Warm and lovely British pub with delicious pies and efficient service. My dining partner and I tried the mushroom and kale and the rocking vegan pies. The mushroom and kale pie was nice and cheesy and the rocking vegan pie was more savoury, with a variety of vegetables and chickpeas as stuffing. The crust was neither too soft nor too crunchy. The highlight of the meal was the curry chips: potato wedges lightly fried with masala and curry leaves. The dipping sauce that came with the chips reminded me of tikka masala sauce, and paired beautifully with the chips. Dessert was toffee pudding: the caramel sauce that came with the pudding was delectable - the pudding itself was excellent and not overly sweet. We tried a variety of NA beers, and I was pleased with how many options they had. Service was quick, and we were well looked after. The ambiance is warm, with dim-ish lighting and a lot of dark wood. The restrooms were gorgeous - special shoutout to the lovely floral wallpaper. Overall, I highly recommend Pleasant House - the vibe is chill and understated and the food is stellar. read more

Everything I could ask for in a English pub. Great beer menu, enough different options but a clear focus on bitters, ales, pub ales, etc. Started with a scotch edge and it was delicious. The sausage was very tasty, the breading on the outside was incredibly crisp, light, and the egg inside was cooked well. Both the steak pie and the chicken pie were very good. The chicken pie I think really needed the chutney that you can get separately. But that made it so much better and made it my preferred pie. The steak and ale pie was better than the chicken pie as a standalone, but needed a bit more gravy I think to elevate it. Sticky toffee pudding again was delicious. Surprisingly light, not overly dense so I was glad it came with the custard which was very flavorful. Overall, will definitely return! read more

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We finally tried Pleasant House Pub after driving by and reading about it so many times. Another Michelin Bib Gourmand with only one dollar sign, so of course we had to see what the hype was about. We ordered the Steak & Ale Pie (crowned with mash and gravy) and the Chicken Balti Pie. Both were delicious, but I think crowning the steak pie was definitely the right call. The chicken balti actually reminded me of the Taiwanese curry pastries (咖喱角) I grew up eating, which was a fun surprise. Very flavorful, and although the pies look kind of small at first glance, they are surprisingly filling. We also ordered the pickled egg -- basically a hard boiled egg with vinegar flavor. Tasty, though probably the most "normal" item we had. One unexpected highlight was the staff. Apparently many of the servers are freelance musicians, and they'll break out a guitar and ukulele song if someone is celebrating a special occasion. Very chill, friendly neighborhood vibe overall. read more

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Great English pub in the heart of Pilsen! Nice imported beer selection and solid food lineup! Pro Tip: some authentic fish and chips can be found here!! read more

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Finally went today on a Friday and loved the fish and chips. Splendid they say? I agree.. will definitely be back to eat some pies and such, have a brew. Just figure out your way in, they share the address with the apartments. Took me a minute to find the entrance. It's a nicely styled place, small bar with plenty seats everywhere else, serving up British foods, good British foods, at least to me. Got a couple nice old fashioned drinks as well, also got me a scotch egg. Will come again? for sure, I definitely enjoyed it and the service too. read more

Pleasant House Pub - The fish n chips (Friday special) and the scotch egg (cross section). - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The atmosphere, at least at lunchtime, is council flat tatty but the food is great. We had the Tuesday special (a burger, fries, and a beer) and the Steak and Ale Pie, Crowned. The burger was good but unremarkable, the chips were well above average, and the beer was too light for the drinker's taste. The pie was great, though. Sturdy crust and flavorful filling, although there was a lot more carrot than beef. In fact, there was a distinct paucity of beef but the overall taste was delicious. Ordering your pie "crowned" gets you a scoop of mash and gravy atop the pie and I strongly recommend going for it. Oh, and the Royal Ginger Fizz is a real treat for ginger lovers. The beer selection overall is pretty good and there will always be at least one cask beer. Next time, the Balti Pie and a side of curry sauce for the chips. read more

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Always a good choice when in area and special pies are awesome. Get the side of peas w mint and lemon juice. read more

Pleasant House Pub - Breakfast pie w taters / gravy on side. - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Service has gotten worse over the years, borderline rude. I used to take visitors here a lot but the servers have a pretentious attitude and act like you are an inconvenience for being there. Many people I know say the same thing. Sadly I won't be visiting for a while. Perhaps they could provide some training in hospitality. read more

We stop here from time to time, both for their authentic savory British pies, and for their changing beer list. On a Tuesday (Feb 2026), we got there at noon, shortly after opening, and chose a table for four against the wall in the bright area that seats about 24 near the windows in the main room. There's also picnic-like tables for about 24 just inside the entrance, 8 bar seats, and a wall of small booths seating at least 14 in the darker area towards the back. The staff was quick, attentive, and friendly, and the place filled in while we were there. We always look at the daily specials and the pie of the day. (If you want fish & chips, that's on Fridays.) This day, at room temperature, they had Old Irving Ursa Major in the cask, a creamy Baltic Porter with a rich toffee flavor. Very pleasant and flavorful. And from their broad draft list we had a balanced tart Church Street Sour, and off the cocktail menu we added a well-crafted refreshing Royal Ginger Fizz. The featured pie was Steak with Peppercorn Sauce: savory tender beef tenderloin, deeply flavored with roasted mushrooms, onions, and garlic, in creamy peppercorn sauce. Perfectly scrumptious. We also had Mushroom & Kale Pie in a yummy white wine and parmesan cream sauce. And though we aren't strictly vegan, we like their More-Rockin' (Moroccan :-) Vegan Pie of perfectly-cooked zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet potato, dotted with golden raisins, in a lightly-spiced North African tomato sauce. All pies are handmade here, with a buttery flaky pastry crust. And we get them "crowned" with rich dense buttery mashed potatoes and light-brown gravy. And all are delicious :-) We shared "a wee pot of pickles", too, which are bright and lightly tangy, and include delightful surprises like pickled cantaloupe! And a diash of sweet buttery baby peas. They have take-and-bake pies, too, though we are usually too full to think of it. I was left behind for a couple more ice-cold beers, and i had classic 1882 Wrexham, a smooth rich semi-light lager with notable yet mild hops. Wonderful. This is a great little pub, with delicious food, friendly staff, and good specials. read more

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I have never been to a English bar but this is supposed to be decorated as such. It has lace curtains and large tablea for groups but smaller ones as well. Sean was the bartender and he was sociable and easy to talk to. There's a few TVs at the bar so can definitely watch games here if you wanted. He made food recommendations and mix a nice drink. I ended up taking the mushroom and kale pot pie to go and I was not disappointed. If you have leftovers I highly recommend warming it up in the oven. read more

I recently went in and asked about the wait time for a table for two. They asked me if I had signed up to be part of the waitlist, after I said no, she explained that I had to scan the QR code to get placed in waitlist and the waitlist is currently 45 minutes. I scanned the QR code and went to the bathroom. As I walked back there, I noticed there were 4 open spots at the bar and there were 6 2-top tables set up, which was confusing because there was a 45 minutes wait. Walking back from the bathroom I thought I would ask the bartender if the seating at the bar was also reserved by through the waitlist. I walked up ( did not attempt to sit down as that part of the bar was not clean) and the bartender started rudely saying "have you spoken to the host " I said yes but I had a question, and she continuously said " you have to speak to the host." I told her that I just had a question for her then she rudely said again "sometimes we use this as seating so-rry." My partner and I decided to leave after that. I had never been treated that way in my life. I open my mouth to say something and I couldn't because I was rudely interrupted. I felt like I was hurried out of the area. After being here countless times before and exploring the menu with friends and family, I don't think I will ever come back as this left a bad taste in my mouth. It's hard to go back when you feel you were discriminated against. My partner and I felt like we were that night as the attitudes and behaviors from the bartender and hostess were rude. read more

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Well, like 6 year cicadas, if there is such a creature, we returned exactly on schedule. 2013, 2019, and now 2025! Every 6 years, lol, we return here to pick up some of their delicious pot pies to go. Today, it was 2 steak and ale pies and a chicken balti pie, each for $12. That's $12 for the take-and-bake pies, which need to be baked, as opposed to $13.50 for the ready to eat pot pies. I will henceforth also stop sort of complaining about the pot pie prices here. They are very reasonable! Maybe it's because we just paid $29 for a steak and ale pot pie from Armitage Alehouse! And that's not a complaint, and the pies are different as theirs are served with fancy bone marrow, and also served in an ornately decorated pub in the pricy DePaul neighborhood. But to be clear, these pies are a relative bargain, and very good and hearty also! The other update is that nothing has changed in their dining room or decor in 6 years, just the prices due to inflation. Thumbs up! read more

I liked the place quite a bit. The steak pie was great but the burger was less good. I also really liked the crowd - not many fancy people, lots of regular folks. I'd come back for the pies. read more

My partner and I came here on Friday morning around 11 am and we were sat down immediately. The service was wonderful, the gentleman checked on us multiple times to make sure everything was good. We ordered their Friday Fish and Chips special for $17.50 and their famous steak & ale pie with a crown on top. We both thought the steak & ale pie was delicious! It's the best I've ever had, but the only other pot pie I ate was Marie Calendars, take it as you will. The crust wasn't too thick or thin, it was just right. It wasn't salty and the flaky crust had a wonderful texture. It was buttery, flavorful, and the filling inside was plentiful. The carrots were tender and the mashed potato (crowned) were divine. Every bite was perfection, this was the star of the meal! Their fish and chips were yummy too, but definitely not the best I've had. The fish wasn't flavorful and the breading was too flaky in my opinion. It gives off the textures of buffet fried shrimp, if you know you know. The chips were good, but the star of this whole ensemble was their homemade tartare sauce. If the star of the meal was their sauce, it wasn't spectacular as a whole. I'd come back again to try their other pies!! They're award winning for a reason! read more

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Still amazing and service continues to be excellent. We had some old favorites - crowned pies all around! Plus Pimms cups on draft. This time we also shared the excellent Royal Pub salad. Seated in the main dining (not picnic table) room for the first time and we remarked a couple times how comfortable it was. We especially loved that it wasn't loud and we could hear each other without shouting. We will be back over and over again! read more

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Very friendly staff, beautiful restaurant, definitely check out the bathrooms (!), the food was very nice, the portions maybe could've been bigger, but for the average person that would be perfect read more

Pleasant House Pub - Vegan pie - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Pleasant House Pub in Chicago's vibrant Pilsen neighborhood is an absolute treasure - a cozy British-inspired gastropub that's earned its Michelin Bib Gourmand for good reason. From the charming interior with exposed brick, warm lighting, and welcoming vibe to the incredible craft beer selection (local and imported ales on tap!), this spot feels like a proper London local transported to the Windy City. The stars of the show are the Royal Pies - handmade, flaky masterpieces that are hearty and unforgettable. The Steak and Ale Pie is divine: tender beef in rich gravy, perfectly encased in buttery pastry, and crowned with mashed potatoes and mushroom gravy for ultimate comfort. The Chicken Balti (a curry twist on pot pie) is bold and flavorful, while the Kale and Mushroom is a veggie delight that's anything but ordinary. Don't skip starters like the Scotch egg or deluxe gravy chips, and save room for sticky toffee pudding - it's heavenly! Friday's Fish Fryday fish and chips are legendary: crispy, golden, and some of the best outside the UK. Service is friendly and knowledgeable, portions generous, and prices fair. Whether brunch, lunch, or dinner, Pleasant House Pub delivers authentic, soul-warming British fare with Chicago heart. A must-visit hidden gem - we'll be back often! read more

Pleasant House Pub - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great food and great service. We happened to find this place while visiting Chicago for a doctor's appointment. There are two areas to eat. We sat next to the front window that opened and had a nice breeze. The server was very knowledgeable of the menu and nice. We had the steak and ale pie with mashed potato topper. Very nice presentation of the dish. The pastry was very light and flaky. The steak was tender and the gravy was the perfect amount, not drowning the dish or making it feel heavy. The prices were very reasonable. Will definitely return next time we are in town. read more

The ambiance and service at this restaurant was great! Consistent with what other reviewers have shared. All of the staff, from the greeter to the servers to the bus people were collaborative and seemed happy which is always a good sign! I started off with the wee pot of pickled veggies and even cantaloupe! It was quite different but tasty. For my main course I had the falafel burger, which I have never seen done before! And it was exactly that! Falafel as a burger. Interesting! And tasty, for a falafel burger! The mashed potatoes and gravy were really delicious, creamy and flavorful. The Mac and cheese had a very unique flavor as well, didn't taste like your usual Mac and cheese. Interesting! For dessert we tried both dessert options; the oat chocolate cookie and the toffee pudding. The cookie was pretty crunchy and was a thin layer of oat cookies held together by chocolate in the middle, powdered with sugar. Not my preference but not bad at all. The toffee dessert was very flavorful and the sauce on the side kicks up the sweetness and flavor of the dish. Overall a cozy spot, great service and a unique menu offering! read more

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I've been a fan of the savory pies for years but was able to try the breakfast version. The crust is actually the perfect vehicle for a breakfast sandwich. All that was missing was maybe a packet of hot sauce. The take away Steak n Ale pies hit just like always. Great service as well. read more

We came here before another event, but also a bit in preparation for a likely trip to the UK for a couple of weeks in the fall. They have a great beer selection, including both locals as well as UK imports. The real winners here as for food are their pies. The steak and ale is, of course, the classic. But they have others as well as specials. You'll find one you like. And get it crowned with mash and gravy on top. Awesome. Their curry chips are great as an app. Their scotch egg is not so great, as the sausage around it tastes a bit off and like it isn't cooked all the way through. The staff are awesome and will help you out with suggestions. But they also are attentive and super nice. You can;t go wrong. We hung out in the first room which seems much more casual, but there is also another dining area. So be sire to ask for the best place to sit. Awesome stuff, great food, great beer and great staff. You can;t go wrong. read more

For a light dinner, we split a scotch egg and some steak and ale pie. I very much enjoyed the scotch egg as it was very well formed and it would make an excellent breakfast side dish. The steak and ale pie had a good crispy crust and that tatted looking pie looked rather cute with a scoop of mashed potatoes. The filling, it was like stew idk. If I go again, I want a more interesting filling. read more

This is one of the most delicious spots in all of Chicago! You walk in and immediately feel comfortable and cozy. My husband and I went for dinner last night before seeing a show at Thalia Hall. We started by splitting a scotch egg and a wee pot o'pickles. I think this is one of the best Scotch eggs I've ever had! The crunch, flavor, and filling to egg ratio was perfect! We didn't dislike the pickles, but also don't feel like we need to order that again. We decided to split the steak & ale and chicken balti pie. Both of them are seriously so delicious! The crust for the pies is insanely good too! We also ordered some curry chips as a side. It was really tasty, but in the future we think we would just order the side of chips and ask for some of the curry sauce on the side. Then we ended by sharing a piece of the sticky toffee pudding! I can't even describe how soft and delicious it was! Run to eat it, don't walk! I also ordered a pumpkin spice latte which was perfect! You should absolutely come check out Pleasant House if you have been waiting! read more

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FLAVOR (4/5): Really decent pies here! Get it with the mash potato crown on top, it really elevates them to a whole different flavor profile. The sticky toffee pudding is just okay, if you've had the ones from Hell's Kitchen then this doesn't come close. INSTAGRAM WORTHY (4/5): The place is really cute! They have outdoor seating and indoor seating. The inside looks like an old pub in England with a lot of decor that will speak to it. Even the dishes the food comes out on are trimmed and scalloped which makes the place that much cuter! SERVICE (2/5): Got sat down and the server disappears for 15 minutes no where to be seen. We had to ask the bartender to get us some help. Had to also flag them down to get the bill. TAKEAWAYS: Cute spot for a quick snack but the area around the restaurant doesn't feel safe. Took the bus here and walked some sketchy sidewalks to get to the restaurant. Families had full on sidewalk blocks and there were kids and homeless people along the sides of buildings. read more

Pleasant House Pub - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Quality, comforting public house food in a nice, cozy setting with good service. Cocktails and beer list are great and the curry chips always hit just right. Consider getting an extra meat pie to take home. They are just great re-heated. read more

The food was amazing. I gave 5 stars but this place deserves 7 and I rarely give 5 stars! Best Steak and Ale pie EVER! Perfectly cooked, crust was flaky, meat super tender, carrots had texture and the gravy was savory and rich. Scotch eggs were very well made either, jammy yolk, thin crispy crust. Desert was fantastic! Sticky pudding and the oatmeal laced cookie with chocolate. Small menu but perfect cooking. The ambience was relaxed and cool. This is the best pub food you can ever get and wow, it was amazing! My new destination when in Chicago! read more

Pleasant House Pub - Scotch Egg - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I haven't been to Pleasant House since they have moved to this Pilsen location 7 years ago. They were previously in Bridgeport. I remembered this place once I was searching for dinner with vegan options! My friend really enjoyed their vegan pie. The staff were friendly, but perhaps a little short staff. The space includes an indoor open kitchen concept and a covered "patio" area. It felt welcoming and cozy, but just had a bit of a downside with inadequate air conditioning. Steak and Ale pie - crowned: the pastry on this meat pie was perfectly baked without sacrificing the savoury braised beef filling on the inside. The mashed potatoes and mushrooms gravy were a perfect topping to this filing meal! Curry Chips: nicely fried potato wedges that are spices and crispy. Lovely to share and it is coincidentally vegan! read more

Pleasant House Pub - Curry Chips - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This may have been the best thing I've eaten in Chicago. They don't seem to take reservations saying, just come over, we have plenty of seating. We were able to just walk in and get a seat but it was bustling. Atmosphere was lovely, ferns and sunlight, warm, but then the food y'all... my date and I went family style, shared a Royal Pie, salad and curry fries. It was delicious, everything. I had a Pimm's Cup (very cute menu option), he had a couple N/A drinks, the bill was $65. I've never seen such a fabulous spread and a low bill like that. 10/10 Will be back. They have an open concept kitchen in the back, as we were heading out, chef was taking out trays of cookies. I couldn't resist and got one to take out as we left. Yum. read more

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Decided to watch the second half of England v Serbia game here. There's two parts, an "outdoor" covered area with open windows and then an indoor more traditional looking pub, both areas had TVs. The day we came it was very hot out and the AC was struggling to keep up inside. Our server was great, friendly and knew the menu both beers and food well. My husband tried two stout beers - 1 draft & 1 can - preferring the draft. I ordered a Bloody Mary and it was really good, especially enjoyed the pickled veggies! For food we shared curry chips, steak & ale pie and bangers & mash. While we liked the flavor of the curry chips, they come out soaked in the sauce which makes them a softer than we'd prefer....our preference would probably be to get regular chips with a side of the curry sauce next time. The other two dishes were really solid, the onions that came with the bangers and mash were so delicious. We loved mashed potatoes so of course we "crowned" our pie. We even took home two ready to bake pies to gift to my father in law for a belated Father's Day! read more

Pleasant House Pub - Bangers and Mash Plate (front), Curry Chips (back) - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We stopped in for early lunch/brunch on a Sunday and the place was full. The atmosphere was friendly and comfy, it felt like a genuine neighborhood joint. The Welsh Rarebit we shared for starters was very nice, as were the beers we tried. I had the chicken balti pie with mash and gravy, my wife had the steak and ale pie with chips. Both pies were good but the steak and ale pie was definitely our favorite. We had a cookie and a sticky toffee pudding to finish, the custard that came with the pudding was very nice, the pudding was a bit blah - the cookie was the best of the two deserts. We will return. next time we'll go on a Friday for fish and chips, that is my litmus test for anywhere claiming to serve "British" fare. Recommended for lunch. read more

I remember the OG Pleasant House when it was in Bridgeport. Visiting this location makes me happy to see it all grown up and being its best self. Located on Halsted St, the space is much bigger and there's lots of staff. They still have their meat pies, which you have to try at least once. The crust is flaky and baked to perfection. I come here for the fish and chips, but you should also try their buttermilk chicken sandwich. It's juicy, crispy, and so flavorful. If you're in the mood for some English food, this is a great spot for drinks and bites. The atmosphere is pleasing and the staff is friendly. read more

Pleasant House Pub - CRISPY BUTTERMILK-FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

British Pub with delicious food in a limited menu. Top notch drafts as well, if you like cask ales, be sure to check and ask what is currently pouring. I've been here over a dozen times in last 10+ years and have always left with a full tummy and big grins. Support small business and come down to this awesome little spot! read more

1,000th review! I dig Pleasant House. I like their food and I like that they have two cask beers at all times. read more

Pleasant House Pub - Pie with a crown. - British Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Pleasant House Pub feels just as cozy and intimate as the name of this place. My friends are obsessed with this place and come here often because they have great food and drinks. Unfortunately, with all my food allergies (gluten, dairy, soy, sesame, oats), there's not much I can eat but I'd still come back for the vibes and drinks read more

Blimey! That food was good. Had some curry chips (sauce on the side, for dipping, obviously) and a mushroom and leek pie, topped with a dollop of mash and gravy (called "crowning" your pie). To die for. Like, I'd give up modern plumbing for this. Like, give me teeth like Austin powers and a dingy London flat and overcast weather all the time if it meant I could eat this all day, every day. So good. The ambiance was nice, wood paneled like a proper pub, and my server was attentive. Loved it. Lastly, crown your pie. Just trust me. Crown. Your. Pie. read more

Best steak and ale pie I have had. I crave Pleasant House whenever I am in Chicago and always make time to swing by. Great service and a comfortable pub read more

Came in for the first time after running the Shamrock Shuffle 3/22/26, and let me tell you - best decision I could have made! My brother had recommended the place and so I decided to go with the "More-Rockin Vegan Pie", highly recommend. Will definitely be back to try more off their menu. read more

We've been here many times, and it's always cozy and welcoming. We've never had a wait, whether it's for brunch on the weekends or dinner. The food is fantastic. I have a problem picking my favorite, but some of my go-to choices include the fried chicken sandwich (the perfect mix of crispy and freshness from the pickled zucchini) and the chips WITH curry sauce (the chips are amazing and British-style wedges - perfectly crunchy on the outside and melt in your mouth soft on the inside - and the curry sauce to dip in brings them to a whole new level). The pies are fantastic either eating in, or bringing home to cook at home for an easy dinner later in the week - all the pies are fantastic, but I personally love the steak and ale - but again, have never been disappointed. The weekly special is usually thematic and delicious - we love the buffalo chicken pie around superbowl time each year. Breakfast is also amazing; the royal milk tea is exactly what I want as a 30-something who can't drink at brunch like I used to. They have a large breakfast selection, or, if you're like me and not a big breakfast food person, the lunch/dinner menu is available as well. Overall, this place is an amazing neighborhood restaurant. The food is beyond delicious and it's always a good time to come here - whether for a full meal or while waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant. read more

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What an awesome spot! A short walk from where we were staying in Chinatown, this pub in Pilsen serves some delicious British fare. The savory pies really are great. My chicken balti pie could have been spicier for my taste, but otherwise very delicious and the crust was amazing. The scotch egg was excellent. We also went on a night when they weren't serving the fish and chips but they were able to make some for us. It wasuch less greasy than I've been used to elsewhere. Chips portions were large. Pub burger was a hot for all as well. And finally the Scottish ale on draft was fantastic, so creamy and smooth. Highly recommend this spot in Pilsen read more

We came here on a Saturday morning for brunch and there was no wait we got seated right away. The place was really cozy and chill. We ordered the English breakfast, chicken sandwich and the steak and ale pie. I was really looking forward to the pie and it did not disappoint! The crust was crunchy and buttery and it was really tasty, but probably would've been better if we got the crown. The English breakfast and chicken sandwich was also really good. I enjoyed the simple breakfast with toast and eggs perfectly cooked. The chicken sandwich was also very crispy and the sauce went really well. We will be back again to try other items! read more

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