The Limerick Pub

I've been seeing the Limerick since they opened, usually on my way to the Royal Mile, down the street.  They were a standout at the 2013 Taste of Wheaton, selling out of everything they brought well in advance of the event's closing time, and this in addition to a very pleasant chat with the woman manning the table made me anxious to give the place a try.  My family and I did so the other day, which resulted in a mixed experience.

My first impression of the place, when we walked in, was that it was designed for small parties more than large groups.  Lots of 2- and 4-place tables, but very few for larger parties, and the larger ones were all filled.  We had to combine a couple of tables for our party of six.  Not a big deal, but worth mentioning.  If you are going with a party larger than about 7 or 8, you probably had better call ahead and let them know you're coming, or you might have problems.

We happened to go on a live music night.  Very nice, but amped WAY too loud.  These were all acoustic instruments, and it was very difficult to carry on a conversation over them.  Next time, it's the outside tables for us.

The drink menu is impressive.  My nephew commented that it listed whiskeys that you "normally have to beg for" because they are off-menu.  The normal assortment of beers and mixed drinks.  My tastes are pretty boring - Guinness and maybe an occasional Angry Orchard - but there's plenty more to interest more adventurous folks.

The food was in general pretty good.  The Shepherd's pie earned high praise from those who had it; the other items ordered were pronounced "very good" as well.  I ordered the "made in-house veggie burger" with goat cheese.  It was merely OK.  It was definitely made in-house, a definite plus, but it lacked much in the way of flavor, and it was too mushy and did not hold its form when bitten into.  By halfway through, I had a small pile of black beans and brown rice on my plate.  The onion rings accompanying it, however were excellent - thick-cut, crispy, with a light batter and served nice and hot.  

Vegetarians will find several items on the menu for them - the aforementioned veggie burgers, a vegan sausage sandwich, and a "vegan bangers and chips," using the same sausages and served with potato fries (since their mashed potatoes are, understandably, not vegan).  If you're not either, you can convert that to a vegetarian bangers and mash by asking.  A couple of appetizers as well.  I'm looking forward to trying the sausages the next time I go.

Overall, I'm giving Limerick three stars.  It's good, but my first experience there just wasn't as good as I had been expecting given the hype.  I do plan to go back, and see if the second time brings my opinion up.

The Limerick is the pub to choose in Wheaton. We've been a half dozen times since they've opened and have always had a good time. The live music is always great.

I've yet to have any thing to eat that disappointed. The fish, in the fish and chips, are large, substantial yet delicate pieces, with a crispy but not overly-greasy batter. Perfectly fried every time.

I'd give 5 stars except for the fact that on more than one occasion, the wait staff have dropped the ball, leaving our table ignored for long stretches at a time. It shouldn't take 15 minutes to get menus and water and then another 10 for the first round of drinks (especially when the room was only half full when we arrived).

The food, the prices, the beer - THE BEER - and the live music all outweigh a piddly issue with wait times (that's easy to fix).

I only wish they had more outdoor seating!

Loved this place!  Only thing that kept them from getting a "5" was they ran out of onion rings and ice cream for the bread pudding the night we were there. Food is tasty and nicely presented and very reasonably priced. For 2 drinks apiece, a starter salad, 2 entrees, a shared cake dessert and Irish coffees for us both--$63!! I was on a first date, so I think I won points for picking a reasonable place! The live music was fun but not overpowering.