There’s a new bar and grill in SoNo that has no pretensions of political correctness.
Enter Bradford's Grill & Tavern, introducing itself to the neighborhood at a grand opening on Wednesday with a one-hour free open bar (wine, beer or cocktails—no limit) and free appetizers from 6 to 7.
Targeting the sports-bar set with 28 HD TVs, Bradford's stands for gustatory gusto, live music and late-night merriment.
And doing its own devil-may-care thing.
Where else in SoNo can you order a cheeseburger made of a full pound of Angus beef ($16) and wash it down with four sampler beers ($8)?
And where else can you order from a menu whose cover features Raphael's iconic winged cherubs who, on closer look, are smoking cigarettes and nursing a bottle of beer?
Or step up to a game machine with a violence warning and two plastic rifles and, for a dollar, take aim at threatened wildebeasts of the African savanna?
Bradford’s takes its name from Bradford’s Grill & Tavern, a successful establishment in Stamford's Bedford Street owned by Tony Desjardin.
Desjardin teamed up with Charles Hill to open a Bradford’s in South Norwalk that will offer lunch, dinner and happy hour seven days a week.
Executive chef is Celin Suarez, whose signature dish is wings—seven varieties, each with made-from-scratch sauces (Buffalo, Super Hot, Teriyaki, Thai Chili, Honey BBQ, Buffalo BBQ Mix and Lazy Man).
“We have the best wings in Norwalk,” said Hill as he gave a tour of the premises.
Bradford’s has seats for 25 at the bar, a massive, highly-polished custom beauty with intricate inland wood designs designed and built by Joe Verrecchia of JRV Contracting.
The dining area seats 42 with room for 17 more on a platform that doubles as a stage. DJs will perform from there beginning at 9 on Thursdays and Fridays, and live bands will appear every Saturday night. Wednesday is Karaoke night.
From any vantage point, sports fans will be able to follow all major baseball, football, hockey, soccer, golf, rugby and NASCAR events (soon, cricket as well) simultaneously by Direct TV and CableVision access.
Desjardin and Hill were attracted to the location, placing their faith in the city’s commitment to revitalize SoNo.
“SoNo is a great place to be,” Hill said.
The menu is divided into starters, burgers, salads, sandwiches and wraps and entrees.
Starters range from wings to chili to nachos to poppers and shrimp cocktail, with prices in the $6 to $10 range.
Entrees include Porterhouse steak ($23) and aged New York sirloin ($19), both served with garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables and garlic toast, along with steak & eggs, fish & chips and pasta plates.
Weekdays, every day has happy hour from 4 to 8 (Thursdays 4 to close). Saturdays and Sundays happy hour goes from 11:30 to 8, with special rates for drinks and appetizers every night.
Did we say Bradford’s was averse to political correctness?
That was before we noticed the kids’ menu, which might be called “Bradford’s paean to Michelle Obama and her campaign for good childhood nutrition.” All kids’ meals cost $5 and include options for milk or juice, green salad and steamed broccoli and grilled chicken (in addition to french fries, hot dogs and chicken fingers).
Bradford's Grill & Tavern
15 N. Main St.
(203) 956-7243
