In Columbus, OH there are two kinds of Irish pubs. There are Irish pubs that cater to the see and be seen crowd and the real corner pubs. On Saint Patrick’s Day or any other day, there are several options for locals and visitors to “get their Irish on.
Byrne’s Pub – 1248 West 3rd Avenue, Columbus, OH
While the address may indicate Columbus, Byrne’s Pub is located just off of Northwest Boulevard in Grandview Heights.
Pat Byrne, principal owner and one of the founding Byrne brothers, IS of Irish descent. Byrne’s Pub, while not overly Irish in décor, fits the neighborhood pub stereotype perfectly. Great prices on drafts and bottles and several options for those who just can’t drink those “heavy” beers are the specialty of the house. The only food available is pizza through the window from Grandad’s Pizza next door.
Where Byrne’s Pub excels over all other Irish pubs in Columbus is the music. Byrne’s Pub features live music every Saturday night showcasing traditional and Celtic rock. St. Patrick’s Day 2009 has a lineup of 3 Celtic bands, including General Guinness, Knot Fibb’n and The Kells.
Brazenhead Irish Pub – 56 North High St., Dublin and 1027 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus
With the influx of many upscale Irish Pubs, Brazenhead holds the local advantage – it is owned by Historic Dublin Restaurants, Inc. and locals like buying from locals.
Brazenhead Irish Pub is modeled after the oldest pub in Ireland (and James Joyce’s favorite watering hole) and while a bit more casual than its other upscale counterparts, it is still a place to be seen. The menu is definitely more wallet-friendly than many other Columbus area Irish pubs.
The menu at the Grandview Heights location is a bit more upscale than the Dublin site, but both menus feature pub grub – appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches. Fish & chips and Reubens prevail in both menus.
Brazenhead has an extensive list of craft and imported beers as well as draft stalwarts Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s.
Claddaugh Irish Pub – 585 South Front Street, Columbus and 8745 Sancus Boulevard, Columbus
With Brewery District and Polaris locations, the Claddaugh chain (based in Solon, OH) has a strong foothold in the area entertainment districts.
While the beer menu isn’t quite as extensive as the locally-owned Irish pubs, Claddaugh has Corned Beef and Cabbage on their menu year-round – a must for anyone desiring that homey taste in a hurry. Upscale pub fare including sandwiches, appetizers and a full entrée menu complement Claddaugh Irish Pub’s atmosphere. For a lighter dish try the Brian Boru Steak Salad. Well, it’s not exactly lighter but there are fresh, crisp vegetables.
O’Shaughnessy’s Public House – 401 North Front Street, Columbus
In the heart of the Arena District, just outside Nationwide Arena lies another local Irish pub. O’Shaughnessy’s Public House pays tribute to local Irish immigrant and designer of the O’Shaughnessy Dam Jerry O’Shaughnessy.
According to the website, major components of the pub’s interior were built in Ireland and shipped to Columbus, OH. With their own O’Shaughnessy Dam Good Porter featured on tap beside Irish regulars Guinness and Smithwick’s, O’Shaughnessy’s Public House features great food to complement the brews. The family-recipe Corned Beef Hash is a must-try.
Fado Columbus – 4022 Townsfair Way, Columbus
In the Easton entertainment district lays another upscale chain Irish Pub, Fado. Fado is an Irish sports pub featuring rugby on the big screens.
With an Easton price tag to match the address, Fado features Shepherd’s Pie and Corned Beef and Cabbage on its entrée menu. However, this is one Irish pub that draws me because of the dessert – the Black and Tan Brownie. A warm brownie topped with Guinness ice cream (trust me), along with chocolate sauce, whipped cream and pecans – a perfect afternoon snack with a pint of stout.
Honorable Mention: Barley’s Ale House Number One – 467 North High Street, Columbus
While most of Barley’s ales are considered British-style brews, no one should miss the annual opportunity to partake of Scott Francis’ Irish Rogue.
Available only during the St. Patrick’s Day season, the Irish Rogue is an ale well worth the trip.
Sources: http://claddaghirishpubs.com/pub-and-restaurant/locations/; http://www.hdrestaurants.com/brazenhead/5thavenue/menu.htm; http://www.ospub.com/os_menu.php; http://byrnespub.com/index.html; http://www.fadoirishpub.com/columbus/menu/food/dinner; http://www.barleysbrewing.com/downtown/index.htm
