[source: Bistro 55]

When the South City restaurant group sold Bistro 55 and it reopened in the fall, expectations were high for this gastropub. The updated menu, expanded beer selection and renovated space have been available for a few months now. With the original chef in tow, Bistro 55 is looking to make a mark on the local dining scene.

The new ownership has been agressive in promotion, including a number of daily specials. Mondays feature 5 food and drinks options for only $1. Tuesday is for wine lovers with $16 bottles of wine with free cheese samplers. Wednesday features $4 beer pints and 40 cent wings. Thursday is ladies night with half price cocktails, premium liquor, wines by the glass and craft beers for the ladies. Also included is a special $5 small bites menu. Friday and Saturday are Lobster and Meat Lovers nights respectively, along with Champagne Brunch Buffet on Sundays.

Beer taps and menu board

The menu heavily features twists on the gourmet “comfort food” common to many gastropubs like the duck grilled cheese, bacon wrapped scallops and beer braised short rib quesadilla. Like most gastropubs, this is not a place to bring someone on a diet. The craft beer menu is quite expansive, with 12 brews on tap which rotate often and another 50+ bottled varieties. Current draft options are available at beermenus.com.

House Potato Chips topped with parmesan, sage, sea salt

Bistro 55 Mac & Cheese (7 cheese blend of manchego, parmesan, yellow cheddar, white cheddar, mozzarella, pecorino romano and fontina)

Baby Spinach and Poached Seckel Pear Salad (13 fall spiced walnuts, crumbled bleu cheese, pear vinaigrette with grilled shrimp)

Bistro Burger (aged Vermont cheddar, applewood bacon, house pickles, bibb lettuce, beefsteak tomato, vidalia onions on a brioche bun)

Duck Confit Grilled Cheese (slow roasted duck, brie cheese, rustic bread served with a sweet apple-cider vinegar slaw)

Bistro 55
55 Route 17 South
Rochelle Park, NJ
Website