If I were going to go to a bar and got hungry I would be stoked to find they served food like this, going out to a nice restaurant though, this place falls a little short. Everything is decent, but nothing stands out as outstanding. The pasta was on the raw side of al dente and they over reduced the balsamic vinegar sauce so that my veal was pretty dry. That being said, service was nice and the atmosphere was welcoming. The people smoking outside, which due to the open windows was right next to our table, not so much.
NOTE: to be completely fair we went the day they came back from vacation so that may explain the mistakes in execution. We also did not get a chance to try the steaks (that sounded yummy!) as they were out.
Wow! Great food and a comfortable ambiance! Â The Yelp get-together allowed The Bradford to showcase some of their talent in the food and drink arenas. Â One cannot say enough for their interesting antipasto tray filled with sun-dried tomatoes, Â soppressata/Italian salami, provolone, pistachio nuts and more. Â However, the appetizer that was phenomenal was the arancini/rice balls. They were tasty, moist, and just plain delectable. Â Meatballs and eggplant appetizers comprised another whole meal, making one feel very full and delightfully so! Â
I am not a huge fish fan but the salmon was fantastic! Scallops with a sauce were tasty but the only way I love scallops is wrapped in bacon and as such, I do not judge. Â All in all, it was a really super night and kudos to all at The Bradford.
We stopped in last night after a friends birthday dinner for drinks. Our bartender was very nice and refilled promptly. I love the atmosphere with the exception of the tv's. Stay home and watch tv people. It ruins the vibe and is not exactly a sports bar. My friends liked their drinks and we had a good time. Even the bathroom was pretty nice. I will try it sometime for dinner.
Review Source:Happily updating my review since it's been a while.
The Bradford never disappoints. This is my go-to place for dinner/drinks in this part of Prov. Small but not too small. Never packed, but never empty. Far less pretentious than much of the rest of Federal Hill.
Bring out of town friends here and they will marvel at your knowledge of Small, Good, and Local. They will lean back in their chairs and look up at high ceilings, brick walls and wonder if life in Providence is not always like this. Like you are on set for an Indie film where the two characters fall in love over pizza.
I always warn people. Listen. The menu is small. Because. Everything on it. Is amazing. Now hush. And pick something before the waitress comes back.
My favorite is the calamari tossed with a balsamic glaze. Also a fan of the pizzas. Also a fan of the cocktail menu which is different every time I visit.
So very authentically Rhode Island. I cannot say enough good things about The Bradford.
Went here for date night with my fiancé and was pleasantly surprised at how intimate and laid back the atmosphere was. Service was excellent and the lemon basil martini I had was unbelievably delicious! we had the calamari (caprese style) which was great and had a nice kick to it with peppers. for entrees we had the BBQ grilled chicken pizza which was pretty good, but I thought our penne vodka was much better! this is a nice change of pace from the normal loud and crowded restaurants on Atwells, just be aware there isn't a ton of indoor seating!
Review Source:Had a really fun and unique experience at the Bradford last night (12/11/12)
They put on a Sam Adams beer dinner. Â Now I am admittedly not the biggest Sam fan, but the menu looked great so I figured why not. Â And certainly glad I did!
The food first:  5 courses included some very tasty rice balls (there is a fancy Italian name for them but I can't remember it) stuffed with mozzarella and a little butternut squash.  Fried oysters - Now this was my first time ever trying oysters, they always kinda made me sqeemish, but if these were any indication, I will be enjoying them again soon - they were incredibly tasty! A pasta course came next and that  was my favorite stage of the evening.  The duck was next and it came with a fantastic rice with current sauce - A very nice contrast in flavors that I hope they offer on the menu more often.  Finally, we had creme brulee, which was also outstanding.
The beer selections were paired well with the food, the best being the Sam Stout (which I would certainly order again). Â The only real miss was the Merry Mischief, which was an overspiced winter ale. Â The Sam Adams rep who was at the dinner spent time with everyone, and even taught me some new tricks.
Serving an entire restaurant five courses all at the same time can be a challenge, but as always the staff at the Bradford made everyone feel welcome and did a great job with the timing - the food was all perfectly hot. Â A big thanks to Keri for the always excellent service and making sure our beer glasses were never empty! Â And the other customers were fun and relaxed and very nice to talk with. Â A very friendly and fun experience.
I was sad to have missed the Yelp Martini event at the Bradford. So, of course I had to make time to visit myself! I stopped in on Halloween with a friend for a drink and a chat. They had a great deal going on for  $5 pumpkin martini. OMG it was sooo delicious and the perfect way to end the evening. I think the size/decor of this place is just right and its a great place for some cocktails with the girls... just a note though, late on a Saturday night it can be a bit loud and overcrowded with a 'local' crowd. Otherwise, I loved the place!
Review Source:I would eat everything on the menu in one sitting if I could.
I'm not even kidding. The food is really fantastic.
I experienced The Bradford because they've catered a number of our work events. And when I hear that my Bradford is catering, you'd best believe I cut the line to get some of that vodka pasta. Get out of the WAY, people. Girl wants herself some NOODLES.
The dining experience is as charming as the food. God, I love a good exposed brick wall. Besides that, the restaurant is really more of a cozy little bar tucked into a corner on Federal Hill. Sit at the bar, and whoever is at the bar will take very good care of you. Another plus: the chefs are willing to make stuff not on the menu (within reason) or doctor up something on the menu.
Start with a traditional antipasto, for sure. Huge SLICES of to diiieee for mozzarella will pique your appetite just enough to really enjoy whatever treat you have selected.
Good cocktail menu...try the lemon basil martini. Simply delightful.
Careful, beer lovers--only two on tap (although one of them was Sam Cherry Wheat...seriously?). Plenty of bottles, but nothing all that special. Bradford, are you reading? Develop a beer selection of which you can be proud.
The place has a number of steady regulars, and if that isn't praise enough, I don't know what is, folks.
I decided to try this place because of the yelp coupon and went with a couple of my friends. The Bradford is a cute space. We sat down but were not offered menus. There was one on the table that looked like a beer/wine list. We each had to take turns looking it over. Finally, one of us just got up and grabbed another one off the bar. The food took a while which I have no problem with if it's worth the wait. Unfortunately, it was not worth it. The calamari was just okay but there was way too much balsamic on it and slightly over cooked. The price was $12.50 which I have never paid that much for a calamari appetizer. The whole menu was overpriced for appetizers even for Atwells. There was a $14.50 price tag for fried ravioli appetizer. Really? Please tell me what is with the fifty cents? I felt it cheapened the experience. Anyways .. The meal: the pizza tasted like frozen dough and the caramelized onions were crunchy. My friend said it was the worst pizza she has had on Atwells. My other friend had that over priced fried ravioli and with a side of chicken. I tried the chicken and it tasted like it was marinated in a salt bath. Both of my friends are salt fans and said it was too much. The raviolis were again just okay but they were soaking in grease and at the end of the meal there was a pool of grease on the plate. I had the gnocchi with the pink sauce. I can tell you it was really good. However, the garlic bread was burnt and again was overly salted.
The most shocking aspect of our visit to The Bradford was the 18% gratuity added into our bill. Three people - 1 appetizer, 2 drinks each, and an entree (one being the ravioli appetizer) was $119 with a $25 dollar off coupon from yelp. The coupon was taken off at the end after tax and tip. Total was $94 and again the price wouldn't be an issue if it was worth it. It was the fact there were three people and we were automatically added an 18% gratuity. The coupon specifically states, "Gratuity not included; please tip on full value." I found this to be very offensive!!!!!!!!
I have never written a review before but felt I should since the other ones on here were missing leading to me. Perhaps, I was not there on a good night? Perhaps but I am not willing to give it another try. My experience with the owner was him sitting at the bar most of the night talking with his buddies and even slipping out to have a smoke with them. Maybe this is the personal touch people are talking about but I personally find it unprofessional.
To sum it up, was not impressed and will not return. If you have to go -- get a drink and hit the road for there are much better places on Federal Hill!
My husband and I enjoyed a yummy dinner here last night. Â As I Â am a food snob, Â I am quite the critic! Our lovely waitress Jakki, with the help of another, Emma, suggested a few items which were truly special, save for one.
We shared one appetizer, one entree and one dessert which was plenty.
We started with the fried calamari with a balsamic reduction glaze---wow, so special! We rarely eat anything fried, and told the waitress we would only splurge if it was THAT good. She concurred and was right!. Â We would have gotten a salad, but that is what we had for lunch. Â So we then shared the veal limone, which came with the best sauteed local squash duo that I have ever had! The veal was a tad bit tough, but I'll cut them some slack because of the delectable lemon sauce. We also shared a side of gnocci with vodka sauce. This was my only complaint of the evening. While the sauce was perfect, the gnoncis were very gummy and heavy. Â We were talked in to the special dessert---grilled peach shortcake. Nice local peaches, and the sauce was NOT sweet, thankfully, just the natural peach juice. We would have liked shortbread instead of cake, but at least the cake (also not too sweet) was homemade, with homemade whipped cream and a mini scoop of really good quality vanilla ice cream.
We had a <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Frestaurant.com&s=c5fe485af4df376130bee54f875814d79c4d7913e1258123b1206d2bdbf4873b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://restaurant.com</a> certificate so it made the nice experience even nicer!
My only wish is that the inside of this place didn't feel so much like a bar. We sat outside so it was a moot point. Â Frankly, we wouldn't go again if we had to eat inside, unless they made some modifications to make it feel more like a restaurant.
Being a local, as in living within a stones throw local, Ive found myself visiting the Bradford more and more, and more and more. Not only because I can stumble home at night but because every visit to this establishment has been great! Its usually the owner behind the bar and his bar mate Jackie. Jackie is awesome and always keeps a full beer in my hand, and while Jackie is holding the bar down the owner is mingling with the guests and checking on patrons to make sure they are satisfied. I'm not sure of his name but he is super friendly and knowing that he wants candid feedback from his patrons is a HUGE plus in my book, especially in this world of corporate giants whom don't care about their guests but only the dollar sign. The patrons are always cheerful and nice. Also the fact that you can bring your beer out front on the sidewalk while you smoke is awesome. As a loyal yelper I hate using and the over use of the term "local gem" but this place lives up to it. You defiantly feel at home here. Whenever I have friends visiting from out of town I always make it a point to come here and just chill out. The prices are average for the area and you typically don't have the "douchbags" hanging out here which makes me love this place even more, Just average middle to upper-class Joe's enjoying a night out. I only gave the Bradford 4 stars because I have yet to try the food here, although I certainly want to! I just seem to come in later in the night, but I promise one day I will come here for some grub and I'm sure I will be more than satisfied and bump it up to 5 stars. I will also edit this review then. In the mean time I will definitely be back! Â and you should too!
Review Source:We went to The Bradford for a family get together about two weeks ago, we called ahead to make reservations as we were a large party and it was a Saturday night so we weren't sure how busy it would be. We were pleasantly surprised that when we arrived our server, Mario, had our table waiting for us with glasses of water and plates! He was so excited that we had arrived and gave us a warm welcome showing us directly to our table. We ordered the Balsamic Reduction Calamari, Meatballs and Shoestrings, Â House salad, Mixed Green salad, Simple Pizza, Buffalo Chicken Pizza, and the Bianco Pizza. All I can say is we were not disappointed!! Everything was absolutely delicious with a particular nod to the Calamari. The Calamaris flavor was very unique and pairs perfectly with either of the salads. Mario was great, very helpful and excited to talk to us about the restaurant. He made the overall experience wonderful. Everyone loved everything about this meal each saying it was some of the best food we have ever had! We will definitely be returning next time we have a family reunion and I recommend anyone to stop by for a drink, friendly service and some great food.
Review Source:Nice little neighborhood bar, very friendly staff and great food. Â Different than most of the places in the Federal Hill area, but it is a welcomed change of pace. Â We tried a couple of the special salads, they were freshly made and tasty, definitely a place I would go back to. Â The "simple" thin-crust pizza was also good.
my only complaint was that the TV was too loud, but I understand that may have been resolved and it is now easier to chat with the people at your table.
We were visiting my 2 boys at Johnson & Wales and decided to try The Bradford because we found a coupon on <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2FRestaurant.com&s=0aab4cbd731f3d3b0d1453050d3abc56a8c80bd214e25469c7555b750dca8a51" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://Restaurant.com</a> ...and I'm so glad we did. It was my husband and I and my 2 boys and their friend. We all loved it!
We ordered a meatball appetizer and 2 pizzas (potato and mac n cheese). The boys all had entrees as well. Everything was amazing. The meatball and gravy tasted very homemade. I think the owners mom makes them. The pizzas were fun and everyone loved their pasta dishes. The kids had plenty of leftovers too.
We were at the door when they opened at 4:30 so we had the place to ourselves but not for long. It's small and cozy. Our waitress was fantastic. We can't wait to come back to The Bradford again. Fun little spot on Fed Hill.
Went for a Yelp Elite event. Â I've been meaning to try The Bradford for a while -- even had it bookmarked. Â
What a delight! Â It is a cozy location tucked into a corner location on Federal Hill. Â I tried a berry martini that was completely reminicent of summer (thank you since it is only March!)
The bartender was friendly and warm -- she was quick to make a recommendation on a drink once learning a little about what you like. Â
Had only a bit of food, as I'd had a small dinner before going. Â But the arancini was delicious --- even better was a small eggplant caprese. Â I will definitely be back for more, and I'll even bring the BF too. Â I can see us having an after-dinner drink or a before dinner drink and app the next time we are on the Hill. Â
Could definitely be a location to rent out for a private party. Â It is small, but cozy and comfortable with an L-shaped bar. Â I also happen to love the artwork on the walls over the windows facing the street. Â
The owner was among us too -- he was so warm and welcoming. Â Thank you for a nice evening.
After walking around trying to find  a nice place to have an outside drink and people watch on the Hill, we popped into here since they had two outdoor tables lit by candlelight. Even if the tables were taken, we'd probably still go since they had giant open windows on the street side where you can feel just as comfortable. We sat down and within 2 minutes a waitress came outside. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks they had on the menu (we only came for drinks even though they have a rather decent sized menu). Although I'm a pocket pincher and usually order beers, I grabbed the $10 Lemon Basil Martini since I read a previous review that it was to die for. I must say, it's the perfect outside summer drink! A little zest, not too strong, and the basil added just the right flare. We only stood for one drink, but we milked it because the ambience was so nice and there's so much bustle to watch outside. If we had more money, we would of stayed for a few more rounds. Extremely laid back and comfortable place, and I will definitely pay a second visit in the near future.
Review Source:Everybody came here for an event it seems! Â Well, not I. Â I came here FROM an event. Â An event that, while fabulous, had no food and so there we were all cocktailified and needing some solid food. Â Friends at our event suggested a place to go, but the GPS had died and it was a part of Providence I don't know super well so we headed to Federal Street because I knew something would be open. Â
That something was The Bradford.
It's both Italian (because, hello, location) and not, and in the midst of all this hardcore pasta and pizza it's nice that there's a cozy little bar, open late and serving burgers.
We went the app route, and Italiany... Â (what can I say?) anyway. Â So in went our order for calamari (Rhode Island Style) and meatballs (with shoe string fries) and not that long later, out they came.
I shall not lie. Â I've had better meatballs, but that didn't mean these weren't delicious. Â Also, I thought the fries weren't thin enough to be called shoestring in my opinion either. Â But, again, it didn't stop them from being good.
The calamari, however, was stellar. Â The very handsome boy I was with would argue it was the best ever in the universe. Â I've had a lot of calamari, but, still... stellar. Â Definitely worth the order.
Reading other reviews I kind of wish I had a martini, but I had a beer. Â However, the smiling service that came with that beer was welcome and enchanting. Â
The Bradford, this time, was happenstance but next time... Â it will be a destination.
PS
The bathroom is kinda baller.
Came here for a martini tasting event last Thursday and I will have to make it a point to return soon!
My first impression upon walking in was "Wow, this place is really cozy feeling!" Â It's a relatively small bar, with dim lighting and exposed brick walls. Â The bartender and owner were both extremely friendly and attentive.
I don't generally go out with the intention of ordering a martini, but they are very creative with their 'tinis here! Â I did also order a sangria after my tasting, and was also pleased with that!
We came hungry, and the hors d'oeuvres sized apps that were passed around didn't quite satisfy our dinnerless tummies, so we also ordered a buffalo chicken pizza. Â It was a grilled style pizza, and was crunchy, flavorful, and delicious. Â Although I must say I was somewhat baffled by the fact that none of the appetizers they passed for tasting were on the regular menu, we enjoyed sampling all of them!
Overall, it's not the type of place I would normally seek out when I'm in Federal Hill, but now that I know it's there, I just might have to! Â :)
Although I attended an event here that was put on by the Bradford, and appreciated their hospitality, I was not 100% sold on it. I liked the atmosphere and the staff were friendly. We tried the appetizers they passed, nothing "wowed" me... We did order the caprese calamari, which was unique, and I enjoyed, I couldn't put my finger on the ingredient that made it so... I asked the server and she said it was done in a balsamic reduction. It reminded me of a sweet Chinese sauce. I loved it at first, but the aftertaste left something to be desired. They also served martinis, we liked 1 of the 3 options -- the honey. I'd give it another shot sometime...
Review Source:Came in here for the first time last night for their first annual holiday party. They've been open for a year, plugging away as a newbie in a bleak economic climate, and quietly building an ever-growing following. The owner, Mario, is an industry pro through and through, and has done a great job revamping and revisioning this small space. A former convenience store and newsstand, it's right on Atwells but somehow manages to be 'tucked away' at the same time. The minute I walked in, I felt comfortable. The space is small, but extremely well done. Although it's only been in existence for one year, something about the Bradford feels like it has been a neighborhood staple forever. That feeling ease and effortlessness is hard to achieve so quickly, methinks.
The bar itself is L-shaped with seating for fifteen or so, and there is a sprinkling of high and low top tables throughout. The space feels very warm and inviting, and the use of wood and neural tones lends to this feeling of comfort. The lighting is nice and low and has a golden hue - bright enough to see everyone in the bar, but low enough to lull me into a nice trance of relaxation (well, the lighting and the delicious espresso martinis!). The ladies behind the bar were experienced bartenders, and the drinks that we got were all really well-poured.
The Bradford is a great bar. Come to the Bradford for a drink before or after you have dinner somewhere else on the Hill. Or, as I found out while I was sampling some of their menu items last night, STAY at the Bradford for dinner. I was really impressed with the spread they put out for their holiday party. My favorite items: the apricot and sesame glazed pork and the chocolate-dipped bacon! Delicious! I'm hoping that last night's offerings were indicative of their full menu, and I am excited to find out.
What fun.
Recently I was in BNC with some folks and we had a wonderful time. The bartender, Tiffany, was excellent. The crowd was interesting and pleasant. The drinks tasty and appropriately priced.
Decor was fresh, with exposed brick and good uses of color. For a smal place it was well done.
And, while I was there solely for the drinks I wouldnot hesitate to go back and see what else is cooking.
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