If the departure of South Campus Gateway staple McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon proves anything, it’s that the restaurant business is a dog-eat-dog world. But its soon-to-be replacement, Kildare’s Irish Pub, has undoubtedly taken note and come out swinging.
Even as this pub waits out Autumn Quarter to fully transition into Kildare’s, the simply-named Pub & Restaurant offers a variety of comfort foods from massive burgers to decidedly more Irish dishes.
The dining section was decorated with an eye toward simplicity and masculinity. Heavy wooden furnishings and generous space on the floor harkened to a classic bar aesthetic, while large windows facing the south side of the Gateway lightened the dark furniture, which might have otherwise seemed claustrophobic.
The lunchtime service was swift, leaving me staring at a daunting Pepper Jack-Guac Turkey Burger less than 10 minutes after I ordered. While the patty itself lacked any notable flavor, the guacamole, salsa and pepper jack cheese that topped it provided a vivid and complex taste packed into a serving so large I could not have put it down once I took the first bite without resorting to a knife and fork afterward.
Patrons who are in it for the real Irish taste can choose from Bangers and Mash or a Guinness-based stew to quell their craving while the thirsty among them can choose from an extensive list of more than 40 beers including Irish natives Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s. The list also includes Budweiser for homebodies and double-layered brews for the adventurous-at-heart.
Of course, as could be expected with imported tastes, the price of a meal is just slightly above what an average college student might be prepared to pay. Just two entrees with sodas ran up an $18 tab before tip. A meal including an appetizer or one of the many beers on hand will likely push well beyond that, but The Pub offers nightly food and drink specials that will help keep the night within a reasonable budget.
While many may have been sad to see High Street hot spot McFadden’s close its doors, there is no doubt that The Pub will be keeping the Irish spirit alive with a smooth mixture of authentic Irish recipes and massive serving sizes sure to sate any starving student.
