If you’re looking for an authentic Irish pub and restaurant with a friendly feel and modern twist, check out the new Sligo in Glen Mills. Located at Concordville Town Centre, Sligo officially opened its doors on December 17 during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. Check out the video:
This is the second location for Sligo. Owner Ed Lawlor, a successful Media businessman and restaurateur, introduced Sligo to Delaware County in 2005 when he opened the Media location. Sligo has become a neighborhood gathering spot for regulars, diners, friends and families.
Why should you check it out? Let’s go!
It Sparkles! Sligo Glen Mills just seems to sparkle. Whether it’s the gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows letting in abundant ambient light; gleaming beer taps; glistening glasses; shiny, copper-topped bar; or extra silvery silverware, it’s surely a bright and cheery place to be.
The Authenticity Rules: Lawlor, who has Irish and American dual citizenship, prides himself in creating authentic, traditional pubs that are tributes to the rugged and picturesque County Sligo on the western coast of Ireland. The furniture hails from Ireland’s County Armagh, the artwork was commissioned and features Irish authors, there are weekly Irish music sessions and the food and drink are traditional Irish favorites.
Irish Classics: If you’re in the mood for a classic Irish dish, the menu features shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and bangers and mash, which is authentic Irish sausage atop rustic mashed potatoes.
Buck-a-Shuck Oysters: Oysters are available daily and are served with a whiskey mignonette. Other snacks and starters have become favorites—roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, cranberries, shallot butter and crispy oatmeal, as well as spicy cauliflower sautéed with jalapeno, shallots, sriracha butter and anchovy bread crumbs.
Grown-Up Grilled Cheese: It’s a kids’ fave with a grown-up twist. Imagine slices of warm pumpernickel chock full of goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, roasted red peppers, arugula and caramelized onions. It’s become one of the most popular “Taste and Share” menu items. Another popular one is the soft pretzels served with Guinness fondue and Jameson mustard. There are also Pinot Grigio mussels, mac-n-cheese gratin, wings and Irish nachos. These plates, which are hearty in portions, are priced from $8 to $12 and are perfect for a group of friends looking for munchies at the bar.
The 2AM Burger: Sligo is known for its juicy, perfectly cooked-to-order burger. The 2AM is topped with bacon jam, fried egg and arugula. The Sligo Burger is smothered with cheddar, and there are many other delicious cheeses and toppings to choose from. Burgers come with a side of crisp house fries.
Innovative Entrees: Since Sligo opened, diners have been raving about the grilled meatloaf. This version of the comfort favorite is a hearty slice of meatloaf over cheddar mashed potatoes and topped with shallot gravy. Chef’s veggies are served on the side. The chef creates other innovative entrees, such as Atlantic salmon, braised short rib and pot pie. No entrée is more than $20.
On the Lighter Side: If you’re not feeling heavy, creamy foods, there are plenty of lighter dishes that round out the menu. The soups and salads are creative, fresh and abundant in portion size. I tried the Rocket Salad, which is crisp arugula, apples, almonds, blue cheese crumble and cranberries, and I added grilled chicken. It comes with a buttermilk chive dressing, but I substituted the roasted almond vinaigrette. For $13, it’s a wonderful healthier option and enough for two servings. In addition to salads and soups, the menu also offers sandwiches and wraps.
The Perfect Pour: Sligo has already made a name for itself as home of the perfect pour of Guinness. The new location continues the tradition. Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s and Magner’s Irish Cider will always be on tap. Twelve additional rotating taps feature local, seasonal and craft beer.
Get Crafty: These days, there are so many craft beers on the market, each more interesting than the last. I sampled DuClaw’s Dirty Little Freak coconut-caramel-chocolate brown ale. The medium-bodied beer is a blend of warm roasted malt, coconut, caramel and chocolate flavors and aromas, with the chocolate being the dominant flavor in my opinion.
At Sligo, there’s certainly no shortage of diverse beer choices. And here’s some quick food for thought—during the transformation of Sligo Glen Mills from the former Chubby Balboa’s, Lawlor completely gutted the draft beer system to bring in state-of-the-art, higher-end draught lines to ensure the best quality products possible.
From the friendly, knowledgeable staff to authentic dishes and beers to décor reminiscent of the Emerald Isle, Sligo offers a special experience for everyone.
Find Sligo Pub and Restaurant in the Concordville Town Centre at 200 Town Centre Drive in Glen Mills; phone: (484) 842-1481.
Guinness photo credited to Sligo; all other photos credited to Lauren Avellino Turton.
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