Really unbelievable. This place must have changed owners or something. You get nothing close to what you're actually paying for, and the customer service is nonexistent. Honestly better off going literally anywhere else (including McDonald's).
(1)
Neil S.
Surprisingly good little place. Went there for lunch. Had the Caprese salad and Lamb Lollipops (disappointed they ran out of Gazpacho). Service was quick and friendly. Will return next time I'm driving through.
(4)
Melissa R.
Plates are huge! The food is very good. I was passing through town for a meeting and happened to stop here. I was impressed'
(4)
Michael W.
When traveling through the area, YOU MUST DRIVE 5 minutes off I-81 and stop to dine at this wonderful bistro or you will be missing something special and the gem of Chambersburg! Food is creative, well prepared and the flavors are outstanding. Lamb Lollipops, Crab Mound, Southwestern Salad and Oyster special were are amazing in quality and taste. THEN WE HAD THE MOCHA CRUMBLE which was the perfect end to a great meal! Larry and Barb who own this place are visible and wonderful hosts, engaging the patrons and they get what customer service is all about. We are foodies and will be back. Might even come for the weekend just to dine here again.
(5)
Suzanne C.
You know what? It was my fault that I didn't love Bistro 71. (I think.) The lady and I stumbled in after a lovely dinner elsewhere. We were already tispy and giggly. We just wanted dessert (and more drinks) before we walked back to Wilson's campus. So we plopped down at the bar, ordered sweet things, and made quiet conversation. We ignored the other patrons, and they ignored us. We ignored the bar staff, and they ignored us. All is right with the world. Then the owner-lady sidled up. I made a really stupid mistake and admitted that I went to Wilson, which started her on a major sales pitch: "Oh, we want to be a town-and-gown dining stop! You should bring friends, pass out these flyers, get us publicity, tell your professors...!" On and on and on! Drinks come. She keeps pitching. Dessert comes. She keeps pitching. This crazy woman has inserted herself between me and my sweetie in the middle of an otherwise very nice date and will not SHUT UP! I get it. I should bring business to your restaurant because you have no clue how to get the Wilson crowd through your doors. But really, should that be my problem, as a customer? No, I don't think so. Months later, I don't remember what I ate or drank because I was too busy trying to end a sales pitch for a restaurant I was already eating in. Maybe the owner-lady is less pushy now. Maybe she's figured out how to get the Wilson crowd through the doors. (Dubious.) Maybe she's realized it's a lost cause. All I know is that I have no interest in visiting again.
(2)
Charles H.
One of our favorite local places! Owners are very friendly, we haven't been in yet that they haven't stopped by the table to say "hello." Food tastes fresh and different from all the big box restaurants. Great "date-night" place.
(4)
Dennis L.
Excellent food and superb service. The mussels and calamari are both very, very good and the salted caramel cheesecake is out of this world. Bistro 71 is pricey for this area, but I think it fits with the dishes served and service delivered.
(5)
Brendan W.
Best dinner in Chambersburg. The interior of this place has class. The ambience is relaxing and friendly. The owners add a personal feel by taking interest in each of their patrons. I recommend this place for an upscale experience without driving to the city....
(5)
Larry H.
My wife and I were spending the night in Chambersburg passing through on I81. We looking for an alternative to the fast food/chain fare offered at the exits. Bistro 71 was an excellent alternative. We had a really enjoyable meal. It's in the center of Chambersburg, only a short drive off the highway. We had the lamb lollipop appetizer and the lump crab and scallops entrees. It was all excellent, particularly the lump crab cake.
(5)
Karl B.
My wife and I had an excellent meal after a bitter cold day at the Icefest. The restaurant was crowded and, since we didn't have reservations, we sat at the bar. We both had the excellent French onion soup; perfect for a cold night. The broth was rich, the onions tender, and there were generous pieces of beef in the broth. My wife had the shrimp po'boy with sriracha mayonnaise. She said it was well prepared and just the right amount of spiciness. I had the skewered filet of beef on risotto. The beef was tender and flavorful. The risotto was outstanding and wonderfully creamy. We were comfortable eating at the bar. The bartender and server were pleasant. Every aspect of our dinner was as good as you can find anywhere.
(5)
Heidi W.
A lovely little gem in a town full of big chain restaurants. The owners are so friendly and a delight to chat with. The atmosphere is great and food is always delicious. This is easily our favorite restaurant in Chambersburg!
(5)
John I.
NOTE: My reviews were for the previous ownership. Apparently the restaurant has changed hands since then, and I have no knowledge of the current food. Old review follows. I went back last week with my daughter, and the "tapas style" ordering was no longer on the menu, nor were the bacon wrapped figs. Their menu is seasonal, and like all things, it must change. The food, however, was as equally delicious. The hamburger may very well have been the best I've ever had, and my daughter's salmon was prepared expertly. I can't say enough good things about this place, and I'll definitely be back, even without having business in the area. I'll do the 90 minute drive; it's that enjoyable.
(5)
Paul N.
The Yelp reviews had my mouth watering by the time I arrived ... but they are closed!! Sign in the window explained the restaurant has been sold to the Norland Pub, a nearby competitor. No indication of when it will reopen. Will it be as good as "Barb & Larry's Place"? Stay tuned to Yelp ...
(1)
Richard F.
Rarely do I find a restaurant that I didn't have anything good to say about it, but my recent trip to bistro 71 was such an occasion. I had there special which sounded pretty good, sausage tomato with a garlic sauce over fettuccine noodles. There were about six tiny slices of some nondescript sausage, about six sliced cherry tomatoes and a pile of overcooked noodles that stuck in a clump to the plate. To top that off I ordered a knob creek bourbon on ice of which was a very meager amount in the glass. I ordered a second one and got the same amount. To add insult to injury they charged me four dollars for the ice in my drink.
(1)
Steve T.
Nice! Mussels were really good! More bread please! I don't have more food reviews yet. Just walked in for a drink.
(3)
Shelley M.
Thank goodness for Yelp or we may never have stumbled onto this place! Had a great experience with their pri fixe menu for Valentine's Day and all of the courses were great! I had the shrimp appetizer, the spinach salad, the sea bass entree and the strawberry cups and honestly I loved it all! The ambience is pretty and although the seating arrangements are somewhat tight, our new friends who sat next to us could not have been more delightful. The owner is very attentive and truly glad you have visited his restaurant :) The ONLY recommendation I would make is to have a wine list to choose from so I could have reviewed my choices. We will certainly go back to this great little bistro!
(4)
Muhammad C.
Suzy K, your rating is very unfair! Just because of noisy ladies you gave Bistro 71 2 stars!! That's just not fair. They have very good and gourmet food and the owners are the nicest people who make you feel welcome at their establishment. Someone will look at your two stars and decide not to try this place! Next time please be considerate about your opinion it can effect someone's lively hood.
(5)
Cookie D.
What a delightful find! Excellent food preparation, personable service, high visibility management and fun upscale bistro ambiance! Wow! We WILL be back! Bistro 71 in Chambersburg PA.
(5)
James M.
Amazing. Go there - NOW! This place looks like a glam bar / restaurant in New York City but with the friendliest, most lovely atmosphere. It's relaxed, it's comfortable, it's cool as hell. Larz and Barbara who own/run the place are so nice. So welcoming and friendly and they've done a such a superb job of this place. Ok... here we go... Food. The BEST. BEST! And I'm a Brit who gets to go to Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver restaurants back in London... 1. Crab cakes - phenomenal. Like no other. Meaty, next to no breadcrumbs. Taste incredible. I get them every time. 2. Lamb lollipops - equally great. Tender, fall off the bone and presented in a zesty, tangy glaze. I could eat them all day!! 3. Rack of lamb. I'm salivating as I think about it... 4. Bread pudding, cheesecake... all of the deserts are incredible. 5. Brunch - go now, people - now now now!! 6. All of the above, have them together - TWICE!!
(5)
Stephanie h.
Stopped in here for a drink last weekend and ended up staying around for about 3 hours. The owners were awesome! We've been looking for a nicer, more welcoming, non-chain restaurant and we've now found it. We had dropped by here several months ago, but didn't get to fully appreciate the food and staff. I love the tapas style! Highly recommend the tenderloin and duck-delicious! Also, the bread with their tasty butter is worth it! Oh, and the mussels! This is how we ended up there for 3 hours...ordering one tapa at a time. Tot worth it! Also, our bartender-I believe her name is Sarah-was great! She's very knowledgeable on the menu and helpful with recommendations. We will be back again soon!
(5)
Edward S.
Bistro is an easy 5... Not only an awesome answer to Chambersburg's excessive amount of chains, but the food is absolutely amazing. Larry and Barb are the owners and wonderful hosts. They walk the walk when it comes to doing their party to revitalizing Chambersburg's downtown and have one gem of a dining spot. The menu is small but everything on it is great and the chef does a good job mixing it up with specials. Try the tuna, always perfectly seared and the seaweed salad / wasabi mashed are to die for!!
(5)
Jeff S.
Came here because they had roast rack of lamb on the menu. Unfortunately, they've since changed the menu... They did have lamb lollipops (which I ordered); also had the duck (which was a special that night). Both were good: the lamb was in a chipotle glaze, sweet and just spicy enough. The duck was good as well, though the lamb was a hard act to follow... Price-wise...that's a tough judgment. My dinner came to $38, plus tax and tip. That included the appetizer, entree, salad, starch, and vegetable (which, at most places of this caliber, you'd pay for each item separately). So on that basis alone, it was a good deal. Add to this the fact that serving sizes are generous (the appetizer was four lamb chops for $10...throw in a salad and it would be a meal), and this place is definitely worth stopping by.
(4)
Bryan E.
Excellent meal and excellent service. The owner himself sat down at my table to introduce himself and have a quick chat.
(5)
Kitty T.
I love this place and keep coming back! I was working in Ch'burg for 3 weeks in June and found this place by accident, while trying to find someplace else...lucky me! The minute i walked in, greeted by Larry at the bar, it felt right and stylish - quite different from most of the places i'd already been in town. Drinks and yummy apps (like everyone else, the lamp pops!) in a cozy table on a rainy, humid night, was perfect for an out of towner! Before long, Barb made acquaintance, making me feel right at home - like i'd been coming there for years! they are a HOOT! i made several returns and each time was greeted like a regular (where everybody knows your name :) and even remembered my drink. The food was delish...fish, salmon, pesto, the salad, all yum! i am thrilled to have been a patron and look forward to going back...they'll remember my name... :)
(5)
Robert R.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Every entre was terrific. The owners are very friendly. The atmosphere is "happening".
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Waiter Service : Yes
Ryan C.
Really unbelievable. This place must have changed owners or something. You get nothing close to what you're actually paying for, and the customer service is nonexistent. Honestly better off going literally anywhere else (including McDonald's).
(1)Neil S.
Surprisingly good little place. Went there for lunch. Had the Caprese salad and Lamb Lollipops (disappointed they ran out of Gazpacho). Service was quick and friendly. Will return next time I'm driving through.
(4)Melissa R.
Plates are huge! The food is very good. I was passing through town for a meeting and happened to stop here. I was impressed'
(4)Michael W.
When traveling through the area, YOU MUST DRIVE 5 minutes off I-81 and stop to dine at this wonderful bistro or you will be missing something special and the gem of Chambersburg! Food is creative, well prepared and the flavors are outstanding. Lamb Lollipops, Crab Mound, Southwestern Salad and Oyster special were are amazing in quality and taste. THEN WE HAD THE MOCHA CRUMBLE which was the perfect end to a great meal! Larry and Barb who own this place are visible and wonderful hosts, engaging the patrons and they get what customer service is all about. We are foodies and will be back. Might even come for the weekend just to dine here again.
(5)Suzanne C.
You know what? It was my fault that I didn't love Bistro 71. (I think.) The lady and I stumbled in after a lovely dinner elsewhere. We were already tispy and giggly. We just wanted dessert (and more drinks) before we walked back to Wilson's campus. So we plopped down at the bar, ordered sweet things, and made quiet conversation. We ignored the other patrons, and they ignored us. We ignored the bar staff, and they ignored us. All is right with the world. Then the owner-lady sidled up. I made a really stupid mistake and admitted that I went to Wilson, which started her on a major sales pitch: "Oh, we want to be a town-and-gown dining stop! You should bring friends, pass out these flyers, get us publicity, tell your professors...!" On and on and on! Drinks come. She keeps pitching. Dessert comes. She keeps pitching. This crazy woman has inserted herself between me and my sweetie in the middle of an otherwise very nice date and will not SHUT UP! I get it. I should bring business to your restaurant because you have no clue how to get the Wilson crowd through your doors. But really, should that be my problem, as a customer? No, I don't think so. Months later, I don't remember what I ate or drank because I was too busy trying to end a sales pitch for a restaurant I was already eating in. Maybe the owner-lady is less pushy now. Maybe she's figured out how to get the Wilson crowd through the doors. (Dubious.) Maybe she's realized it's a lost cause. All I know is that I have no interest in visiting again.
(2)Charles H.
One of our favorite local places! Owners are very friendly, we haven't been in yet that they haven't stopped by the table to say "hello." Food tastes fresh and different from all the big box restaurants. Great "date-night" place.
(4)Dennis L.
Excellent food and superb service. The mussels and calamari are both very, very good and the salted caramel cheesecake is out of this world. Bistro 71 is pricey for this area, but I think it fits with the dishes served and service delivered.
(5)Brendan W.
Best dinner in Chambersburg. The interior of this place has class. The ambience is relaxing and friendly. The owners add a personal feel by taking interest in each of their patrons. I recommend this place for an upscale experience without driving to the city....
(5)Larry H.
My wife and I were spending the night in Chambersburg passing through on I81. We looking for an alternative to the fast food/chain fare offered at the exits. Bistro 71 was an excellent alternative. We had a really enjoyable meal. It's in the center of Chambersburg, only a short drive off the highway. We had the lamb lollipop appetizer and the lump crab and scallops entrees. It was all excellent, particularly the lump crab cake.
(5)Karl B.
My wife and I had an excellent meal after a bitter cold day at the Icefest. The restaurant was crowded and, since we didn't have reservations, we sat at the bar. We both had the excellent French onion soup; perfect for a cold night. The broth was rich, the onions tender, and there were generous pieces of beef in the broth. My wife had the shrimp po'boy with sriracha mayonnaise. She said it was well prepared and just the right amount of spiciness. I had the skewered filet of beef on risotto. The beef was tender and flavorful. The risotto was outstanding and wonderfully creamy. We were comfortable eating at the bar. The bartender and server were pleasant. Every aspect of our dinner was as good as you can find anywhere.
(5)Heidi W.
A lovely little gem in a town full of big chain restaurants. The owners are so friendly and a delight to chat with. The atmosphere is great and food is always delicious. This is easily our favorite restaurant in Chambersburg!
(5)John I.
NOTE: My reviews were for the previous ownership. Apparently the restaurant has changed hands since then, and I have no knowledge of the current food. Old review follows. I went back last week with my daughter, and the "tapas style" ordering was no longer on the menu, nor were the bacon wrapped figs. Their menu is seasonal, and like all things, it must change. The food, however, was as equally delicious. The hamburger may very well have been the best I've ever had, and my daughter's salmon was prepared expertly. I can't say enough good things about this place, and I'll definitely be back, even without having business in the area. I'll do the 90 minute drive; it's that enjoyable.
(5)Paul N.
The Yelp reviews had my mouth watering by the time I arrived ... but they are closed!! Sign in the window explained the restaurant has been sold to the Norland Pub, a nearby competitor. No indication of when it will reopen. Will it be as good as "Barb & Larry's Place"? Stay tuned to Yelp ...
(1)Richard F.
Rarely do I find a restaurant that I didn't have anything good to say about it, but my recent trip to bistro 71 was such an occasion. I had there special which sounded pretty good, sausage tomato with a garlic sauce over fettuccine noodles. There were about six tiny slices of some nondescript sausage, about six sliced cherry tomatoes and a pile of overcooked noodles that stuck in a clump to the plate. To top that off I ordered a knob creek bourbon on ice of which was a very meager amount in the glass. I ordered a second one and got the same amount. To add insult to injury they charged me four dollars for the ice in my drink.
(1)Steve T.
Nice! Mussels were really good! More bread please! I don't have more food reviews yet. Just walked in for a drink.
(3)Shelley M.
Thank goodness for Yelp or we may never have stumbled onto this place! Had a great experience with their pri fixe menu for Valentine's Day and all of the courses were great! I had the shrimp appetizer, the spinach salad, the sea bass entree and the strawberry cups and honestly I loved it all! The ambience is pretty and although the seating arrangements are somewhat tight, our new friends who sat next to us could not have been more delightful. The owner is very attentive and truly glad you have visited his restaurant :) The ONLY recommendation I would make is to have a wine list to choose from so I could have reviewed my choices. We will certainly go back to this great little bistro!
(4)Muhammad C.
Suzy K, your rating is very unfair! Just because of noisy ladies you gave Bistro 71 2 stars!! That's just not fair. They have very good and gourmet food and the owners are the nicest people who make you feel welcome at their establishment. Someone will look at your two stars and decide not to try this place! Next time please be considerate about your opinion it can effect someone's lively hood.
(5)Cookie D.
What a delightful find! Excellent food preparation, personable service, high visibility management and fun upscale bistro ambiance! Wow! We WILL be back! Bistro 71 in Chambersburg PA.
(5)James M.
Amazing. Go there - NOW! This place looks like a glam bar / restaurant in New York City but with the friendliest, most lovely atmosphere. It's relaxed, it's comfortable, it's cool as hell. Larz and Barbara who own/run the place are so nice. So welcoming and friendly and they've done a such a superb job of this place. Ok... here we go... Food. The BEST. BEST! And I'm a Brit who gets to go to Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver restaurants back in London... 1. Crab cakes - phenomenal. Like no other. Meaty, next to no breadcrumbs. Taste incredible. I get them every time. 2. Lamb lollipops - equally great. Tender, fall off the bone and presented in a zesty, tangy glaze. I could eat them all day!! 3. Rack of lamb. I'm salivating as I think about it... 4. Bread pudding, cheesecake... all of the deserts are incredible. 5. Brunch - go now, people - now now now!! 6. All of the above, have them together - TWICE!!
(5)Stephanie h.
Stopped in here for a drink last weekend and ended up staying around for about 3 hours. The owners were awesome! We've been looking for a nicer, more welcoming, non-chain restaurant and we've now found it. We had dropped by here several months ago, but didn't get to fully appreciate the food and staff. I love the tapas style! Highly recommend the tenderloin and duck-delicious! Also, the bread with their tasty butter is worth it! Oh, and the mussels! This is how we ended up there for 3 hours...ordering one tapa at a time. Tot worth it! Also, our bartender-I believe her name is Sarah-was great! She's very knowledgeable on the menu and helpful with recommendations. We will be back again soon!
(5)Edward S.
Bistro is an easy 5... Not only an awesome answer to Chambersburg's excessive amount of chains, but the food is absolutely amazing. Larry and Barb are the owners and wonderful hosts. They walk the walk when it comes to doing their party to revitalizing Chambersburg's downtown and have one gem of a dining spot. The menu is small but everything on it is great and the chef does a good job mixing it up with specials. Try the tuna, always perfectly seared and the seaweed salad / wasabi mashed are to die for!!
(5)Jeff S.
Came here because they had roast rack of lamb on the menu. Unfortunately, they've since changed the menu... They did have lamb lollipops (which I ordered); also had the duck (which was a special that night). Both were good: the lamb was in a chipotle glaze, sweet and just spicy enough. The duck was good as well, though the lamb was a hard act to follow... Price-wise...that's a tough judgment. My dinner came to $38, plus tax and tip. That included the appetizer, entree, salad, starch, and vegetable (which, at most places of this caliber, you'd pay for each item separately). So on that basis alone, it was a good deal. Add to this the fact that serving sizes are generous (the appetizer was four lamb chops for $10...throw in a salad and it would be a meal), and this place is definitely worth stopping by.
(4)Bryan E.
Excellent meal and excellent service. The owner himself sat down at my table to introduce himself and have a quick chat.
(5)Kitty T.
I love this place and keep coming back! I was working in Ch'burg for 3 weeks in June and found this place by accident, while trying to find someplace else...lucky me! The minute i walked in, greeted by Larry at the bar, it felt right and stylish - quite different from most of the places i'd already been in town. Drinks and yummy apps (like everyone else, the lamp pops!) in a cozy table on a rainy, humid night, was perfect for an out of towner! Before long, Barb made acquaintance, making me feel right at home - like i'd been coming there for years! they are a HOOT! i made several returns and each time was greeted like a regular (where everybody knows your name :) and even remembered my drink. The food was delish...fish, salmon, pesto, the salad, all yum! i am thrilled to have been a patron and look forward to going back...they'll remember my name... :)
(5)Robert R.
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Every entre was terrific. The owners are very friendly. The atmosphere is "happening".
(5)