McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant – Nashville

Time for a bit of a diversion from our adventures in Scotland and Ireland…

During our DeVeaux School class reunion…class of 1961…we had a ‘free day where couples or groups could pick whatever Nashville area attractions they were interested in visiting.  That included a luncheon spot too.

So following a very enjoyable visit and tour of President Andrew Jackson’s former home, The Hermitage, we stopped for lunch.  I’d listed McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant as a likely dining option.  This restaurant certainly didn't look like every other dining spot from the outside…

The dining area was very reminiscent of a pub, with lots of wood, walls covered with pictures and bric-a-brac…providing a real ‘homey’ feeling.

This restaurant features live Irish music Wednesdays through Sundays.  There is a sports lounge on the 2^nd floor with flat screen TVs and darts too.   

The actual bar area was small but the same pub atmosphere prevailed.  The beams throughout added to the feeling…

Two of the owners are pure Irish through and through.  Sean McNamara is a descendent of a Irish immigrant who came to America in the mid-1800s.  Paula McNamara was actually born in County Down in Northern Ireland and came to America via Australia.  Demonstrating what a melting pot the USA is, their head chef, Magic Gyebi is from Ghana!

This was our little group.  From the left, Rhonda, Barbara, Bob, Tom, Margie, Don and my better half, Laurie.  We didn’t want to eat too much as all of the wandering explorers from the class were getting back together for dinner that evening in downtown Nashville.

A variety of dishes were ordered by the group.  This was the Chicken Salad Sandwich with French Fries. ($11.00)

We also ordered an appetizer to be shared.  My photo of the Caledonian Scotch Eggs…6 half eggs ($10.00)…just didn’t come out well enough to use.  Most folks liked them and the dipping sauce was very nice…but Laurie and I prefer the Scotch Eggs served at the Tilted Kilt chain of restaurants.  The others that tried this version enjoyed them.

Another choice was the Galway Grilled Salmon with Broccoli Cheese Casserole for the side dish. ($17.00) Our classmate was happy with the choice.

We really didn’t sample the Irish side of the menu very well and I’m sure that it deserves a try.  McNamara’s features such dishes as Chicken Curry ($14.00), Kerry Lamb ($23.00), Irish Bacon and Egg Butty ($10.00), Shepard’s Pie ($13.00), Irish Stew ($14.00), Steak and Guinness Pie ($13.00) and, Bangers and Mash ($14.00).

Having just returned from Ireland, I didn’t really want an entrée based on Irish cuisine.  Consequently, I ordered the French Dip Sandwich with French Fries. ($12.00) It was not good!  The meat was dry and tasteless…but the French Fries were pretty decent.  Curiously, my bill showed "French Dip, no cheese".  I didn’t see a cheese option on the menu and I wasn’t asked if I wanted cheese on the sandwich.  Too bad as it would have helped...

Laurie had the Fish and Chips with a side of coleslaw with her French Fries. ($10.00) She liked the fish and she thought that the slaw was very nice.

Our feedback for McNamara’s was mixed but the positives outweighed the negatives.  Most of the group enjoyed their lunch.  I was the big exception.  I also thought that our server was harried and not all that personable.  Service was uneven at best.  I would try dining at McNamara’s again, this time focusing on Irish fare.  This is a popular, highly rated restaurant and everyone has a bad day from time to time.

McNamara’s Pub and Restaurant is located at 2740 Old Lebanon Road in Nashville Tennessee.  Phone: 615-885-7262.  They have a website that you will find at www.mcnamarasirishpub.com.  

We’ll return to our trip in Scotland and Ireland after one more side trip in Tennessee.  Just click on any of the photos to enlarge them…

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Take Care, Big Daddy Dave