Restaurant Review – Prepare for a Royal Feast at the Red Lion Pub
Fast facts about British royalty as King Charles III’s coronation comes closer (May 6, 2023). His 74th birthday is a whole lot sooner—November 14.
In honor of his upcoming birthday, we’re celebrating early with The Red Lion Pub, Lincoln Park’s celebration of English/Irish/Scottish cuisine in Chicago.
Fans of the original pub should know that proprietor Colin Cordwell, with 45 years of experience in the business, has kept the dark oak planked bar and Tudor beams, and added book shelves lined with books about British history and literature …some from his personal collection.
What to order in honor of the King’s birthday?
According to ’Hello!’ Magazine, “Charles is a fan of a coddled egg – a boiled egg that has only been cooked for about two to three minutes, and the unusual delicacy was always on the menu for him.”
In honor of the new King of the Commonwealth, try The Red Lion’s Scotch Egg, a soft-boiled egg wrapped in house-made sausage & fried pickled vegetable, hot mustard, and greens. While Charles, a vegetarian, may not have the sausage, he’d be wild about another traditional English dish, the Ploughman’s Plate, with Barber’s vintage reserve white cheddar, different daily cheese & charcuterie pairings, mustard, and mango chutney. Poutine is hand-cut fries with onion gravy and toasted cheese curds.
Main courses are vintage English fare, including Fish & Chips-Ale-battered Alaskan cod fillets, with malt vinegar tartar and served with fries.You may want to try them on Thursdays, when The Red Lion has a special—a free draught of choice with a purchase of Fish & Chips. Bangers & Mash pair house- made pork sausages with garlic mash and onion gravy.
Don’t miss their Sunday Brunch, served from 10:30am – 3:00pm. Feast on a classic Full English Breakfast, with bangers, bacon, English baked beans, breakfast potatoes, fried eggs, and toast. Or an aptly named Hangover Salad, with mixed greens, bacon, sharp cheddar, croutons, a poached egg, and shallot vinaigrette. Something new is the Wiltshire Sandwich, with grilled chicken breast, aged cheddar, Dijonnaise, lettuce, and served with fries.
Another special on Sundays starting at noon, is a ‘Sunday Roast’ featuring roast beef, roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables, and fresh baked Yorkshire puddings.
Google reviews couldn’t be better.
“The food, atmosphere, and people were exceptional. Very beautiful place. I had the bangers and mash and my daughter had the pub burger and we split a dessert. It was delicious. I love British culture and this place was great.”
“I highly recommend the Red Lion! The food was very delicious, the ambience was extraordinary, and the service was incredible. Colin, the proprietor, was very friendly and welcoming, and his staff took great care of us.”
The Red Lion Pub is located at 2446 N. Lincoln Avenue. According to Google, their hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4pm–1am, Friday from 4pm–2am, Saturdays from 12pm–2am and Sundays from 12pm–12pm. Kitchen is usually closed around 10pm, and the restaurant and bar are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For more information and reservations, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
