Written by Karen Pacifico
Photography by Donna Huffman

y way of background . . . a bistro is a small restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting. Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve and are places where people can come and feel comfortable, enjoy fresh food and quench their thirst. Urban Bistro is no exception.

Joe Pearson and his mother Melanie have the best German food in Bluffton. They use only the freshest ingredients in preparing your selections: Boars Head meats, applewood bacon, and fresh cut fruit are used each day for your dining pleasure. In addition, they serve domestic and German beer, draught beer and German wines and they do this in a comfortable setting. So all aspects of a bistro are covered.

The word “bistro” may derive from the Russian (bystro) which means quick. According to an urban legend, it entered the French language during the Russian occupation of Paris in 1815. Cossacks who wanted to be served quickly would shout “bistro.” Here at Urban Bistro there’s a warm welcoming atmosphere where you place your order at a counter and then take a seat. There’s no need to shout as your breakfast or lunch will be delivered as soon as it’s ready.

In the eight months Urban Bistro has been in business, it has gained a loyal clientele of folks who drop in for breakfast, lunch and a special German buffet dinner. The concept appears to provide something for all kinds of customer moods and tastes, from simple and light salads to the popular authentic German buffet served on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Melanie Pearson brings the German influence as she was born and raised in Germany. Her parents were in the food and beverage business . . . thus preparing authentic dishes comes naturally to her and the menu includes all her favorites.

Effective this month, there’s another reason to visit. Wednesday night will be Senior Night with specials. So be sure and call for details as this might mean you’ll get a percentage off your bill.

Given menu choices that include ‘Standards’ sandwiches, ‘Salads’, ‘Specialties’, ‘Deli Salad Sandwiches’ and specials of the day - decision-making wasn’t easy. Both ‘Standards’ and ‘Specialties’ are served with salad of the day or chips and fresh fruit.

Breakfast is served until 10:30 am (11 am on Saturday), and offers a number of egg favorites and a special French Toast. This selection consists of thick slices of French baguette served with homemade pecan butter and maple syrup. Think about adding bacon or sausage for a small additional charge. All breakfast items are served with fresh fruit.

Donna Huffman decided to try a special ‘Standards,’ Welcome to . . . Joe’s Club. She enjoyed fresh turkey breast, tavern ham, crisp bacon, swiss and cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo stacked high on her choice of bread. I opted for a special sandwich offering of fresh turkey breast, brie cheese and cranberry relish served on whole grain bread. It was delicious.

The menu has some intriguing items such as Beefy Martini (thin-sliced roast beef, marinated mushrooms and crisp bacon served with homemade garlic and herb mayo on a fresh baguette). Or Frigadellen, a homemade German hamburger steak served with home fries and rye bread.

Some of the offerings you may see on the menu include assorted authentic German sausages . . . Knockwurst, Bratwurst and Smoked Sausage, German Potato Salad, Marinated Herring, Westphalian Ham and items such as Schinkenwurst, which is a German luncheon meat, made in a bologna-like manner consisting of beef and pork and large chunks of lean ham. Also, Liverwurst, literally meaning “liver sausage” is served with spicy German mustard and fresh red onion on black bread. Another item you might choose is Leberkäse, a specialty food found in the south of Germany, in Austria and parts of Switzerland, similar to meat loaf. And then there’s Rouladen, a dish often considered a food for common people, but this is incorrect. Rouladen is traditionally a celebratory food for the wealthy and upper-middle class. Melanie serves the Rouladen with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and Red Cabbage.

Urban Bistro is building a loyal following. Think about joining them in the restaurant for breakfast, lunch or the buffet dinner, place an outgoing order or call them and discuss the possibility of catering your next event. But if time permits, come on in, sit back, relax and experience the Bistro spirit.

Urban Bistro
‘Where good taste is always on the menu.’

4376 Bluffton Parkway, Suite 101
(843) 815-6960
urbanbistrollc@aol.com

Hours:
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Monday – Friday: 8 am– 9 pm
Wednesday & Friday
Authentic German Buffet: 5pm – 9pm