There’s a new kid on the bacon block and they’re making waves in the culinary community. Enter: The Hangover Pub. Advertised as New England’s first bacon themed gastro pub, it’s enough to make any novices foodie’s mouth water. Having been to this new restaurant before, I knew what to expect. But it is still refreshing to see a newly designed space, with updated décor and a sense of style. Modern flare mixed with some country roots, and some contrasting colors brings the previous Center Bar into 2016, while leaving it’s sticky residue in the past.
As previously mentioned, I have been to The Hangover Pub before. I enjoyed the Wagyu Burger and you should check out that review first. This time around, I decided to go with the sous vide chicken and waffles ($11). This was made with a bourbon bacon maple reduction with a caramelized onion waffle. For those of you who may not know what sous vide is or even how to pronounce it (suːˈviːd), this is a cooking method where the chicken is placed in vacuum sealed bags and placed and cooked in temperature controlled water. By doing this, you are able to better control the cooking over longer period of time, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of poultry. After this is done, the chicken is deep fried to a golden, crispy brown. The waffle was a more savory waffle, made with caramelized onions. Thinner than a traditional Belgian waffle, this waffle was doused in the bourbon bacon maple reduction, that added an extra level of sweetness to the dish, almost to the overwhelming point. The best bites were when you got some waffle, chicken and crispy skin all in one. The combination of flavors and textured were amazing. Sweet and savory waffle, crispy and moist chicken…it’s everything you could want in a single bite. Wash it down with a swig of classy ‘Gansett and you’re in chicken and waffle heaven.
Service was excellent. Our rowdy group had 2 or 3 dedicated wait staff to assist with everything from food to drinks and everything in between. Everyone that helped us was eager and very cheery. They had quality recommendations for food to order and even their favorite cocktails from the wide array of bacon themed drinks on the menu. Our group ordered appetizers, entrees and dessert, and everything was delivery promptly, dishes were taken away to make room for the next course and there always seemed like the next round was right there after you ordered, like a magical invisible drink fairy making well deserved deliveries. This was one of those rare occasions that the wait staff helped better the dining experience, because they made it seem so effortless and were always there smiling and willing to help!
One word: bacon! How can you go wrong? The Hangover Pub has so many creative takes on dishes that you’re used to eating that regardless of what you are craving and what your mood is, there is something that is going to satisfy your bacon cravings. From the “man candy” and smoked parmesan and house cured bacon potato chips, to porchetta, pork belly sandwich or the Chef’s Catch of the Day, you will not leave disappointed. I would recommend bringing your appetite and a few friends, so you can experience and try everything that this unique gastro pub has to offer. I promise you, this restaurant will have you coming back time and time again.
