Roberts Block: Glenside eyesore becomes a stylish bistro
Jose and Jennifer Vargas, who own Forcella, Leila’s Bistro, and Flora in Jenkintown, are running the bistro.
The grand Roberts Block building on the outbound side of the Glenside train station, vacant for at least two decades, is popping now since last week's opening of a bar-restaurant cleverly called Roberts Block (2 Roberts Ave., 215-690-4445).
Jack and Beth Conroy of Conroy Catering (based at Knowlton Mansion in nearby Northeast Philadelphia) are overseeing the operation, which is run by Jose and Jennifer Vargas, who own Forcella, Leila's Bistro, and Flora in Jenkintown.
Chef Bruce Santino's American menu includes the basics - mussels, burger, grilled octopus, mac and cheese, baked clams, pork chop - while dropping in some more ambitious dishes, such as fried pig ears and a clever pastrami beef tongue that's served with house-baked rye chips. There's also an $18 burger with tapenade and foie gras.
Entrees are $18 and $22; the bacon-stuffed scallops are $28 while the 20-ounce rib eye is $40.
Bar list includes a dozen beers on tap, plus wine and cocktails.
Interior, which includes two dining rooms besides the roomy bar area, is a tribute to reclaimed wood and exposed brick and concrete. The communal table in the bar seems to be the focal point.
In its early going, it's open Tuesday through Sunday. Bar opens at 4 p.m., with the dining room seating at 5 p.m. Closing time is 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.