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Kabob's at The Option House

About

Located in the heart of Bradford, Pennsylvania, Ka-Bobs at The Option House is a unique symbiosis of historical heritage and exotic cuisine. This establishment occupies a magnificent Rococo-style building, constructed in 1902, which is an architectural monument in its own right from the golden age of the oil industry in the USA.

Kabob's at The Option House. Source: Kupi.com AI

Inside, guests are greeted by an early 20th-century atmosphere: magnificent crystal chandeliers, a ceiling finished with tin panels, and a massive dark wood bar. The interior is complemented by vintage wallpaper, creating a cozy yet solemn setting perfect for both a family dinner and a romantic evening.

The restaurant is famous for its diverse menu, where Chef Sheikh Iqbal masterfully combines Mediterranean, Indian, and Middle Eastern traditions. This is a place where you can taste authentic kabobs, tandoori chicken, and tikka masala while remaining surrounded by classic American history.

Contacts

If you are planning a visit with a large group or want to book a table for the evening, it is recommended to contact the establishment in advance. Up-to-date information on special offers and seasonal dishes can be found on the restaurant's social media pages.

Below are the main contact details for communication and navigation:

Address41 Main St, Bradford, PA 16701, USA
Phone+1 814-362-2622
Websitewww.ka-bobs.com
Facebookfacebook.com/kabobsattheoptionhouse

What to Do

The main reason to visit Ka-Bobs is, undoubtedly, the gastronomic journey. Be sure to try the signature kabobs, prepared according to the chef's family recipes, or the fragrant tandoori chicken. The menu surprises with its variety: from Indian curry and Lebanese appetizers to Italian Chicken Parmesan, making the establishment an excellent choice for a group with diverse tastes.

In addition to the food, take some time to explore the building's interior. An observant visitor will notice unique details such as antique hardware and the famous "sniper’s nest" at the entrance, preserved since the oil boom days. The long bar invites you to spend time tasting quality cocktails or craft beer surrounded by vintage decor and the soft light of the chandeliers.

For those who prefer privacy, the restaurant offers cozy corners at the back of the hall, while quick service and attentive staff make the experience as comfortable as possible. Don't forget to check out the dessert menu—homemade sweets will be a wonderful end to your evening in one of the city's most atmospheric locations.

Getting There

Reaching this unique spot in Bradford is easy, as the restaurant is located in the heart of the historic center on Main Street. If you are traveling by car, you can take advantage of the free parking spaces usually available on the side streets of this small city.

For those arriving from other regions, the nearest major airports are in Buffalo or Erie, from where the drive takes about an hour and a half to two hours via I-86. In Bradford itself, you can also use local taxi services to quickly reach the entrance of the historic Option House from anywhere in the city.

If you are staying at one of the downtown hotels, a stroll to the restaurant will be a pleasant addition to your evening—most of the city's iconic landmarks are within walking distance. Public transport is represented by regional bus routes, with stops located just a 5–10 minute walk from the restaurant.

History & Facts

The building housing the restaurant today has deep roots dating back to the "oil rush" era. In the 1880s, a wooden hotel stood on this site, serving as the headquarters for traders dealing in oil options when Bradford was considered the oil capital of the world. This is where the name Option House originated.

In 1902, the old structure was replaced by a luxurious four-story Rococo-style building, designed as a fireproof hotel for oil tycoons. The interiors of that time reflected the status of the guests: million-dollar deals were struck here under the glow of crystal chandeliers. A curious detail is the preserved "sniper’s nest" near the entrance—a reminder of times when securing deals was a life-and-death necessity.

The modern chapter began in 2014 when Chef Sheikh Iqbal, known as "Chef Icky," took over the management. A native of Pakistan, he has harmoniously combined Eastern hospitality with American history, turning the establishment into a true gastronomic icon of the region while carefully preserving the antique dark wood finishes and tin ceiling panels.

Time Needed

To fully enjoy your visit to this historic site in the USA, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This will be enough time to leisurely appreciate the chef's skill and examine the unique interior details from the beginning of the last century.

If you plan to stop by only for a quick lunch, you can make it in an hour; however, most guests prefer to stay longer. The atmosphere of the old bar and the vintage decor invite long conversations over a cocktail or studying the historical photographs on the walls after a hearty dinner.

Working Hours

The establishment operates on a split schedule during weekdays, which is traditional for many local restaurants. From Monday to Thursday, doors are open from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM for dinner. On Friday, the evening shift is extended until 9:00 PM, and on Saturday, the restaurant welcomes guests all day long—from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Sunday is a day off.

Given the popularity of the spot and possible changes to the schedule on holidays, visitors are strongly encouraged to check the current operating hours on the official website or Facebook page before planning a visit.

Nearby

Visiting a restaurant in the city's historic center provides a great opportunity to combine a delicious meal with sightseeing. A walk through the surrounding streets will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of old America and get acquainted with the region's architectural heritage.

In the immediate vicinity of the establishment, there are several interesting locations, from historic districts to cozy parks and popular bars:

NameTypeDistance (km)
Bradford Downtown Historic DistrictHistoric District0.1
Taco Inc Mexican Bar and Grille BradfordRestaurant0.1
Players DowntownBar0.1
Bradford Corner BarBar0.2
Phlash Phelps MuralMural / Art0.4
Hanley ParkPark0.5
Rookies Bar and GrillRestaurant/Bar0.5
J J's SaloonBar2.0
Liberty TavernRestaurant/Bar2.3
Tasta Pizza & TaproomPizzeria2.4

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