The Irish Isle Restaurant & Pub

Just happen to stumble upon this very rustic Irish pub and restaurant while driving through Middletown looking for food. Bryan, the owner, is in hand to make customers welcome and the wait staff is attentive.

The food very delicious I had "Bryan's Brisket" which is a traditional corn beef and cabbage dish. The great thing about this dish is the steak size slab of corn beef on gets.

The stand out dish the a member of my party had was the Shepherds Pie. I have had this dish in many Irish pubs in NYC but I must say this is the best I have ever tasted. Actually regretted not getting this after sampling it. Bryan's recipe is perfection, one would be hard pressed to find better.

Also recommend the Hot Toddy made with Kilbeggan whiskey hands down one so the smoothest versions of this classic one will ever have.

So if you find yourself in Middletown, Virginia please stop by and give this fine local establishment your business you will not regret it.

As a NY Irishman, I particularly enjoy the pub at the Irish Isle. If you haven't been here before, the pub is downstairs. It can be accessed by the stairs at the furthest part of the dining room, or better yet, by the parking lot which leads to the side door in back. The first thing I noticed on my first visit was - hey! Where's the TV? It seemed insane to me at first to not have a television, but after speaking to Brian the owner, I was informed his goal was to create the social style of the old-time pubs of Ireland. I have to admit, it really grew on me. I actually enjoy speaking to the bartender, or my neighboring patrons, and the nearby tables. I will be the first to admit, when I visit any other bar, I stare at the television no matter what is on. World championship cricket finals? My eyes are glued to the set. News broadcast scrolling ticker? Why am I watching this? 12 year old muted re-run of Frazier with inaccurate closed captions? I can't stop watching. Here at the Irish Isle, I have no such temptations.
   There is live Irish music performed on busy weekend nights, pub quiz on Wednesdays, and if you are especially lucky, down in the pub on select Friday nights, you may be treated to an impromptu session performed by patrons who play guitar, mandolin, fiddle, or the Irish bodhran drum.
   What drew me to the Irish Isle was a craving for a properly poured pint of Guinness on tap, and the Isle doesn't disappoint. They also offer other Irish beers, such as Harp, Smithwick's and Kilkenny's. There is also a deliciously crisp Woodpecker Cider. One thing I really like is the only American beers on tap are Yuengling and Harpoon IPA. No swill. I love when the inevitable rabble comes in, looks to order a Miller or Bud Light, and their eyes kind of glaze over when they look at the unfamiliar names on the tap. It is like Redneck-Be-Gone. Brilliant move, Brian. This seems to be a better deterrent to trashy customers than the no shirts, no shoes, no service signs you see at 7-11s. Another thing I love: the owner doesn't tolerate cursing in the pub. In all honesty, I have slipped on occasion, and he has been understanding, but his message is clear: this is a family friendly establishment. I once observed a patron barred on St. Patrick's Day for wearing a F#$% me I'm Irish shirt. I really respect that.
  Finally what really does it for me is the food: the burgers are the best I've had. Ever. Period. They are huge, they must be a half a pound. While lettuce, tomato, onion are included, the first two toppings after are also free. Bacon, mushrooms, swiss, cheddar, blue cheese, corned beef, etc. The others that I really love are the steak, (although it is not always available) lamb, shepherd's pie, fish and chips, and the Irish breakfast (with rashers and black & white pudding!) I don't think you can go wrong with any of those. I have hear the pork chops are really good too. Staff is extremely friendly and professional. I will definitely be back.

Went there on a Friday night, great music and even better food.  Eat at the pub downstairs. Great service.  Will come back.  

John
Stephens City, VA