With a serene view of the little bridge over the River Styx, one of Lake Hopatcong’s many winding coves, the deck at Patrick’s Pub is a lovely place to enjoy casual Irish cuisine, as well as some eclectic surprises. The roadhouse tavern also has an ample bar and indoor dining room. Although all of the unpretentious interior, as well as the parking lot, could stand a little updating, the comforting food coming out of the kitchen is both interesting and satisfying.
Patrons are often drawn to all the Reuben specialties. If you are a fan of the classic corned beef, cabbage, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing combo, you will find it here stuffed into perfectly crisped egg rolls, on top of a juicy 8-ounce steak burger, on a pickle-dotted pizza, mixed into creamy macaroni and cheese, and in open and closed-faced sandwiches.
Reuben egg rolls
Reuben pizza
We were tempted to try the Cuban Reuben with corned beef and turkey in a tangy honey sauce on ciabatta bread, but thinking it might be too much of a good thing, we took our enthusiastic waitress’s suggestion and happily went for the Godfather, a sliced, prime rib sandwich smothered in both fried and sautéed onions and provolone, that was both flavorful and super tender.
Godfather prime rib sandwich
Additional Irish favorites include fish and chips, Guinness beef stew and a huge Shepherds’ Pie that looked delicious with both shredded and ground lamb, though it sported an odd-tasting tomato gravy.
Those looking for something other than Irish fare will be pleased to find a number of pasta choices, steaks and seafood from both the grill and the fryer.
Despite being a tavern with live music on the weekends, Patrick’s is kid-friendly with a special menu that includes unlimited soda and an ice cream for only $2.99 Monday through Thursday with the purchase of an entrée.
Patrick’s Pub, 470 River Styx Road, Hopatcong. 973-810-3884. patrickspub.net. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.