Bites Nearby: A St. Patty's Day Treat

With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, it's fitting that our focus is on local pubs and Irish fare – like that served at Claddagh Irish Pub on Haggerty Road in Livonia.

With some of the best fish and chips around and an array of Irish beers, this restaurant, located in the College Park area near Schoolcraft College is gearing up for the festivities.

Claddagh has a full menu complete with corned beef and cabbage roll “starters” for $6.99, delicious clam chowder and Guiness onion soup for $2.99 a cup. There is shepherd's pie complete with a mashed potato crust for $13.99 and fish and chips dipped in a Bass Ale batter served with creamy coleslaw and pub chips for $13.50. There are aso burgers and sandwiches and a “Paddy Mac,” hot corned beef and coleslaw on toasted marble rye with swiss cheese for $8.99.

And, yes, there is dessert! Including bread pudding with Irish whiskey cream sauce and carmel for $5.99. 

The Claddagh Irish Pub has a warm and friendly atmosphere indoors and a spacious patio for warmer days that features a giant fireplace in the middle for cool evenings and sitting outside. They strive to provide “a true Irish experience in every way,” according to its Web site.

Its bar includes a large selection of beers with my favorite – the "half and half."  It is half Harp's, from Ireland, and half Guinness, which research has shown to be good for your health (when consumed in moderation!)

Claddagh will be open at 7 a.m. on March 17, St Patrick's Day, with no cover before 3 p.m. There will also be 15 hours of live Irish music and tons of giveaways.