Eat, Drink And Be Irish In Baltimore At Slainte
By Sophie Vinograd
If you're looking for a spot to do the best Irish celebrating you possibly can, than look no further. Slainte Irish Pub and Restaurant in the heart of Fells Point is the perfect spot to sit down and have a pint (or a few) of Guinness or Harp with some solid Irish food.
Let's be honest: Irish cuisine isn't known for its complexity or experimentation. But it is hearty and delicious when done right, and washed down perfectly with Irish beer, which Slainte features plenty of. The owners certainly went in the right direction when planning out their menu, featuring classic Irish (and English) favorites in generous portions. Standards like corned beef and cabbage, English pea risotto, and fish and chips can be expected. But you can also find some not-so-typical Irish-inspired dishes like mac-and-cheese made with sharp and nutty Dubliner cheddar, and topped with pork shoulder, as well as a Guinness onion soup, made rich and hearty with stout-laced broth.
Slainte also has some appetizers that we went crazy for. First and foremost, the best bar calamari we've tried in Baltimore. AND, (not so Irish as it is French-Canadian, but…) they have poutine! Not since Montreal have we gotten to taste the goodness of gravy-drenched cheese fries in just the culinary style to love most… drunk food.
Slainte's menu is not for the faint of heart or quaint of stomach, but if you're ready to rage with a true Irish spirit and crush some beers and serious food, head over to this waterfront pub to get your fill. Plus, if you're really trying to do the salad thing, there are definitely smaller, healthier options to tempt you toward the vegetable garden, so don't be dissuaded if you want to look svelte in your green.
The service is good, the bar is always full, they have an extensive menu of creative Irish pub food, and you can bar-hop all over cobblestones in true Dublin street style if you get tired of it. What else could Erin ask for?
Slainte Irish Pub
Historic Fells Point
1700 Thames St
Baltimore, Md. 21231
410-563-6600
Hours: Mon to Sun 7 a.m. - 2 a.m.
www.slaintepub.com
