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Stepping Back In Time At Bootleggers Prohibition Pub

Bootleggers Prohibition Pub on Chandler Street in Worcester, MA

This month, the foodies took a step back in time with a trip to Worcester’s new Bootleggers Prohibition Pub. After discovering the secret entrance – which yes, can be found using the giant billboard out front – diners walked into an industrial-style restaurant playing old Westerns on the TVs and roaring ‘20s music from the speakers. Bootleggers was formerly EVO Dining until the Maykel family (with chef Al Maykel at the helm) decided to gut the entire place – concept included. They went with a prohibition-era pub instead and while some felt they didn’t fully commit to the concept, most enjoyed the bit of whimsy that came along with the visit.

The Cohiba Street Taco from Bootlegger Prohibition Pub 2 on Chandler Street in Worcester, MA
The Cohiba Street Taco from Bootlegger Prohibition Pub 2 on Chandler Street in Worcester, MA

As always, the best way to start at a speakeasy is the cocktails. Bootleggers has a full drink menu full of all the prohibition-era cocktails you’d expect. It also has a litany of moonshine cocktails, made with moonshine of all different flavors, including strawberry, blackberry, cherry, peach, apple pie and something called ‘ole smoky blue flame.’ Bootleggers easily makes this sometimes harsh drink more approachable with its flavor selection. The Moonshine Mule, a Catdaddy moonshine with ginger beer, honey, lemon juice and bitters, was tried by one foodie and then ordered by many. The prohibition-era cocktails also delighted diners, with the Old Fashioned and the French 77 winning rave reviews from foodies. Of course, there’s also a wine list and a beer selection, which includes a Bootleggers house made brew, for the slightly less adventurous. All the foodies agreed – Bootleggers is a great place for a drink.

Many foodies were won over right away with Bootleggers “Bluenose Bites,” essentially appetizers, section of the menu. When asked about the Coney Island Fries, Robyn told us, “It was amazing, I would come back just to order these delicious nuggets of goodness again.” The Southern Fried Lollypop Wings, which include three spicy wings served with coleslaw and bourbon-infused maple syrup, the Still-Potsticker, which offer three steamed and seared pork- and kimchee-filled dumplings accompanied by a spicy Korean BBQ sauce, and the Italian Meatballs, which have three meatballs made of hot Italian sausage and beef served over a tomato sauce and garnished with shaved cheese, were all big hits among the diners.

Chef Al Maykel visiting diners at Bootlegger Prohibition Pub on Chandler Street in Worcester, MA
Chef Al Maykel visiting diners at Bootlegger Prohibition Pub on Chandler Street in Worcester, MA

Each of the foodies easily found something intriguing on Bootleggers’ extensive menu. Along with some traditional pub grub fare, the menu also included sections for tacos and loaded hot dogs. Many enjoyed sandwiches, which donned names to fit the era include The Gatsby, a pressed Italian roll with havarti, cheddar, fresh mozzarella, bacon, tomato, fresh basil and garlic oil served with warm tomato sauce for dipping, and The Goodfella, capicola, pepperoni, provolone cheese, banana peppers, tomato, sweet onion with garlic oil and balsamic vinegar served in a pressed Italian roll. The burgers, even the veggie burger, were enormous and included unique heaping toppings. The Topless Floozie has a buffalo dry-rubbed patty topped with a fried egg, coleslaw and cheddar cheese, while the Blackberry Moonshiner Burger came covered in blackberry moonshine barbecue sauce topped with blue cheese, apple cider fromage, bacon, lettuce and onion. The street tacos section of the menu offers a few different options, including the Cohiba and the Naked Clam which has fried Cajun claim strips over shredded lettuce, sweet onion and tomato with a Sriracha lime agave drizzle. Dogs include ones topped with sauerkraut and horseradish mustard to a chili dog with banana peppers. Those foodies who tried for a high-end entree, namely the Seafood Fra Diablo, found little to be desired, unfortunately. Drew said, “When I ordered it, I was not told they were out of scallops, and was served the dish incomplete to what is advertised. The shrimp were tiny rock shrimp. The muscles were good and the calamari was average.” Overall, everyone agreed they’d love to go back for another taste. Donna said that, “the drinks alone were worth a trip to hang at the very cool bar” and Evan agreed, saying, “With so many delicious looking/sounding dishes and all at a very reasonable price, I will be sure to head back to the Bootleggers Prohibition Pub.”

In November the Worcester Foodies paid a visit to Bootleggers Prohibition Pub. Here is what they ate and here is what…

Posted by Mass Foodies on Thursday, November 10, 2016

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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!