From Anchor to Zig-Zag--Fifty Beers on Tap

Pub Review

By Charlie Webster

The Englander, the new sports pub in downtown San Leandro is the East Bay's newest multi-tap watering hole. With 50 beers on draft, including three hand pumps and, at review time, six beers dispensed with Nitrogen, the Englander's selection is impressive. The beers range from American mega-brews (Budweiser and Miller) to locals (eight beers from Wizard Brewing and two from Lind, both of San Leandro) to British beers (eleven, including three from Fullers) to an assortment of micros from the Northwest. My current favorites include Boddingtons, Fuller's ESB, and Fuller's London Pride, all three of which are seldom seen in Alameda County. Selections also include two ciders and Kemper's excellent draft root beer.

The atmosphere is clean and fresh with lots of quality woodwork and, of course, a non-smoking environment. The food menu is extensive, offering appetizers, soups, several salads, sandwiches, a number of dinner entrees, and some English-style pub-grub items including a Ploughman's Lunch and meat pies. I sampled the chili on my last visit and the roast turkey sandwich on this latest one. The chili was hearty and well made, though a little bland for real chile heads, and the sandwich was thick with a generous portion of turkey and included the best fries I've had in some time. Food prices are moderate and beer prices are quite reasonable with British beers served in imperial pints at $3.75 each.

For the entertainment-minded, there are no fewer than 14 TV monitors around the main room and a large screen projector against the side wall. When I was there last, the sports on view included women's professional basketball, a soccer game from England, skiing, and a professional 9-ball pool tourney.

Due to its proximity to the Brewmaster, the Englander is likely to become the hangout of choice after Draught Board meetings. The Englander is located at 101 Parrott Street, just west of East 14th, in San Leandro. Their phone number is (510)357-3571.

All in all, The Englander is a good choice for almost any pub occasion, from a quick pint on the way home from work to a pub dinner while watching your favorite sports event. Check it out!.