Garfield’s 502 (502 W. Garfield Ave.) bills itself as “What a neighborhood bar should be,” and, sure enough, you’ll find patrons gathered at the bar watching football on TV. The menu offers a tavern grill take on sandwiches and a few soul food favorites. Catfish comes in long, flat, cornmeal-fried filets with crinkle-cut French fries (a salad may be substituted) and a slice of white bread—quite similar to meals served at inner-city seafood take-out places.
The fish is fine, but the creamy coleslaw, with large shreds of white and red cabbage, carrots and spinach, stands out so much that it’s a shame the serving isn’t larger. Worth a return trip is the Jewel Burger: A beef patty complemented by lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon and avocado.
Garfield’s 502 is an anchor of the annual Garfield Avenue Blues, Jazz, Gospel & Arts Festival and hosts community fundraising events.
