09/18/09

Declining institution

by jnmjnc

have been eating at "Le Bus" since it was a Penn Campus staple in the late 1990's and It was my "meal plan" I am sorry to say I have seen an incredible, unique eating experience deteriorate over the years until finally, I'm forced to tell the world. Here are SPECIFIC examples:

1. The menu continues to shrink year by year until it's pretty much a buger and salad joint with Literally FOUR non-burger/salad entree options.

2. Painfully slow service

3.. They continue to shink portion sizes while raising prices- specifically I had 14 mussels in my appetizer (yes, I counted) of which 3 or 4 were empty. I am a mussel fanatic and usual portion size is about 24-30. 4. Cut backs on the "good stuff" no guacamole on my nachos tongight REALLY peeved me. 5. They seem to have made their ice-tea glasses about 50% smaller in recent months, doubleing the time you wait for a refill. 6. They made my daughter's grilled cheese sandwich on a hamburger bun with 1 piece of cheese. It was dry and tasteless and my 2 yr old asked where her grilled cheese was. I had to ask the same question. 7. Same menu items over and over except for a daily special. 8. The waitress never even bothered to bring the bread, which is certainly a high point. The bread is excellent. Ah, how I long for the good ol' Le Bus, not this shadow of its former self that I go to out of habit, good location, and kid/ dog friendliness. (it's good points) Winnie- Put some fresh energy into your joint and make it remarkable again, not just a bad habit. We would welcome you back with open arms!

• Pros: good bread
• Cons: falling star

05/02/09

Poor Service, Unreasonable

by jrg280

The bread was good and that is about it. I ordered their pasta dish $13.50 with an additional cost of $5.00 for shrimp, and I only got 4 super small shrimp. I mentioned this to the waitress and she told me too bad, and the manager came and told me thats how it comes. This ruined the mood, and the manager coming to tell me was unwarranted.

• Pros: Bread
• Cons: Food, Cost, Waitstaff, Management

10/31/06

Brown Rice Nut Salad.

by eugene2945

I have been going to Le Bus for years. During my law school days, Le Bus was one of the few restaurants at which I could afford to eat regularly. For just $10, you can easily score a bowl of soup or vegetarian chili, basket of bread, and a beer. Happily, my circumstances now permit me to select from the entire menu. Some of the notable dishes Ive had over the years include the grilled pork chops, which are savory not sweet, and the black bean enchilada. But the signature dish, the one that keeps me coming back, is the brown rice nut salad. In addition to the savory and sweet salad, the plate includes hummus, olives, feta, and multigrain pita wedges. The atmosphere is vibrant, occasionally hectic. From the bar, where I usually sit, you can survey the entire restaurant while you have your meal. Excellent spot from which to people watch during the warm months.

• Pros: Consistent, reasonable cuisine.
• Cons: Drink prices