Pub Grub for St. Patrick’s Day

March 12, 2022

St. Patrick likeness hangs on the wall at O’ Connell’s Tavern on Shaw.

Eatin’ of the Green

In addition to the Dogtown and Downtown parades, pub crawlin’ is a big part of any St. Patrick’s Day celebration in St. Louis.

There are many authentic watering holes to choose from. I’ve been to a half dozen, or so, of the local pubs–naturally, none during the pandemic years. (Though I’m surprised someone didn’t promote Guinness as a COVID cure.)

Noteworthy Pub Grub

This is not an exhaustive list, so I am hoping Patty celebrants will update us on some of their favorite Irish pubs.

But first, a few photos from the Victorian landmark and one of the most revered Irish pubs in the world: The Crown Saloon in Belfast.

The Pub that Wears the Crown

The Crown is part pub and part “art museum.” The lavish Victorian designed saloon features polished brass fixtures, a red stone bar top, and cozy snugs.

The iconic saloon is world famous for its interior craftmanship and pints of Guinness.

The 1820’s pub features padded seats, etched glass, carved mahogany booths (snugs), gas lamps, decorated floor and ceilings, and wall-mounted match strikers.

Irish Pubs in St. Louis

In no particular order, here are some places where you can find pub fare closer to home. If you’re up for a pub crawl in memory of the venerable saint, here’s a few places to consider:

O’Connell’s Pub

O’Connell’s Pub, has been family-owned for more than 50 years. When the pub moved from Gaslight Square in the seventies, along came the original wooden bar, chandeliers, chairs, booths, and kitchen equipment. The original owner held to the motto: “Any one who behaves in a civilized manner is welcome in my establishment.”

Homemade soup is available to go with this amazing burger at O’Connell’s Pub.

John D. McGurks Pub and Garden

McGurk’s in Soulard, opened in 1978, comes with music each evening. Along with local and national recognition, the gastropub was labeled by Esquire Magazine as one of the best, most authentic Irish pubs in America. The 15,000-foot garden includes a fountain, waterfall, and outdoor bars.

McGurk’s at 1200 Russell Blvd. Open for lunch.

Seamus McDaniel’s

Seamus McDaniel’s, an authentic dark wood pub, is located in Dogtown. If you’re lookin’ for a bite or a pint, indoors or on the heated patio, this place is for you. Menu includes wings, toasted ravioli, salads, chili, mac & cheese, and an assortment of burgers and sandwiches. Kids’ menu. Dog friendly.

Pat Connolly Tavern

Opened in in the 40s by County Galway immigrant, Patrick Connolly. Pat’s Place, as it’s often called, lays claim to being the oldest Irish pub in St. Louis. The homey Dogtown gastropub with the “Cheers”-like atmosphere is a gathering spot for Paddy parade goers each year.

Look for fish and chips, corn beef & Swiss, house meatballs, toasted ravioli, soup of the day, mac & cheese, fried chicken, salads, burgers and more. Brunch on Sat. and Sun. Spacious outdoor seating.

Maggie O’Brien’s Restaurant & Irish Pub

Maggie O’Brien’s is just a stone’s throw from the train station.

Located downtown (2000 Market) and also in Sunset Hills, these pubs cater to sports fans with an array of television screens.

The Big Mag is a 2-pound challenge burger best shared with someone. Look for authentic Irish dishes, too, such as corn beef hash, corn beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, and shepherds’ pie. On weekends you can tipple to live Irish music as well.

Sláinte!

(The Irish word for cheers and good health is pronounced: SLAHN-cha)

Hamburger: At Home or at a Burger Joint?

July 14, 2020

I made this luscious sandwich with a bit of ground beef I had left over.

Wimpy, the Hamburger Connoisseur

Wimpy, the burger-loving character in the old Popeye cartoons, left us with this memorable line, “I’ll gladly give you a nickel Tuesday for a hamburger today.” Well, prices have gone up since those nickel-burger days that Wimpy so enjoyed. When I was a kid tasty burgers had soared to a dime. The many Little Taverns in the Washington DC area offered a smashed burger with pickles, onions, and condiments, much like White Castle today. Three bites and they were gone.

Enjoying a burger at Carl’s Drive In last winter

Tastes Change

Admittedly, I’ve become a bit persnickety when it comes to my hamburgers. I live just several blocks from 5-Star Burger in Clayton. When in need of comfort food quickly, I can soothe both body and soul with their heavenly mushroom burger. (Though I usually cut it in half. It’s quite messy that way, but I get to enjoy the remaining half later.)

The hefty sandwich comes smothered with caramelized onions. A side of sweet potato fries will add even more comfort and decadence.

The Homemade Burger

I made an especially tasty burger recently at home. Russ had brought me some ground beef from DiGregorio’s Market on The Hill. It’s amazingly delicious! (Some day I intend to ask their butcher what he does to get the hamburger meat so flavorful. On second thought, it might be best not to know, since I suspect it comes from upping the fat content.)

Russ also got me a few jars of Mancini’s Roasted Red Peppers that I love adding to sandwiches and salads.

All the Makings

I had to include this photo showing my wonderful tomato slicing knife with the slightly serrated edge.

Russ had also supplied me with some vine-ripe, slicing tomatoes from Soulard Market. And I had a loaf of sourdough bread from Companion Bakery on hand. From the depths of my refrigerator, I came up with Bibb lettuce, hamburger pickles, and the necessary condiments. I was ready to turn out a hamburger, that Wimpy would be proud to go in debt for.

“Slap Ya Mama”

As the beef patty began to sizzle in the skillet, I gave it a jolt of a seasoning called “Slap Ya Mama.” The funky name comes from the old Southern expression used when food is so delicious, it would cause you to do something as outrageous as slapping your mother. This quick picker-upper for meat or vegetables has a mere 4 ingredients—salt, pepper, red pepper, and garlic.

Some Assembly Required

By the time I had all the parts assembled, the sandwich was almost too much to get my hands around, much less my mouth. But I soldiered on. One bite and I knew this was a blog-worthy burger, though I made one adjustment. I removed the dill hamburger pickles, when I found the saltiness overpowering.