If you’re a vegetarian or pescatarian looking to step outside the box and try creative foods, The Bark is an excellent option. The Bark, known initially as Bread and Roses Kitchen, is a vegetarian restaurant founded in 2017. It offers a wide range of dishes created from scratch, along with alcoholic beverages.
The restaurant is near Railroad Square, around All Saints Street and Railroad Avenue.
As you first enter the restaurant, you’ll immediately notice that the setup sets it apart from most other restaurants and bars in the city. However, this unique arrangement harmonizes perfectly with the funky theme.
The eatery features a stage for live music, a pool table and an artsy ambiance that permeates the entire dining area. Customers can dine inside at the bar, or outdoors on the side of the building.
The menus are positioned at the front for you to review while waiting in line. When you are ready to place your order, someone is waiting at the front counter to assist you and provide a number to put on your table.
While glancing at the menu, it was challenging to decide on a dish because of the enticing options offered at reasonable prices.
The menu features vegetarian sandwiches like Banh Mi, Buffalo Tofu Ranch, Oyster Mushroom Po’boy, Philly Cheesesteak, Sloppy Jose, and BLT.
I was torn between the Oyster Mushroom Po’ Boy, the Buffalo Tofu Wrap, and the Philly Cheesesteak. I settled for the Philly Cheesesteak, which was made with house-made veggie steak, sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms, provolone cheese, and vegan mayo on a house-baked baguette.
Along with the cheesesteak, I ordered a side of oyster mushrooms because the sandwiches do not come with a side dish. My friend decided to get the Oyster Mushroom Po’boy with a side of potatoes and a Water Moccasin cocktail. Each meal cost no more than $25.
While waiting for our food, we noticed a band bringing in their instruments to set up the stage for a live performance. As they prepared for the show, more people entered the restaurant.
The turnaround time for the food was no more than 10 minutes. The sandwich was very flavorful; you could hardly tell it was vegan. The oyster mushrooms were fried to perfection and served with a side of remoulade sauce, which had a sweet and tangy taste. All items were presented on white glass plates.
Although the food arrived quickly and tasted exquisite, I was not satisfied with the temperature. I would have enjoyed it more if it had been a little warmer.
Aside from the food not being as warm, the servers provided excellent customer service. There were 3 to 4 servers at the bar and 2 to 3 servers in the back preparing the food.
I highly recommend that people try this local restaurant, but be sure to request your food be served hot and fresh.