Harrigan's Pub

NO DESSERT; GIVE ME THE CHECK......Thank you...goodby.

Inasmuch as I wanted to give Harrigan's Pub 3 or 4 stars, in the end, I could not. After a great day at the beach in Belmar, we headed out for dinner. Hungry, with visions of either Spikes in Pt. Pleasant, or, Klein's in Belmar, we opted to give Harrigan's Pub a try instead, as we're always open for new dining experiences.

The exterior of Harrigan's seemed appealing as well as the aroma of broiled steak as we exited the car. Anticipations for a great dinner soon ended after we were seated and our drinks and food were served.

Regulars filled the bar area and a somewhat "old money" crowd began being seated in the dining areas. Our drink orders were filled quickly. Interestingly, they tasted a bit "off" which was odd considering the importance the bar plays at Harrigan's. Bread and butter were then brought to our table which brings me to this next segment of the review. I'm a bread and butter guy, before dinner. We know of many restaurants where their bread basket is an important part of the meal. This was not one of them. The bread was beyond tasteless. The size of the "loaf" was inconsistent with the pub. Not wanting to dwell on the bread, my score card was already bearing negatives.

My wife ordered the blue cheese burger, minimal garnishing at best; flounder stuffed with crab meat for me. The presentation was acceptable. However, the veggies were undercooked. Knowing that I would not return, I elected not to have my dish sent back to the kitchen. I asked for tartar sauce. A good quantity was provided, yet I had to use my fork to transfer it onto my flounder as no spoon was furnished to do this. Small oversights like this annoy me to no end as I am reluctant to wave over our server for every little thing.

For reference, Harrigan's website has their food and drink looking very appealing. Do not be fooled; their fare does not come out of the kitchen like the photos. Frankly, I believe there is much more potential for Harrigan's to be a destination Pub restaurant, yet they need to see how we serve it up in a Pub / Steak & Seafood restaurant in northern NJ to get it right! Next time: Spikes, Klein's, or even Avenue for sure!

Came here on a Tuesday eve with my husband. We'd had a long, hard bike ride in punishing winds. We were ready for a good meal.

The sizzling steak was recommended to us but I wasn't feeling steak. Wish we'd gotten the steak.

We ordered the "gourmet burger" and the fish and chips. The burger was wonderful. Juicy, tasty with battered fried onions cut real thin. The fish and chips were a waste of fish, grease, time, money. Sad. Just because a place is Irish doesn't mean they know fish and chips.

However the service was wonderful and attentive. When my sweet as pie husband told the waiter about the disappointing fish he comped us a free dessert. Apple crisp a la mode. Pretty good.

If you come here, get the red meat and beer. Don't stray into "fancy".

I have been to Harrigans a few times over the years, I usually stop in a couple times a year during the summer.    This last visit might have been one of the most memorable, and not in a good way.  First off, the regulars seem to think they own the place, they usually set up shop at the bar  and take up most of the bar stools. They'll be there all day ,whacking back shots of Jamison, so don't waste your time to think they'll be leaving any time soon to get a seat at the bar.  You'll be lucky to find a few open stools.  Once you get over getting visually undressed by these guys, and settle in, you'll find  your basic tap beers, with a few decent craft beer selection.  That's probably the best thing this place has to offer.  The food is not good. I still have nightmares about the buffalo calamari we ordered.  It was rubbery and had almost an elastic type texture, and very oily.  It seemed like it was sitting on the kitchen table for hours.   For my "entree", I had the corn beef sandwich. It was dry which ruined the whole sandwich.  Everyone else at my table were not happy with their meals either. The only thing going for Harrigans is that the waitstaff and bartenders are friendly.  To say the least, I'll probably never be back.  The townies at the corner of the bar accomplished their mission.