Monday, August 19, 2013

Chaplin's Sports Bistro--Union City (Sports Bar)

I never thought there'd be a good sports bar in Union City. But hiding at 29200 Kohoutek Way, is this little gem in a very nondescript area within a very plain-looking square building. They have UFC events (with a $10 cover) and show any game on any of their many flat-screen TVs for lunch and dinner. The best part about this place, though, is the weekend happy hour until 7pm. 

http://www.chaplinssportsbistro.com/

Of course, they also have a good selection of beer (ask what's on their rotating tap), and very decent food. Below are some of the many things I've enjoyed.

This is a mug (23 ounces) of Stone Ruination. Good stuff.



A pint of Stone IPA. Always on tap and also available in mug size.


Chicken Strips. Probably one of the better chicken strips I've had at any bar. These are made with real chicken, coarsely breaded and fried until crisp and juicy. Served with a side of Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce or honey mustard.



Pulled Pork Sliders. Not the best pulled pork I've had, but worth ordering. Good for sharing.


Fried Dill Pickles. I'm not a huge fan of fried pickles if they're too tangy. These have a slightly thicker batter on them so they are a bit more balanced.


Lumpia. Filled with ground chicken, carrots, water chestnuts and scallions. These are also good for sharing and are served with a sweet chili sauce.


Buffalo wings. Always a good choice to help wash down your beer. These can be ordered in 8 or 16 pieces. Choose from buffalo, spicy buffalo, lemon pepper, garlic Parmesan, BBQ or spicy thai flavored. You can also mix and match.


The Texas Burger. Burgers are definitely one of Chaplin's specialties and this one is a winning choice. This is a half pound of meat served on Texas toast with bacon, onion rings, BBQ sauce, lettuce and tomato. The fries are also nice and crisp.


Fish Fillet Sandwich. This is a piece of beer-battered, deep-fried swai fillet served with house-made tartar sauce, lettuce and tomato between a toasted Ciabatta bun. One of my favorites.



Chimichurri Chicken. For something a bit lighter. Choose one or two pieces of nicely grilled chicken topped with not-very-spicy chimichurri sauce with veggies and rice.



I have not had any dessert here as I'm usually too full to partake, but they sound decent. The crowd here is usually animated but not rowdy, so next time it's fight night, and you live close by, keep Chaplin's in mind as a neighborhood destination.