This Irish Rose is Worth The Wait

Welcome to my behind-the-times review of The Shannon Rose.

You were probably all eagerly awaiting the review of the new Clifton hot-spot months ago, when it opened (in time for St. Paddy’s). And I was eager to go and hate and bash. But it was always so busy and so was I, so our paths never actually crossed. Until now.

At first, unwilling to fight crowds for tables at this soon-to-be-a-nationwide-chain, my visits were limited to quick visits for overpriced drinks. The bar boasts a large selection of draught beer and wraps in a circle through the center of the restaurant. And despite the abundance of bartenders and cocktail waitresses, it’s usually so crowded that it takes forever to get a drink.

The ambiance in the faux-Irish pub – is much like that of a, well, faux-Irish pub. Everything is very clean, plastic and perfect. Much unlike most of the authentic Irish pubs we love. Although I’ve read and heard that the majority of the interior was decorated with items imported directly from Ireland, it doesn’t feel authentic. It feels much like Epcot’s interpretation of Ireland.

And as much as I’d love to tear it apart further – I can’t. It’s a popular hang-out for a reason. Well, several reasons.

If you’re looking to go to The Shannon Rose to hang out, you’ll find that the wait and bar staff are young and mostly attractive. There’s almost always something going on: trivia night, acoustic guitar, live bands or a DJ. And it’s always packed with people looking to have a good time.

Those looking to go out for dinner will also be pleased. The food is tasty and appears fresh. The fish and chips are light and non-greasy. The Reuben is piled high with corned beef and they don’t over-do it on the sauerkraut. The beefed-up nachos provide a huge portion of tasty beef chili and gooey cheese, but the loaded wedge is my new favorite side dish/appetizer. (What is the loaded wedge, you may ask? I know it sounds like the world’s grossest wedgie but it’s actually thick-cut steak fries smothered in a spicy buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. I could eat them until my only two clothing options were a muumuu or circus tent.)

The Shannon Rose also offers outdoor seating in the warm summer months so that patrons can trade in the Irish atmosphere for a view of the scenic corner of Kingsland Ave and Target Dr.

Remember before you go: this is the Clifton Commons, so parking will undoubtedly be tricky on the weekends. (Damn you Clifton Commons!! – You may have won this round, but I’ll find something else to hate about you soon enough!)

The Shannon Rose
98 Kingsland Rd.
Clifton
(973) 284-0200
http://www.theshannonrose.com

— by Ali Hanford
Ali is managing editor and a co-founder of GoOutJersey and lives in Essex County. She has lived in NJ her whole life.

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