Galway Bay

Written by mojdeh on January 26, 2013 in I Eat America, I Eat...Out with 0 Comments

(galwaybaymd.com) – Maryland Avenue, Annapolis Maryland

How I heard of this place: On our first full day in Annapolis, we took two tours: The first, a 90-minute walk through the United States Naval Academy; the second a 2.5-hour tour by George, of Annapolis Urban Adventures, including an electric car ride over the bridge into Eastport and stories dating back to King Henry of England, George Washington & James Madison and much, much more. While on this second tour, we made our way up from the harbor towards the State House, hearing stories of our first president getting kicked out of Reynold’s Pub (for hitting on the wife of the owner), and getting drunk with James Madison on the State House dome’s porch, while listening to the towns latest gossip. Here, we happened by Galway Bay, and were advised to check it out – especially its appetizers. So, without hesitation, we were on it!

Type of cuisine: “A taste of Ireland is all about friendly surroundings and an immediate sense of feeling right at home. You can relax in our traditional Irish Pub or enjoy a family meal in our brick-walled Dining Room—either way, you’ll enjoy a fine meal and warm hospitality. So eCruise on down and visit us to fill up on Irish! Our LOCALS will tell you there is no better place to become a regular!!!”

“A taste of Irish right here in Maryland! We offer all of the Irish favorites including Corned Beef and Cabbage, Shepherds Pie and the best CRABCAKES anywhere. We also have a selection of daily specials which are original recipes created right here using fresh local produce and ingredients. Don’t miss our Sunday Jazz Brunch. We have a special menu of breakfast and lunch dishes all in our signature Galway Bay Irish style. Come enjoy good music and great food.

At Galway Bay, being green is about being Irish and living sustainably. We provide high quality food and beverage service with a sustainable, recyclable, and local emphases on all products used in the course of our business. You can find out more about our green initiative in our mission statement.

Do you have concerns about our ingredients due to food allergies or other special needs? We take your food allergies very seriously and are happy to answer any questions with regard to any possible allergens in our dishes or other concerns that you may have. We pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge of all the ingredients that are used in our menus. We have compiled a list of our dishes that aregluten-free. We also have gluten-free beers.”

Ambiance: “The Galway Bay Irish Pub is located on Maryland Avenue in downtown Annapolis in a beautifully historic building. Our pub and restaurant have a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Our staff will take care of you with the best of Irish hospitality. Whether you are a regular from around town or a visitor for the day, we are a great place to stop for a while and enjoy a beverage, a meal and a smile.”

What I ordered: Chris began with a cup of decaffeinated coffee ($2), while I enjoyed my usual: hot water with a slice of lemon.

Uncertain as to whether we should simply enjoy the appetizers or stay for dinner, we placed our order for one helping of the Wexford Potato Cakes ($8.99) – potato cakes mixed with Cashel blue cheese, Asiago, sharp cheddar, onions, peppers, breaded, shallow fried, served with ranch dressing – before perusing the rest of the menu.

Our appetites were certainly opening up as we couldn’t help but order the Fish and Chips ($13.99) – filets of Alaskan pollock, dipped in a house-made beer batter, deep fried to a golden brown, served with Irish Chips and tartare sauce;

and the Irish Smoked Salmon Mac ‘n Cheese ($15.99) – a homemade, creamy macaroni and cheese casserole topped with imported Irish smoked salmon and seasoned bread crumbs, baked and served with a side of Caesar salad.

The idea of Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes ($3.99), also impossible to resist, made their way into our order.

What I loved: The tartare sauce was amazing, rich and full of fresh, crispy, diced onion. It was the perfect pairing with the lightly battered fish. My second favorite part of our meal: Caesar salad. It’s nearly impossible to go wrong with it, and Galway Bay does it right!