Welcome Back to the Central West End
After a a three-year hiatus and months of extensive remodeling, Dressel’s Public House is holding a soft opening at its former location in the Central West End.
I was so happy to see the lamb burger available once again. The topping of goat cheese and apricot chutney adds a wow factor to the stunning sandwich. This is the burger for which Wimpy would gladly pay a nickel tomorrow, if he could have one today.
I’ve waited three years! I’ve had thoughts of that lamb burger often during its absence from the local lunch scene. Happily, the current rendition lives up to my memories of years ago.
Having the lamb sandwich meant forgoing the beer-battered haddock, which I’ll savor another time.
Dressel’s has the cozy, welcoming feeling of a neighborhood pub.
There’s always a place on my platter for this Lamb Burger
The lamb burger is further gentrified with goat cheese and apricot chutney. But don’t miss their signature potato chips and fries. They’re house-made and cooked-to-order. Forget the catsup; go for the cheese sauce dip.
Fish taco. Ben pointed out, that all their fish is flown in from Boston.
Owner Ben Dressel takes timeout for some table talk. The flannel quilts hanging on the wall above reflect Ben’s Welsh heritage.
There’s a New Brew in Town
I had a chance to visit with Ben though he was temporarily manning the kitchen until his staff is filled out. “There are places that do food well and some that do drinks well,” he said. “I want to do both.”
In his quest, Ben offers a brewhouse on the lower level of the Welsh pub. You can see the stainless steel vats below ground on your left as you walk in. Dressel’s line of craft beers is labeled Rock & Horse.
Ben explains the quirky name comes from his fondness for rock climbing and his wife’s passion for horseback riding. What’s more, it’s in keeping with traditional British pubs known for their humorous or nonsensical names.
Croissant Bread Pudding, with toasted nuts, blackberries, ice cream, and caramel sauce. It doesn’t get any better than this.
How Sweet It Is
For dessert we split one of the finest bread puddings I’ve had anywhere. I like it when a place takes time to make a simple dessert splendid. Ben said, with a smile and no little pride, that it’s the creation of his wife, Liz.
During the soft opening, hours are a bit flexible. The chalk board at the entrance notes that, for the time being, they are open Tuesday through Thursday from 4p-9p. And Friday and Saturday 4p. to 10p. and Sunday.
Travel Throwback
The only other Welsh pub I’ve been to was in Wales some years ago. While in the British Isles I made a one-day trip solely to see Tintern Abbey on the banks of the Rye river. My interest came from having read Wordsworth’s ode to nature: Lines Written Two Miles above Tintern Abbey.
The 12-century, Cistercian monastery destroyed by Henry VIII has many of it’s original walls, but no floor or roof. The peaceful interior surrounded by ancient walls attracts tourists from around the world, many of whom sit on the grassy interior enjoying a picnic lunch or reading the poem. I hope that’s not changed; it’s been a while since I was there.
Dressel’s Public House. 419 N. Euclid in the Central West End. Patio: Large, with pet-friendly tables available. Curb-service. Open: Check website for current opening times.
