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.