Category: Worcester

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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Keeping it simple at Bootleggers Prohibition Pub With Their Italian Meatballs

from Bootleggers Prohibition Pub on Chandler Street in Worcester, MA

For a few years I had been going to EVO but with its closing I was curious to see how they might transform the same space into a different concept—Bootleggers Prohibition Pub. Well, they did by not only changing the entrance (which is deemed “secret entrance” for those not in-the-know) to the making a large bar the center of the focus. I like the new design better and it feels more like a pub where you might angle up to the bar for a cocktail. Speaking of which, they have numerous unique cocktails moonshine included—Where else can you try different moonshines?

Tonight, I decided to keep things simple and ordered small bites – Italian meatballs from the Bluenose bites (a.k.a., appetizers) and a Speakeasy Wedge Salad. I loved the Italian meatballs – small portion (3 of them) but good for me but with a larger party you might need to order more than one order to get a fill. They had a little kick to them due to the hot italian sausage combined with ground beef and was over a (assuming) house made tomato sauce. Keeping it light, the wedge salad was not what I expected and maybe should have paid more attention to the menu. It was a traditional wedge with iceberg lettuce, crumbled bacon (though light on the bacon), tomatoes but what was different was the crumbled apple fromage and the dressing – creamy honey blue cheese dressing. I don’t normally enjoy sweet foods and the sweetness of the cheese and dressing threw me as it was too sweet. If you like sweet then you might enjoy this different spin on the classic wedge.

It was great to meet the owner/chef who took some time out to chat briefly with many of us. Always great to see the passion there. Overall, service was fine – it is always hard with a large group. Politely greeted at the door to a waitress who asked numerous times if I needed anything else.

Now that I have told you where the “secret” door is you have no reason not to try it yourself. If I venture back I may focus more on grabbing a seat at the bar and trying one of their moonshine cocktails – so many to choose from. I always feel I need to give a place more than try.

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Have a Topless Floozie at the Bootleggers Prohibition Pub in Worcester, MA

The Topless Floozie at the Bootleggers Prohibition Pub in Worcester, MA

Once you find the entrance for Bootlegger’s Probation Pub, the inside has a slightly modern take on the old speakeasy. It’s a little dark, a little loud and the bar is quite large. The wait staff dressed the part as well, and the overall vibe is fun and interesting.

First thing you do in a speakeasy is get a drink right? I had the Rough Old Fashioned and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m an Old Fashioned snob and this was made right and delicious. This is a bartender who knows his stuff.

For an appetizer, we had the Coney Island Fries, basically chili cheese fries with hot peppers server in a cast iron skillet. These were amazing, maybe some of the best chili cheese fries I’ve ever had. The fries still had plenty of body/texture (read, not too soggy) and the banana peppers gave the whole thing that little pop of spice that was quite enjoyable. Overall, an excellent appetizer.

For dinner, how could I not order up a Topless Floozie? This is a spicy buffalo dry rubbed burger with cheddar cheese, cole slaw topped with a fried egg over medium. The burger was cooked perfectly and quite enjoyable. The egg gave it a nice pop of flavor and the grilled roll was a great vehicle for the burger. While not the best burger I’ve ever had, it was enjoyable and good sized. The accompanying fries were seasoned lightly and also quite good. Overall, a good dinner.

The wait staff was attentive but also seemed quite busy. While we did have to wait to find her at times, she was quick to respond to any requests and friendly enough.

Overall, I’d say this is a great bar with decent food. Everyone I spoke to enjoyed their drinks and the mixed drink menu had some interesting new twists as well as the basic standbys. The food was good enough that I wasn’t disappointed, but I’d say this is a definite go to just for the bar.