Ken S.
Yelp
Every once in a while you go somewhere and say, "Wow, these people really know what they're doing!!"
The folks at Brick Walk Tavern do know what they're doing and the proof is in the wonderful dishes that show up at your table. Many of these dishes show inventiveness or a different approach to a classic: grilled cheese gets a refined makeover and shrimp arrives with a spicy, crispy upgrade.
As the name implies, the restaurant is part of the Brick Walk development along Fairfield's Post Road. There are a few gems nearby, but I think BWT is among the best. It's much larger than it appears when you first walk up with dining rooms and a bar in the back, but to be safe you can reserve a spot on OpenTable.
Thanks to that reservation we were promptly seated and welcomed by the always friendly and professional staff. The menu is quite extensive.
You could easily show up with a group with diverse tastes and everyone would be happy. Last night there was a full list of specials in addition to the lengthy menu, which includes Tavern Classics and Chef's Inspiration. The former includes tried and true items like chicken parmesan and steak frites, while the latter includes the aforementioned shrimp and chickpea eggplant "meatballs."
We started with deviled eggs from the specials menu. It was a throwback to a few years ago when new versions of the retro classic popped up on menus everywhere. The specials version came with an Asian twist, the yolk filling was mixed with Asian spices, topped with a potato crisp and placed upon a creamy sauce. These takes on the old party favorite are usually interesting and this one was also pleasing.
I started with the tuscan kale and brussel sprouts salad. The two main ingredients are shredded and presented artfully. The presentation, evocative of chic city establishments, is complemented by polenta croutons, dried cranberries, and a lemon truffle vinaigrette. See, they know how to turn what could be another boring salad into a work of art that also tastes as good as it looks!
The tasty crispy shrimp is another standout dish. Again, this could be a pretty standard option, but Brick Walk Tavern takes it to another level with a light batter which provides the crisp and a chili sauce which brings the kick. The shrimp is topped with cilantro, green onion, and radish, which all makes for an attractive dish served on a slate tray. Our server, who was wonderful, said this one was a crowd favorite and it was easy to see why.
Vegans rejoice, there is a great option here with the chickpea eggplant meatballs. If you have ever had the eggplant meatballs at B.Good, they're like those, but with a fancy restaurant treatment. Five large "meatballs" were served over red sauce and arranged around a ratatouille stack. Having been made with chickpea and eggplant, these are softer than the meat version, but just as flavorful with a perfect mix of seasonings to go along with the sauce and a drizzle of pesto. It's a hearty serving and I left feeling full --- and very pleased!
The BWT Grilled Cheese is an adult version of the childhood favorite with a mozzarella cheese subbing in for the American slices, joined by olive tapenade, roasted red pepper, speck, and arugula - all of which earned a big thumbs up!! The fries that came with the sandwich were perfect, just like the French fries you'd get in Paris (minus the mayo for dipping).
I would say that Brick Walk Tavern is an excellent option for a night out with family or friends. I recommended it to a friend today for a first date - wonderful food, but still fun and casual. Finally, I should note that I came here because I had a gift card which covered part of the bill. The owners donated to a local charity and the card was part of a silent auction package, so hats off to the BWT crew for doing good while also creating amazing food. Thank you for everything!