Shanachie - it was good, why so maligned

[Kater]

So we stopped in over the weekend for dinner and it was quite good. No, it's not outstanding but we had very enjoyable meal. The brown bread reminded me so much of my grandmothers, I teared up a little. We had the boxty to start (super crispy potato pancakes with toppings du jour - tomato, bacon, scallion and cheese in this instance) and the fish and chips and seafood caesar for dinner.

Service was efficient, the beer was great and the food was really very good. Now the fish and chips are just OK, they are not the greatest but they were reasonably good and it is hard to find fish and chips around here - the remoulade was terrific. And my salad was beautifully made.

I don't know why hounds are so down on this spot - it's casual, comfortable, with good food and really nice beer and music.

[Enjoy Good Food]

If YOU like Shanachie (or any other restaurant) then it should matter less what others think about the place, as few people agree on things particularly when it comes to food. I consider Irish pubs to be best at beer. Irish food is -- no offense meant -- fundamentally peasant food similar to Mexican. It's not fancy (although it can be tasty) and if you are looking for something more upscale, you should look for a George Perrier restaurant and be prepared to spend 3-4 times as much money. People on this board base their reviews on comparisons and Shanachie is below average compared to all good restaurants I've visited in the area. Fans of Shanancie should not be offended by that, any more than I was offended when folks bashed Scoogi's when I claimed that it was capable of producing a very good meal. Fortunately, there are enough restaurants in the Philadelphia suburbs to please every appetite. Cling to your favorites and don't be disappointed when others cling to theirs.

[Den]

I rank Shanachie like Brittinghams. If you want to hear Irish music, eat ok pub food and pay a little more for your pint, then it's the place for you. It's not going to win any culinary awards but that's not why it exists.

[AmblerGirl]

I think its purely expectations. If you are looking for amazing high end food or the absolute "best" of anything, then the Shanachie is not the place for you. Its not a "destination" spot. But if you live in the burbs and are looking for a fun bar with a great atmosphere, live music and good (not great but good) food, then you are set. It really is just a great local bar for those of us in the burbs, where everyone is friendly, the owners will stop by and say hello, its always a nice time. Like Mitch said, for me if i just want a beer and a sandwich and maybe listen to some music, I would not trek it all the way in the city. I feel pretty lucky we have a great option here in the burbs.

[Bigley9]

Haven't seen you on the board in a bit Ambler Girl - should we all be saying congratulations?

[AmblerGirl]

Yes, thank you! I had my beautiful baby girl last Thursday!

[TwoBellies]

Gratz!

[Bigley9]

Congratulations!

[jujuthomas]

that's wonderful! can't wait to hear about your adventures with your little chow-pup! ;-)

[bucksguy14]

We look forward to going to Shanachie for their stew on a cold winter day! gardens4me is right - if you're looking for gourmet, this isn't the place. On the other hand, if you're looking for decent food, at a decent price, this is the place. And the beer choices are usually pretty good also.

[Schpsychman]

Had their Shepherd's pie once and thought it was not that good.. And an Irish restaurant that can't do fish and chips? Say what? I'll stick to the Irish pubs in the city (Black Horse, Black Sheep) which are worlds better and go to Shanachie for the music and the beer.

[mitchh]

I'm not sure what you mean by "can't do fish and chips". It's on their menu and I've had them there (admittedly it was a year ago).

But, just to clarify, if you are looking to have lunch on a weekend, you are going to take a couple hours out of your day to drive to CC instead of going around the corner to Ambler? Seems a little extreme for a quick lunch.

[jujuthomas]

Didn't their original chef leave and the "new" guy was not as good? Who do they have in the kitchen now? I've heard better things lately about them... haven't been in a while b/c it doesn't fit in my weight watchers plan very well... but loved their colcannon! :)

[gardens4me]

I think it may be because people don't realize that Irish food is a basically bland cuisine; that said, I love their shepherd's pie. Stick with the Irish stuff and you will do okay here.