Claddagh's Irish Pub

One of our favorite discoveries in the Cincinnati area is actually across the river in Kentucky: Newport on the Levee.  Alex and I found it accidentally when he first moved here while we were searching for a movie theater.  Turns out the closest movie theater was across state lines.  The levee has so much more to offer than just an AMC though: shopping, restaurants, an aquarium, street performers, a comedy club, and beautiful river views.  On this trip, we decided to take my mom and aunt to one of our favorite spots: Claddagh's Irish Pub.

One of my favorite things about Claddagh's is the atmosphere inside and out.  If you luck out and get a nice day, nothing beats the river view from their patio.  But if the weather turns on you, the inside is just as welcoming with roaring fires, cozy seating nooks, and a true Irish pub atmosphere (I know, I've been there).

Sadly, while I remembered to bring my camera, I forgot to take pictures of our meals.  Doh!  I'll do my best to recall them...  Alex went with an old standby - fish and chips.  Served hot and crispy with vinegar and ketchup, it is a meal he always enjoys.  My mom and aunt also went with Irish standbys, ordering the Shepherd's Pie.  The beef filling was accompanied by carrots and peas and topped with a golden crust.  It looked fantastic and big enough for two meals.  I ordered off the summer specials menu, choosing Seafood Pie.  This dish included salmon, mussels, and some other kind of fish covered in a creamy sauce.  As a rule, I avoid cream sauces, but this one was worth the indulgence.

By the way, although Alex and I discovered this restaurant 'in Cincinnati' and will always consider it a Cincinnati favorite, they have several locations, including two in Michigan!  So Michigan friends, check them out in Lansing or Livonia.