for the whole family. Grown-ups can enjoy seared tuna and filet while kids can enjoy the off menu children-friendly items like chicken fingers and pasta. College kids will love the fantastic beer selection, the big burgers, pizzas and finger foods. The night I went in, they were having quizzo, which was fun to watch as the teams were of all ages. Just like when you attend an all-ages show at some local music venue, Gullifty's too brings together people of all shapes, sizes and ages. Head on down.