Photos by Ed Williams
All aboard the new Pullman Restaurant & Bar in Bryn Mawr, where classic and new American dishes abound.

Roni Hammer and daughter Jennifer have generated quite the buzz in Bryn Mawr, transforming Tango’s tired railside space into a historical nod to the iconic Pullman cars of the 1940s. Renovations took two years under the guidance of Ardmore’s Orion Builders and the exceptional interior designer’s eye of Barbara Balongue.


Balongue demonstrates her knack for tying together fabrics, patterns and textures to orchestrate a distinct destination. It’s a bold concept fully realized. “Given the historical prominence of the building, there were significant challenges to get our plan to come to life,” notes Jennifer Hammer.


The 145-seat interior is anchored by a double-sided, floor-to-ceiling bar and lounge, where romantic lighting and live music centered around a blue baby grand piano combine for a smooth speakeasy ambiance. The rear of the restaurant faces the tracks, providing front-row views of trains whooshing by. Cushy caramel-colored booths and vibrant velvet-lined banquettes provide the coziness and intimacy required to fully indulge in the nostalgic presentations of talented executive chef Corey Baver.


Baver’s menu is centered around classic selections like Oysters Rockefeller, escargot, a rich pan-seared foie gras, and sturgeon caviar. New American options include a colorful Florida yellowtail snapper presentation with olives, capers and cherry tomatoes. Start things off with a crisp wedge salad or a velvety-soft burrata appetizer.

Happy hour is “Social Hour” at the Pullman, where from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday, you can enjoy select drinks and elevated bar nibbles. The decadent tempura lobster bites come with a zippy mustard sauce that pairs equally well with a vibrant blueberry mimosa or a classic Old Fashioned.

Pastry chef Kristin Bailey works her own sweet magic with a lychee crème brûlée, chocolate cake and raspberry puree, and an indulgent challah bread pudding. Be sure to save room.

The Pullman Restaurant & Bar
39 Morris Ave, Bryn Mawr
(610) 727-0777
thepullmanrestaurant.com
Cost: $9-$110
Atmosphere: Nostalgic with a contemporary twist
Hours: Lunch: noon – 3 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; Dinner: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday, 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Attire: Casual to business casual
Extras: Live music 6-9 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; outdoor bar in warmer weather
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