Emphasis on the casual since West Palm Beach is anything but a casual place. Known for the mansions of Ocean Blvd, Mar-a-Lago, and the East Coast Rodeo Drive shopping streets, it’s easy to get lost in the glitz and glam of WPB. A scenic drive through some of the more iconic neighborhoods had me lusting for an extra few million dollars, and something to bring us all back down to earth.
E.R. Bradley’s Saloon on the notable Clematis Street was our heading for a parking spot. And it turned out to be the perfect place to grab a bite amongst the locals.
A massive, covered patio with casual seating and just enough rustic, coastal decor that boasts 2 outdoor bars and plenty of space to not have to deal with a wait. There’s also an uncovered patio section that is dog-friendly on the weekends and gives the community a space to gather for some drinks, ping pong, and cornhole. Country music on the speakers, just grab a Diet Coke or a beer, lay back, and relax. Perfect.
Starting off with my only negative of the place, I was devastated the Smoked Wahoo Fish Dip was out for the day by the time we ordered. Fish dips are my new favorite appetizer, and so underrated. Almost everyone I recommend it to has never had it, which I’m on a mission to change.
So alas we skipped on an appetizer altogether and decided to split our mains instead. Simple and easy orders here, with a menu full of traditional all-American flare. First up, the Hippie Chop:
Chopped mixed greens, strawberries, stone fruit, granola, sliced almonds, quinoa, blue cheese, and a citronette dressing. It sounded like half acai bowl, half traditional salad. But it had some of my favorite things in one plate so I knew I had to have it, if anything to take advantage of the fruits in season.
What I love the most about this dish is that it caters to health-conscious diners without compromising on flavor. This salad was absolutely delicious. So many different flavors and textures are in each bite. From the crunchiness of the granola and almonds to the creaminess of the bleu cheese, there’s depth to this one! Protein-packed with the quinoa and plenty of fresh, healthy produce make this filling and guilt-free as can be.
The strawberries and peaches are the best addition, adding a burst of sweetness and juiciness and balancing the greens with their natural sugars and vibrant colors. The salad is dressed in a light citronette, a citrus-based vinaigrette that adds a zesty brightness. I typically hate dressings but this one is the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.
No notes, great dish. And at $14, it’s a surprisingly normal cost, at least compared to some of the ridiculousness on menus in Miami.
Of course, can’t have a salad without fries. And cannot have fries without, a burger. The Classic Burger, add Cheddar, please:
A juicy 8 oz. Black angus burger, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a healthy portion of Cheddar cheese, served on a toasted brioche bun. Side of pickle. This is what summer in South Florida is all about.
All around, this is a fairly straightforward dish. But it is still so delectable. I ordered well-done (do not care if this is a sin) and it was prepared exactly right. The meat was still juicy and flavorful; that rich beefy goodness that makes you smile when you have a burger after not having one for a while. A beyond generous portion of melted Cheddar cheese blanketed the burger, which I was all too happy with. I’ve grown to appreciate a burger without cheese but having the stringy Cheddar to pull and enjoy made this moment just right.
The crisp lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and thinly sliced onions add a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness. And then the secret sauce, the bun. Served on a toasted brioche bun that is both soft and slightly sweet, it’s a wonderful sandwich bread. Ups the taste level compared to a burger, bun but still holds up well to the juicy patty and toppings.
Add rustic fries with the perfect amount of seasonings and your dipping sauces and what could be better? Whether seated indoors or on the scenic patio, the laid-back setting makes it an ideal spot for savoring a well-crafted burger, fries, and Diet Coke.
And, as always, even though these puppy eyes may insinuate torture, Bailey had plenty of burger bits too.
