PJ Dolan’s Irish Pub — Beer, Brunch & So Much More!

By Gary Nager

I know, I know. You’ve heard this before. There was the original Remington’s Steak House, which was good, but it’s gone. Then came Cody’s Roadhouse. Also pretty good, but also gone. And then…Bullseye Saloon…also no longer in business.

Unfortunately, the anchor tenant restaurant in the Palms Connection plaza, which is on E. Bearss Ave., just a 1/4-mile west of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. isn’t the only location in our area that has seen several restaurants come and go the last 20 years.

So, while the challenge facing the three-month-old P.J. Dolan’s Irish Pub as the newest anchor in the Palms Connection may not be unique, the restaurant and tavern itself is unlike any that has ever opened in our area. It’s both a true Irish pub that not only features many of the great beers or the Emerald Isle (including Guinness, Harp, Kilkenny and Smithwick’s on draft, but also a variety of imported and domestic bottles, a full, premium liquor bar (with great Irish and Scotch whiskeys and ultra premium vodkas) and Irish and English cuisine specialties like Shepherd’s pie, delicious fish & chips, an authentic Reuben sandwich, corned beef & cabbage and much more.

Proprietor Mark James (which is actually two guys named Mark) says that P.J. Dolan’s is named for Patrick James Dolan, aka Mark’s famous “Uncle Paddy,” one of 16 children born and raised in Tipperary, Ireland.

“If you spent anywhere from five minutes to five hours with Uncle Paddy, he’d be your uncle, too,” says Mark. “He’s the kind of guy who makes everyone feel like family. And, that’s the feeling we’re shooting for at P.J. Dolan’s.”

And, so far, so good. Since P.J. Dolan’s first opened a couple of months ago, several new menu items and a weekend (Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) have been added and Mark promises more is on the way.

 

A Brunch Bonanza

When you visit P.J. Dolan’s for brunch on Saturday or Sunday, you can gorge yourself on all-you-can-eat scrambled eggs, the best thick-slice bacon in town, pancakes and a variety of other buffet specialties, including breads, fresh fruit and desserts, for just $11.95. For just $7 more, you can enjoy unlimited make-your-own mimosas and Bloody Marys, too. P.J. Dolan’s also offers an a la carte brunch menu, with a big Irish breakfast (four eggs, bacon, pancakes and home fries), a delicious breakfast sandwich, fluffy omelets and more available.

“We think our brunch is the perfect way to kick off a day of college or pro football,” Mark says. “Come for the brunch and stay all day!”

I also have genuinely enjoyed P.J. Dolan’s crispy smothered potato skins, grilled ribeye steak, traditional fish & chips, Shepherd’s pie and Tony, our art director, says he liked the open faced corned beef sandwich smothered with melted provolone cheese. Also on the menu are unique garlic parmesan wings, crisp salads, chicken wrap and cheeseteak sandwiches, authentic Guinness beef stew (served with Irish soda bread), shrimp scampi with pasta and garlic bread and more.

Check out P.J. Dolan’s great beer and food specials in the ad on page 42. Find out more about the upcoming entertainment schedule by calling 374-2338 or by visiting PJDolans.com. P.J. Dolan’s (2836 E. Bearss Ave.) is open every day at 4 p.m. (2 p.m. on Friday) and stays open as late every night. Please tell ‘em the Neighborhood News sent you!