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Top Suburban Pub Grub With A Twist

Fish Tacos at an Irish Pub? Really? Yes. Really. Culinary times are changing and the region's pubs are rolling with them. So let's look at a few of my top suburban pubs (Those I frequently revisit) and look at some of the traditional and not so traditional dishes that are populating their menus. Many of the pubs in this list we've discussed before, but not quite in this context. So, here goes. -- Jay Lloyd

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Chaps Chicken Parm (credit: Jay Lloyd)

CHAPS

Chaps might seem like the traditional taproom with a cheering local crowd on game days and big screen TV's showing all the action. But the grub goes beyond pub, while still leaning heavily on comfort food. A favorite is Chicken Parm in a sandwich or on a plate over linguini. Asian potstickers, Portobello mushrooms stuffed with crab imperial blend comfortably with old-time Mac and cheese.

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Wegman's Crab Cake (credit: Jay Lloyd)

WEGMANS PUB

A pub in a supermarket is anything but traditional. But it is fun and it is all about good food and drink. So when Wegmans broke the supermarket mold they plowed new pub ground as well. Perfectly bronzed crab cakes that look like they were formed on the Chesapeake are favorites here along with changing wine and beer selections. The menu is variety itself. Here's a crab cake tip. If you just want a single, order the sandwich without bread. But do take the Tuscan fries.

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Pineville Tavern Meatloaf (credit: Jay Lloyd)

PINEVILLE TAVERN

An 18th century tavern in the heart of Bucks County holds a colonial era bar and dining room that combines traditional pub fare with a well prepared turn at family Italian favorites. On a recent lunch visit, Mary spent quality time with pub inspired savory meat loaf. I plucked clams from shells dripping with marinara which had been tumbled over al dente linguini. Wine and beer, of course.

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The Whip Smoked Salmon (credit: Jay Lloyd)

WHIP TAVERN

Deep into Chester County hunt country where "hunting" is riding to the hounds on the trail of a fox, the Whip Tavern evokes a countryside English Pub. And while smoked salmon and potato pancakes may seem an odd pub grub combination, you have to remember that smoked fish is a staple in the British Isles. It's delicious at the Whip and a reminder that taverns can produce a surprise or two. A broad selection of U.K. beers is another.

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Chickie's & Pete's Mussels (credit: Jay Lloyd)

CHICKIE'S AND PETE'S

It may come as a surprise to city dweller who haunt the stadiums that a favorite urban pub has migrated to the suburbs, several suburbs. Here, it's not burgers or wings that sparks the craving. They do have them. But, it's the mussels in garlicky red sauce with just enough red pepper flake kick to make them among the best in the burbs. Not your typical pub chomps, but times have changed

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CHADWICKS

In a pub style eatery where Cajun, Asian and Caribbean temptations populate the menu, we still find the ultra-traditional pub staple - the native nosh of Britain - fish and chips. Chaps, within chipping distance of the 18th hole at Shannondell serves up a delicately battered and moist version of the dish with a selection of draft crafts  to enhance that Atlantic cod flavor.

I've always found, anywhere on the planet, that for consistency and companionship among strangers, you can't beat a pub or tavern. They've now added variety to the mix without sacrificing tradition. Take the time to find a few where they'll know your name on the first visit and remember your drink on the second.
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