Churchill’s got a brand new coat.
One of the city’s favorite eateries is getting better. Owner/manager Graham Brooks has just finished giving Churchill’s Bar and Grill a facelift that has taken years off the old boy.
Winnie still looks down from several perches
with his
legendary bearing, and sees a brighter, lighter version of his namesake
establishment. Now in its fifth year, and with at least as many accolades
from Reader’s Choice surveys, including best burger, Churchill’s retains
its relaxed pub atmosphere, and has introduced a new menu to match the
new, smartened up décor.
“Never before have so many eaten so well” is the battlecry, and regulars at the S. Osprey Avenue eatery agree. Located in Southside Village, an enclave of small businesses and restaurants near the intersection of Hillview Avenue, Churchill’s draws a lunchtime throng from the nearby hospital and medical offices.
Its prize winning burgers of Black Angus beef are a favorite, priced at $5.25, including a choice of side dishes. So are the ‘roll-ups’, sandwich wraps of soft tortilla or quesadilla, filled with sirloin tips, cheeses and grilled onions; grilled or blackened chicken and Cheddar, grilled or blackened shrimp or snapper, or veggie stir fry. They range from just under $6 to just under $8 and include a side dish.
Two other lunchtime favorites are Churchill’s mile-high Reuben, a hefty portion of corned beef with cheese, thousand island dressing and kraut between two slabs of grilled seeded rye. Served with a side at $5.95, it’s more than one meal for some.
Another draw is the golden snapper sandwich, a blackened or grilled snapper filet served on a Kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, onion and Churchill’s own jalepeno dressing.
At both lunch and dinnertime, Churchill’s offers some of what Englishman Graham calls “Anglo-American continental” specials, including Scotch Eggs, a traditional dish made of hark-cooked eggs coated in sausage meat and then breaded and baked.
Dinner entrees, which average $9 include traditional steak, mushroom and Guinness pie, cottage pie, chicken, broccoli and mushroom pie, and English bangers (sausages) and mash (mashed potatoes).
Everything is fresh and made from scratch at Churchill’s and the new menu has added a number of fish and seafood dishes and some lighter salad fare
Shrimp or Chicken Vera Cruz (at $10 and $11) are new favorites, he said, with a sauce of tomato, artichokes, mushrooms, garlic with wine and herbs.
Churchill’s happy hour, from 2.30 to 7 pm daily, draws a neighborhood
crowd, and featured reduced prices on draft beer (including great Guinness
on tap) and house wines. An extensive catering service also is available,
and can handle anything from sandwiches for a dozen to a black tie dinner
for 200.
WHEN YOU GO
Churchill’s Bar and Restaurant, casual, locally owned pub-style bar and restaurant serving English, American and continental food at neighborhood prices. 1816 S. Osprey Avenue, 951 – 0990
Open for lunch and dinner. Monday to Friday 11am to late. Saturday 4pm to late. Closed Sunday.
Seats about 50, with a few tables outside;
Beer and wine sold. Smoking permitted at the bar.
Reservations for any number and all major credit cards accepted.
Barrier free access provided.
Full range of catering available.
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