Tag: Foodies LXIX: Bootlegger’s Prohibition Pub

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Bootleggers Prohibition Pub’s Seafood fra Diablo

Bootleggers Prohibition Pub's Seafood fra Diablo

Bootleggers Prohibition Pub has taken over the old EVO spot on Chandler Street, and be ready for an entire transformation in layout and atmosphere. Though I had my preconceived ideas of what a prohibition bar/restaurant should look like, their design of “Industrial/contemporary” was nothing of the like, but was pretty cool nonetheless. The bar is the anchor of the dining room, positioned in the middle of the floor, with tables and high tops around the parameter. The space was lively and energetic for a Tuesday night. And the wait staff was very attentive to our party. Always a good way to start out the evening.

My entree, Seafood fra Diablo was average at best, unfortunately. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the table next to me ordered it, and the waitress told him they were out of scallops, then told him they could make it anyway. 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. The sauce and linguini was the best part of the dish, and even that was not extraordinary.

Our server did a fantastic job tending to our table, except for not informing me that my dish would be missing one of the key ingredients. Otherwise, friendly, attentive and knowledgeable with the drink menu.

Unfortunately I have to prohibit the Prohibition Bar from my regular dining list. The bar and building layout is very cool and would be a great place for a drink, but I am in no rush to go back for the food.

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The [Great] Gatsby at Bootleggers Prohibition Pub

The [Great] Gatsby at Bootleggers Prohibition Pub on Chandler Street in Worcester, MA

Bootleggers Prohibition Pub is a new speakeasy themed bar on Chandler Street in Worcester where EVO once was.

A speakeasy is an illicit establishment that sells alcoholic beverages. Such establishments came into prominence in the United States during the Prohibition era. During that time, the sale, manufacture, and transportation (bootlegging) of alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout the United States, hence where the name “Bootleggers” came from.

It was dark inside yet relaxed, cozy and a little mysterious. The black decor, old photos, dark wood tables and a chalk board full of moonshine cocktails made me feel like I had stepped back in time. It’s definitely a place I could see myself frequenting.

Upon arrival I started with a glass of the house Pinot Noir ($6) followed by a few appetizers that the table shared. Out of the apps I got to try, The Dry Rub Buffalo Chips ($4.99) were my favorite. They consisted of crumbled blue cheese, green onion, bacon, diced tomato, and honey blue dressing. They very packed with flavor but weren’t too heavy; a great starter!

With a surprisingly large menu and a ton of unique options, it took me a while to decide on my entree. I ended up going with The Gatsby ($10.99). With 3 cheeses, bacon, tomato, basil, and garlic oil pressed on an Italian roll paired with tomato sauce for dipping, it reminded me of a mix between two classics, a grilled cheese and a margarita pizza. If you’re in the market for an adult grilled cheese The Gatsby will certainly not let you down.

Service was good. My wine glass was always full (important!) and our food came out quick. For 7pm on a Tuesday this new restaurant was filling up fast and the servers were handling it well. I really liked how each of the waitresses wore their Bootleggers t-shirt but dressed them up with cute skirts and choker necklaces. I thought it worked well with the theme of the restaurant.

I really enjoyed this Foodies destination. Bootleggers has great food and drink options at very reasonable prices.  A cocktail didn’t surpass $10, sandwiches and burgers under $15 and an entrée was $23 at most. With so many Italian and American style restaurants in the city, it’s nice to have a completely different option now!