Claddagh, Columbus, Ohio
The Claddagh Irish Pub is nestled in the heart of the historic Brewery District of Columbus, Ohio. Claddagh Irish Pubs were established in 2001, by a former teacher and franchise founder from Galway, Ireland. Wanting to share his Irish heritage with America, he set out to bring the friendly “public house” atmosphere to this side of the pond. Boasting 15 locations in the mid-west, this one is the go-to place for the Columbus soccer crowds. The staff has always willing to serve, even going as far as to open long before normal hours for the fans to catch the English game broadcasts. They strive to bring friendly and fun service to the patrons.
Angie, Tonia, Lauren (our server) and PJ
I have been visiting this location since October of 2007. I was drawn back by their version of Guinness beef stew. Since then, I have discovered that their appetizers are very good, with an interesting twist, like onion rings that are cut an inch wide, and corned beef and cabbage done egg roll style with cheese. Their desserts are truly outstanding. Featuring dishes like their dense and delicious bread pudding with Irish whiskey cream sauce, caramel and whipped cream, and the Galway Hooker (named after a ship) which is a piece of moist chocolate cake covered in chocolate sauce and chocolate chips, a dish of creme brulee with whipped cream on the side. Having said that, their entrees are really nothing special. It’s meant to be traditional Irish food, but is nothing to write home about. For me, this is very disappointing, as I fell in love with their beef stew. When I first had this dish, it was a delicious stew of beef, carrots and parsnips in a Guinness sauce, served over sweet cream smashed potatoes. Since then, they have changed it twice over. A couple of years ago, it was served as beef, potatoes and carrots in a bread bowl, lacking the original flavor. This time around, it was served in a bowl, still lacking the original flavor that drew me in.
Tonia, Angie and PJ
All in all, we had great appetizers, desserts and fun. The service provided was outstanding. Our server, Lauren, with stood our eccentricities well, and proved prompt service, always with a smile. She was willing to do whatever was needed to make us happy, even if it did involve crawling under the table to prop it up with bar coasters. lol. This type of service is no exception, as I have always had outstanding service at this location. Even when it involved some under cooked chicken, which the manager was more than willing to do anything to fix. We did arrive a little early in the evening, so the place was not very full. Since only half of the group was in costume, we didn’t get too much of a reaction. It was almost disappointing. 
Even though they were not very full when we were there, you would hard pressed to find a seat, at the bar or otherwise, during the televised soccer matches, and especially on St. Patrick’s Day. During these events, it’s usually standing room only, leaving you to do an Irish jig trying to get close enough to the bar to order a drink. lol.
Shadowbox Live – Coming August 2011
After leaving the pub, we decided to go for a walk through the Brewery District. It just wouldn’t be Dinner in a Costume if we didn’t. Along the way, we ran across a friend to part of our group, who happened to be on his way into the future home of Shadowbox Live, a live cabaret show. He offered us a tour of the new space, which is currently under construction. It was fun to see how large their new space will be, compared to where they are currently located. I can’t wait to go to a show in the new space.
For more information on the Claddagh Irish Pubs, or Shadowbox Live, please visit their websites linked above.
