Local floral and fauna like dogwood blossoms, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and a Blue Jay adorn the new Burtons Grill and Bar next to Minella’s Diner in Wayne. Thicket Design painted murals inside the restaurant, too.
At long last, there is life – and lots of it – at the long-abandoned Chili’s in Wayne.
With murals of native birds and branches inside and out, generous splashes of lush greenery, and teeming crowds at opening-week festivities, the new Burtons is positively buzzing.
Wayne Art Center’s Karen Louise Fay and Nancy Campbell and Wayne Business Association’s Deanna Doane at the VIP Opening of Burton’s Tuesday night. Burtons donated 15% of Wednesday’s opening day sales to Main Line Meals on Wheels.
Truly, not since the late-March debut of Maison Lotus at the old Margaret Kuo’s has Wayne been so pumped to see a defunct restaurant reborn.
And we won’t have long to wait long for another intriguing reincarnation: Fearless Restaurants (the White Dog, Autograph, Rosalie folks) are putting finishing flourishes on Triple Crown in the old Glenmorgan Grill at the Radnor Hotel.
But, we digress. Back to Burtons.
Like Chili’s, it’s a chain, albeit one infinitely more refined.
The first Burtons opened on Boston’s South Shore 20 years ago. Wayne is its 23rd outpost and first in PA. (Doylestown is next.) The company chose Wayne for its “neighborhood feel and strong sense of community,” says CEO John Haggai.
Like most chains, Burtons locations are sizable and thus aim for broad appeal. In Wayne, there are 152 seats inside, 24 at the bar, and another 24 outside.
Covered patios with fans flank the entrance to Burtons on Lancaster Ave.
The All-Day menu is a parade of America’s Top 40 culinary hits like wings, calamari, buffalo chicken dip, Caesar salad, angus burgers and steaks and a handful of seafood dishes. Nothing too exotic here. No culinary coloring outside the lines.
Entrées called “Classics” may be Burtons’ most creative, e.g. Mediterranean Chicken Risotto, Wild Mushroom Ravioli.
Familiar starters include Cheesesteak Spring Rolls ($17) and Spinach & Artichoke Dip ($14.50). (Below) Two lighter main dishes: Caesar salad with salmon ($26) and Ahi Tuna Bowl ($27).
Prices are on par for the area – no super bargains here. A lower-priced, smaller-portioned lunch menu is coming soon, GM Christina Vassiliu tells us.
Standouts we tried: the blue Crab bisque ($13), a Firecracker Shrimp starter ($18), and the Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($23).
Burton’s biggest differentiator: almost everything on the menu can be made gluten-free and celiac safe. The staff follows strict safety protocols and most dishes can be customized for food sensitivities and preferences.
Another Burtons calling card: the Choosy Kids Menu, which includes healthier options and may be Burtons best deal. Kids 12 and under choose a main, three sides and a drink (no soda!) for $8.95 or $10.95.
On the All-Day menu: Starters $14.50 to $18.50 (“Bread Service” with three toppings is $4.95); Soups, Salads and Bowls $13 – $30; Burgers and Sandwiches $17.50 – $24; Steaks $34 – $48; Seafood and “Classics” $22 – $39.50.
Happy Hour: Monday to Friday 3 to 6 p.m. $2 off beer/house wine, $6 to $10 mixed drinks and cocktails, $9 bar bites.
Burtons Grill & Bar, 312 W. Lancaster Ave., 484-253-6651, is open daily at 11 a.m. Reserve dining tables online. Open seating in the lounge and on the patios.
