Eat like an Irishman this St. Parick's Day
Everyone has a favorite local pub, but here are some outstanding choices for an Irish-inspired celebration this St. Patrick's Day.
And good news: the Shore is graced with the luck of the Irish, a number of restaurants serve these signature dishes not only on March 17, but throughout the year as well.
The Irish Penny Pub & Grill
The only Irish bar in Salisbury lives up to the hype with a tin ceiling, a hand-crafted oak bar and weekly, authentic live music sessions. The Penny's warm, cozy atmosphere easily draws people in, but its the pickle shots and juicy Jameson burgers that keeps them coming back. The homemade menu is packed with classic Irish dishes with an Eastern Shore Twist. Don't forget to try the bangers and mash.
Go: 1014 S. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury. Call 410-742-0002. Visit www.theirishpennypub.com.
Duffy's Tavern, Ocean City
Nestled in the Montego Bay shopping center, Duffy's has been serving pints of Guinness and Irish stew to loyal patrons since 1985. The diverse menu offers traditional Irish dishes, such as the generously stuffed baked lamb pot pie, and beach favorites like steamed shrimp, crab cake sandwiches, grilled steaks and more.
Go: 130th Street, Ocean City. Call 410-250-1449. Visit duffysoc.com.
Shenanigans Irish Pub & Grille
Eat, drink and be Irish on 4th Street. Perhaps one of Ocean City's only authentic Irish bars, Shenanigans allows patrons to step off the boardwalk and right into Ireland. The menu offers Irish inspired eats like "Shamrock Steamers", "Crocks O' Gold", "Shenawhiches" and "Dublin Desserts." Sit back with a pint at the bar and look for your family's Irish crest — the pub's ceiling is trimmed with dozens of them.
Go: 309 N. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City. Call 410-289-7181. Visit ocshenanigans.com.
Claddagh on the Shore
An Irish-style pub with flat-screens and a fully stocked, hand-carved, wraparound bar. This laid-back, yet elegant restaurant has everything needed to dine like an Irishman. The menu here extends well beyond typical pub fare, with entree choices like grilled filet mignon and fresh fish tacos. However, it's the corned beef and cabbage that has all of the locals talking.
Go: 1106 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island. Call 302-537-4200. Visit claddaghontheshore.com.
The Pint Pub & Eatery
This eclectic pub, offering Irish, English and Scottish inspired dishes, has breathed new life into Millsboro's downtown bank. The quaint space has kept a lot of its original character, like the creaky hardwood floors, textured plastered walls and tin ceiling. You can even dine privately inside the refinished bank vault. The menu features options like chicken and leek soup, wood-fired boxty's and burgers, shepherd's pie and fish and chips.
Go: 303 Main Street, Millsboro. Call 302-934-5822. Visit thepintpub.com.
Irish Eyes Restaurant & Pub
After more than two decades, Irish Eyes has earned a reputation for quality service that matches its menu. And while there are a few authentic choices, the name of the game here is burgers, seafood and steaks. Plus, enjoy bands who specialize in the Dublin-down sound on a fairly regular Saturday night basis.
Go: 105 Union Street, Milton. Call 302-684-8889. Visit www.irisheyespub.com.
Murph's Beef & Ale
Pitt ham, hand-carved beef, baked turkey and slow roasted potatoes are always available at this laid-back Irish eatery, located in Henlopen Square. The simple, yet mouthwatering menu features creamy potato soup, gravy cheese fries and slow-roasted beef, pork, ham and turkey sandwiches. Get yours "Murphed" by topping it with specialty aged provolone, homemade gravy and sauteed garlic broccoli rabe. Then wash it all down with a gloriously cold pint of ale.
Go: 37169 Rehoboth Avenue Extended, Rehoboth Beach. Call 302-212-5355. Visit www.murphsbeefandale.com.
On Twitter @hcarroll_1 and Facebook at Facebook.com/byhannahcarroll
302-537-1881, ext. 209