I’m not much of a gambler, to be honest, I tend to lose more than I win and think how I could use the money elsewhere to enjoy (i.e. – shoes or vacation). That said, I do enjoy visiting the casinos for the food and entertainment options.   Having grown up in Philadelphia, Atlantic City was only an hour (in off-season) away to enjoy good food, music and a quick spin of the slots.  But in the past few years, Philadelphia now has its own casinos with a plethora of restaurant and entertainment options to enjoy much closer to home.  I was attending the Sarah McLachlan concert at the Parx Casino Xcite Center so figured best to try out the new food options in Bensalem (about 1/2 hour from Philly with no traffic). Joining the already tasty list of food options at Parx Casino is Liberty Bell Gastropub (“farm to fork” menu) and Oliveto (Italian classics) each with compelling menus.  Since I was in the mood to cheat on my diet with fries, the Pub won this time but I’m definitely going back to try the three course Oliveto $18 lunch special menu (Wed-Sun 12pm – 3pm) or Wild Boar Bolognese for dinner.

Liberty Bell Gastropub

Parx Casino recently added the Liberty Bell Gastropub to their dining line-up in January 2018.  I chose to try the Liberty Bell Gastropub because I was intrigued by their “grass-fed” meats and in-house rotisserie options (plus fries). The restaurant considers their menu “farm to fork” and surprisingly downplays the “grass fed” instead calling it craft food. For the Bensalem area lined with a variety of fast casual and casual chain restaurants, the “farm to fork” menu is a welcome change in my opinion.  The prices for the portions and quality were reasonable if not a bargain compared to Center City Philly options.   The bar area was quite busy for a Monday night with the side booths and tables filling up quickly with hungry people before the Monday night concert.

The large restaurant has a contemporary design and yet retains an intimate feel to the separate dining areas around and behind the U-shaped centerpiece bar.

Liberty Bell Gastropub Dinner

I met the press group for dinner and we couldn’t decide what to try and share so they ordered a bunch of appetizers.  I ordered the grass-fed short rib with jalapeno cornbread (note that the short rib is hot but the cornbread is not. the jalapeno heat was a surprise kicker).  The table ordered wild mushroom crostini, clay pot crispy fired shrimp,, fish tacos and pub wings.  They also enjoyed many of the signature cocktails like I’ll Have Another (Casamigos Reposado, cucumber, fresh lime and ginger) and the popular Fig-get-me-not (Knob Creek rye, fig + rosemary, lillet blanc, fresh lemon and black walnut bitters)  while I stuck with a glass of Pinot Noir.

Our server was noticeably busy with many tables seated at once, but he handled it like a pro and we were quickly acknowledged and served.  He suggested options, favorites and helped explain a few dishes. As a former waitress, the service was spot on despite the number of tables seated at once in his section. The cocktails did take time as the bar quickly filled up.

The appetizers were quickly delivered and filled the table with temptation. (Sorry about the lighting challenges I had).

I stayed on the sandwich side of the menu, opting for the Featured Sandwich – Grass Fed Roast Beef Sandwich (essentially a French Dip) with French fries.  My dining companions ordered the entrée Short Rib, the Pork Loin and the Rotisserie Chicken.  Each was a good size portion (if slightly on the larger side) and my dining companions easily cleared their plates, proclaiming their entrees were tasty.

Final Thoughts – Liberty Bell Gastropub at Parx Casino

To be honest, I expected a Pub even a “Gastro Pub” to have the same burgers, wings and salads so I was happily surprised by the varied “farm to fork” menu with fish, grass-fed meats in entrée and sandwich form and the variations of appetizers offered by Liberty Bell Gastro Pub at Parx Casino.  Spying other tables, the famous burger could be seen in abundance as a fan favorite.

I grew up not far from Parx Casino and spent a lot of time in the area at chain restaurants so it’s nice to see that Center City Philly quality food (and dining) has come to Bensalem.  Since this is a casino, you do need to be 21 years old to enter.  The Liberty Bell Gastropub is open from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. to satisfy your comfort food cravings – with free parking and attentive staff, it’s definitely worth your time to go visit.  Maybe you’ll also get lucky on that slot spin!

Note that concerts tend to fill the restaurants quickly so I suggest making a reservation at Liberty Bell Gastropub and allowing ample time to enjoy your meal.  We arrived 1.5 hours before the concert and with appetizers had to forgo the dessert menu (yes, I was sad to miss out on the brownie!).

Thank you to Parx Casino for hosting me for dinner.  As always, my opinion is uniquely me on this dining occassion.