(201) Family February/March 2017 | Page 41

DINING

COMPILED BY AMELIA DUGGANAND JOYCE VENEZIA SUSS

erin go bragh AUTHENTIC IRISH FARE FROM THE OLD SOD Bergen County has several authentic Irish pubs – the kind of neighborhood establishments where everyone knows your name. Most offer lunch, dinner and late-night menus with Irish specialties as well as American cuisine. Some of these pubs look like they were picked up in Ireland and dropped down in Bergen County, with red or green exteriors, black-paned windows and lots of dark wood inside. Indeed, many are owned and operated by natives of Ireland, complete with brogue.

BERGENFIELD
TOMMY FOX’ S PUBLIC HOUSE 32 WASHINGTON AVE., 201-384-0900 Winner of many“ Best in Bergen” awards from( 201) Magazine readers, this traditional Irish pub has fine food and spirits served in the dining room, including Irish specialties such as bangers and mash, fish and chips and shepherd’ s pie. A host of loyal regulars keep coming back for live bands, Gaelic sports on television, darts, bingo and trivia nights, and DJ nights.
GRASSHOPPER TOO WAYNE
CARLSTADT
MAGGIE’ S BAR & RESTAURANT 442 HACKENSACK ST., 201-804-7738 Allthe classic pub grub and brew along with a traditional Irish food menu. Maggie’ s also has karaoke, 10 satellite TVs showing major sporting events, and astate-of-the-art jukebox with more than 100,000 songs in awarm, cozy setting. The establishment also hosts Association of Bergen County Dartists competitions.
EASTRUTHERFORD
BLARNEY STATION AUTHENTIC IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT 258 PARKAVE., 201-531-0001 Agood Irish pub with adining area. The bar is loud and friendly, apopular place to watch sports on several high-definition, large-screen TVs and chat with local regulars. Irish specialties includes shepherd’ s pie, bangers and mash, fish and chips, as well as the“ full Irish” breakfast, consisting of two eggs, toast, beans, black and white pudding, Irish sausage and bacon and a grilled tomato.
ENGLEWOOD
BIDDY O’ MALLEY’ S 36 N. VAN BRUNT ST.,( 201) 608-5545 The popular Irish bistro of Northvale recently opened asecond in location to Englewood, bringing along its tried-and-true menu of traditional Irish fare.
HACKENSACK
HARLEY’ S IRISH PUB 366 RIVER ST., 201-342-4747 An easy-going vibe makes this spot afavorite hang-out since 1977. It’ s the kind of neighborhood place that hosts Irish soda bread contests and clothing drives, where you can play darts, play poker on Sundays, listen to jukebox music, and enjoy pub food at agood price.
LAZY LANIGAN’ S 604 MAIN ST., 201-342-6677 Afavorite among locals looking for affordable food and drink in awarm, cozy atmosphere, with an outdoor deck for smokers. Celtic fare includes shepherd’ s pie and fish and chips.
POITIN STILL 774 MAIN ST., 201-847-0660 Popular among locals who enjoy music and dancing, with lots of room, a substantial bar and afireplace for warmth on chilly evenings. The menu includes afull range of pub food and Irish dishes such as bangers and mash, fish and chips, shepherd’ s pie and a mixed grill of Irish bacon, sausage, white and black pudding, lamb chop, calves liver and a grilled tomato.
MONTVALE
DAVEY’ S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT 5PARK ST., 201-391-9356 Established in 1974, the family-friendly, local favorite offers afull menu that also includes Irish fare such as fish and chips, shepherd’ s pie, bangers and mash, sausage and chips and Galway-style mussels. Also a great place to watch sports and play darts.
THE PORTER HOUSE STEAKHOUSE AND CIGAR BAR 125 KINDERKAMACK ROAD, 201-307-6300 The restaurant is atrue American steakhouse in an elegant setting, but the Irish bar is complete with barrels, agiant“ still” looming overhead, real Irish antiques and 24 beers on tap. The cigar room known as the Montecristo Lounge features large leather chairs in an intimate, darkwood atmosphere. Many rooms have working fireplaces. Irish specialties include fish and chips, shepherd’ s pie and Guinness beef stew.
CHRIS MARKSBURY
40 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2017 |( 201) FAMILY
201magazine. com