The Irish Rover

Located on Frankfort Avenue in the Crescent Hill neighborhood of Louisville Kentucky, you'll find the Irish Rover. Housed in a 150-year-old building, which began life as a saloon, the business once included a grocery and dry goods store much like the old-time Irish pubs.

With the walls in the bar area covered Irish Ale and Whiskey signage, walking into the Irish Rover is like taking a step back in time. You almost expect your sever to greet you with a brogue worthy of the old country.

After ordering a round or two of Irish beers--because come on, this is an Irish pub--you start your meal with a basket of the finest Irish soda bread. You can order a bowl of mussels steamed in Guinness for a starter if you like or a plate of bubble and squeak. And if that doesn't set your Irish soul in song, then try a Scotch egg or some Irish smoked salmon. Or, as in my case, go straight to your entrée.

 

I had a difficult time deciding between the bangers and mash or the fish and chips. I solved the dilemma by having my husband order the bangers and mash and--reluctantly--agreeing to share my fish and chips in exchange for half of his entrée.

Although the bangers and mash are top notch and highly enjoyable, the fish and chips are clearly the star. I quickly regretted my decision to share plates. Any pub that has malt vinegar on the tables with the salt and pepper can pretty much assure you that they're the real deal. The crispy brown batter gives way to snowy white, Icelandic cod that literally melts in your mouth. even now I'm feeling slightly orgasmic as I think about it.

 

About all I can fault them for is that they only give you one piece of fish. Yeah, it's that good.

So the next time you're in Louisville and lonesome for the old country, stop by the Irish Rover.

The Irish Rover

2319 Frankfort Ave.
Louisville, KY 40206

http://www.theirishroverky.com/