Classic Irish Cuisine, Good 'Ole American Taste

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Bridgewater Patch picks a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. Here's this week's choice:

Willie McBride's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Overview: Willie McBride's opened in April, replacing the former Cryan's Ale House on Route 28, which closed down in August. Service is fairly quick, at least during the lunch hours—the restaurant is often mobbed during dinner time, with waits on the weekends extending to an hour, but the bar is always open while you wait. Food is good, restaurant gets my vote.

Décor: The restaurant endured a complete indoor overhaul before reopening, but it still has the ole' Irish feel. The bar is centered right in the middle of the restaurant, with tables in different sections, and even outside. Downstairs is a large open space, suitable for a DJ or band to perform. Multiple televisions line the walls, tuned in to various sports stations [as I have watched Yankee games in the past, and, at my most recent trip there, fans were cheering on the U.S. soccer team, just before its last win]. Plus the walls are adorned with Irish regalia and other pieces. And near the bar is a fireplace and tables for sipping a drink and chatting with friends while you wait for a table.

The Drinks: The restaurant has a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, being, stereotypically speaking, an Irish restaurant. From different kinds of martinis to every sort of beer, people seem to enjoy the selection. I admit, I haven't tried anything they have to offer because I'm not an alcohol fan, so my opinion probably wouldn't count for much anyway. Plus, the last time I went to the restaurant, it was 12:30 in the afternoon—seems a little early for drinks at that point.

Entrees: First, I want to admit that I fell in love with one dish and have gotten it almost every time I have been there—but, come on, it's good. Called a Chicken Pesto Wrap, it is a wrap with chicken, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers and pesto, all served atop a regular Caesar Salad. A few times when I have ordered it, it came in a bowl-like plate, with the salad inside and the sandwich resting on top—this past time, it was a regular plate, but still very good and tasty. And the wrap itself was not soggy from the salad, which I tend to fear.

This past time, my dining partner and I started with two appetizers, first the Ginger Chicken Potstickers, which were over sesame mustard and pickled ginger—very tasty, a little spicy, but crunchy and delicious.

Then we tried the Hummus and Flatbread, which did not come as I had expected. It was served as four large pieces of flatbread, already spread cleanly with hummus, and stacked next to a pile of roasted red peppers, olives and cucumbers. Kind of like a do-it-yourself-er and I was pleased. The hummus had a rich flavor, and the extra vegetables added that little kick.

My dining partner ordered the McBride's Pride, which is a burger topped with cheese [that he removed], lettuce, tomato and crunchy onion rings. He said it was good, though a little tall for biting into, despite the fact that they made it well done when he asked for medium. 

And aside from these dishes, they serve the regular Irish meals of Shepard's Pie and Bangars N' Mash, plus all kinds of sandwiches, salads and pizzas.

Desserts: They do not skimp on the desserts, from an original New York Cheesecake to Bailey's Irish Cheesecake and Chocolate Molten Lava with Edy's Vanilla Ice Cream. Plus, there is regular ice cream and an apple pie—anything you want to satisfy any craving.

Service: The service is fairly quick and normal for a restaurant, particularly one as busy as this. The waiters and waitresses are attentive, and food is served quickly. I was pleased by that, as well as the friendliness of those working there.

Willie McBride's Irish Pub & Restaurant
Address: 1270 Easton Turnpike, Branchburg, NJ 08876
Cost: $$