Guard House Inn

We’d been looking forward to going here for a while after hearing many friends and business associates say how unique it was. All i can think is that if you live in Gladwyne, maybe you don’t get out much because even if I limit my comparison to other older, traditional, European (aka German) leaning menu restaurants, I would still say this place was simply «ok». The bar scene looked happy enough and clearly catered to locals who could walk in or drive a short distance to catch up to friends. But the food here was nothing remarkable at all and almost gave me the feeling i was in Disney World or Epcot eating that «pretend internationa.» As for the staff, our server bordered on unprofessional. We heard her screaming to other servers, «I have problems!» and «Don’t talk to me now.» That works in a diner, but not a restaurant charging $ 39 for weinerschnitzel. Given the history of the building, they’d do better to try to stick to simpler meals that they can execute well with servers who are calm enough to handle the job. I understand that they menu isn’t going to be haute cuisine, but it could be better colonial food — easily.

For many years I drove past this historic inn, and then in December 2015 my wife and I decided to try it for dinner. I had heard that it was expensive, so I was not surprised that a dinner for 2 (with cocktails but without a bottle of wine) cost around $ 130. I also imagined that such an old building would have tight spaces, but the place was actually more cramped than I expected. Ceilings are very low, especially near the bar and hostess station, and the lighting is dark. There is little natural light and views to the outdoors are nearly non-​existent. The inn has a few different dining rooms, and all of them are densely packed with tables. The restaurant appears to be popular and busy, with a loyal clientele. It had the feel of a neighborhood hangout, but in a very exclusive neighborhood. Menu choices are something from the past, as if from my parent’s generation, and I am 63 years old! The dinner was very good, but I kept thinking to myself with amusement that while most of these customers live in gazillion-​square-​foot suburban homes, they come to this almost-​claustrophobic inn, again and again for meals. We are glad we tried the Guard House, but I doubt I will make it a habit.

This was my second visit to the Guard House with my husband and in-​laws, and once again, it did not disappoint. This may be one of my favorite restaurants I have ever been to, and I have been around the block a bit, especially after living in NYC these past 15 years.
My father-​in-​law was nice enough to take the short drive from their house and make an in-​person, same-​day reservation for 6PM the Saturday after this past Christmas, as he couldn’t quite get through over the phone (I suppose we were a bit anxious and amped up to ensure a last minute spot). We were thankful they were able to squeeze us in, as by 6:15 the place was packed. Being the punctual bunch that we are, we were given a prize table in the main section near the fireplace (it was comfortable despite it being nearly 75 degrees outside!)
Service and ambiance was beyond terrific (especially after the dinner buzz and conversations from the other diners filled the room). You can’t help but grin when you walk into the charming, comfortable, and cozy dining room. I shared a classic caesar salad for an appetizer, which was fantastic and hit the spot. This preceded a beef burgundy entrée, which was one of the specials that night, and was out of this world. Served simply with perfectly cooked carrots and green beans, as well as their famous mashed potatoes. Two others both had the meatloaf, with the accompanying sauce being probably the best thing we tasted at the table. The beef liver, while not my thing, was also a hit with my mother-​in-​law, who is known for having a somewhat tiny appetite (she ate the whole thing). The only hiccup, and really, it was not a big deal at all, was that our server forgot to order an appetizer of mushroom spring rolls we had asked for at the start of the meal. But frankly, her otherwise wonderful service and amazing food was so great that it didn’t matter in the least, and we had totally forgotten we had ordered them in the first place.
A perfect way to wrap up the holiday weekend, can’t wait to go back!

Wonderful restaurant! The Guard House has a very intimate and cozy atmosphere. The Colonial décor adds to the unique experience of dining here, especially when you read about its rich history. The menu is filled with great dishes, like my favorite, the sweet breads. For dessert, ask for the warm chocolate cake. You’ll find the staff to be attentive and friendly, though sometimes a bit slow, mainly because they can get quite busy at times. Albert, the owner is a wonderful chef and very nice. I definitely recommend trying it out. You won’t be disappointed.

The chicken wings are so good they are my favorite! The chef is so sweet and comes talk to the tables he really makes sure all costumers are satisfied!

Guard House is one of those timely suburban restaurants that I’ve been to on a couple of occasions but forgot about as time flew by. So when my mom had chosen it for her birthday dinner destination I was ready to rekindle my experience. And in a lot of ways it still held up and delivered an incredible time.
The original Guard House was erected in the 1790’s, and has since seen life as a traditional tavern, hotel, post office, ice cream parlor, and the contemporary German-​continental influenced restaurant that it is known as today. the roomy dining room, private party area, and bar area still maintains its historic charm with its rustic tavern interior, preserved vintage furniture, and colonial relics throughout. And while tall people like myself may come close to banging their heads on the low ceiling, its very worthwhile to explore the interior and get a feel for the history.
Overall the menu is a bit dated by today’s standards. But given the history of the building that your in that’s actually a good pay off. Especially when you can enjoy German classics like wienerschnitzel and schweinepfeffer, rustic dishes like venison and calves liver, local traditions like snapper soup, appetizers like country pâté and jumbo shrimp cocktail, and classics like grilled lamb chops and pistachio crusted Atlantic salmon.
The snapper soup was a classic blast from the past that delivered with a hearty gusto. the dijon crusted rack of lamb with mashed potatoes and a rosemary reduction was so savory and delicious that I continuously had to fight of the urge to tear off the tender meat from its bones. and the flourless chocolate torte with sugared berry coulis was the perfect bite of decadence to close off a successful meal with.
The timeless and historic interior combined with a huge menu with several traditional influences is enough to make Guard House worth the visit or two.

A few friends and I went there for some afternoon drinks. The bartender was great, he was happy to make a unique shot I requested and was always polite to us. Nice place, a little outdated but still a chilled atmosphere.

A true main line gem! The ambiance is absolutely delightful and the food was top of the line american cuisine with a solid german twist to it. I was lucky enough to meet Albert, the chef, who made me feel right at home. Now onto the food… I had a bowl of lobster bisque, caesar salad and the wiener schnitzel. The lobster bisque was rich in flavor, the caesar salad had just the right amount of dressing and the wiener schnitzel (which I never had before) was fantastic. There was only one low point in the night and I would not mention it if it wasn’t somewhat bothersome… but the manager came off a bit nasty. I don’t recall her name, it was either Monica or Michelle. For some reason those are the two names in my head right now. Well, to say the least she was pretty cold and unfriendly. You would think a manager would be charming and welcoming but that seems to have been the complete opposite of what I experienced. Maybe she was having a bad day. who knows… but overall my time at the Guard House was great and I really do recommend it!!!

What a great institution! My wife and I are semi regular customers and we are never disappointed. The food is fantastic and the staff are friendly. The regulars at the bar are entertainment themselves. Although the menu is at a higher price point, I am not sure if I have ever had a disappointing meal. The Guard House also does takeout which is very convenient if you live nearby and do not feel like cooking. We avail ourselves of this option too frequently but it is so much better then the typical pizza or Chinese takeout!

The chef here really has a way with sauces, and the presentation is impeccable! Yes, the décor is old-​school, but the menu is a blend of nouveau cuisine and updated classics.
On our second visit we ordered the pistachio-​encrusted salmon and the Beef Burgundy special. Both were excellent and the burgundy sauce was the best I’ve ever had. The chef is German (he came out to meet the diners) and indeed the food reflects that heritage.
If you’re willing to cast all pretentiousness aside and enjoy a quiet meal with big flavor, then you’ll be in heaven, at night.

Several years ago, we made reservations at the Guard House to celebrate my birthday after not having been there for many years. The reservations were made 5 – 7 days in advance for a weekend night (not even a Thursday). When we arrived, on time, the restaurant was completely empty except for one other table of diners. The two of us were seated by the swinging door of the kitchen… noisy and almost hitting us. We asked, politely, for a different table and were told they were too busy. We had not ordered and just left. I later wrote a letter describing the situation and our disappointment. I didn’t even get the courtesy of a reply. I was not looking for anything other than an explanation. I can only assume there was an «in crowd» snob factor. Oops! That was WEEKDAY night

This is an old school main line institution. the ambiance caters to an older crowd but overall i have to say i like it and the food is good — nothing fancy but well done and the owners care about the customer!

I think this is a great restaurant. Very cool, old, historic building (ask one of the wait staff for the history). The wait staff is attentive. Would not mind a few more choices on the menu, but what they have is good. The location is also convenient, for Main Line folks.

Location and building are awesome. Food is good. Shrimp cocktail so fresh, but 1 less than before at 4 now and a bit smaller. Weiner-​schnitzel Holstein my favorite is good not great. Host gave a great wine recommendation. Bar service slow like they are doing you a favor. Huge locals are favored presence which I understand as I used to be a local. I’ve been coming here since 1974. Love it but the snob factor isn’t so appealing now. Overall good German food but welcoming environment could be better.

The Guard House Inn is a dim, low ceilinged puzzle of hushed rooms paneled in trees – not in logs, I mean, but trees with the bark still on, like the inside of a Hobbit hole. The deer heads, hunting-​themed folk art, and Sharpied-​on stained glass add to the welcoming Middle Earth feel. It’s the kind of place that hipsters would have fainted over five years ago.
Which brings me to my next point. Hipsters, there wasn’t a single person in the room who hadn’t seen Casablanca when it came out. It looked like feeding time at the old folks home.
Where am I going with this? Those old folks can’t live in Gladwyne forever! Yes, they’re wealthy, but not Scrooge McDuck «I’m going to take a swim in my safe, be right back» wealthy or Richie Rich «I rollerblade into board meetings and tell old farts who’s boss» wealthy and especially not Walt Disney «Cryogenically freeze me after I finish this latte» wealthy. No, these individuals are fully mortal. Which means. That. By the time hunting lodges are «hip» again, this one will be for sale at a veeeeery favorable cap rate, because the clientele will have… um… moved on.
Aspiring hipster-​developers, should you take my tip, please do me one favor in return. Two favors. One, keep me a seat at the bar when young people are allowed in again. Two, take some of the cream out of the lobster bisque. Yes, I’m biased against cream. And yes, I had a traumatizing experience with a lobster when I was a child. But when your heart-​attack lobster bisque gives me a craving for Genuardi’s fresher-​tasting and lobsterless tomato bisque with its addictive kick of red pepper, we have a problem. The recipe can stay for now, but someday, when the customers ask for their tea above 65 degrees and their meat less than well done, you, aspiring hipster-​developer, will know that it is time to reformulate the recipes to appeal to those of us who do not remember JFK as «that little scamp». Or don’t remember him at all.

Just ok. Convenient if you are a local but I wouldn’t go out of my way to go there. Old? It just seems tired to me and in need of a good cleaning and renovating; even if just to maintain it’s old feel. The low ceilings and the dark, dreary atmosphere does not make me feel cheery. The food is nice and actually pretty good but pricey for the atmosphere and service. Also if others are in the room talking loudly, it is cacophony to the max; and, they don’t seem overly kindly towards even well-​behaved children. I’ve had better but also a lot worse, so for a step up from «moderate» restaurants it has a little panache I guess, if you are into colonial. It’s passable. I would go again.

Excellent atmosphere. Joe at the bar is the greatest and Albert is first rate. I find the food a bit pricey, but this place is really solid for a cosmopolitan night out in the village of Gladwyne.

Small, cozy atmosphere. I love their salmon! You can order takeout also! Consistantly good service and food. I’ve never had a disappointing meal.