MCouls

MCouls Public House has quickly become one of my go-to spots in Greensboro. The bar is cozy, the drinks are good, the food is even better, and you're likely to see a friendly, familiar face. Young and old, couples and singles, men and women - everyone loves this place. The patio is especially inviting in the summer months, but the warm, dimly lit interior is also just as appealing.

I tend to start my meals with the Blue Velvet - a combination of Blue Moon and Crispin Cider. It's hard to beat the sweet citrus flavor here. I've also ventured into Hot Toddy territory, with Jim Beam Maple being the secret to a really tasty one. If you're looking to spice things up, try the Habanero Bourbon.

The Banger Plate is everything you could want in an appetizer. This favorite features plump, grilled Irish Sausages with Irish Cheddar or Port Wine Cheese, Whole Grain Mustard and Toasted Rye Points. Every bite you build is the "money bite." The salty sausage, tangy mustard, nutty cheese and bitter toast combination is perfection.

MCouls' Veggie Burger is one of the best renditions I've had. Avocado, Provolone, Tomato and Sprouts top the lightly fried patty, which crunches beautifully between a toasted Kaiser Roll. At one point, Tots were offered as a side, but alas, they have broken my heart and removed them as an option. Try the Tabbouleh, an herby, tangy couscous, if you're looking to stay vegetarian. If you enjoy Shepherd's Pie, MCouls' version is a dream. Ground Beef and Lamb are cooked with Mixed Veggies, and covered with a blanket of warm Mashed Potatoes and Smoked Gouda. The dish is modest, so you will be tempted to eat it all. Steal a bite of your dining partner's meal while you let this cool. (Waiting will be difficult.)

Shepherd's Pie. Heaven.

I adore the Chicken and Goat Cheese Salad. Mixed Greens get some excitement from a juicy, tender Grilled Chicken Breast, Walnuts, Fried Onions, Tomatoes, Cucumber and Goat Cheese. Order it with the Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette. The quality and consistency of the Falafel in the Falafel Wrap is impressive, but the Remoulade which I requested to be on the side, was not. It made for a pretty messy meal, and unfortunately took over the dish. Otherwise, Sprouts, Tomato, Cukes and Mixed Greens would have been enough of a topping. This was really the only time an order wasn't delivered to me correctly after many, many visits.

You absolutely MUST save room for the Bread Pudding. MCouls' offering isn't like any you've ever had. Slightly toasted yet moist slices of Cinnamon Raisin Bread are drizzled with a warm Bailey's Cream Sauce. Hot walnuts give texture. This is a unique preparation and one of my favorites. This pub is worth the drive from Winston or High Point.