Category: Food Reviews

Mass Foodies is dedicated to consuming everything that the commonwealth has to offer. The food review portion of Mass Foodies is written by independent group of wandering consumers from different backgrounds. Foodies come together once a month at a predetermined restaurant, order off of the menu, and share their experience Learn more »

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Bootleggers and Topless floozies: What More Could You Want In A Dinner?

Topless Floozie from Bootleggers Prohibition Pub in Worcester, MA

It took me a while to find the front door to Bootleggers Prohibition Pub—they had relocated it from the last restaurant incarnation EVO that was there. That was just the beginning.

As you walk into the entrance, there is a lovely person waiting to seat you. She led us into the main dining area where you would immediately see the giant bar right in the middle of the main room. Lots of seating around it. I have to say, that if we weren’t there for dinner, I’d definitely like to hang out there drinking some moonshine!

We sat down at our table (hand made by Al and his dad) and looked around at the new place. It has a more rustic tone than it’s predecessor. Lots of wood and warm tones throughout. Photo’s of the past and images of prohibition line the walls. A nice touch. We had 16 in our party and there was plenty of room for us and the regulars that were there.

Topless Floozie from Bootleggers Prohibition Pub in Worcester, MA
Topless Floozie from Bootleggers Prohibition Pub in Worcester, MA

I ordered the Topless floozie burger it was described as a ½ lb flame grilled spicy buffalo dry rubbed Angus beef with cheddar cheese, coleslaw and a fried egg over medium. I did ask them to cook my egg over easy as I love the runny yoke. Everyone that knows me, knows that I love an egg over pretty much anything. Adding it to my burger was fantastic! I ordered it medium rare and that’s what I got. It’s amazing how often most burger joints will overcook them. Not here. Perfect! Having looked around the room at the others who also got burgers, they seemed very happy with their choices. The burgers are large and very filling.

As my side I ordered a small bowl of chili. Well, it seemed more like a large bowl. I’m glad I didn’t order a large! It’s nice to have the soup as a side as opposed to just salad or fries.

I ordered a Midnight Moon Blackberry Moonshine on the rocks. I love me some Moonshine and it didn’t disappoint. Thanks Chef Al for your recommendation!

The young lady who waited on us was very nice and offered suggestions if we had any questions and seemed to know the menu well. She was very pleasant and easy to talk with and got our orders correct. To be honest, I didn’t have much time chatting with her as we were all carrying on conversations with everyone around us.

Overall, I’d be happy to stop back in for a burger and Moonshine. I’d love to eat at the bar and chat with friends here. It’s a warm atmosphere and the food is good with some different offerings than many other local places.

If you want something different, be sure to check them out!!

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Blast Back to the Era of Prohibition with a Moonshiner Burger at Bootleggers Prohibition Pub

Bootlegger Prohibition Pub's Blackberry Moonshiner Burger

The giant sign indicating a “secret entrance around back” is a far cry from the basement speakeasy of Worcester’s other prohibition relic but he atmosphere at Bootleggers Prohibition Pub off Park Ave hearkens back to days-gone-by, even if entering the pub is be easier now than at the time of 18th Amendment America. Mounted televisions playing classic movies provide continuous Hollywood reminders of the roaring 20’s while brick wall decor and lack of window light induces a true feeling of secret underground dining and imbibing.

A quick look at through the menu certainly helps to emphasize the theme of the restaurant. The Libation list is filled with the prohibition theme, including moonshine offerings. A look at the beer list includes many local and classic options, including Chicago brews that rightly remind of the less than savory history of skirting the law during prohibition. For entrees, the selection is eclectic and a burger seemed like a good choice for the ambiance. The Blackberry Moonshiner burger (medium) didn’t disappoint. Angus beef patty with a delicious apple cider fromage, bacon and moonshine BBQ sauce turned out to be a great choice. Pack a wet-nap though – this was no clean patty!

The servers were all dressed in uniforms reinforcing the era at hand which does create a sense of going back in time. Besides noticing the attire, I have simple expectations and when a waiter or waitress drifts into the background of a dining night out, that’s always a plus for me!

There were no actual gangsters or flapper girls in Bootleggers Prohibition Pub, but the atmosphere and food make for a fun and filling way to experience history. The bar area was full when I left and looked like a good place to grab a drink or quick bite on a date or with a friend. Certainly the 1920’s vibe adds to the experience and enhances the dining experience. Bootleggers is definitely a place to return for a fun night out!