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By Lisa Kampeter

According to the Double-Tongued Dictionary, a “bleeding deacon” is a person who “believes himself indispensable to a group…who acts like the sole source of wisdom.”  According to Mike the Bartender, a “bleeding deacon” is a “know-it-all”…or a really cool South City public house.

This month’s Dining Divas outing ventured away from our safety zone.  When deciding on where to dine this month, I came across a place that wouldn’t be considered typical of the restaurants we choose.  One that perhaps might frighten a few of the girls.  But I figured if I already got them to a biker bar (okay, so Triumph Grill is not a biker bar but it is named after a motorcycle!), I may be successful with a place that has a form of the word “blood” in its name.

I convinced the Divas to try out The Bleeding Deacon on Chippewa at Gravois.  One of the first comments I got was “what kind of place are you getting us into again?”  Perhaps the dark ambience wasn’t comforting.  Perhaps the neighborhood pub atmosphere wasn’t what they were expecting.  And perhaps after taking one look at the tattoo-covered bartender, this wasn’t the kind of place the Divas enjoyed dining.

But as soon as we got to talking to Mike the Bartender, everyone’s attitude changed.  There’s no better way to put it.  Mike is awesome.  Tattoos and all, we found him extremely charming and adorable.  Who needed a menu to look at when we had Mike.

And to add to the fabulous treat behind the bar, The Bleeding Deacon jukebox rocks.  The Smiths.  Kate Bush.  Johnny Cash.  David Bowie.  It’s easy to see why this jukebox has been voted the favorite by the Riverfront Times Best Of poll.  Plus, you have to love when you go into the restroom, instead of seeing pictures of outdated 1980s male models plastered to the walls, you see Billy Idol.

At The Bleeding Deacon, you’re not going to find your typical bar food.  It’s more “no holds barred.” Curly Dog with spicy Brussels-Sprouts slaw.  Meatloaf Sliders.  Sweet Potato Salsa with tortilla chips.  These aren’t menu items from your average bar and grill.  You have to be adventurous.  This night, the Divas weren’t too risky.

We all enjoyed sharing the Southern Fried Corn Fritters.  Even one of the Picky Divas tried this and liked them.  A couple Divas tried the Wedge Salad and were surprised to find a fried egg on top.  They were definitely disappointed in this twist to the salad.

But that’s where the adventure in menu-ordering ended.  Instead of trying unique items, everyone ordered a Black Angus Burger.  The burgers were likened to O’Connell’s, known for having the best burgers in town.  One Diva did order outside of the group.  She went with the Charbroiled Chicken Sandwich.  Risky! I guess getting the group to The Bleeding Deacon was enough of an adventure.

We’d travel back to The Bleeding Deacon for exactly what frightened some upon entering the place.  The pub atmosphere and the colorful bartender.  We really didn’t try out the menu enough to say that the food wasn’t worth the trip.  But the music definitely was.  And one thing we were all in agreement with, the Grandma Diva wins hands down the “bleeding deacon” title.  She even nominated herself.

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