St. Paddy’s Day is just days away, and pubs across the region are busy prepping for the annual crowd.
In Media, the place to be is Sligo Irish Pub at 113 West State Street. Since 2005, Sligo has grown into a neighborhood hot-spot catering to everyone from regulars to newcomers alike.
The countdown is on until the big day, when Sligo will open its doors at 10 a.m. sharp to welcome the Celtic celebrants. This team’s ready to roll!
“We’ll be serving traditional Irish dishes and pouring pints until the bell rings,” said bar manager Jeff Beall. “The upstairs will be open to ensure there’s enough seating for everyone. We’ll have live Irish music starting at 2 p.m., Irish dancers, bag pipers and, of course, a few surprises. It’ll be pure fun all day long!”
Beall’s been part of the Sligo team for nine years, so he’s no stranger to all the extra planning going into St. Patrick’s Day. From the pub grub to the perfect pour, Sligo has it covered.
Sláinte! The Beer’s Here!
“We carry all the Irish beers on tap—Guinness, Smithwicks, Harp and Magners Irish Cider. They’re mainstays at Sligo,” said Beall, who manages the beer lineup. “We have six rotating craft taps, which is perfect. We keep our lines clean and make sure we have the freshest beer. I love putting together the beer menu and offering a few rare finds. It’s always a challenge, so getting the highly sought-after beers is my ultimate goal.”
The Perfect Pour
The almighty Guinness. It’s synonymous with St. Paddy’s Day, and the “perfect pour” is an absolute must. Sligo is known as the home of the perfect pour, and you can always count on the experienced bartenders to deliver a fresh, perfect pint.
“It’s more than just pouring into a glass. Yes, you have to wait the appropriate amount of time for the Guinness to settle before you top it off, but without the right setup, correct pressure and a fresh keg, you’re already behind. From time to time, customers will ask us to draw a shamrock on the top, which we can do, but in my opinion, that’s not a perfect Guinness,” said Beall. “There’s nothing better than that perfect pint with a creamy white head that just breaches the rim of the glass and is completely smooth on top. That’s the key—no bubbles or ‘fish eyes’ as we call them. Next, is making sure the Guinness doesn’t spill over—the delivery is the finishing touch. The servers manage to maneuver through a packed house without spilling a drop.”
Whiskey in a Bar
If you’re looking for some solid Irish whiskies to sip on St. Patrick’s Day, you’ve come to the right place.
Of course they carry Jameson, the best-selling Irish whiskey in the world.
“We also offer Jon Powers, Bushmills, Redbreast and Middleton,” said Beall. “Some of the rarer, aged whiskies are my favorite, like Connemara.” Named for the area in Ireland, Connemara is a peated Irish single malt.
The Pub Grub
If you’re craving a classic Irish meal, the menu features shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and bangers and mash, which is authentic Irish sausage atop rustic mashed potatoes.
“We offer a variety of menu options, and try to include something for everyone,” said Beall. “We update it frequently with fresh options, and will be releasing a few new great ones soon!”
The Sligo burger is a fan favorite. The eight-ounce Black Angus patty is topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and Irish cheddar. The Reuben is popular, too. The hot corned beef is grilled, topped with sauerkraut and served on marble rye. See the full menu here.
The Authentic Atmosphere
Take a look around, and you might notice the unique décor. Owner Ed Lawlor, a successful Media attorney with Irish and American dual citizenship, has created an atmosphere reminiscent of the rugged and picturesque County Sligo on the Western coast of Ireland. In fact, the furniture hails from Ireland’s County Armagh, creating the perfect feel for the holiday.
“Sligo is definitely the place to be any day, but especially on St. Patrick’s Day,” said Beall. “It’s the best day of the year, and everyone is always in a great mood. Come in for lunch, a quick pint or stay for the all-day party. Think of us as your family. Just come in and make yourself at home. Our staff is warm and inviting, and we always enjoy meeting new people. See you on the 17th!”
Find Sligo Irish Pub at 113 West State Street in Media.; phone: (610) 566-5707.
- Photos: Lauren Avellino Turton
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