E.R. Bradley's Saloon

Price: Bring some money

Atmosphere: 4 out of 5

Quality of Service: 3 out of 5

Food Overall: 4 out of 5

So my fiancee and I headed downtown to get our marriage license the other day. We expected to be there for hours, but apparently there just aren't that many people willing to take the plunge (at least on a Thursday), so we were in and out in about 20 minutes.


My car was in the shop down the street so she suggested, "Why don't we grab breakfast and walk around a bit?" Sure, I thought. I could eat. But then again, I could pretty much always eat, so that's not saying much. The best part about this culinary adventure? We were out of our element.


Well, I was anyway. She worked close by, but I wasn't familiar with the eateries and food fare of this fine city. She suggested we try E.R. Bradley's Saloon on the water. It was a nice day, and I figured why not. And I'm so glad I did.


The restaurant, established in 1984, is located on the intracoastal waterway and has both indoor and outdoor seating. It has that 'oceanic' feel, with the outdoor area built on an old wooden deck, and the sea breeze blowing in to cool you off.


But enough about the ambiance. You came for the food, didn't you? Now I'll be honest: I only came for breakfast, and I've never been here before or after that (I mean come on, I was only there yesterday folks). But breakfast was enough to have me make the trip back.


I had Bradley's Florentine: Two perfectly poached eggs atop a bed of seasoned and sauteed spinach, dressed over an English muffin. Top the whole thing with a dusting of paprika and what I can only describe as the best Hollandaise sauce I've ever had the pleasure of tasting.


It was velvety. It was luscious. It was just...perfect. But wait, there's more. The potatoes. I know, I know: What's more common than a potato? But these spuds were lightly fried and tossed with onions and red & green peppers. Again, big deal right?


Yes. A very big deal in fact. The unique thing about these potatoes was the veggies included. The onions and peppers were cooked, but they still had bite to them; a good crunch. To chop something that small, cook it, and still get a snap out of them to show off the freshness? That's talent in the cooking, my friends.


My wife-to-be had the Simply Breakfast, which is your usual fare of eggs, toast, meat (and those awesome potatoes). The cool thing was her toast (I know it's just toast, but read on) is that it arrived un-buttered. She loved it because most places either over or under butter it, and this way she could get her carbs to the desired fat content.


But my reason for bringing up her meal was, as I am advising you people about where to get your grind on, I had to 'take one for the team' and try some of the sausage she had. It was three links, homemade and split down the center. They butterfly them and get that nice flat-top sear on the inside, so it's got that fat crust that we all hate to say (fat crust is an unattractive word, let's be honest) but love to devour.


Being on the water, Bradley's serves other dishes for lunch and dinner, such as Maryland crabcakes, fresh local catch of the day and a New England seafood bowl. They also have a full bar, and serve the type of food you're used to getting with that comment; Burgers, sandwiches, steaks and chicken.


Maybe it was the sea breeze on a beautiful Florida day. Maybe it was because I just got my marriage license and was 57 days away from my wedding. Maybe....but I don't think so. I think it was just a great meal done in a manner that had me considering seconds. So take a day off work and grab your girl (or guy) and head over there.


After all, it's just da(m)n good food.


E.R. Bradley's Saloon
104 Clematis St.
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 833-3520


http://www.erbradleys.com/