Bonn Lair — Restaurant in Sacramento

How long had it been? Three, four years? Definitely pre plague for certain. I'd picked up J. from work and was fancying a drink and a snack at least. The grid was thronged even for a Tuesday, so she suggested Bonn Lair, and Lairward we headed. We parked in the teeny lot behind the building and greeted some regulars sitting on the patio/smoking area while we walked through the back door, through the back room and into the bar proper. Mike is still keeping the flying circus that is this neighborhood bar floating after all of these years, and he pulled a pint of dragonfruit cider for J., while I had a very crisp IPA, which was a pleasant surprise because the Lair was Quite British when it came to beer selections- West Coast IPA's were rare. It's still a place where you can get an ESB or a Brown ale easily, or if you're new to British brew, get a quick primer. J. asked if we could still get Scotch eggs, and that was a solid yes. We grabbed a menu, and decided to add a giant pretzel, Fish&Chips and a Shepherd's pie. The condiments arrived with utensils and the apps a few minutes later. HP sauce is a must for Scotch eggs, and the basket features that, ketchup, mustard, and malt vinegar, which goes on fries as well as the fish. The mains were delivered after we'd killed the apps and both were right-sized and tasty. I was hungry and chatting with The Lovely J, so I wasn't paying much attention to the finer points of fish and chips or shep's pie other than the kitchen does Yeoman's work with these pub fixtures, we demolished both meals. We're definitely heading back much sooner so our faces become...

This English pub serves Scotch eggs, pasties, bangers and mash, and curry fries (of which, in my opinion, the fries are the best - with extra curry sauce). They have imports including Fuller's Pride and ESB on 'Real Ale'-approved beer engines, Einstök Smoked Porter, and have a couple of rotating local taps. Being in California, there are also a half-dozen wines to choose from. Dark indoors, with about 4 barstools and a fair amount of booth seating. There is a small covered open-air porch in front, and a larger one with a couple of picnic-style tables at the back near the parking, which is usually full. There is also an indoor nook with a couch and chair. There is typically soccer on at least one TV, and a second TV which is duplicated during big games or has another sport on. Decor is a mish-mash of pennants and photos, and the antique cash register adds to the ambiance. A good place for a quick drink or three, a chat with friends, to shoot the breeze, or to duck in out of...

Small old school English style pub with lots of character. On the plus side was pleasant helpful service and good fish & chips. The quality of the fish was clear, and the steak style fries were good. However, the food did not seem to be fresh or made from scratch there. In addition, the place smelled bit of smoke and needed some TLC. Our table was wobbly in the booth and the whole place seemed a bit beat-up. No soda fountain either and water is self-service from a jug on a table. It feels like a great neighborhood bar, but not necessarily a great pub/restaurant. We were there for lunch, which is probably not the best time to judge this particular...