It is always interesting to follow the progress of a new restaurant and since it opened, two months after this writeup, Bernies Pizza Martini Bar has become an overnight sensation on Montreal’s West Island.
Soon after the Burger Fiancé restaurant, which specialized in vegan burgers, closed on Sources Blvd. in Dollard des Ormeaux last year the team behind the concept began looking into ways to repurpose the venue. Enter Jordan Biberkraut. Four years ago during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic began working with restaurant visionary Jonathan Dresner, the man behind such brands as Notre Boeuf de Grace, Pigeon Café, Hangtime Pizza and yes Burger Fiancé. Last year they took over the food counter at Laurentians Lanes, calling it Johnny Boy. It remains a work in progress so stay tuned for my story down the line.
Bernies Pizza Martini Bar is a solid concept; a sit-down restaurant specializing in tavern-style pizza, in addition to sliders, meatballs and of course martinis.
The bright and beautiful dining room walls are full of nostalgic photos from Bernie Biberkraut’s youth, not to mention other family artifacts from old mirrors to needlepoint. There are 60 seats inside, 10 at the bar and 16 on a seasonal patio. It has been so busy that they have not even got around to home delivery yet. Take-out is busy and if you don’t have a reservation then do not expect to get a table.
Jordan Biberkraut has partnered with Dresner, Nicole Drexler and Steve Murray on this project. I had the good fortune to dine there recently in the company of Jordan and his parents Bernie and Shirley. Yep, Bernie as in the name of the restaurant. “My name Jordan was not a good fit,” he laughed.
Let’s start off with the tavern-style pizza, thin crust and cut-in squares, there are 10 different kinds to choose from. We shared the barbeque chicken, featuring grass-fed Australian mozzarella, grilled chicken smoked bacon, BBQ drizzle and green onions. Bernie’s Beef Sliders were amazing, reminding me of the kind I like to order at Cheesecake Factory or Ruby Tuesday in the United States. There are three per plate, with cheddar cheese, secret sauce, pickles and served with thin-cut fries. Jordan and Steve insisted I try their homemade Bernie’s Big Meatballs, made with tomato sauce, basil, parmesan shavings and grilled focaccia.
You can also order the fried chicken sliders, calamari fritto, cheesy garlic rolls, sticky ribs, salads and desserts. “Our menu is great for sharing,” says Jordan.
As for the drinks, there is a very nice cocktail list highlighted by the martini selections. I chose to get on from the zero-proof section (aka no alcohol), a ginger cranberry, containing cranberry, ginger and lime. They also have wine, beer and sangria.
“It’s just an amazing thing that Jordan has going here,” says Bernie. “He is filling it up every night.”
Mom Shirley adds that the place has a “downtown, Griffintown-like vibe.”
There is plenty of free parking right near the entrance.
Will a second Bernies open down the line? Jordan says he and his partners are eyeing the West End of town. Bernies Pizza Martini Bar is located at 3627 Sources Blvd. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 pm to 11 pm. Call 514-225-9655 or log on to https://www.berniespizzabar.com
Listen to our podcast with Jordan and Bernie: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/meet-the-owner-bernies-pizza-martini-bar-and-bernie/id1508770681?i=1000674234696
Mike Cohen, born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, has long been active in the community as a volunteer, journalist, and consultant. He profiles restaurants in Montreal and beyond.
mikecohen.ca