Mmm It’s Good!

Keegan’s Irish Pub

Okie-dokie. While that’s much more of an American cowboy expression, and certainly not Irish in its origin, it nonetheless acknowledges that I have finally made some time to get this blogging show on the road (another Wild West, non-Irish expression).

I’ve been obsessed with all things British since the early stages of adolescence, but became even more intrigued by British pubs since traveling to the U.K. over the past few years.

Holiday greenery graces the bar at Keegan's.

Luckily we can get a taste of Britain right here in the Twin Cities. Keegan’s Irish Pub in northeast Minneapolis offers a classic Irish pub feel complete with dark wooden interior, classic stained glass accents, tall bar stools, and plenty of Jameson Irish Whiskey to go around.

My beloved Pimm’s was missing from behind the stately bar, which is unfortunate, because I am pretty much obsessed with the spicy, fruity, gin-like liquor. A true Irishman might find its absence acceptable, however, as Pimm’s is decidedly English. I like to count on many pubs in the U.S. to combine the best from the U.K. in their establishments, heedless in separating the nuances between the Scots, English and Irish, but Keegan’s didn’t mix where Pimm’s is concerned. Fortunately, I am able to grab my own bottle at The Cellars.

Paddling back to the original river of thought: With the absence of Pimm’s, I was pleasantly treated to a Jameson lemonade, a concoction entertainingly suggested, mixed (and improvised upon) for me by the boisterous, friendly, helpful barman. A refreshing mixture of lemonade, orange juice and a stiff shot quenched my affinity for fruity cocktails, which I thoroughly enjoyed, even in the bleakness of December.

My friend and I ordered St. Brigid’s Irish Chips, which were loaded with bacon, spring onions, Jack cheese and featured Keegan’s tasty Killarney dipping sauce. Ketchup was also included for us Yanks, but, interestingly, no cider vinegar. I’m sure had we asked for the traditional accompaniment, we would certainly have been obliged.

Other noteworthy food gracing our bar counter that evening was a sumptuous plate of cheeses from Ireland and the British Isles, paired with a delectable spinach dip, bread and crackers. The Cahill Original Irish Porter Cheese was quite frankly phenomenal. And, fortunately for those of us who enjoy our drink and cheese at home now and again, the Cahill is available in a beautiful round right across the street at Surdyk’s.

Red wine and imported Irish cheese. Few things in life are better.

With their calendar of fun Irish events and performances listed on the bathroom stall doors, free shots of Jameson gold (chased by a chocolate) and quaint, live Irish fiddle music subtly enhancing the atmosphere in the background, we’ll definitely return to Keegan’s for happy hour, lunch, dinner or late night drinking and great conversation.

Add comment December 19th, 2008

Shamrock Irish Pub

My affinity for Irish pubs began in Spain, of all places, while I was studying abroad my senior year of college. Us American kids took to hanging out frequently at St. Patty’s, where we could speak English to our hearts’ content and drink good beer.

Since that time, I’ve made it a point to try out other Irish bars - which I’d never done before spending so much time in them abroad - and although they all differ slightly, they’re all fun.

So, when my mom and I took a 2-week vacation to Italy this past summer, it was no different. After a long morning of touring the Roman Colosseum, we were tired, our feet were sore, and we were hungry. Of course, this was 11am Rome time, so the restaurants weren’t open for business yet.

We happened to stumble across an Irish Pub called the Shamrock not far from the Piazza del Colosseum (Via del colosseo 1/c at Via Cavour). The doors were open, so we peeked inside to find an empty but charming bar. The bartender was there, and said he’d need a few minutes to open up. It was worth the wait!

The food was excellent, the beer was pretty good, and our Rugby-playing bartender was courteous and charming (aren’t all Italians?). The decor is strictly Irish - the only Roman influence was the bartender - with soccer scarves and other Irish paraphernalia scattered amongst the bottles and adorning the walls. It was such a neat place we decided to head all the way back for dinner the next night - keep in mind our hotel was no less than 3 miles away!

The night scene was much more animated than our quiet, early-afternoon lunch. It was standing-room only after about 8pm, and the crowd was lively. Evidently it’s much more raucous when there’s a Roman soccer game on the TV But, in spite of being busy, our favorite Irish-bar-in-Rome bartender had time to send us off with a friendly photo!

Add comment December 18th, 2008