Culhane’s Irish Pub Review

When looking for places to eat when we travel, our first resource is Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. There are several in the Jacksonville, Florida area. One of our favorite DDD discoveries is 13 Gypsies. Unfortunately, our recent trip was on the days they are closed. However, we found a seafood spot in Atlantic Beach that looked promising.

When we arrived at the waterfront location, we realized that they were closed, most likely because it was the day after Christmas. Disappointed, we decided to go to Culhane’s Irish Pub, another DDD location nearby.

We chose to sit in the dining area where they had live music. As soon as we sat down, a woman approached our table, offering cake and ice cream from a birthday party in the room. When our server arrived, Chris ordered a beer, and I asked for a cocktail menu. I don’t have a specific drink that I usually order. I always like to see what specialty cocktails restaurants offer and taste new drinks that sound delicious. As the temperature outside dropped, I was chilly, so I ordered Culhane’s Coffee. The coffee with Slane Irish Whiskey and brown sugar was warm and delicious.

We ordered Karen’s Scotch Egg as an appetizer. The boiled egg, wrapped in Irish sausage and panko-breaded, was lovely. I enjoyed the mashed potatoes, demi gravy, and hot mustard that came with the egg. I’ve only had the dish on one other occasion and was not impressed with it. This was a much better version, although Chris was disappointed that the egg was hard all the way through. He is hunting for a Scotch Egg with a runny yolk center.

We were unpleasantly surprised when our entrees arrived before we had even had the chance to start eating our appetizer. Chris ordered the smaller version of Bangers N’ Mash, Irish sausage over mashed potatoes with caramelized onions and demi gravy. Unfortunately, the links were overcooked.

I had Chad’s Shrimp & Grits, blackened shrimp, charred cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, parmesan cheese, garlic, and vodka cream sauce, over cheddar grits with scallions. While it wasn’t the best shrimp & grits I have tasted, it was good. I enjoyed the contrasting flavors of the vodka sauce with the shrimp and tomatoes.

Chris was still hungry after the smaller portion of Bangers N’ Mash, so we ordered Lynda’s Reuben Rolls. The wontons, filled with corned beef, Swiss, and sauerkraut, were tasty but nothing special.

While we ate, we enjoyed the music, and the place grew lively with a traditional Irish parade. It was a little disconcerting when strangers approached our table to talk to us, but apparently, that is normal in an Irish pub.

The cost for a shot, a beer, a cocktail, two appetizers, and two entrees was $73.10.