Fun Dining
with Dennis & Michelle at the Bulls Head Public House
It was only three days after the Bull’s Head Public House in Lititz was voted Best Beer Bar in America by USA Today that Fun 101.3 radio station personalities Dennis Mitchell and Michelle Cruz took the opportunity to have some fun dining and drinking at the popular pub. This was yet another accolade for Bulls Head, since it was already voted Best Beer Bar in PA by craftbeer.com for the past three years in a row. As Michelle is a seasoned veteran of the authentic British pub, and this was Dennis’ first time at the bar, she showed him the ropes. Although this may be the Best Beer Bar in America, Michelle was not hesitant to order her signature martini to start the evening off right.
Then they pondered the question: what makes a bar the Best Beer Bar in America? It is not necessarily the vast number of beers on site but the number of good quality beers. The Bulls Head has a wide selection of beers including fourteen rotating drafts, two cask conditioned ales and eighty bottles. Although an IPA is his usual, Dennis asked one of the twelve established Ciserone Certified Beer Servers (CBS) on staff to surprise him with a good Belgian. A Triple Karmeleit was poured and, upon taking a sip, Dennis proclaimed it was the best he’d ever had – both creamy and light.
After placing their food order, our radio broadcasters found the epitome of a traditional British snack in the Bulls Head Scotch Egg. Having swirled the egg in the swish of hot sauce on the plate, Dennis said, “The egg tastes so fresh and has a perfect yellow yolk.” Michelle liked the judiciously seasoned minced sausage sheath that gave the egg a pleasant meatiness coated with crisp panko breadcrumbs. The Bulls Head robust house-made Shepherd’s Pie surpasses other versions as they use ground lamb instead of beef. Michelle found the savory meat pie with the lamb, carrots and onions, topped with fresh mashed potatoes both hearty and light as it is served with a nice mixed green salad.
Seeing Middletown’s Tattered Flag Brewery’s Knife Fight in a Phone Booth on the chalkboard beer list, Dennis ordered this New England IPA. He described it positively as hazy, refreshingly juicy with a creamy mouthfeel, unlike other IPAs he is used to that have more bitterness. Veering from the pub part of the menu, the radio crew dined on pan seared Scottish Salmon with a tangy ponzu sauce which was paired with baby bok choy, the white stalk still crunchy after cooking and dark green leaves bright with a mildly bitter flavor. Another traditional English dish our friends had at the Bulls Head was Chicken Tikka Masala, with chunks of roasted marinated chicken in a spicy and creamy coconut curry sauce served with basmati rice and grilled flatbread wedges. Michelle has friends that get cravings for this popular dish. Credit a casual yet exciting menu to accompany good beer to what makes a bar the Best Beer Bar in America.
The Bulls Head atmosphere exudes raw character outfitted in dark wood furnishings having been imported from England by the former publican and owner a UK expat (the new owners have embraced the traditions). There is an original Liverpool Football Club scarf and many tchotchkes displayed, such as images of a young queen mum on a serving tray and a bicycle sporting a British flag. In true English public house style, Michelle particularly likes that there are no “tellys” in the Bulls Head, meaning it is just natural for social interaction. Some communal tables and a complement of natural light adds to the convivial feel of the bar. Even on his first visit, Dennis found that he was more a friend and not just a customer to the pleasant staff and patrons. The lounge area has a lot of additional seating, a cozy fireplace, a softer pub vibe, and a service bar with loads of premier scotches, too. Credit a casual ambiance and friendly mood to what makes a bar the Best Beer Bar in America.
As a traditional public house in the UK, the Bulls Head is a gathering place for regular pub-goers and visitors and is a vital community anchor. If you don’t know anyone when you arrive, you will when you leave. Credit the loyal Lititz locals, the residents of Lancaster County and visitors from afar who have enjoyed the many aspects of this fine pub, for voting what they know makes a bar the Best Beer Bar in America.
Bulls Head Public House
General Sutter Inn
14 E. Main Street
Lititz PA 17543
717.626.2044
atthesutter.com
