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!!!!!!!
(4)
Bradford G.
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.
(4)
Mark S.
I've been a going here for over 30 years and I'm still the youngest person in the room. Age demographics aside I love the dark intimate setting, traditional menu and service. Perfect martinis. I go for the sweetbreads... Always great, always on the menu, and unavailable anywhere else. Some people say the crowd is too old and the place is a "throw-back." No, it is as it ever was... the sort of place our parents took us in the 60's... Calm and adult, where manners matter. That said, the tree bark walls and darkness will scare your kids... leave them home.
(4)
Sage A.
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!
(5)
Bill M.
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 pate 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.
(4)
Alison W.
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.
(5)
John G.
The chef here really has a way with sauces, and the presentation is impeccable! Yes, the decor 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..
(5)
Tom A.
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!
(4)
Lauren L.
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.
(2)
waltzing m.
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!
(3)
Carol B.
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
(2)
Richard L.
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.
(4)
Palm Springs Diva A.
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.
(2)
Mark P.
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.
(4)
victoria r.
Small, cozy atmosphere. I love their salmon! You can order takeout also! Consistantly good service and food. I've never had a disappointing meal.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Fri Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Andrew P.
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!!!!!!!
(4)Bradford G.
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.
(4)Mark S.
I've been a going here for over 30 years and I'm still the youngest person in the room. Age demographics aside I love the dark intimate setting, traditional menu and service. Perfect martinis. I go for the sweetbreads... Always great, always on the menu, and unavailable anywhere else. Some people say the crowd is too old and the place is a "throw-back." No, it is as it ever was... the sort of place our parents took us in the 60's... Calm and adult, where manners matter. That said, the tree bark walls and darkness will scare your kids... leave them home.
(4)Sage A.
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!
(5)Bill M.
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 pate 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.
(4)Alison W.
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.
(5)John G.
The chef here really has a way with sauces, and the presentation is impeccable! Yes, the decor 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..
(5)Tom A.
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!
(4)Lauren L.
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.
(2)waltzing m.
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!
(3)Carol B.
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
(2)Richard L.
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.
(4)Palm Springs Diva A.
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.
(2)Mark P.
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.
(4)victoria r.
Small, cozy atmosphere. I love their salmon! You can order takeout also! Consistantly good service and food. I've never had a disappointing meal.
(4)