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- Hours:
Mon 3 pm - 10 pm
Tue-Thu 3 pm - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 12 pm - 12 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for County Cork Public House
Review Highlights
"Live music was traditional and excellent without being..."
(in 12 reviews)
"...and a great selection of beer (Pliny the elder on tap."
(in 10 reviews)
"It's family friendly and I always leave happy."
(in 10 reviews)
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60 reviews in English
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Review from Bree E.
Portland, OR
1/8/2012
I've always really enjoyed this place. It's a family owned Irish Pub. The food is great and service is great. I typically get the Cali Burger with fries, but I've also enjoyed the stew, shepherd's pie and fish n' chips. This is the kind of local haunt where the server's remember your name and your favorite beer. They have great rotating beers on tap. They are one of the few places in town that gets Russian River Pliny on tap and it goes fast.
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Review from Danie B.
Portland, OR
2/1/2012
I'm at County Cork AT THIS VERY MOMENT. The beer selection is awesome (lots of good ol' fashioned UK/Irish beers as well as rotating local taps). Their turkey burger (which is a no charge patty option) tastes homemade. The atmosphere seems pretty family friendly as well as "hang out and do your homework" which is what I was going for.
They will be seeing a lot more/way too much of me in the future! -
Review from Kyan H.
Portland, OR
9/26/2011
Live a couple blocks from County Cork and it always seems lively when I'm walking by - vibrant atmosphere, live music some nights. Finally popped in today to check it out for the first time.
Hearty, delicious food and affordable! Had the Scottish egg as an appetizer and a shepard's pie as the main dish. Topped it off with bread pudding. All yummy.
A little bit divey, but that's part of the charm. Love the church pew seats and the bookshelf full of reading material. Also a dart board if you want to challenge some friends in between beers. -
Review from Peter S.
Portland, OR
Just moved to town and we're lucky to live right around the corner from this gem. The staff are friendly, and the draft selection rivals any gastropub we frequented in NYC. Food on the whole is pretty great. Go for the fish and chips, burgers, or the beet salad.
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Review from Mike M.
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, I'm a couple weeks late writing this review (bad Yelper!!).....
Met a friend here on a Tuesday late afternoon-ish. This was my first visit to County Cork....all I can say is I wish I lived closer!
Nice vibe for a neighborhood bar, very aimiable bartender, windows open for some fresh air.....little band showed up at 8p or so and was pleasant to listen to....it was just great!
I will say the bartender (in his little porkpie hat) poured the PERFECT half and half....liked it so much I made him try to be perfect again (he was).
I had the fish tacos and liked them a lot. That wouldn't be my first choice in an Irish pub, but Porkpie recommended them and he didn't steer me wrong. My buddy had one of the burgers and it was good sized and dripped down his arm.....a good sign!! We also ordered a Scotch egg since my buddy hadn't had one before........I've had 3 now in different places and I may write a diet book on how to live on Scotch eggs alone.
County Cork, keep doing what you're doing!!!! -
Review from Emilie S.
7/11/2011
Quality family-friendly pub. This is my first choice if I am hanging out with friends with little kids.
Great beer choices, good food, live music, darts, big windows that open and provide for a lovely outdoor/indoor ambience.
Good for groups and there is a nice porch out back, too. -
Review from Paolina T.
Portland, OR
7/5/2011
THe service is terrific.
The beer is always yummy (you must try Pliny the Elder)
and the food...
COMFORT FOOD! A great place to hang out and know the stage is also a kids area!
Don't forget there is also outside seating! -
Review from Frank L.
# 500!
Yeah, it took me a while to decide where to go for my 500th Yelp review. I even enlisted the assistance of other Yelpers via Yelp Talk. They provided many awesome ideas--although most of the suggestions involved strip clubs--but I decided to make my choice for numero 5-0-0 something very...personal.
My grandmother was Irish. She was a huge influence on my life. Ask anybody else who grew up with an Irish grandma. They know what I'm talking about. You could be 9/10 Transylvanian, Eskimo or Polish, but if you have an Irish grandma, you're 100% Irish.
County Cork is a great little Irish pub. I jumped off my bus on the way home today and wandered down Fremont for a block or so. I grabbed an empty stool at the bar. The Trailblazers game was playing on the flatscreen. The beer menu had many delicious choices. I ordered a Lagunitas Fusion and checked in on my Yelp Android app.
I enjoyed the end of the game while I finished my beer. Photos of the Pope, JFK and Ted Kennedy looked down upon me from behind the bar. I got an Oatmeal Stout for my second beverage. I really like the laid back vibe of this place. Cool family pub. There were a few wee ones toddling about. Some folks might be put off by kiddies in a pub, but that just makes it seem more authentic to me.
A tear came to my eye while I thought about grandma. A couple of beers is usually enough to soften up the tear ducts of most self-respecting, sentimental Irishmen--I'm no exception. I ordered a shot of Power's Whiskey to send me on my way.
I saw some food come popping out of the kitchen during my visit. The fries and wings looked awesome. I'll have to get some food next time I stop in.
I toasted Grandma with my shot of Power's and headed for the bus stop. She was an awesome woman of unparalleled faith and courage. She wouldn't have set foot in County Cork--she firmly believed that alcohol flowed directly from the River Styx. I have no doubt that she'd forgive my small vices, however. Irish grandmas are like that.
Sláinte!Listed in: PDX Commuter Beer Stops
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Review from Rob D.
Portland, OR
3/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Here's 5 quick reasons why I adore County Cork:
1.) The best fish & chips I've had in Portland.
2.) Live family friendly music Wednesday nights.
3.) We've NEVER once felt awkward about having our kids with us. This Public House truly is just that - a family friendly establishment who welcomes everyone loud or not.
4.) Totally fantastic beers on tap.
5.) Did I mention the beers on tap? I have ALWAYS been a happy camper each and every time - and for this beer snob, that's saying a lot. -
Review from Katherine K.
Portland, OR
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is another case of me wishing there were halves on the star-rating system. I have been to the Cork many many times, being the good Irish lass I am. They pour a damn-near perfect pint of the beloved Guinness, get Pliny the Elder in fairly regularly (for ye who are not in the know, Pliny is one of the finest beers on the planet), the cutie Katie behind the bar is one of the finest 'tenders in town, and it's a nice, neighborhood pub. Notice I said pub. This isn't a bar. Consequently, there are hordes of wee little munchkins runnin' full steam around the place. It is a family establishment, so you've gotta be down with that. Avoid if you're not. In the past the food has only been so so, soooo we usually eat before stopping by for a pint or two. That's why I would give 3 1/2 stars if I could. Irish food can be very good, if done properly (there's so much more than fish and chips and shepherd's pie). But the Cork is a good place for a pint and some craic (look it up if ya don't know =). Slainte!
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Review from Misty S.
4/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love going to County Cork. There is always a table available when I go and you don't have to fall over people to get to a table. I'm always delighted to go.
I typically always get the Pliny the Elder or Blind Pig on tap. They have a nice selection but for some reason when I go I always get my usual.
The food that I've had is great. I've had the fish & chips, fish tacos, and the burgers. I have nothing bad to say about it, it is just consistantly good. I have no reservations about ordering anything off their menu because I just know deep down that it is just going to be great. I like that.
The service is also always, consistantly great. Everytime my husband and I go the same guy is there bartending and taking orders like a pro. He is awesome.
County Cork is a great place with a comfortable atmosphere. It's family friendly and I always leave happy :) -
Review from Jessica M.
Seattle, WA
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yay! I'm a fan!
Normally I hate dark, loud bars. But they have a great beer selection, plenty of seating, and three dart boards! Great place to come with a group of people. Love that the servers are laid back, no hovering to the point that you feel like you have to leave when your glass is empty!
The menu looked yummy, too bad we had just eaten. -
Review from Kiki S.
Portland, OR
9/7/2010
Normally, I hate bars... And to be honest, I hate beer, too. And the only thing I hate more than those two things is the kind of people you'd usually find AT a bar, schmoozing with each other, looking to get wasted, laid, or both. It makes me sick!
Thankfully none of those scenarios are commonplace at the County Cork. It's very family friendly - in fact, I don't think I've ever gone for happy hour and not seen at least one child there. The atmosphere is very laid back, and they definitely amp up the Irish theme, with weekly live music that's usually on the Celtic side. The staff are a diverse bunch with great service.
The food is top notch, as well. Anyone looking for your typical pub grub or English specialties (the bangers and mash gross me out, but my friend LOVES it) will find what they're looking for at a decent price.
And for non-beer drinkers like myself, they always have choice cider on hand. My favorite is Magners. -
Review from Jacob M.
Portland, OR
7/16/2011
This place has the best hamburger I've ever eaten in my entire life and that's saying a lot. I don't know what they do differently, but woof! It's all hormone free/free range beef as well. Beer/wine only, sometimes live music and I believe there is a dart board. There is back patio for the summer as well.
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Review from Tommy Jane R.
Portland, OR
7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great chips, but unfortunately this place could use some cleaning. The tables are visibly grimy. A piece of glass would be so much easier to clean on each table. Fries (chips) were great, but no wine Happy Hour specials, and the least expensive white was not good at all; tasted like it had been open for a while. Music (recorded) quite loud during happy hour.
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Review from Djambel U.
Portland, OR
8/19/2010
The food is not great and the service is shite. The place is ALWAYS full of kids, which if you know me is a real negative to me as far as bars/pubs.
The real downer is I used to live in this neighborhood and no matter how often I would visit the servers always seemed to be assholes. I got so tired of their crap that I finally started going to Daddy Mojo's down the street and let me tell you, that is an act of desperation... -
Review from Wendy C.
Portland, OR
12/18/2008 ROTD 10/10/2009
It's a public house folks, not a bar. You'll see families here early in the evenings, parties of 6+ squeezing in together at booths made for 4, kids traipsing about. But oh my, I've been to plenty of "family friendly" establishments, and none has met this goal quite as naturally as County Cork.
1. Small Child's $5 fish & chips plate fed her, me, and we still had leftovers. Ridiculous.
2. For entertaining the kiddies they have, get this: a shelf of books. And get this: the kids LOVE the shelf of books. I've seen groups of kids just sitting next to the shelf, READING QUIETLY, whilst grownups enjoy a pint. This is making me loathe the idea of the sticky, sticky plastic toy bin at most kid-centric places that just seem to make kids fight over the offerings. Books! BOOKS!
3. Experiences with the staff have been great. One hostess in particular kept track of Small Child and I on a busy night, constantly checking in and updating us as to when a table might be ready, directing us to aforementioned Shelf of Books, and swooping in with the crayons and coloring menu as soon as a table was available.
4. The food is pub food. Meaning it's mostly mediocre, and they have all the standards: fish & chips, bangers & mash; etc. Charming Boy Companion loved his first experience with Irish soda bread, and the veggie burger with homemade lentil patty is...not bad. The fish & chips made me want to never order fish & chips ever again. Greasy to the extreme.
I'm *this* close to becoming a winter regular here. It's a great place to hunker down on a snowy night for a few hours. If only they had a fireplace! -
Review from Don B.
1/13/2009
Ahh, County Cork, you say? Is that the official wine stopper of Multnomah county? Or maybe the cap on one of Mt. Tabor's reservoirs? Maybe the plug at the end of the West Side Big Pipe?
No, it's actually a pub named after a county in Ireland. So while I was driving down Freemont toward rendezvous at County Cork, I was surprised to find not a gigantic, cylindrical and slightly squishy tan cork-like mass, but instead a nice little Irish pub serving beer and standard food.
Family friendly, laid back, neighborhoody and very welcoming, County Cork is a great little spot to grab a Guinness or one of many local micros on tap. The service was on point, and the beer was cold and very inexpensive for what it was (a Rogue XS imperial stout for $3). I saw a face I recognized from the good 'ol days at the Green Dragon, and that made me smile. I didn't try the food so I can't report on that, but the beer and the service were mighty fine, the customers chill, and the wi-fi was fast and fee.
If lived in this neighborhood, I would be here often!Listed in: NE PDX
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Review from Nader A.
Portland, OR
3/13/2009
If Biddy McGraw's is the Dropkick Murphys of the PDX Irish pub scene and Kell's is The Cranberries (I guess they're Irish enough, but way too popular and rather dated now), then County Cork must be The Chieftans. I'm not challenging their Irish cred, but they lack the edge and "chip on the shoulder" type of Irish-ness of Biddy's.
Like The Chieftans, the County Cork can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Biddy's is a little more working class, and probably will have a pint or two too many, drinking until the wee hours of the morning, then get into a fight now and then. The County Cork on the other hand is just about having a good time, but knows it's probably a little more responsible to not overdo it and call it quits a little earlier (they close at 11pm Sunday-Thursday, Midnight Friday-Saturday).
Alright, enough with the lame music analogies - County Cork is a nice, family-friendly pub, with a pleasant atmosphere and decent food. Of course, since it's Irish, the beer is flowing even if they do allow the kiddos in the joint.
Not the most extensive beer selection in pdx, and some of their waitstaff could stand to learn a thing or two about some of the brews they're pouring (when they were out of the "Pliny the Elder" my buddy ordered, our server recommended "Damnation" a Strong Golden whose only similarity to Pliny is that they're both brewed by Russian River Brewing). She was a pleasant server, and even offered to sub a cup of Potato Pepper soup for the fries/salad option on my buddy's BBQ chicken sammich (special that day). Though, as with the beer recommendation, her knowledge of the menu was a little shy of where it should be - she said the "pepper" in the soup was black pepper, but it was in fact bell pepper - if there was any black pepper in there it was undetectable.
While my buddy paid the price for bad advice on what do drink (I tried the Damnation and agreed it was nigh on undrinkable), I on the other hand enjoyed my pint of Elysian's "The Wise" ESB, and thought there were at least 2 other interesting brews on tap (not counting the obligatory Guinness). And they serve their beers in nice, true imperial pint glasses (20oz vs. 16oz for an "American" pint) - though don't feel like you're getting some great bargain as their prices are a little higher than at many other places (almost $5 for most pints).
Their menu keeps it real with Bangers & Mash, Corned Beef & Cabbage, and Scotch Eggs (wait, Ireland and Scotland are different countries...) - but I had to go with the tried and true fish 'n chips. Unfortunately these not that good; batter that had soggy patches on the outside and was a little mushy inside, and even some tough, slightly scaly bits of fish. Not inedible, but definitely not high quality nor cooked with any true skill. The chips were good though!
They have a pretty cool little dart alcove where the walls are covered with bottle corks...get it, County CORK! Well, I thought it was cute...
Haven't been here in the summer so I can't speak to their patio, but I do loves me a nice pub with a pleasant patio to piss away the summer evenings with a good pint and better friends; good friends and a better pint works too!
They also have live music at the County Cork, as someone had just brought in and was beginning to set up an upright bass, but we had places to go and more beer to drink so we made our exit.
If I lived in the neighborhood, the County Cork might make it into my regular rotation of watering holes, but as it is I likely won't go out of my way to return unless I'm out having pints with some of my breeder friends. The thing is, deep down, I feel more kinship with a plucky Irish bar like Biddy's, and that cockiness that comes from boxing above their weight.Listed in: NE Portland
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Review from Tom M.
Portland, OR
1/13/2009
Like most other reviews state, they're going for the Irish pub feel. There are about 2 dozen beers on tap: the obvious--Guinness, Murphy's, Beamish--and the rest mostly local (Rogue, Lagunitas,etc.). There are a couple of dart boards. The place is also inviting for those with kids, as there are books and a chalkboard or two.
The food is what you would expect. It's bar food done about as well as any place else.
Big plus for the live music (on a Tuesday night!?): guitar, banjo, violin, mandolin, upright bass...
Friendly, helpful service, and most probably don't know, but there's actually a patio out back that is open in the warmer months.
Might earn a perfect 5-star if the lights over the booths were about 200 watts dimmer, if there was one veggie and/or vegan option on the menu, and if there wasn't a television. -
Review from Liz G.
12/24/2008
The boy likes this place more than I do. Way more, actually. But it's close to his place, so when we don't know what else to do we go here.
The service is average to slow, but friendly. I once got advice from one of the servers about buying a bike. That was cool.
They have a pretty decent beer selection. Nothing amazing, but respectable.
They have darts, which is nice, cuz I get distracted playing and forget to whine about how long my food is taking. Which brings us to the food, which is...fine. Nothing special, but it works. This is one of the few places where I usually get a salad instead of fries. Not cuz the fries suck. Honestly I can't really remember the fries, but the side salad is pretty good.
All in all a decent place. It has charm, but not that much. -
Review from Andy W.
5/22/2008
The Cork permanently resides in a special place in my heart.
For many years the Cork was my local, and, for me, it was perfect. It featured excellent burgers, fish and chips, and a killer turkey sandwich (my all-time favorite), all for very affordable prices. It boasted an impressive beer selection. The ambiance was friendly and convivial. And it employed a friendly wait staff, among whom, if my limited research on the subject was correct, was the city's only Irish-born waitress working in an Irish pub. I loved being at the Cork and often spent two or three nights a week there. Like I said, it was perfect.
Gradually, though, the living fantasy that was the Cork began to fade. Like the girl you rushed into marrying because you just thought she was perfect, only to find out that she, like everyone else, has her flaws.
First, they stopped serving Guinness (although there turned out to be a perfectly legitimate reason for that decision). Shortly thereafter, Portland's only Irish waitress moved away (to pursue an amazing opportunity back in Ireland). The menu shrank and the prices grew, and when that fabulous turkey sandwich was taken off the menu, I decided it was time to accept that the fantasy was lost and move on.
The Cork remains one of the best pub atmospheres in Portland. It's always been non-smoking, has great decor, charm, character, and ambiance (I love sitting underneath the Irish writers poster), and the food continues to be wholly adequate (even without the turkey).
It's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. And even though I have a new local now, there's still no better place to sit down with a good friend and a couple of pints, and chat about life and its quirks.Listed in: I hate waiting
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Review from Alex K.
4/30/2011
A quaint little Irish place. I like it. Good beer selection. Good atmosphere. The food is not so good though. Tasteless Irish fair. I'm also docking a point for being overly family friendly. I have no problem with family friendly and no problem with kids, but I just don't want a bunch of them around at an Irish pub. Not to regurgitate a stereotype, but maybe this place is just a real authentic Irish establishment and the irish have their kids hang out at pubs. That would explain St. patty's day
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Review from Janet L.
3/2/2010
Like many before us we came here to try Pliny the Elder. The bartender pointed to a frothy glass and said that was the last of it, and it was the bottom of the barrel so it wasn't fit to serve. He suggested another beer they have on rotation which was ok.
Then two girls come in about 5 minutes later and ask for Pliny the Elder. Amazingly the bartender went in the back and was able to find another keg which he hooked up and served to them. So I was sucking down this $5.50 beer which wasn't even what I wanted and then he magically found what I did want? I was kind of annoyed.
But, I got over it. He was nice otherwise. The onion rings were great. And I did get a pint of Pliny afterward which was quite good. I want to try Pliny the Younger now. I like the layout of this place, and I will likely return.
He said the Pliny delivery is on Tuesdays so if that's what you're after, there's a tip that might help. -
Review from Tom A.
We spent a lot more time here when we lived within stumbling distance, but even now County Cork is one of my favorite places, just because it combines so many features I hold dear:
Quality beer selection, anchored of course by Guinness, but with Beamish, Harp, and other Irish choices, as well as some of the best NW craft beers. Plus cider, if you're into that sort of thing.
Non smoking indoors, extended family hours (until 9:30), and free wi fi, making it nearly suitable as a second home. Thus it lives up to the title 'Public House'.
Friendly and mostly efficient crew at the bar and on the floor, decent if not spectacular pub food (Scotch eggs and FishnChips are standout and always check the specials board), frequently excellent free live music.
The back patio is nothing to go on about, but it's comfortable enough and you can sneak your mutt in the side gate, for you many Portlanders who simply can not leave the four-legged children home alone. -
Review from Amado L.
12/6/2008
Guinness on tap. Hello. There is no other reason in the world...
And free wi-fi while guzzling that sweet nectar is also a big plus.
The cuisine, however, is typical "bar food" with a few Irish/English selections. I give them mad props for their Scotch Egg-- I was nearly orgasmic as I bit into the crunchy sausage exterior.
Skip the Fish N' Chips-- the cod is often bland and the batter is flavorless. Instead go for their Chicken and Chips. It's finger-lickin' good!
In terms of their burger, I would suggest their Blanket (with bleu cheese) or their MOP (mushrooms, onions, and peppers).
Go early to snag one of their window booths, and ignore the bartender's affinity for the term "pard'ner." -
Review from Matt P.
Portland, OR
3/23/2010
I live about 3 blocks from here, and boy am I happy about that.
They have a dedicated Russian River IPA tap. It swaps between Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder. Those are some of the 2 best IPAs out there friends. I even got to try some Pliny the Younger at this fine establishment. Do you need to know anything else?
Good fish, chips and wings. Good happy hour items too.
There is a hidden patio out back for Spring and Summertime enjoyment. Love this place! -
Review from christine s.
Portland, OR
1/28/2009
It's a dangerous thing to live on Fremont St with this place around! It's like our own little Green Dragon in NE Portland. They have a unique and frequently rotating tap selection, great customer service and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Bring a friend or a book or a laptop and this cozy little pub will become your second home if you're not careful! This is where I first had my beloved Damnation beer from Russian River Brewery.
Definately a place to visit when touring N.E. Portland! -
Review from Donald E.
Portland, OR
1/29/2009
We were picking someone up in the neighbourhood and wanted to get a drink. County Cork it was, and was it ever a good choice.
We went lateish on a Friday night, but were afraid of potential crowds. Thankfully, there were none. They place had plenty of people, but there were plenty of seats available.
We were only looking for beer and chips (fries), so I can't comment on the real food. But I was extremely happy with what we did taste. Additionally, they serve Murphy's on tap, as well as Strongbow, two drinks I had been searching for, mostly in vein.
It was a great place for conversation, and listening to the live music playing. My only complaint is the overhead lighting needs to be dropped a few notches. Other than that it was great. I'd definitely go back, sooner if it were closer to where I lived. -
Review from Christen M.
Portland, OR
1/30/2007
County Cork is, as its name would suggest, an Irish-style pub -- but it should be understood upfront that County Cork is a far cry from the rather more crowded, more expensive and more, well, gift-shoppy vibe of Kells. While the place does frequently book Celtic-themed (as well as American folk -- there's an octogenerian fiddler who plays there about once a week, for instance) musical acts, and often the house fills up on those nights, it's also a place my friends and I can reliably go for basic, pub-style chow and less-basic beers.
Yes, you can get Guinness at County Cork, but there are plenty of other beers on tap, from elsewhere in the British Isles as well as a good selection of good U.S. microbrews. Food is, well, pub food, but it never disappoints. The beer-battered onion rings are worth trying even if, like me, you don't usually like them; the French fries (one of my gauges of pub food quality) also hit the spot. The menu includes a few Irish or British-style items (the breidie comes to mind -- it's good, though the curry is not especially spicy), but nothing that would freak out American pubgoers. But you can also get a burger (or veggie burger) and fries, as well as a number of basic-but-tasty soups, salads, quesadillas and cheese platters.
Perhaps because it's smoke-free (though there's plenty of outdoor seating), County Cork does seem to attract a large number of families with young children, and fosters a family-friendly atmosphere while still being, well, a pub. Also among the guests are folks watching the game (there are two television sets, usually on mute, usually broadcasting ESPN) and playing darts. It's just not a high-wire kind of place, nor a pretentious one -- a near-flawless execution of the "neighborhood pub" concept.
The only reason this review is four stars instead of five stars is that staff do seem a bit overwhelmed at times, especially on busy nights -- though they are always friendly and courteous. -
Review from Julie M.
Multnomah, OR
2/6/2008
Another worthy establishment launched by Jeannie Subotnik, who also began Shakers on NW Glisan, and the former County Cork on Hawthorne. (that site is now a very clean Brigeport Ale House)
Good Micros on Tap, in addition to Irish Brews, so I'm happy.
I like going at quiet times (best with a conversational friend, or a good book) to have a late lunch while the rest of the world is still slaving away in some office somewhere. Sitting outside in the sun, to visit with anyone who will sit and join you, makes it seem even more like a useless, extravagant little getaway of a thing to do.
Sometime, I WILL try the Happy Hour or visit when there is musc.
If there is an email list, please, sign me up for reminders.
You can hang out and play darts.
Visit the Bottle Shop next door.
Bus # 8 and 77 within 2 block, # 6 & 9 are nearby. All carry 2 bikes. -
Review from Wil K.
Tucson, AZ
12/16/2008
I too am fortunate enough to live within walking distance of the County Cork.
Darts, great beers on tap, cask taps and fairly friendly publicans.
What's not to like and enjoy? Early in the evening you do see quite a few families out for a bite, but that is one more touch that makes it a Public House and not just a bar. -
Review from Felicia C.
Portland, OR
10/11/2009
I really enjoy this place! Friendly people who know their beer and will let you throw things in their establishment (i.e. they have free darts).
A nice place for a smaller group. Very cozy, especially at night. Of course a place called "county cork" serves great fish and chips, and of course they have a ton of beer. Only warning would be they are pretty exclusively beer people. The wine list is as follows: red...or...white? -
Review from michael m.
Portland, OR
7/22/2008
First things first;
-Irish beer PLUS others to choose from
-Fish and chips were delicious
-Wine, while limited in selection, was good =)
-Has darts
-Live music was traditional and excellent without being overly loud
So what more can one ask for in an Irish pub? The environment is close, but something is lacking... I think the ceiling needs something added to it otherwise it left me feeling like I was still in 'just a warehouse' while the front is so kick-ass =) -
Review from DJ G.
Portland, OR
6/2/2010
Best fish tacos I can remember, and since I'm not a gold fish (today at least), that means something. The fries were a good consistency, much less squishy than a goldfish and perfectly browned.
The ambiance was great as well, especially for a rainy Tuesday in (cough) June. A live band kicked in some violin and banjo to add to the mix and people in the pub seemed to be enjoying themselves. I'd definitely go back! And next time, I won't talk about gold fish. -
Review from Debbie T.
Portland, OR
9/30/2011
I stopped in here, not knowing anything about the place. The waiter was really nice and brought me beer samples. I had a grilled cheese sandwhich that came with cooked sliced apples in it. It was a wonderful sandwhich. The sandwhich cames with a cup of soup and a salad. Most places usually give you a choice of one or the other, not both. I will go back here for sure..
-
Review from Lorri E.
Portland, OR
11/12/2009
I kinda feel like an idiot because I have lived in this neighborhood for five years and had only been here once. I went the other time, I believe, all by myself in the middle of the afternoon just to check it out as I was new to the neighborhood. It wasn't a bad experience, it just didn't stand out so I never went back because there are about a million other great restaurants and pubs left to explore in Portland.
Anyway, my husband was on the hunt for Pliny the Elder beers, and he heard from the nice deli lady at Whole Foods on the corner that they had Pliny the Elder...on tap...at County Cork! Gasp! Immediately our afternoon plans were laid.
Well, it turns out they were out of the Pliny (as one of the few places in PDX who gets some...it is like the holy grail of IPAs, I guess), they had run out. Fortunately, all was not lost as they had Blind Pig. My hubby was happy. I tried some sort of red ale, myself.
I think the food was pretty average for pub fare--nothing to write home about although the chips were tasty and yes they did have malt vinegar when I asked (fish and chips without malt vinegar is just not right).
Atmosphere? Irish pub-ey. Wood tables, concrete floor, kind of loud, nothing fancy. The bonus was that it was a cold and dreary day in Portland so we played Scrabble. They have a whole selection of games, books, dart boards...so you can while away some time and not feel pressured to eat and get out. The service was slow but super friendly and welcoming. He showed us the patio which I suspect is a nice place to visit in the summer time. I had no idea it was back there.
Cork is definitely a neighborhood hang out kind of place. Being as it is in my own neighborhood, I am just wondering why I have not hung out there more often. We'll be back for sure, especially once we find out what day the Pliny gets delivered. -
Review from Mike K.
Portland, OR
12/22/2008
I really wish this place was a 5 star because I live so close, but it's just not.
Good selection of beer, the folks who work there are friendly, and location is great.
BUT . . . I've never been impressed with the food, the happy hour deal could be a whole lot better, and it seems impossible to get a coveted booth by the window on top of which the other dining tables are so crappy it really cements the second class citizen feel.
I'm sure this place would be five stars if I had kids, deadened taste buds, and an uncanny ability to snag a window table, but I guess I'm at none of those points in my life yet. -
Review from Tom L.
Portland, OR
2/11/2007
5 star justification:
Simply put, the best fish fry I've had in town. Didn't even need a lemon wedge, so I didn't ask for one. Bonus points for having a clam chowder how I like it (flavorful and salty). A solid selection of beers to wash it all down.
If I'm blinded by the discovery of a place that makes an amazing fish fry, let me readjust the tilt-meter some: the soup could've been a spot hotter, the sports televised could've been more Eurocentric, and truth be told, we came in on a slower afternoon while a friend was working the kitchen so maybe a little extra TLC went into the prep and service, but I'd bet anyone seeking this type of pub fare will be thoroughly satisfied with a trip to this Fremont St. public house.
(added after a return visit)
4 star realization:
Still some of the best fish fryin' in town, but not as perfect as that first time. [The search continues.] Service was better, what with it being trivia night at the bar and all, but perhaps it does, like so many things in this life, depend on who you know. -
Review from Mo B.
Portland, OR
10/26/2008
How can you not like a place that combines delicious beer, with steel tip darts and babies?! It's like a crap shoot every time, and while I've yet to win a prize, I like to think of it as an occasional home on the range!
The staff is awesome, except for "that one guy." He's just plain weird. Seriously. Ask him about it sometime... you'll see. ;)
