We first visited George and the Dragon at 813 W 50th in south Minneapolis when our son gave us a gift certificate for our anniversary not long after they opened in 2012. It was next to a longtime family favorite, The Malt Shop, which opened in 1973. We hadn’t been there in a long time but when the StarTribune picked their onion rings as one of the best things they ate it caught our attention… John is a huge onion rings fan and we decided we had to go!
The onion rings did not disappoint… true to their description in the StarTribune article quoted below… these are your ordinary onion rings and this isn’t your ordinary neighborhood pub.
“George and the Dragon, the British pub-inspired restaurant in south Minneapolis, has a devoted following, and I get why: big community energy, cozy vibes, a solid tap beer list and outstanding food rooted in pub classics and family recipes.
The standout on a recent visit was the beer-battered onion rings ($9), golden brown with a delicate, bubbled crust and a subtle malty, yeasty flavor. Almost tempura-like, they were remarkably light and greaseless, staying crisp to the last bite.
I asked co-owner and chef Stacy Navarro how they pull off this feat, and as with most things done well, the details matter. “The onions are hand-cut, and the kitchen staff selects the pieces we think will make the best onion rings,” Navarro said. They marinate the onions in buttermilk, then dip them to order in a housemade batter featuring Lonely Blonde, a locally brewed ale from Fulton Brewing. (The same batter coats the snap peas appetizer and the cod in the fish and chips.)”
We also ordered tomato basil soup and the Elizabeth salad. All were wonderful and a step above ordinary pub food. I loved the pretzel bread they served with it. The menu had so many interesting choices, we will have to go back… and know we will not be disappointed!
We went in the middle of a lovely fall afternoon in the middle of the week… a good time to avoid crowds. It also provided a good excuse to stroll the charming Lynnhurst neighborhood where it is located… people who live here are lucky to have such a great neighborhood gathering spot!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – shensrud@homesmsp.com
