Now that the weather is cooler it’s time to cozy up by the fire and sink into some comfort food. And there’s no better place than the new Irish pub on Center Street. With a touch of upscale, this public house is modeled after the traditional Irish and British pubs, where merchants would open their homes to sell their goods and offer a warm place for travelers to meet, drink, and eat.
This pub is definitely worth traveling to. “We felt this was the perfect kind of place to introduce to Darien,” says owner Tom Lynch. “A place that wasn’t too fancy or pretentious, with good food where people could spend time with friends and family, and even watch sports.”
The menu features traditional (and traditional with a twist) Irish, English, and American fare. Perhaps pair the Pint Bites—a flight of four 5oz. samplings of your beers of choice—with the Potato, Cheese, and Bacon Bake, a play on nachos where potato chips are smothered with grilled onion, bacon, Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses, sour cream and salsa on the side.
Whether it’s morning, noon, or night it’s always time for an Irish breakfast; dig into two eggs any style, Irish rashers (bacon), bangers (sausage), black and white pudding, sautéed mushrooms, baked beans, grilled tomato, and toast. Plus don’t forget the pint of Guinness!
Speaking of Guinness, the Guinness beef stew is not to be missed, as well as the shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. For something really unique, try a Boxty wrap. A boxty is an Irish potato pancake. Chef David Johnson has taken it to a whole new level by treating it like a wrap and filling it with either blackened chicken or fish. Now that’s a taco you’ve never tasted!
Center Street Public House hasn’t forgotten about you sports fans—whether you favor rugby, soccer, or American football, the games will be on, even early in the morning. During football season, the patio–fitted with a large screen TV and heaters–turns into a tailgate. For $10 you have your choice of beer, wine, or Bloody Mary along with a hamburger, hot dog, or sausage hot off the grill.
A reminder of its Connecticut roots, the pub features the work of local artists and beers from nearby breweries, changing it up now and then so you’ll always find something new every time you stop by.
Center Street Public House
22 Center Street, Darien; 203-309-5522
Hours:
Sun. – Tues. 11a.m. – 11p.m.
Wed. – Sat. 11a.m. – midnight