The Ultimate Pub Platter at Phoenix’s Favorite Brit Bar

Welcome to The Essentials, our catalog of indispensable and quintessential Phoenix food and drink. From now until May, we'll be sharing 50 dishes, drinks, and food experiences that make up the culinary backbone (and personality) of metro Phoenix. This list is highly eclectic, mixing classics with newer and lesser-known favorites. But all The Essentials have one thing in common: We think they're required eating (and drinking) in metro Phoenix.

19: George & Dragon’s Famous Fish & Chips

George & Dragon's (or G&D, if you prefer) has been serving traditional British food since 1995, and it's one of the most popular neighborhood watering holes in north central Phoenix. It’s a hot spot for weeknight gatherings like karaoke, trivia, and poker, and keeps the kitchen open late for well-known plates of Our Famous Wing Drummettes, and of course, George & Dragon’s Famous Fish & Chips.

This dish is listed on the menu as George & Dragon’s Famous Fish & Chips under the entrees section. The entrée comes with tartar sauce, and choice of peas, corn, or coleslaw – all at market price.

A warning here: You know how you’re always in the middle of a conversation when the food finally arrives at a restaurant? You might want to finish that thought, as those battered cod pieces come out piping hot. Give it a minute before getting a forkful of fish anywhere near your mouth.

You can pair that fish and chips platter with an assortment of draught import beers, or choose something from the full bar.

The atmosphere at G&D pairs well with the experience of dining on pub-style fare. It’s no secret the beloved pub was remodeled on a 2016 episode of Spike TV's Bar Rescue. While the cigarette machine and less-than-structurally-sound booths have been removed, the bar is still aglow in red neon, still has the iconic Union Jack tabletops, and still draws in the rowdy soccer crowd.

Happy hour runs here from 4 to 7 p.m., and again from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday through Thursday. For more information on the G&D menu or history, call 602-241-0018 or visit the George & Dragon website.

The Essentials so far:
50: Tequila Sunrise at the Arizona Biltmore.
49: "Dragon" Dumpling Burger at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour.
48: Dizzy Fig Empanada at Republica Empanada.
47: Linguine Carbonara at Avanti.
46: The Food Court at Mercado de los Cielos.
45: Chicken Feta Salad at George’s Kitchen.
44: Spinach & Cheese Chimi Burro at Mi Patio Mexican Restaurant.
43: Dinner at Rustler's Rooste.
42: Gyro Omelet at Mel's Diner.
41: Zipps Wings at Zipps Sports Grill.
40: Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa.
39: Asian Nachos at Moto.
38: Olive Oil Tasting at Queen Creek Olive Oil Mill.
37: Baby Back Ribs at Don & Charlie's.
36: Limoncello at Cibo.
35: Chili Salt Chicken Wings at Asian Café Express.
34: Smoked Prime Rib at Texaz.
33: Steak Salad at Feeney's.
32: Tasting Menu at Kai Restaurant.
31: Toffee Banofi Sundae at Sweet Republic.
30: Big Jim at Welcome Diner.
29: Sonoran Hot Dog at El Caprichoso.
28: Sashimi at Nobuo at Teeter House.
27: Oysters at Casey Moore's Oyster House.
26: Spring rolls at Da Vang.
25: Bruschetta and wine at Postino.
24: Hot green chili fry bread at Fry Bread House.
23: The Big One at The Chuckbox.
22: Cahuamanta Stew at Cahuamanta El Yaqui.
21: Dim Sum at Great Wall Cuisine.
20: Fried chicken at The Horny Toad.