This was our first time at Avalon, Bryn Mawr- I won't be back. It is so LOUD in there! And the tables are too close together, the meal of the person next to us was in our face. They put St. Germain in their Aperol Spritz - even when they made a second one without it- the drink was not great. No flavor , no Prosecco. I got the no bun hamburger salad - basically a burger with cheddar cheese plopped on a salad. Positives - fried mozzarella was great and my husband had this chocolate bomb for dessert and he said that was excellent. I am going back to our stand bys, Exit 13 and Alessandro's in Wayne. read more

I had the Baratta and beet salad with chicken that was outstanding and very delicious ! The ambience and weight staff were excellent. I'll definitely go back. read more

I came here for happy hour and the drink prices were great! The restaurant is nicely decorated inside. I liked the burger and fries a lot. I would probably skip the short rib egg rolls. Overall a nice spot to grab some bites. read more

The zucchini chips are excellent. We ordered the gnocchi tonight - it was so good. They make it there. It was very light and delicious. Service is always excellent. The atmosphere is always casual and relaxing. read more

Lovely decor and a great happy hour menu. We have tried everything and it is all delicious. Best cosmo in town and some lovely drinks on the Manu. We go about once a month and sit at the bar. read more

I ordered the penne alla vodka and it had absolutely no flavor. None. The description said it had peas and pancetta. The dish that showed up had no discernible tomato, cream, garlic, or onion flavor. It was a bland as it could possibly be. It did have 4 tiny peas and 2 tiny pieces of pancetta. That's it. My husband got the linguini with meatballs. It was certainly more edible but I'd be shocked if the tomato sauce didn't come from a jar. The wine I had with it however was excellent. The service was generally good but I did have a very difficult time getting someone to notice I was trying to ask for a second glass of wine. read more

We just had an awful time at Avalon, which is a good place to avoid. We went for dinner with another couple. The place was so devastatingly loud that we almost could not converse. The ceiling is metal, one long wall is brick, and the front has large windows, all of which are hard and sound-reflective. There are no sound-absorptive materials anywhere. People were shouting to be heard above the din, which made the din even worse. The food is good. The service was only mediocre. Never again! read more

After reading a few of the other recent comments, we too had a negative experience with Fabio the Bartender. Let's set the scene, New Year's Eve, Rain pouring down and chilly. But Most importantly, our party was looking forward to ending 2024 and welcoming in a 2025. I'm not certain but Fabio was not happy he was working on this New Year's Eve . His unprofessional attitude was surprising. Despite the circumstances, we made the best of it and had a decent meal. The waitress/waiter was ok. Our food was delicious. Parking is little tight. I'm not sure we will be back. There are too many restaurants in a competitive Bryn Mawr district. I hope these reviews allow the management to make adjustments to the Service aspect . Happy NEW Year ! read more

Avalon Bistro and Bar - New American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

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I felt this bar has suffered a little decline. I was there a few years back and enjoyed the experience very much. However, during this recent visit, about a day ago, I was not as impressed. The cocktails were not balanced well and the bartending staff seemed less skilled. The fish dish was too salty and the fish was barely cooked. I am not sure I will return any time soon. The ambiance is nice however. read more

If you are looking for a great spot to eat in the Bryn Mawr area this is it - especially when you are headed to the Film Institute next door. The decor has a clean modern vibe and while I don't usually like to eat at a high top, the ones here are fine and actually preferable. The special of the evening salad had some beets which my wife didn't tell me about until afterwards and my seafood Alfredo was very good. read more

The bartender was very rude. I guess since we weren't in our 20s that made a difference. Tried a 2nd time and experienced the same vibe. Very unwelcoming. Tried to ask some questions about the menu he acted like we were difficult. Got up and left after an ok drink. Will not give it a 3rd try read more

Place is nice inside and staff polite, but clearly not enough of them and that's unfortunately about as positive our experience was last night. It was busy but still had a few empty tables. The issue is it took almost 2 hours for our food when we were seated at about 7:20 and food was mediocre at best. Was not a fun experience trying to keep 2 kids entertained as well. The wait staff was clearly understaffed. Therefore, we couldn't even get their attention for drink refills etc. Would suggest management look to identify some efficiencies in the kitchen to bulk prepare similar orders etc. With all of the other options suggest another establishment for dinner, I know we will. read more

This is my first review on Yelp. So I went to Avalon Bar and Bistro on a Wednesday. The restaurant was fairly busy as it's before a holiday but not crowded . I walked in solo and found a spot at the bar. The bar tender seemed like he was pretty overwhelmed and he had said that they weren't expecting a large crowd that night. I personally wouldn't have characterized this as a busy night but I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder. I ordered the eggplant chips which are similar to the zucchini chips but smaller and the chicken Milanese. Took awhile to get the chips and wasn't worth the wait. If you enjoy burnt and crispy with a hint of cardboard texture then you were in luck!. The marinara that came with it as a dipping sauce was actually pretty good. The chicken Milanese took a liiiiitle more time. Actually I'm being very kind and took a long time. The bartender did his best and tried to cover for the kitchen staff but I knew he was just not telling the truth. The wait for the chicken also not worth it. It was dissatisfying at best. It was one degree removed from the eggplant chips that I am presently still trying to digest unsuccessfully. I will say the martini was excellent and the glass of red wine ok. The food is another topic. Perhaps it was an off night but really disappointing. All said the meal with drinks was $78 plus tip. So if you like over cooked, over priced, slow service then you are in luck. This is your place. I really hope the restaurant actually reads this because it has so much potential and the mainline deserves better. I laid the sarcasm pretty strong but for the reason I would be very upset about the quality of food. The bartender worked really hard but something is wrong in the kitchen and isn't working. You guys can do way better and you have in the past. Hope this helps. read more

Smelly in there. Waiter sucked. Food wasnt worth the wait, wont be going back here again

Great food and drinks. Server was amazing. Had sangria, dirty martinis and asperol no complaints. Bacon wrapped dates are a must. Short rib pasta hit home. Definitely recommend. Just know it's about $75 a person with apps and drink. read more

I was pleasantly surprised! Cauliflower was great. Short rib pasta was delicious. And I am obsessed with the eggplant chips! My friend's cocktail was far too sweet, but the waitress was great and fixed it for her. Will definitely come back for happy hour. I prefer this spot to Ripplewood in Ardmore. read more

Avalon Bistro and Bar - Short rib pasta - New American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

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This is a great neighborhood bistro. The food and appetizers are wonderful. And so are the cocktails. If you come between four and six, you can partake in appetizers at a discounted rate and great drink specials for their happy hour. This is a place that should not be missed. read more

Sweet neighborhood bistro, delicious pasta, fish and salads, friendly cheerful service.

Had reservations for 2 Walked in looking for Hostess, no one there however Bartender acknowledged my presence Said he would get me some assistance After a couple more cocktails he was making I see him ask another employee to seat us I was able to read her lips I'm busy(not happy either one of us) Finally a young food servicedwelcomed me and took us to a table and left More time passes and a waitress appears but seemed bothered by our presence From this point it set the tone that followed 2 and half hours for dinner??? Good news was the Yuppies in other tables loud discussions we had necessary updates of there family lives Poor attitude and service Food good but not running back This was 3rd visit during COVID-19 worst experience Think twice Rrobins read more

Got dinner from Avalon. Despite it being in walking distance, I had never been there before. We got the feed up to 5 people meal that includes meatballs, penne pasta with vodka sauce, and a Caesar salad. It also came with a side with roasted peppers, cauliflower, and bordetella. Our favorite part was the cheesecake (not pictured). Kids gave the meal a thumbs up! So much food. Felt bad that server had to bring it out to car in the rain... read more

Avalon Bistro and Bar - Feed up to 5 pandemic family meal - New American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Food was delicious and the atmosphere was comfortable and stylish without being fussy.

Our server, Joe D, was incredibly disrespectful to me and my table of friends. He never even told us his name or told us the specials, when we heard and saw him being very friendly with the other tables. He regarded us like children before we ordered drinks, even though we are all well over 21. It was disgusting. I truly don't know how someone like this works in service, because he didn't serve a single thing. I would've tipped $0, but for fear they split tips, I didn't want the other very nice workers to feel that impact. Food and atmosphere were great, but Joe should be fired and then nicer to people. read more

The older waiter Joe, which we found out was his name from the bill since he never bothered to tell us, was incredibly rude. The other waitresses were so great and attentive, but I have never had such poor and rude service. He barely looked at us and said a collective of 3 words as he grabbed things from our table. For a dinner that costs as much as it did, I would expect to have some decency from a server. read more

I wish I had seen Andrew's review because it was spot on. My best friend made the drive from New Jersey for a noisy bar with terrible food. It took forever for our entrees to arrive and my chicken Marsala was inedible. I never expected it to be deep fried to begin with - and it was so overcooked I couldn't even cut it with a knife. Our waiter was kind enough to send me home with another version - sautéed instead of deep fried like this dish should be. Still didn't make up for the slow service and disappointing evening. read more

A perfect place to go after a movie at the Bryn Mawr Movie Theater since it is just a few yards away. When it is really crowded, it can be super-noisy, so I would pick a weeknight instead of a weekend. Ciara, our server, was delightful and very efficient. Other staffers were also very friendly. They do not seem to have been affected by the labor shortage since the timing of food and beverage deliveries was just right. We thoroughly enjoyed the cheesesteak egg rolls, truffle fries, fried calamari, Avalon burger and Scottish salmon, which comes with a spectacular, super-delicious array of veggies. Drinks were good, although the Boulavardier (bourbon) cocktail was a bit too strong for me. Overall, they are doing a really great job. The Yelp-ers who say the prices are too high should stick to fast food. Ingredients this good are well worth paying for. Highly recommended. read more

So happy to have them in our neighborhood. The original one is in West Chester and too far out for us. As they opened just this week, the menu is limited to a few appetizers and main course until end of this month. Full bar with 30 wines by the glass and professional cocktail mixologists. We had some cocktails, the mussels and a grilled salmon, all very good. A little on the pricey side though, so we're looking forward to seeing the daily specials and happy hour. We will be back soon for that. read more

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Great food, ambience, wine, cocktails & service. Avalon Bistro has it all. Updated cool bar in Bryn Mawr. West Chester or Bryn Mawr locations - both great vibes. It's our go to weekend place, now with outdoor dining as well! Menu is great, check it out! read more

Avalon Bistro and Bar - Avalon Bistro & Bar Bryn Mawr PA - New American Near Me - Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

I was on the fence. The place is cute and we had a great table, & excellent service. The bacon was fat and not crisp at all wrapped around the dates so that was a loss, however, it sat in a very tasty sauce which was nice in lieu of the very disappointing bacon. There is no bread served. My drink was fine, others in the party, not so much. My entree was pretty good, tender but not hot. I really want my hot entree to be very hot, especially if there is a gravy, sauce or puree involved and that was not to my liking. I really wanted to love this place but probably wouldn't go back unless I was going to the theater nearby. It's expensive in comparison to like dishes at a preferred restaurant. So, I guess I'd say it's just ok, could definitely use attention to the mentioned details. read more

Why are you sleeping on Avalon Bistro and Bar? Easily the best food in Bryn Mawr and it comes with great service and a come as you are attitude. We should be grateful this West Chester transplant is in our backyard. read more

Good spot welcome addition to the rotation. Had the vodka sauce arancini was nice and then the Bolognese very solid. Will return.

My friends and I stopped in after a movie and it was great. The manager seated us quickly at 9:30 even though we were just having a drink or two and was super pleasant and accommodating. We had some appetizers and drinks - great wine list and signature cocktails. Can't wait to come back for dinner. It's cute inside and a great new place to stop in after a movie at Bryn Mawr film institute. read more

Our favorite place to go to again and again! Excellent food, and amazing service. Their espresso martinis are the best around, and penne vodka is a must order! Delicious every time. read more

I went to this restaurant for dinner and it was so difficult just to get a drink that we just finished our drinks and left. The service was absolutely terrible. The waiter was indifferent, rude and unavailable. He knowingly brought me the wrong drink. He overcharged us on the bill. His behavior was such a poor reflection of the restaurant that I won't go here again. read more

If you are looking for another main line restaurant with overpriced food (and weak drinks, untrained staff and management that doesnt care you have found your spot. I was so disappointed with our meal, and felt so ripped off I will never go back. Also if you have any food allergies, do not expect to be accommodated. With restaurants like Tredici where they bend over backwards to make you feel welcome I dont see how Avalon will survive. read more

Great Tuesday Night Small Plate Happy Hour! My friend and I enjoyed calamari, bacon-wrapped dates, crabby fingerling potatoes and the Judi short-rib pasta along with a couple of drinks. The food was delicious. Drinks were yummy and the waitstaff were very good! We will definitely be back for dinner! Glad we got to sample the menu this way first. You will not be disappointed!! read more

We were there for dinner last night. Dinner was delicious. Drinks were ehh. Dessert was delicious. A bit pricey. Our waiter was very attentive and super nice. read more

Loved this place. Small menu full of great options. The mussels were excellent as was the Beratta tomatoes and tuna tartare. The foodie pasta and short ribs were very well prepared too. Good flavors not over salted and nice casual atmosphere. Look forward to returning. read more

So happy that Avalon is open! The food is better than ever, scrumptious crab appetizer and special raviolli dinner. Beautiful new bar. Service is impeccable. Don't skip dessert, or the very well priced super Tuscan wine. Thank you for a wonderful night out! read more

Great food. Staff was fantastic and the owner was on site engaging the patrons. Will definitely go back again.

We have been here twice and had excellent meals. On the second visit we arrived and found out that our third party reservation wasn't on Avalon's list. The manager, Joe, stepped in and took care of everything. We were there with another couple. So an experience that could have been embarrassing turned into a great night. Thanks Joe! read more