I’m a huge fan of pubs. They’re cozy, charming, “Cheers”-y, often rowdy, have salt-of-the-earth clientele … and they serve food. Drinking and eating should, in theory, go hand in hand, and a pub with decent food is my idea of a good time.
But when reading or hearing “Best pub food EVER!” reports, I am always skeptical. How discerning is the person reviewing this pub food and more importantly, how drunk were they when they were eating? As anyone who has ever had more than two beers knows, food starts tasting mighty delicious when you’re tipsy. The say hunger is the best sauce, but I’m pretty sure intoxication is an even better one.
Say you’re the type who, when drunk, could be fed a coaster slathered in hot wing sauce and find it delicious, you may not care if a pub serves decent grub. But there are drinkers out there who, sloshed or not, are discerning diners—this is for them.
The Bleeding Deacon Public House had been recommended a time or two as being pretty darn good in the pub food category. The menus are set in old record sleeves and many of the food choices were unique, with appetizers choices such as meat loaf sliders and sweet potato salsa.
Bacon is a golden child here, getting special treatment from chefs and making appearances all over the menu, even in the dessert section. The chicken pita sandwich with chipotle mayo and bacon (of course) was flavorful and filling, especially if you choose the smoky mac and cheese as your side.
But non-bacon eaters are very welcome at the Bleeding Deacon. Vegetarians and vegans will find a section of the menu just for them, with the Veggie Philly and house-made hummus being standout choices.
To wash down all this food, you’ll need something to drink. The chalkboard beer menu selection is hefty. But, if you’re spoiled for choice you can just opt for the “40 oz. of the week” special, which is cheap and cheerfully served in a brown paper bag.
Note: The author permitted herself one Schlafly Hefewiesen so her palate wasn’t seduced by copious amounts of alcohol.
The Bleeding Deacon Public House
4123 Chippewa
314-772-1813
