Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
It’s that “magically delicious” time of year again. A time when pseudo Irishmen turn the color of shamrocks from drinking too much green beer and the aroma of cooking cabbage permeates the air. We are referring, of course, to St. Paddy’s Day. The Dining Duo celebrated early at the McNally’s Traditional Irish Pub in St. Charles.
After a couple of drive-bys, we parked about a half a block away and entered the pub through the front entrance on Main Street. We were immediately welcomed by a beer drinking gentleman at the bar who waved for us to come in and have a seat. Since it is a smaller establishment, we quickly grabbed one of the few remaining tables.
McNally’s Traditional Irish Pub
109 W. Main Street
St. Charles 60174
(630)513-6300
www.mcnallysirishpub.com
Directions: Take 47 South to North Avenue (Rte. 64) East, 1/2 block East of Rte. 31.
Travel Time: 33 minutes
The waitress brought over our menus, and I suggested the sausage rolls for a starter. It was Irish sausage baked in a crispy, flaky pastry, drizzled with a Guinness mustard sauce ($8). Nancy looked at me and said, “You’re on your own Jim, I’m having the Half and Half ($6).” In case you don’t know, this is a pint of half Guinness and half Harp beer. This is her favorite beer combination since traveling to Ireland.
While waiting for our appetizer, our eyes were roaming around the room taking in the exposed stone and brick walls and the old wooden accents. We both remarked that this place reminded us of the bar in the Cheer’s TV show in both looks and atmosphere. I wonder if that was Norm at the bar?
Nancy had a taste for salad tonight, so to appease her, we split a chopped salad ($8), which had bacon, cheese, croutons, hardboiled egg, green olives, and artichoke hearts, with a vinaigrette dressing. The green olives were unusual but a welcome addition. Since artichoke’s aren’t really high on our salad wish list of ingredients, and I didn’t want my sweetie to choke, I said “86 them.”
For dinner, Jim had the Beef Boxty ($14), which was beef brisket, grilled mushrooms and onions, and provolone served in a potato crepe and topped with a brown Guinness gravy. This dish came with a side of zucchini and squash. This was a unique dish that Jim just had to try, and it turned out to be delicious. The Irish are so creative with potatoes.
Nancy ordered the classic Corned Beef and Cabbage ($13), which came with carrots, boiled red potatoes, and a herb cream sauce. She asked them to keep the sauce on the side, and she was glad she did. It was good, but she likes the traditional meal. As she puts it, “change is evil.”
To sum it up, Erin go Bragh! This was a loud, fun filled, friendly Irish pub with good food and wonderful beer. They actually know how to build a half and half correctly.
The total amount for our Emerald Isle celebration was $55.52, Slainte!
FYI: Not handicap accessible.
What not to do tip: Since men never ask for directions, tell your husband just to go to the parking deck in the rear. Don’t let him do what my moron husband did to me, making me walk a half block in the bitter cold.
Jim’s take: These were two new dishes for me to try, and I enjoyed them both. I make crepes for Sunday brunch, and I don’t know how they made them so thin using potatoes. It must be the luck of the Irish!
Nancy’s take: I really enjoyed drinking my appetizer, creamy Guinness on top and light Harp beer on the bottom! Oh yeah, the food was good, too. Jim’s dinner was a winner (except for the fungi).
Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com.
