A great disappointment. The food was bland and looked as if it was pre-packaged. The service was even worse! As a bartender and server myself for seven years I understand the difference between an overly busy server and a lazy server who just doesn't care. In the two hours we were here the bartender spoke to us once, we had to get his attention multiple times and had to grab our own menus. Â I would rather eat McDonalds at least I know there is a little flavor there and I am told by the employees to have a good day!
Review Source:I will be another to confirm that the fish and chips are good here. The fish is flaky and fried well.
I would say the Monte Cristo here is okay. I'm partial to the Bennigan's plain white bread version and Claddagh's was made with bread that strongly resembled the yellow Krusteaz brand frozen French Toast.
I want to try some of their Irish fare but the reviews pretty much tell you to steer clear of everything except the fish and chips. It's a good reason that they're overhauling their menu.
Service is friendly and attentive.
Staff was very friendly and responsive. Â That's the good news.
I ordered a Dublin Chicken. Â I liked the description, and was happy to know it had spinach. It showed up deep fried and tasted like the fattiest part of the bird. And if there were any less spinach it would be nonexistant. Â The meat almost looked like it was pre-formed and shaped frozen chicken breasts.
So I ask for the menu. I check the description and sure enough, no mention of deep fried. Â Would be nice if they warn those customers with an aversion to greasy food.
Next item I ordered was the Shepherds Pie. Â They made it pretty quick. I stirred it around and let out the steam. The meat looked...odd. It wasn't what I imagined to be "ground beef." I took a bite, and it had to be the cheapest meat they could find from a vendor, because it had a lot of liquid (perhaps from other ingredients?), and was, again, greasy. Â And yet they mark it up to over $10. Beef, potatoes, vegetables. Â Mix, cook, serve. Â How in the world does someone screw that up?
I'll be going to Keegan's Irish Pub in Minneapolis for all my "Irish bar food" cravings.
Last night, a group of 14 friends had dinner at Claddagh Irish Pub.
While I have been here many times, it was the first time for most of the group. What I like about Claddagh is how it brings me back to Ireland. You can't go wrong with the fish and chips, and I love the lamb stew. They have a new beef stew that I ordered, and it was very much worth the price. Huge chucks of beef and good flavors. My first bite was salty, but the rest was fine. Top it off with a Guinness (or two!) and it was a perfect meal.
The website said there was live music on Thursdays, but somewhere around 8:00 PM, they had live music. Typically our group doesn't like live/loud music because we want to talk, but the music added to the atmosphere, it really was an enhancement instead of a hindrance.
With a group our size, it's tough on the server(s). But Michelle soared when it came to customer service! She has restored my faith (and last few restaurant visits) that customer service is not dead, and you can be an efficient and friendly server. Michelle joked around with us, got our orders (and bills) correct, and was so pleasant. Â It was a fun night!
Was here a couple nights before St. Patricks day and thought it was going to be packed with revelers. Â While the place was busy the hostess was able to seat us within 15 minutes of arriving with no reservation. Â The inside is a little dark and probably what you would expect for a 'pub' style establishment. Â They have tables everywhere and the seating can be somewhat close, especially with the servers and staff walking through.
The menu is what we would consider typical bar type food. Â We thought we'd order something Irish from the menu, but apparently in Ireland they only eat Fish & Chips, Irish Breakfast, Bangor's & Mash (which I'm not sure is technically Irish), and the old standby Shepard's Pie. They had a nice selection of beer and wine which was nice. Â I ordered a Boddington's Pub Ale - yum.
The food came quickly and was delicious. Â The Fish & Chips consisted of a large piece of cod, with a light breading and a few large type steak fries. Â We also tried the Shepard's Pie which seemed to be made with a corned beef hash instead of beef. Â That was a surprise.
Our server Cody suggested the bread pudding, while yummy, was a little on the dry side.
I'm not sure if I'd go back. Â Any bar can decorate their place in an Irish style, play Irish music, and have staff that speak with an accent. Â I think we were a little disappointed and wanted something more on the ethic side as far as entree selection. Â
Perhaps my review is way off base and I should have ordered the Chicken Curry that apparently the Irish are famous for. Â :)
Dinner for three on 3/7. Â We go for the fish and chips. Â Manager was also our server. Â Fish did not disappoint- a huge portion and nice hot chips for $13.99. Â It used to cost less, but still feels like good value. Â Other party ordered two side dishes- mac and cheese and a loaded potato. Â Both were topped with food service cheese sauce instead of real cheese. Â Poor flavor. Â Server graciously comped the side dishes so I tipped him generously. Â Some guy with a drill was tightening up the legs on all the chairs during the dinner hour! Â The intermittant drilling sounded a bit jarring. Â Overall impression: Â Not as busy as the old days, nice menu- a bit pricey, cost cutting behind the scenes? Â Bottom line: Â Competition is fierce in Maple Grove- Â Claddagh needs to do better.
Review Source:Overall I feel this place is all concept and no authenticity. The decor, the food, the music... it felt "big box."
We got some appetizers: the deep fried pickles--just greasy and salty. The spinach and artichoke dip was so greasy--there was a layer of just oil sitting on top. The cabbage and corned beef eggrolls were OK but just weird.
I ordered the Galway Salad which is supposed to be mixed greens, sundried tomatoes, goat cheese and candied walnuts. This is what I got: lettuce (not mixed greens), tomatoes (not sundried), cranberries (wha?!) and some sort of ham bits (wha?! I'm avoiding meat). The only thing that was actually correct was the goat cheese and candied walnuts. The salad had no cohesiveness. Just totally random... and not what was on the menu.
Oh, and there was live music but they didn't turn off the regular speaker music, so it was chaotic sounding.
The service was fine.
I don't plan to return.
My experience was damn near identical to Bronson's. I got the lunch fish and chips, the best part was the chips. They serve the soup with a slice of a very good Irish soda bread. Clam chowder was very thick and just average. It looks more promising on the outside than the experience once you step inside. At least they play Irish music in the background.
Review Source:People, people (and by that I mean my sister who likes this place), what are you thinking and how is this place still in business? Â First, there's the resident odor. Â Second, there's the decor - and yes, I have been to Scotland and England and "get" it, but can't you make it cleaner and more pleasant for those of us Americans who don't get drunk enough to not care (my sister has never been drunk that I know of, so I am not referencing her)? Â I like to find the good in things so here goes: Â they are true to the Irish Pub they are styled after, it's a unique cultural experience and a good place for large groups.
Review Source:We decided that we wanted some Irish fare on St Patrick's Day and thought that Claddagh would be a great place to hit (it was the only local Irish pub).
We arrived around the noon hour and the place was pretty packed. Â Granted it was St Patrick's Day, so you would assume that it'd be busy. Â We wanted to eat outside since the weather was unseasonably warm, but it was closed off with a beer tent. Â No matter, because we were able to get a seat in the main dining area where they had soccer (or football in the pub) to watch on the big screen.
The one thing I didn't like about there setup on St Patty Day is they crammed a bunch of extra tables and chairs into the main dining area. Â This made getting in/out of your seat impossible without disturbing the person behind/next to you.
We ordered Fish & Chips and Corn beef & Cabbage. Â The food service was pretty fast, given how busy it was.
The corn beef & cabbage was somewhat of a disappointment. Â You got about a quarter (maybe a third) head of cabbage, about half a carrot and a small scope of mashed potatoes; at the end of the day, the dish wasn't all that memorable. Â The corn beef portion was about 6 - 8oz and it appeared to have been sitting out for a while. Â For $13.99, the quality and portion wasn't there and I should have ordered something else. Â
The fish & chips was definitely a lot better. Â The portion and quality is what I would've expected for $13.99. Â The fish portion was an entire fillet that had a smooth and crispy battery; the fish was also flaky and had a great flavor to it. Â It was served with potato wedges, a side of coleslaw (appears to be homemade) and tarter sauce. Â
The service table service was average, but they can definitely improve on that (even though it was St Patrick's Day, a patron shouldn't have to ask for water).
Overall, an OK experience. Â This place wouldn't be my first choice for a meal, but I'd likely hit it for a late night beer and bar snack.
As I was looking through previous reviews I am not sure if we are reviewing the same restaurant since my experience was fantastic! Â Sarah the hostess was extremely nice, very accommodating and seated us immediately though the restaurant was becoming quickly packed. Â
I dined with two girlfriends and not only was our food quick to arrive but very delicious. Â The waitress allowed the girls to try any beer before ordering and helped them decide what they would like best. Â
I will definitely be going back for seconds, thirds....
Claddagh serves up decent pub grub but nothing that's particularly special or that would make it a regular dining spot in my book. Â Our server for the night was friendly but wasn't around much, which was a bit odd since the restaurant wasn't overly busy. Â My chicken sandwich was pretty bland and forgettable...so much so I had trouble remembering what I had ordered while writing this review. Â The only thing that really sticks out in my mind about this place would have to be the fact that they have Magic Hat #9 on tap...which is always a plus in my book.
Review Source:So, my boyfriend and I decided to have our Valentines days dinner here. I have to say, we were both disapointed.The resturant was not full, about half the tables were full. Â Our reservation was for 7:30 and it took us 2 hours to have dinner. Now i say have cause we could have have eaten dinner in an hour. It took way to long to get our drinks. When we did get served, the food was amazing! The entrees were wonderful. But thats were it stops. Our dessert was a mango sorbet which was yummy. But my boyfriend got the tres leche mousse cake. The cake was dry and a little gritty and so was the mousse. Once it melted in your mouth it was fine. But was not made very well. Not going to stop me from going back, they have great food. But not my number one spot to go.
Review Source:The best thing this place has going for it, and probably the only reason folks initially try it, is it's located very close to restaurants that are always busy, and there's usually a wait. Â That should tell you about all you need to know. Avoid this place.
Went there after work for a happy hour (intended to go to 3 squares, but it was packed). Told the host I was there to meet someone for drinks, he said "ok" and sat me at a table. No biggie I thought. Waiter came to take my drink order, I got a Guiness, then noticed the table rider said "Happy hour at the bar only". I asked if I could be reseated, or if the special really only applied to the bar. He said "Bar only".
The person I was meeting arrived at this point, so I told her we were going to go sit at the bar. Â We grabbed a hightop right by the bar. She ordered her cider, then the manager came over and said "The happy hour only applies to seats AT THE BAR". Yes, the bar that is 3 feet away from our table. Then she gave us the caveat "Unless of course the bartender agrees to serve you over here"
He did (I give him props for that) but just in time to inform us happy hour specials don't apply to Guiness or Strongbow. Were we not at an "Irish" pub????? Â Happy hour "special" on 18 seats only, and only on Miller LIte type drinks? No way. Not again. Not ever. Â Ended up costing $13 including tip (server was actually ok and could tell we were pissed). Do yourself a favor, if 3 squares is busy and so's Sawatdee, either wait or go home. Pretend you are 4 y ears old and listen to your mom DON'T CROSS THE STREET.
I will start off by saying I have never written a review before nor felt compelled to write a letter to the business itself regarding the exceptionally poor service. I joined Yelp for this purpose. Unfortunately when I went to the Claddagh website the link to "contact us" only opened a blank page.
When we got to the restaurant my friend put our names on the list to be seated. He asked if it was possible to request a booth. The hostess snapped back with a very snide "With only 6 booths it's impossible for me to tell you how long it will take for that". While that may be true I feel a softer delivery would have been more effective.
To spare numerous details regarding interactions that occurred with the same manner as the above here is a list of why the service in this place sucked...
1. Took 15 mins for the server to take our drink orders
2. Took another 15 mins to get drink orders
3. When we asked for water, the server rolled her eyes and said "Fine".
4. Time we were sat to the time our dinner order was taken = 40 mins
5. My wife asked for butter, server responded with rolled eyes and attitude
6. Server was overwhelmed and running behind all night
a. waters empty
b. few check-ins
c. frustrations when we asked for things
d. long wait
7. Server came back several times right after having a cigarette, reeking of smoke
8. Paid with coupon, sever initially told us we couldn't use it, but then said "Fine you can use it, I just don't care tonight."
The place was not busy and there was no reason for the attitude and poor service. I've been here before and enjoyed it but after this experience I will not be returning.
It positively breaks my heart that this place isn't what it used to be - in service, food, atmosphere, etc.
My group (7) went here last Saturday to celebrate a birthday. I was already on the fence about this place because of the last 2 times I've visited, and this visit solidified the downward spiral. The food has gone so far downhill, and the emptiness of the restaurant at 7:30-7:45 pm made me realize everyone else has noticed also.
Our server visits were so few and far between that most of us had empty glasses before we were ever asked if we wanted anything else. We ordered appetizers and were sitting there with dirty/empty plates for over 10 minutes before we were ever asked if we had decided on our entrees. Everything just took sooooo looooong. It would have been understandable if the place were busy or more full, but that clearly wasn't the case.
This visit, I asked for the salmon entree, which includes rice pilaf and a seasonal vegetable. I asked if I could sub coleslaw for the rice, and when my plate came I got just coleslaw - no veggies, and my salmon was overcooked. So that was a disappointment. My sister ordered the Fish and Chips (my former favorite) and she picked off nearly all the breading after saying it was too greasy. Only 2 of the 3 salads got their advertised bread on the plates as well. Speaking of plates, we asked for some for the birthday cake we brought to share, and two of the plates were clearly unwashed.
The bottom line is, I used to love this place for being different and having such a great energy - but something here has gone terribly wrong. I think it's still worth checking out for drinks or a happy hour, but it's definitely not on my dinner list anymore.
When one of the restaurants in the area was too full we thought we would walk over and try out this place. Â I never noticed this place until we were looking at what was around. Â When we walked up we were impressed. Â We stopped in for happy hour and an early app/dinner. Â
Their happy hour was alright, maybe a dollar or so off tap and rails... nothing that stood out to make me go back for happy hour. Â Plus the food took a while to come back to us after ordered. Â It had a pretty decent selection for dinner/food... but nothing that stood out. Â
When looking at the wait, happy hour deals, and the meals, I dont know if it would be a go to for me... give me a better happy hour and make it worth my trip. Â
I do give them props though they had a
OK, this place is still good, gets packed with a lot of nice scenery on the weekends, has a great atmosphere and the service is pretty good. The food though, while still OK is not what it used to be. The fish is still good but not great like it once was. They completely changed their corned beef and cabbage and it's not close to as good as the old recipe (actually it's terrible). I won't be coming here to eat anymore but it's still a good place to come and have drinks. The patio out back is great and it has a fire pit which always makes a patio more enjoyable. 2 stars for food, but I'll go 3 overall because you can still have a good time here, just don't eat!
Review Source:I've been here quite a bit previously for happy hour or lunch with co-workers, so my food review is based on those experiences (6 months ago), as I didn't get any food last night.
So, the food to me is not spectacular...actually, I can't even call it good overall. It seems to have some issues with consistently making good food. Sometimes, what I order (usually some sort of sandwhich) turns out ok, and others, I've got to choke it down.
The service last night was great, as we were bellied up to the bar in an empty restaurant save for part of a soccer team seated at a table. The service during busier times (lunch or happy hour) seems a bit slow, but the servers are always friendly.
We stopped by for a beer, as my friend has never been to Claddagh before, and thought it looked cool. Late night happy hour was going on (after 9 p.m.), and they had $4 pints, $4 taps, and $3 rails, which is enough to make me happy. On tap, they have Finnegan's, Harps, Surly Furious, Stella, and a few more.
There was one snafu of the evening. The server gave me my water, filled with ice, and I noticed the glass was warm. Oh well, I've gotten warm glasses before, mildly annoying, but not detrimental to the drinkability of my water.....except....as I was drinking the water, an ice cube moved down, touched the warm glass, which caused the bottom to break off of the glass, and the water to come pouring out onto my leg and the floor. It was seriously just the bottom with a little piece of the side on the floor, and I was left holding the remainder of the glass, with the straw still in my mouth. Quite an interesting experience I'd have to say.
This place is great. Met my brother and sister in law here for lunch-I'd been before, but it had been a long time, and my brother loves this place... I heard the beer was great-my husband had Smithwicks, and they had Surly's. I had water-tummy babies don't like beer...
Anyway, the food was great-I had a Monte Crisco sandwich-my husband had the Jamison burger-all fresh and hot, and the fries (chips) were very good.
Had a coupon for a free mini-dessert-which wasn't mini at all. The four of us all shared the Bailey's cheesecake-which was a perfect ending.
Overall, solid pub food-great service-no complaints.
We chose Claddagh for dinner thi weekend because of a recent Living Social deal. Â We started out with some reasonbly-priced beers. Â I had a 20 oz Smithwick's, and he had a 16 oz black & tan. Â The 20 oz looked no larger than the 16 oz, but that could have been perception.
We both had complaints about our meal. Â He had ordered ribs, which were very tasty. Â However, the menu gave the option of a full or half rack, and he was irritated that the waitress assumed he wanted the full rack rather than asking. Â I ordered the chicken curry with fries, which was an even bigger mistake. Â I don't know what I was served, but it did not resemble any chicken curry I've ever had before. Â It was thick , brown, and slightly gelatinous. Â I'm not jumping to any conclusions here, but it tasted an awful lot like watered down beef gravy with curry spices mixed in. Â Definitely not something I'd ever expect to be served in a restaurant. Â
I asked for a replacement dish immediately, and the waitress was very accomodating. Â However, it did take a fair amount of time before my replacement (the meatloaf melt) came out, and it was slightly awkward with one of us eating and one of us waiting. Â The meatloaf melt was just okay. Â I used to eat at Claddah occasionally when I lived in Madison, and used to really enjoy the meatloaf melt there. Â However, the menu has since changed considerably, and this was far inferior sandwich. Â Does anyone really like onion straws?
I'm giving the place three stars because the space was nice, the service was perfectly acceptable, and the beer was good. Â The food was pretty hit-or miss, which is unfortunate, because this used to be far more reliable. Â Definitley not worth the trip to Maple Grove, especially with the Cara Pubs (and their significantly better chicken curry) so much closer.
For a few years, I frequented this place with groups ranging from just a couple to over 15 people. This was our local hangout and gathering place.
I've watched an evolution of their menu over years and have found them moving from Irish staples to more American pub food influenced .
We always had excellent service and the staff got to know us by name. I haven't been back in a couple of years due to relocation.
I can only give three stars because of the constant menu changes. It definitely devolved over time.
The spinach and artichoke dip was the best I've had at any chain restaurant or any restaurant period. Also, it always came with tons of bread and had a very rich and creamy flavor.
The shepherd's pie was some of the best I'd ever had, but it's evolutions weren't worth the price over time.
The chicken spinach melt was by the far the best of all of the sandwiches that I'd ever had there. I think I got this about 50% of the time that I visited here and over the 3 years I visited this place, the price has not changed all that much either.
The decoration and atmosphere was great with all the little nooks and crannys that they have as seating areas and the outdoor fire pit and access to free parking add to the nostalgia. The live music was always fantastic and the best part of the whole experience.
Back when they opened, they were pretty awesome. Â Good food, good menu, good beer, good service. Â My wife loved their stuffed chicken breast. Â I loved the shamrock on my guinness.
After a long time we finally returned to try them again. Â The menu is now a laminated sheet. Â The Guinness was tiny, and lacked a shamrock. Â The food was amazingly bland. Â I can't say it was bad. Â It was just dull, boring and lifeless. Â I miss the old Claddagh, and wish they'd back up a bit.
I wish I had read the reviews, then I wouldn't have wasted a Friday night dinner here.
Sat at the bar with my friend, where usually you get better service. Not so here.
Ordered the Hummus appetizer - I have no idea what they served us, but it was NOT hummus. Tasted like lemon goo...
Got the fish/chips - fish was decent, but if I was a big eater I would have been disappointed on the portion size. Was served with pathetic coleslaw - had to request a lemon.
Pro to the joint - Strongbow on tap, however that is not enough to get me back into this place. I am surprised this place is still open with the service being sub-par and the weak food.
I don't understand all of the negative reviews here on Yelp for this place. Â I've only been here once but I was seated promptly and the service was very good. Â I spent $9 on one of the better Monte Cristo's I've ever had and it came with a side of mac & cheese. Â Can you beat that? Â They have a decent beer selection and a sort of cozy atmosphere.
Review Source:There was no host to greet and seat us, after standing a couple of minutes we went over to the bar and got the chatting bartenders attention to seat us. We were in a little side area that was private and much appreciated. Once we were seated the server was very attentive and took care of us. He returned to our table frequently to be sure everything was good.
I ordered fish and chips and did not read the menu so I have no one to blame but myself for ending up with season fried when I do not like them. The fish presented well as a nice large piece of fish but the taste was nothing special. Â
If I am looking for a place to sit down in eat in the area with my family I think I will try somewhere else. Â Perhaps someone who wishes to sit down and have a few drinks at a pub will have a different opinion.
I've returned to Claddagh a few times since my original review, and it has steadily declined. Â Tonight, we sat outside and had great weather. Â The service was mediocre and slow. Â The calamari appetizer was WAY overcooked and left an odd aftertaste. Â My fish sandwich and my wife's Monte Cristo were ok, but not great. Â The pasta salad was mushy and unedable. Â My son's child portion fish and chips was the one bright spot; it was larger than my fish sandwich, but cost $3 less and came with a glass of milk!
Review Source:While we loved the fish and chips on a visit a couple months ago, we were disappointed with the service and food for Mother's Day brunch. Â The hostess was completely incompetent and, despite my husband making reservations, she couldn't find it. Â She asked him to wait, seated a long line of people, some who did not have reservations, and after 5 minutes when he asked for our table she said, "oh, who are you?" Â Luckily what I believe was a manager stepped in and got us a table, although I was never given the flower that all other mothers received. Â The buffet was ok but not worth $20 a person.
Review Source:When this place first opened, I went their quite a bit. it was good, then the service tood a downspin. Â On my last visit I sat at a mostly empty bar and watched the bartender flirt with the attractive women on both sides of me, totally ignoring the fact that I was still waiting for service. After 15 minutes, I got up and left.
Review Source:One of the first things that I do when I move to a new town or get a new job, is find a local pub. There is something about an Irish Pub atmosphere that I'm drawn to. When I moved up to Rogers, I scouted out the area. The ONLY Pub for miles around was Claddagh. So I stopped in after work the other day and to my delight, this place had what I was looking for. It has a great authentic feel to it, a nice change of scenery from the other chain restaurants that infest Maple Grove.
I obviously was looking for a Perfect Pint of Guinness, but found much more on the menu. I stopped during their Power Hour, $1 bottles, $1.50 Martinis... Cant beat that right? Anyways I grabbed a Corned Beef and Slaw sandwich which was Awesome, my server also suggested that I come back and try the Fish and Chips, she said they were the Best in town and after reading other reviews I know I'll have to go back...
I have been going here for years with mixed reviews. They have always had good fish and chips as a pub should. They have a nice layout and out in the burbs it's hard to find a nice little Irish pub to settle down for a black and tan.
My bitch today is about the lame excuse of a bartender I had and the portion of fish and chips. I stopped in for lunch, ordered a black and tan and a 1/2 order of fish and chips. In the past the full order of fish is two large fillets and is way to much for one person, especially for lunch. Don't' get me wrong I can pack away the food when needed but I don't need fish for 4 on a hot summer/fall day. Now the bartender said nothing about not having 1/2 orders anymore and I did only get one piece of fish but it was $14.00 for 1 piece and about 10 fries. Burn my britches, I could have had 3 beers, been just as full and a hell of a lot happier. Â Although the bartender stood with her back to me the entire time and every time I needed something it was like I was drawing her away from some gripping article she was reading in some lame magazine.
I will come back for a beer and I know there are a couple of bartenders that do a very good job but I know I won't be back for the fish and chips and I know when I see a certain someone I'll sit at a table.
KT
The only reason I am not giving the place 5 stars, is because I have not eaten here. Â Yet. Â I stopped in on a weekend evening for a drink, and was highly impressed by the charm of the place. Â I immediately felt at home and comfortable there. Â The bartender was great, the ambience was great, the food smelled terrific. They had a great little Irish band playing that was quite good as well. Â I plan to go back soon and to try out the food. Hopefully at that point, I can change it to 5 stars.
Review Source:I loved the Fish and Chips here... mmm good. Two big breaded fish and a plate full of fries. It was reasonably priced @ about 14 dollars. It's a great atmosphere with an great English Pub feel. They have a variety of Beers and a full bar. I love the old world pub feel inside, plus the bathrooms were clean...yay, I would definately stop by next time I am in the cities.
Review Source: