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.
Review Source:When I think of the worst meal that I've ever paid for, I think of my first and last meal at Harrigan's. The food is absolutely horrible. Â The buffalo calamari is just a big joke. Â By the time the appetizer reached our table, the breading had all fallen off and the poor lettuce underneath the calamari rings were drowning in oil. Â There were only about 10 rings of calamari--but 1 was enough for me.
It's a pub, right? So I ordered fish and chips. Boy, did I make a big mistake. Â There was barely any fish-- mostly rock-hard batter that I had to chisel through with my fork and knife. Â I couldn't contain my frustration, so I called over the waitress and I explained to her that something was clearly wrong with the batter (or whatever they were frying the fish in). Â I showed her the thickness of the batter and how hard it was-- and showed her how I literally had to hammer it to break it. Â She agreed that something was wrong and she would talk to the chef. Â She didn't offer to order something else for me, didn't clear it, and didn't even take it off the check. Â While she was friendly the whole time, she totally disregarded my complaint.
I am so embarrassed that I brought my friends here. They make fun of me for bringing them here to this very day. Â Please stay far far away from this place, unless you want your balls busted by your friends for the rest of your life. Â For the other yelpers who are praising the food... I have no idea what they're talking about or what they ate. Â Maybe they ate at the place across the street and accidentally posted a review under Harrigan's. Â Obviously this place has a hard time putting out good consistent food, so do you really want to take a chance?
Visted Harrigans Pub on recommendation of friends and was not disappointed . Good decor and atmosphere , very busy with a good buzz . Good selection of beers. Enjoyed the food at a reasonable price , chef this day was on form . Â Will definitely give it another visit when in Sea Girt .
Review Source:Harrigan's Pub is a great little restaurant that never fails to provide a good, clean, inexpensive meal. The portion sizes are good in size and very filling. They always have a ton of specials to choose from and the staff really cares, AND they work their butts off! When in doubt to find a decent, low key, casual restaurant, Harrigan's Pub never fails. :)
Review Source:Had a really good dinner, with very nice service (wish I could remember our waitress's name, I'd give her credit). I had the CA chicken wrap - flavorful well cooked chicken. Hubby had surf o'turf with sautéed crab cake (which was excellent) and sliced steak. Topped off with an Arrogant Bastard ale.
Review Source:Sucked..... I have been wanting to stop by this place for a few years.  I have been told it was pretty good.  The pastrami was to thick and to much fat, don't get it, it was bland and tuff.  It looks like a nice Irish pub inside and out.  The bartender, Sucked.  He was so slow on seeing that your drink needed refreshing.  If you didn't wave your hands all around and look like a jerk to get his attention you may sit there waiting all day for someone to take a food or drink order....ohh there were only 8 people at the bar with  their tongues hanging out.  This is a drive by.... Many other better places to enjoy. Â
One thing I hate is when I spend $40.00 and I don't enjoy the food or service. Â I rather spend $80.00 and have a great experience.... isn't that what it is all about..
Came on Wed night between Christmas and New Year, and we ate in the dining room. I can definitely see the appeal of the place...standard pub fare on the Jersey shore, a cozy bar area made for drinkin', tv's all over for watching sports, a pleasant casual decor, specials blackboard, happy hour deals, good selection of craft beers, dart boards, digital jukebox, etc. The service on this night was pleasant, if not a bit slow.
So far as the food, it was ok but nothing special. Which is to say, just like all the other pubs in the area. We had burgers, steak sandwich, stuffed flounder...all the Jersey Shore staples. Not going show up on any "best of" lists for food.
But a good place for drinks, eats, and watching sports.
Been coming here for years but tonight was a first. Ordered a sizzling steak, and there was no sizzle. It must have been sitting in the kitchen a while. Ordered a certain beer and got what ever the waitress wanted to give us. 1.50 on kids drink refills. What's going on here? Weak service and Luke warm food. Come on guys, you can do better than this!
Review Source:My wife & I really enjoyed the sliced steak on butter/garlic toast points the 1st time we went. I had the roscocommon the next visit & it was very dry & not very big for the price. The last trip I ordered from their specials menu. I ordered the  tbone steak w/ frizzled onions(asked for sauteed onions to cut calories). The steak was totally unseasoned & both of our mashed potatoes were stone cold. This is problematic for me. It was early & they were not packed as they get after 6pm. This place caters to the bar crowd totally. Service was good but product was underwhelming. Lots of specials for those who sit at the bar only. I will no longer go here as a Saturday night dinner destination. Poor execution on their food & a bit pricey. Kelly's or Clancey's in Neptune is are better choices.
Review Source:went there yesterday for a late dinner with friends. we got there at 1030 there were only a few other tables in the dinning area. majority of the people were at the bar for drinks and live music (which was a very good cover band). even though there were only a couple other tables dining the service was pretty sub par. our first drinks and food came out fast. but service after that required fighting for waitress attention. she was more concentrated on cleaning up to get off then to refill our drinks. we even asked for a box for our left overs and never got it.
even with the crappy service the food was only OK.not a terrible experience but ive had alot better
I used to eat at Harrigan's several times a month when I lived in the area. Â Today, I almost considered driving down there (I'm now about an hour away) for a Blarney Wrap with sweet potato fries. Â So delicious, and haven't found anything close to it up here in Central Jersey!!
Harrigan's is probably most famous for its sizzling steak dishes, mentioned by other reviewers. Â Very garlic-y and buttery, and it literally sizzles on the plate in front of you. Â I remember it giving me instant heartburn, but it was yummy.
Definitely a local pub atmosphere...a few tables and booths. Â Not the place to eat for a party any larger than 5 or 6, they simply can't accomodate you unless you sit at the bar. Â The bar isn't too big, either. Â If you plan to visit Thursday through Sunday night, go early, or expect to wait for a table. Â
Service is decent - although I hear the waiters and waitresses aren't treated very well by management, hence the typical turnover of staff. Â If you're looking for a casual, laid-back dining WITHOUT settling for a chain restaurant (Applebees, Chilis, etc.), give Harrigan's a try if you're in the neighborhood.
Harrigan's is a real local pub. The lobster with drawn butter is a great deal at happy hour, and only ~$19 after that. It was very tasty, about 1-1/4 lbs. The sizzling steak and crab cake were also quite good. The drinks were inconsistent; on one visit, the rum runner I ordered was frozen and perfect, however, on another visit the "frozen" drink came back as a liquidy, frothy mess. Some of the bartenders seem like really old school guys, just have to get the right one!
Review Source:I agree with the previous review by Kelly K.
I've been to Harrigan's twice, and it seemed like a decent neighborhood place for people who weren't terribly picky about the food. Not that there isn't room for many places like that. It's nice to have a place in the 'hood where you can get to know the staff and feel like a regular. But I don't think I'll return, despite the friendly service. The food just wasn't up to par. Kelly's quality is a notch above.
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