Quick Bite

In West Orange, Bar Food and Irish Favorites

Head to Shillelagh Pub for wings and fries or bangers and mash. (A pint of Guinness can't hurt, either!)

Shillelagh Pub

[Editor’s note: This article appeared in our April 2020 issue, but was held for publication online amid last year’s Covid-19 shutdowns. As of February 2021, Shillelagh Pub is open for indoor dining and cash-only takeout.]

Style

Pub with oversized bar and a few tables in a roomy space. Irish street signs and green-and-white stained-glass overhead lights decorate the bar.

The scoop

While the pub has always been open to the public, its history is entwined with that of the Friendly Sons of Shillelagh Club, an Irish not-for-profit that shares the building. The club began in 1964, inspired by a skit from the Jackie Gleason Show. A signed photo of the late, great comedian hangs in the bar.

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The menu

Pub fare includes burgers, wings, pulled-pork and chicken sandwiches, and Irish favorites such as bangers and mash. Start with a Caesar salad—it’s presented like a chopped salad, and the serving is large enough to share. Wings (10 to an order) come plain or with sauces such as Buffalo, chipotle-maple and sweet chili, all with significant heat, and barbecue. Fries are crispy and nicely spiced. They pour a fine pint of Guinness here as well.

Heads up

The pub entrance is behind the building, 50 yards from the road (a sign points the way). In warm weather, a spacious deck makes for pleasant outdoor dining. Local musicians, Irish and otherwise, entertain on weekends.

What are Quick Bites? Short takes on casual, affordable dining.

Restaurant Details

  • Cuisine Type:
    Irish/American
  • Price Range:
    Inexpensive
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