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- Hours:
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
4 reviews for Claddagh Irish Pub
Claddagh is a small mid-western based chain (just 15 locations in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Illinois), which I found surprising...the restaurant locations I've dined at are so well-run and similar to each other that I assumed the chain was nationwide. Those behind Claddagh vow to bring "the best of Ireland to the states," and that is indeed what they have done.
No pub is complete without Fish and Chips, and Claddagh's do not disappoint. A huge piece of haddock comes breaded in festive Bass Ale batter and is served with a half lemon for drizzling and a hearty helping of wedge French fries. I've had the fish on countless occasions and it has always been fresh and has never been overly greasy, which is quite the feat for any fried entre. Other winners for dinner are the hearty Guinness Beef Stew, which is cheering during chilly Cincinnati winters, and the Jameson Drunken Steak, which is slathered in a marinade made from...what else? Jameson Irish whiskey. Claddagh also offers traditional Irish fare like Bangers and Mash and a scrumptious Monte Cristo sandwich.
The Newport location of Claddagh is a favorite place of mine to visit on warm spring and early summer days; diners can eat on the restaurant's outdoor patio that sits right above the Ohio River. Service at this location is quick and not overly attentive, which I like. Inside, the restaurant is all done up in Irish memorabilia and heavy wood, a large bar sits at either end of the dining area. Drink specials are offered everyday of the week, a favorite being $6 Stoli Martinis on Fridays. This place is frequented by young couples and business people; though I don't see why it wouldn't be welcoming for kids...plenty of options on the menu (chicken tenders, turkey club, and burgers) to satisfy finicky palates.
Each time I go back to Claddagh, I am less impressed. It first started with the stale beer smell in the inside portion of the restaurant. Since we always eat outside, I tried to forget it!
However, when the menus are sticky and the service starts to slide, you have to mention it. When we went this past weekend, the waitress obviously took advantage of our "large" party and over-sold us on the fish and chips.
We've been there at least 6-8 times and have never been offered two sizes of the fish & chips (either a pound or half pound). Our waitress convinced us we needed full pound order each for two adults and my nieces who were sharing an order. She also sold us a "sour cream" dip for our fries without telling us there is an additional charge!
After she pushed the soup of the day, she also tried to convince us to order dessert. When she asked if we wanted the gratuity to be added automatically, we declined. She did so anyway.
Sorry, but we won't be back anytime soon. It's The Pub at Crestview or Rookwood for us!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/30/2008
I like this pub at the Levee and was also surprised to find out that it's a small chain. It has a… Read more »
Solid if unspectacular Irish pub food at Newport on the Levee. Drinks can be a bit more expensive than other options on the levee, but the food is generally good. Fish and chips are better than average and the Irish Monte Cristo is unique if nothing else (the bread is sprinkled with powdered sugar). Probably the best part about the Newport location of this Indianapolis-based chain is the patio which offers a stellar view of the Cincinnati skyline across the river.
If I were going to pick an Irish pub to go to in town, I'd probably opt for Molly Malone's (formerly the Dubliner) in Pleasant Ridge, but Claddagh is a fine option if you are visiting the aquarium, or for before a movie or a show at the Southgate House.
I love the style and food of this place. The view is indeed spectacular. The atmosphere is a great experience, obviously Irish themed, stone floors, heavy wooden chairs and tables, feels a bit like a castle. The bar is a bit awkwardly placed with not much space around it, but it's not really a "bar" kinda place anyway.
I don't know anything about how authentic the food actually is but I've been here several times and have been satisfied each time. Mostly heavy "comfort" type dishes, but there are a few lighter meals too.
The beef stew is great! Huge pieces of beef, carrots, and potatoes with an awesome gravy.
For a dessert I suggest either the lava chocolate cake if you want something rich or the mocha ice cream cake (both are delicious). The strawberry shortcake is good if you want something light.
Service is always satisfactory. If you have a choice of table and want a view of the city watch out for giant polls that obscure the view for some tables.
