Although it doesn’t look that different inside (above photo) from the Beef O’Brady’s that it has now replaced, the new 1916 Irish Pub we first told you about last issue is now open at 27315 Wesley Chapel Blvd. (at Old Pasco Rd.), in the Towne Centre at Wesley Chapel plaza that had long been home to Winn-Dixie.
And yes, 1916 is an upgrade over Beef’s menu-wise, at least in one editor’s opinion.
Owner Chuck Jamieson, who also owns 1916 Irish Pub locations in Brandon, Plant City and Lakeland, says that his goal was always to create an Irish pub with an upgraded menu — he also owns Second Plate Catering — and Jannah, photographer Charmaine George and I agree that he is already achieving that goal.
To date, we’ve sampled three of 1916’s Irish favorites and we all gave them thumbs-up — the haddock fish & chips (right), the Rebel’s Reuben (tasty corned beef, sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese and house-made Thousand Island dressing; below left) and my favorite of the three, the Irish stew in a garlicky sourdough bread bowl (bottom right). The stew has marinated braised beef, slow-cooked in red wine, Guinness and house brand demi-glace, with celery, carrots and onions and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. And, the regular and parmesan fries and tater tots were all extra-crispy and were definitely addictive.
But, perhaps our favorite dishes so far have been the bruschetta appetizer (below left, the melted mozzarella was a unique touch), the Irish Lamb Jam (a tasty take on a traditional gyro sandwich, bottom left) and the crisp-crusted meat lover’s flatbread (below right).
1916 has a full-liquor bar and lots of beers on tap, plus different specials every day — from $6.99 burgers on Monday to Trivia and $6.99 wings on Wed. and $3 mimosas for Sat. & Sun. brunch — and Chuck says that, in addition to a Grand Opening celebration on Friday, June 24, 6 p.m., there will soon be live music and more. “We want to be your neighborhood hangout,” he says. “Come give us a try!”
For more information, call (813) 991- 4747 or visit 1916IrishPub.com.
