Claddagh Cottage

2421 Curry Ford Rd.

Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 895-1555
View Website Here

The Claddagh Cottage is a cozy, neighborhood pub that has been around for over 20 years, known for its proper pints of Guinness, delicious home-style food, and authentic Irish atmosphere. 

I never managed to make it to the original location, that was bulldozed not too long ago to make room for a Walgreens, It was always on my list of places to visit. Owners Scott & Vicki purchased the pub in 2016 and re opened at this location in 2018 after they were forced to relocate, and I am very happy that I did not wait too long this time, because this is truly a unique and special establishment in Orlando.

Scott & Vicki have endeavored to recreate every detail of the pub in which they met, and this new location is a fabulous update of the original location. They were able to keep some of the wood and incorporate it back into the new location in parts of the main bar, wood posts and they even kept the original front door for the new door to the kitchen.

Claddagh is a term that originated in the Galway fishing village of Claddagh (KLAD-uh) in the 17th century, the Claddagh ring is an Irish tradition worn to symbolize love, loyalty, and friendship. Today the symbol is found on everything from jewelry to monuments with the heart representing love, the crown meaning loyalty, and the hands symbolizing friendship. The ring's motif is, "let love and friendship reign," which is the motto for Claddagh Cottage.

The menu here isn’t very big, and that’s a great thing, as it keeps with the small pub vibe. Cottage Pies are the thing here which come in a few varieties like the basic Cottage Pie with​ a savory combination of lean minced beef, carrots, peas, and onions cooked in a traditional brown gravy topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. They have a Steak & Mushroom Pie, Steak & Ale Pie, Chicken, Leek & Mushroom pie among others also.

Appetizers are very simple and classic with Scotch Eggs, Chips and Chutney, Sausage Rolls, and a few soups to choose from. They have three different sandwiches and a variety of side dishes to choose from and that is the menu in its entirety.

Claddagh Cottage does offer many other beers and wine as well, but a Guiness is a must for a place that prides itself on Proper Pours and Imperial Pints.

We really enjoyed the Chips & Chutney appetizer with a chutney made of sweet onions, tomatoes and spices. If they would make the chips from scratch, this could be an elite pub appetizer, It was still very good, but house made chips would have made it better.

The Classic Scotch Egg never disappoints with hard boiled eggs wrapped in house made Irish style seasoned sausage and baked in a crispy breading, this is a highly recommended way to start your evening at the Cottage.

The original Cottage Pie is made with a savory combination of lean minced beef, carrots, peas and onions and cooked in a traditional brown gravy and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes that are lightly browned. The flavors are so wonderful in this dish, and it even has a bit of spice. Very hearty and delightful.

The Dubliner at Claddagh Cottage is a hefty sandwich with slow roasted beef, caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese served on French bread with mayo that is pretty damn delicious. Other sandwiches offered include a BLT and a simple Grilled Cheese.

The Bar here, and the entire feel of this restaurant and pub is about as authentic as gets in Orlando. I honestly felt after spending a few hours here and downing some food and pints, that I was about to walk outside to somewhere in Ireland. All the wood tables and chairs, the bar, the music, and even the restrooms here are very well done to keep an authentic Irish pub feeling.

Vicki and Scott met at the original Claddagh location playing music together at the traditional Irish music session, which they have now hosted for over fifteen years. Scott & Vicki have run the bi-weekly traditional Irish music session at the Claddagh since 2001. The EOWS (Every other Wednesday Session) is the same as you would find in any pub in Ireland, drawing both amateur and professional musicians from Orlando and beyond.

Claddagh Cottage is The perfect place to raise a pint with friends.

They are open Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 12 midnight, and the kitchen goes from 4pm-10pm. On Friday they are open from 4pm to 2am, with the kitchen closing at 10pm, and Saturday from 5pm to 2am with the kitchen closing at 10pm.
Claddagh Cottage is closed on Sunday.

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McFadden's

8291 International Drive

Orlando FL. 32819

407-930-2550

View Website Here

Ever since the Orlando Eye announced plans to open on International Drive, businesses and restaurants alike were in a hurry to open up shop and get in on such a great attraction that was sure to draw customers and plenty of tourists. Over the past year during the construction of the eye, and since its opening, there have been quite a few restaurants to open, and I can tell you with certainty, a few more are still in the process of being built.

I have had the pleasure of dining at almost all of those restaurants that are filling up the I-Drive complex that hosts the Orlando Eye, but Mcfadden's took me a little longer to get around to, so with haste, my sister and I made an appointment a few weeks ago to check out one of the newest tenants to the attraction.

McFadden’s is a franchise of sorts with 15 locations throughout the U.S. The original location was founded by an Irishman himself... Steve McFadden. That restaurant was established in New York City in 1977 and was called McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon, after the owners namesake. it is rumored that over 35 years later you can still find Steve enjoying a pint at the historic mahogany bar at the NY mainstay on the corner of 42nd and 2nd street.

McFadden’s has maintained its traditional Irish essence while establishing itself as a respected restaurant, after work meet up destination, and the ultimate party bar at night. When the lights go down the party turns up. With an attractive and fun staff, customers are always guaranteed to have a good time. Through special events, theme nights, drink specials and live DJs there is something to celebrate every night at McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon.

McFadden's Orlando features two outdoor patios, HD TVs for the ultimate sports viewing experience, and a delectable food menu featuring authentic Irish fare and American comfort food like gourmet burgers and signature appetizers and a mouth watering drink menu that features famous Fishbowl drinks.

The menu here is pretty big and has plenty of Irish favorites like Shepherd's pie, Fish & Chips and Corned Beef & Cabbage to name a few. The rest of the menu is laced with distinctive American style bar food creations that feature such oddities like Chicken & Bacon Pancakes, Loaded Tater Tots and Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Of course Guinness beer and a host of other beers are on tap at the bar as well as a slew of crazy cocktails like the “Leprechaun's Revenge”

Although it’s certainly not an authentic Irish creation, I could not refuse the Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings. Pretty simple beer battered rings, wrapped in bacon and served with a spicy ketchup for dipping, and yes they were pretty tasty because Bacon.

One of the many cocktails I sampled was the Mcfadden’s Mai Tai with Don Q and Myers Dark Rum, Grenadine, Orange Juice and Pineapple Juice. Of course we had quite a few Pickle Back shots as well. 

For something more authentic, my sister ordered the Shepherd's Pie made with ground beef, vegetables, mashed potatoes and a red wine reduction. This was actually quite tasty, and spot on flavor wise.

Once again, I saw something strange on the menu that I had never eaten before, so I had to order the Chicken and Bacon Pancakes. This is two gigantic pancakes stuffed with fried chicken, bacon, smothered with sausage gravy and topped with maple syrup. It actually worked well together, but proved to be a bit more than I could eat in one sitting. 

Although my heart was set on the bread pudding, my sister insisted on the Chocolate Lava Cake. This was a warm and gooey on the inside chocolate cake drizzled with chocolate sauce and served with ice cream. It was a good ending to a fun night.

The service was fast and attentive and we enjoyed all of our food and drinks. We arrived around 8:00 pm and found that as it got later in the evening, more people were arriving to get their party on. By the time we left, half of the restaurant was in full club mode full of young and old alike all enjoying themselves.

McFadden’s is open from 4 pm until 2 am everyday with various happy hour specials throughout the week and a $0.15 cent wing night on Wednesdays. You can stay updated on all of the happenings at McFadden’s Orlando by going to https://www.facebook.com/McFaddensOrlando

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Meg O' Malley's Irish Pub

812 East New Haven Avenue

Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 952-5510

View Website Here

Since I have a lot of extended family living on the space coast, I find myself in Brevard county at least twice a month. We often get together for family functions and to eat and socialize. Every so often we will go out to eat, but its mostly chain restaurants because the dining scene in Brevard county is underwhelming. There are a few noteworthy spots dotted along the coast line though, and that's why I was excited to try Meg O' Malley's Irish Pub for a recent birthday dinner.

Meg O' Malley's is located in one of the more scenic and happening spots in Brevard county, in the more trendy downtown Melbourne. You could say that Meg O'Malley's is a typical Irish pub, but it is worthy of much more. On most nights they have Irish music playing and bar patrons participating in sing a longs. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and the food is pretty good too. 

In addition to some great Irish beers and cocktails, the menu is full of great Irish pub fare. Starers include items like lamb sliders, corned beef sliders, potato balls and a cheese & ale crock. Mains range from traditional pub sandwiches like the Kilkenny and a Dubliner chicken sandwich to a variety of burgers. Of course there is your standard fish and chips, bangers & mash, and corned beef and cabbage as well as roasted lamb shank and pot roast.

Our first starter was the Potato Balls. Made of mashed potatoes, chopped corned beef, scallions and Farmhouse cheddar rolled up, breaded and fried. Really tasty, especially with a pint of Guinness.

The Cheese & Ale Crock is a must have starter. It's a mixture of Irish ale, Farmhouse cheddar, and Dubliner cheeses served with an assortment of breads for dipping (Irish soda bread, brown bread, and garlic toast)

The Kilkenny sandwich is an Irish Reuben with sliced corned beef, Swiss, cabbage, and 1000 Island dressing on grilled rye bread. This sandwich was good, and loaded with meat too.

The Shepherds Pie
has ground beef in a rich broth with root vegetables and sweet peas, topped with colcannon and served with buttered cabbage and brown bread. For $2.00 extra, you can have it topped with macaroni and cheese.

It's hard to find good Fish & Chips. It seems simple enough, but I've had my fair share of bad fish & chips. I was excited to find that Meg O' Malley's fish & chips were rather exceptional.

I enjoyed the Corned Beef and Cabbage with corned beef brisket served with buttered cabbage, sweet carrots, whole grain mustard, brown bread, and choice of colcannon or boiled red bliss potatoes.

For our birthday celebration, we received a free order of MOM's Bread Pudding made from an old Irish recipe topped with whipped cream and a warm drunken raisin sauce. 

Meg O' Malley's provided exceptional service for our party of five, and everyone really enjoyed the food and atmosphere. They draw a pretty good crowd most nights of the week, but if you plan on going there on the weekends, be prepared to wait. As you might imagine, Meg's has one of the best St. Patrick's day celebrations on the east coast. Festivities usually last all week long with a street party on the weekend.

Meg O' Malley's is open from 10:30 am until the wee hours of the night as they like to say. Sundays they open at 11:00 am and feature an a la carte brunch special.

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