Best St. Patrick’s Day Spots
Thursday, March 15, 2012
We’re getting our Irish on for St. Paddy’s Day!. As one of the larger immigrant groups to settle here in Rhode Island, the Irish brought the traditions of St. Patrick’s Day with them. We love the food…corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread and the like make us pine for the green coasts of Ireland. We set out to find 5 places that feature great Irish food and atmosphere and came back with these good options for St. Paddy’s Day, or any day, really….
County Cork Irish Pub, Warwick
When the manager’s brogue is the thickest you’ve heard since you were in Limerick, you know you’re in the right place. And so it was as we tried a new spot in Warwick called County Cork. Cora Tetreault just opened this great spot in Warwick to bring her version of Ireland to our hungry and thirsty masses. We first went in for the Monday and Tuesday burger and beer special…a burger and a beer for $10 after 6 p.m. on either day. It was a very good burger. We returned soon after for some fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage. The best way we can describe the fish and chips is respectful. It uses local fish and makes a version that would make a traditionalist happy. The corned beef and cabbage was the same way…prepared exactly the way you would want it. The corned beef was tender and moist and the veggies were flavorful. All in all, County Cork makes a wonderful spot to channel that inner Irishman. 50 Waterfront Dr. 440-0485
Shannon View, Warwick
One of our favorite haunts for cheap food and a great beer selection is Doherty’s East Avenue Irish Pub, in Pawtucket. The casual atmosphere is accented by the beer and the food. Never one to let moss grow under him, Jack Doherty has set out to bring his Irish pub concept to several different neighborhoods. When he looked towards Warwick, he saw the recently closed Shannon View Inn and an opportunity. A short time later the Shannon View was re-born with the same hallmarks that make Doherty’s places hum: good food and drink at affordable prices. The menu is vast and features all of the Irish pub classics that you expect to find and they’re well prepared. We’re suckers for the Irish spring rolls on the appetizer menu. They arrived hot and crispy without any greasiness. The corned beef and cabbage was excellent. Too often the traditional sides arrive mushy and without any texture but these were perfect...Just a little crispiness to add a little crunch. 1901 Post Rd. 737-9460
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Our neighborhood Irish pub is O’Rourke’s. Located in Pawtuxet Village, O’Rourke’s is the place we go when it’s a weeknight and we’ve had a kick-ass day and we need good food and a cold beer. This is another place with a nice water view, as it sits at the end of the Pawtuxet River where it meets the Bay. We’ve been going here for years now and love to take Ann’s Irish mom as she loves the authentic feel and the tasty food. She enjoys the Irish nachos which feature homemade potato chips and cheese and bacon. Be warned…this app is made for 6 people. Dad is also Irish and he is all about the corned beef. At lunch he loves the Reuben. He loves his rye not toasted and they were quick to accommodate him. At dinner it’s always the corned beef and cabbage. Whether it’s St. Paddy’s Day or Gaspee Days, O’Rourke’s is a fun spot for good Irish food. 23 Peck Lane, 228-7444
O’Brien's, Newport
If you want to travel into the belly of the beast on St. Paddy’s Day, head down to Newport and enjoy the parade and some great food and drinks at O’Brien’s. Located on Thames Street, O’Brien’s is a very cool spot to enjoy a day or night or whatever you like. In warm weather the outside patio is one of our favorite spots for a relaxing cocktail. We have all heard the “Irish love potatoes” stereotype but we’re more than happy to follow it to O’Brien’s gourmet fry bar. Twelve different kinds of french fries for your tasting pleasure! The Poutine is classic and the sloppy fries--with sloppy Joe on top!--are delish. You can count on O’Brien’s being there for you unless it’s Christmas Day…its open every other day of the year ‘till 1 a.m. On parade day you can count on a crazy atmosphere with revelers coming and going and imbibing. Park yourself at a table near the fountain, order a corned beef sandwich and enjoy the people watching. 501 Thames St. 849-6623, www.theobrienspub.com
Patrick's Pub, Providence
How can you put together this list without the granddaddy of them all…Patrick’s Pub? You can’t. For 20 years Patrick Griffin has been the unofficial Irish Mayor of Providence. At any given time you could be sitting next to a politician, a student or a blue collar guy all after the same thing: a true taste of Ireland at a good price. Patrick’s has been sponsoring Providence’s St. Paddy’s Day since 1992 as a way of giving back to the community that has embraced this Irish pub. The food at Patrick’s is classic. Heck, you can even get bangers and mash, Irish stew and shepherd’s pie any day any time. We love the Friday fish and chips. Never greasy and always fresh, it’s a big piece of battered cod with housemade chips and tartar sauce. Squeeze some lemon on top and enjoy a Guinness. 381 Smith St. 751-1553, www.patrickspubri.com
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