McDaid’s Irish pub — located where Porter’s City Tavern once sat — is Hillsborough’s newest pot of gold.
McDaid’s captures the spirit of a true Irish pub. The pub’s deep red walls accented by forest green, echo the colors of the Irish flag: green, white and gold. The dining area is warm and inviting. All of the furniture, glass and woodwork were created and installed by Irish craftsmen. Both the floor and dining tables are made of heavy dark wood that adds to the authenticity of the pub. Covering the ceiling is a variance of hand-painted Celtic art including the traditional Celtic knot.
Although McDaid’s can serve you the classic pint of Guinness, it offers 10 different beers on tap as well as 15 to 20 bottled brews. McDaid’s also serves a signature 2 Gingers Irish Whiskey. McDaid’s sets itself apart from other pubs with its quality food.
A meal at McDaid’s falls within the price range of $4 to $16. Included in the menu are American classics diners look for but with an Irish twist. The McDaid’s Burger, a burger on a brioche bun with a choice of three toppings ranging from Swiss cheese to fried eggs tops the menu as well as the meatloaf sandwich. This meatloaf lays on open face brioche bread smothered in mushroom gravy.
But what would an Irish restaurant be without the Irish classics? McDaid’s offers a list of time-tested Irish dishes including bangers and mash (traditional pork sausage with mashed potatoes topped with crispy onion gravy as well as corned beef and cabbage) sliced corn beef with fingerling potatoes, brussel sprouts, baby carrots and parsley cream sauce.
Joining the classics is a traditional Irish baked dish, the Shepard’s pie with crispy mashed potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, herbs and fresh ground meat. In keeping with the feel of authenticity, this hefty serving of pie is served in a cast iron skillet that continues to keep the dish warm well after it’s served. Cooked to perfection, this perfectly seasoned and hearty meal was enough to satisfy my empty stomach. A dish that has the potential to get lost in a mess of bland meat and soggy potatoes, McDaid’s Shepard’s Pie is in a class all its own.
There are a few surprising dishes on the menu, such as chicken curry, roasted chicken breast with jasmine rice and coconut curry sauce, as well as calamari.
McDaid’s tops off its meals by offering drool-inducing desserts, such as bread pudding with raisins, drizzled with 2 Gingers Whiskey, caramel and vanilla bean ice cream as well as its seasonal crème brûlée which is currently raspberry. The crème brûlée is served in a small cup and topped with a handful of beautifully caramelized sugar dusted walnuts.
Whether you’re looking for a place to eat with friends or just to grab a drink after a long day, McDaid’s has it all. The pub offers an experience that is truly unique on Hillsborough Street — don’t pass this golden opportunity.
