Bleachers - Winnipeg

Deserves the benefit of the doubt. I admit the first time I walked into Bleachers Sports Bar I was pretty uncertain about it. You don't get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression, however, throw caution to the wind and just march bravely to the back room where the ceiling has a football field on one side and a hockey rink on the other complete with players and zamboni! Some sports memorabilia hangs on the walls and the flat screen TVs are tuned to either sports or sports news. <br/ <br/ It looks a bit dated, but it has been renovated since my first visit. It's not fancy, but the menu is quite large for a pub, the food is mostly homemade Mum Pop diner stuff, and very good, and the prices are reasonable (although now that it's gotten so popular with the lunch crowd, they have raised the prices from the first time I ate there . Word has gotten out about Bleachers among the downtown suits lunch crowd and it's almost necessary to make a reservation for lunch now.<br/ <br/ Daphne is a true gem and despite being the only one serving the always very full pub, the service is fantastic. The turkey in the club sandwich and hot turkey sandwich is real turkey, the fries are crinkle fries (my fave! , the plate of onion rings is heaped none of that 10 onion rings for $7 nonsense at Bleachers! Try the borscht, it's amazing, served with a generous portion of sour cream and fresh dill. The Greek salad has the most feta on it that I've ever seen on a Greek salad. My only complaint is that the poutine is made with shredded mozza and their draft beer is gross.

Lunch time bites. Went to Bleachers this week. Do go early (7 8 tables in Rest side) or you sit in the Bar.. which is fine , thankfully 'no smoking ' exists.Service was great. Fries and gravy were almost what I desired, krinkle style, with a deep dark gravy, not salty, though they could cooked them for about 3 minutes more.I found the 'somewhat thinned meat ' cheeseburger was very very bland. It had practically zero taste, as in no spice, which is too bad, as it looked absolutely delicious, though topped with, what turned out to be a 'dry ' chili. Hopefully, when I do return, they will have tweaked these things in their meat recipes... or that will be the last time I order their burger... but will definitely go back for fries and gravy... maybe add a portion of creamy coleslaw to the plate.

Best Burger South of Portage. The burgers are great. Inexpensive with real beef, not frozen patties. Real juicy with the chili. Great service as well. Come early to get a seat at lunch as the small seating area fills up fast.

GREAT Food. This is an older 'down to earth ' Hotel, privately owned, that has a 'tiny jewel ' of a cafe hidden in plain sight. The menu is basic fare, BUT it is done delicously in a VERY clean, well maintained kitchen. On Wednesdays, for example, $8.50 tax incl buys a perfectly 'cooked to order ' steak, on garlic toast, accompanied by a 'loaded ' baked potato.. or fries . They roast REAL turkey for the opulent CLUB sandwiches, Wonderful savory soups, big fresh, FABULOUS Burgers, try the 'Joe ' or the 'Team ' I promise you will NOT be disappointed! Chicken Fingers Fridays special w/honey- dill sauce a favorite for over 20 years I worked there in the 1990s and we ALWAYS sold out..Same Great Owners, even BETTER food.

Steak Bake GOOOOOD. A co-worker and I decided to try this restaurant on a whim. The outside was a little sketchy. However when we got inside the place was decent. We noticed that the special on the board was 'Steak Bake ' so we threw caution to the wind and ordered it. <br/ <br/ Boy were we surprised when our orders came out, fairly quickly. There was a good sized steak smothered with onions and mushroomed. We found out the steak that was nice and tender was Angus beef. It came with a baked potato covered in shredded cheddar cheese, real bacon chunks and green onions, with sour cream on the side. We were NOT expecting anything this good, especially for only $8.50 (taxes included)<br/ <br/ If you talk to the friendly fellow running the place he will tell you about the history of the place (it has been there for over 100 years).<br/ <br/ Other co-workers told me I have to go back and try the burgers. I will!