The Irish House is a pub that serves food, drinks, and entertainment in a traditional Irish setting
The Irish House operates as a full-service pub and restaurant, meaning you can order both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks alongside food from their menu. The space is designed to reflect Irish pub culture — you'll typically find wood finishes, dim lighting, and often live music or sports on television. Unlike a bar that serves only drinks, The Irish House functions as a place where you can sit down for a meal, stay for a few hours, or stop in briefly for a single drink.
The pub model means there's no formal seating reservation system at most locations, though some do take reservations for larger groups or during peak hours. You walk in, find a seat at the bar or at a table, and a server comes to take your order. The atmosphere is designed to be casual and social — people often strike up conversations with strangers at the bar, and the space encourages lingering rather than quick turnover.
Key Takeaways
- The Irish House serves food and drinks in a casual pub setting where you can order from a menu and stay as long as you like.
- Most locations do not require reservations, but calling ahead during busy times (weekends, evenings, holidays) can help you avoid a wait.
- The menu typically includes traditional Irish dishes, burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers alongside a full bar with beer, whiskey, and cocktails.
- Live music, sports broadcasts, and events are common features, so checking their schedule ahead of time can help you plan your visit.
What to order and how the menu is organized
The Irish House menu is usually divided into sections: appetizers, entrees, sandwiches, and sometimes a separate section for traditional Irish fare. Appetizers might include items like Irish nachos, wings, or fried cheese curds. Entrees typically feature burgers, fish and chips, shepherd's pie, or corned beef and cabbage — dishes that fit the Irish pub theme. Sandwiches are often available as a lighter option and may include items like a Reuben or pulled pork.
Prices vary by location and what you order, but pub food is generally moderate — you can expect to spend $12 to $20 on an entree and $8 to $15 on a sandwich. Appetizers usually run $8 to $12. Drinks follow standard bar pricing: beer by the pint or bottle, cocktails in the $6 to $10 range, and non-alcoholic drinks like soda or coffee available as well.
The bar itself is a major part of the experience. The Irish House typically stocks a selection of Irish beers (Guinness, Smithwick's, Beamish), Irish whiskeys, and standard spirits for mixed drinks. If you're unsure what to order, bartenders can recommend drinks or explain what's on tap that day.
How to find out about hours, location, and current events
The Irish House operates at multiple locations, and hours vary by location. Most open in the late morning or early afternoon and stay open into the evening or late night. The best way to find current hours, address, and phone number is to search online for "The Irish House" plus your city name, or visit their website or social media pages if they maintain them.
Many Irish pubs post their event schedule online — live music nights, trivia contests, sports broadcasts, or holiday celebrations. Checking ahead tells you whether there's something happening on the day you want to visit. During major sporting events (especially soccer or rugby matches), pubs often draw larger crowds and may have a wait for seating.
If you're planning to bring a group of 8 or more people, calling ahead is a good idea. Some locations can hold a table or section for you, while others operate strictly first-come, first-served. A quick phone call takes 30 seconds and can save you from arriving to a two-hour wait.
What the atmosphere is typically like on different days
Weekday afternoons are usually quieter — you might find a handful of regulars at the bar, sports on the television, and plenty of open seating. This is a good time to visit if you want a relaxed meal or conversation without noise or crowds. Weekday evenings pick up as people leave work, and the bar fills with a mix of after-work drinkers and people eating dinner.
Weekends are busier, especially Friday and Saturday nights. Live music or DJ entertainment often runs on weekends, which draws a younger crowd and creates a louder, more energetic environment. If you prefer a quieter experience, weekend mornings or early afternoons are your best bet. Sunday afternoons often feature sports broadcasts, particularly during football season, and can draw large groups watching the game together.
Holiday periods — St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve, Christmas — bring significantly larger crowds and may require arriving early or waiting for a table. Some locations host special events or themed menus on these days.
Parking, payment methods, and what to bring
Parking depends on the location. Some Irish House locations are in downtown areas with street parking or nearby lots; others are in shopping centers with dedicated parking. Check the address online or call ahead if you're unsure about parking availability at a specific location.
Payment methods at most pubs include cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Many locations now accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Tipping is customary at the bar (15 to 20 percent) and at tables (18 to 20 percent), though it's not mandatory. You can tip in cash or add it to your card payment.
You don't need to bring anything — the pub provides menus, napkins, and utensils. If you're planning to stay for a while or want to work on a laptop, some locations are more accommodating than others; calling ahead to ask is reasonable if that matters to you.
What happens if you have dietary restrictions or allergies
Tell your server about any food allergies or dietary restrictions when you order. Most pubs can accommodate common requests like gluten-free options, vegetarian meals, or dairy-free preparations, though the range of options may be smaller than at a full-service restaurant. Some locations have a separate gluten-free menu or can modify dishes to fit your needs.
If you have a severe allergy, ask to speak with a manager or kitchen staff directly. They can tell you exactly what's in a dish and whether cross-contamination is a risk in their kitchen. This conversation takes a few extra minutes but is worth it for your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make a reservation to go to The Irish House?
Most locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can walk in without a reservation. However, if you're bringing a large group (8 or more people) or visiting during a busy time like a weekend evening or holiday, calling ahead to ask about availability is a good idea. Some locations can hold a table for you; others cannot.
What's the dress code?
The Irish House is casual. Jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are perfectly fine. There's no formal dress code at most locations. If you're visiting on a special event night or holiday, you might see people dressed up, but it's not required.
Can I watch sports at The Irish House?
Yes. Most locations have televisions throughout the pub and show major sporting events, particularly soccer, rugby, American football, and basketball. During big games, the pub may be crowded and louder than usual. You can call ahead to confirm they're showing a specific game if it matters to you.
Is there a kids' menu or are children welcome?
Most Irish pubs welcome families during daytime and early evening hours. Many have a kids' menu with simpler options like chicken fingers, mac and cheese, or grilled cheese. Later in the evening, especially on weekends, the atmosphere becomes more adult-oriented. Calling ahead to ask about their policy on children at the time you want to visit is reasonable.
What if I want to order food to go instead of eating there?
Many locations offer takeout. You can call ahead to place an order, or walk in and order at the bar. Takeout typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy they are. Ask about their takeout containers and whether they package hot and cold items separately to keep everything at the right temperature.