Gallagher's Irish Pub & Restaurant

You know how you get a song stuck in your head, and you can’t stop thinking about it until you hear it? Well, that happens to me with meals too. Recently, the food that got stuck in my head was fish and chips. Who better to help me out than Gallagher's!
I always enjoy a visit to Old Town’s Irish pub. I know I’m going to get good food in good quantities, and Guinness on tap. The regular fish and chips are a great stand-by, and recently they had their Halibut version available. It’s a few bucks more, but worth it in my book.
Mmmm…halibut…
OK, I’m back. I’ve gotten through most of their menu over the years, and almost every meal has been flavorful and satisfying. This is where I was going to list some of the items I’ve tried, but it’d be easier if you just check out the menu yourself. I know there have been a few times that I’ve been mildly disappointed with the food, or the service has been slow- but that’s been over the course of 10 years or better. As far as I’m concerned, everyone gets an off night or two. I still look forward to trying something new, or falling back on an old favorite.
They have a great Irish theme without getting gimmicky. The atmosphere is welcoming, the service friendly. They have a full bar, but I’ll be honest, I’ve only had the Guinness. For non-alcoholic drinks (sometimes, it’s my turn to drive), they have one of the best lemonades I’ve had in a restaurant. They’ve recently upgraded the seating in the back to bigger, comfier chairs.
If the subtle Gaelic overtone just isn’t enough for you, be sure to stop by on Thursdays, when they bring out a special menu and live Irish music. My favorite from that menu is the Shepherd’s Pie. And of course, it’s a great place to go for St. Patty’s Day.

Entrees range from $9 -$25.
At the Eagle House, 139 2nd St, Eureka

Pho’ Thiên Long Vietnamese Restaurant

Everything I know about Vietnam I learned in public high school. That should tell you I know very little, and it’s probably wrong. So, I don’t have the slightest idea what Vietnamese food is supposed to be like. If the food served at this restaurant is any indication, then the Vietnamese have a good thing going.

The service was prompt and friendly, the décor mellow and cozy, and the seating was comfy (we were in a booth). The seating in any place is important enough to warrant its own comment. I like to linger, and if my butt falls asleep, I find it difficult to focus on the food or company. I also liked the way the menu was put together. While it can be fun to look for classic “engrish”, I found this well organized, clearly written and descriptive menu to be a great help in choosing a food adventure.

I had the Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with Grilled Lemongrass Chicken. It was tasty and crunchy, and the “Nuoc Mam” – a sauce served on the side- added just the right sweet and sour. I also tried the “Soda Xi Muoi”; salted plums in club soda. I really, really, wanted to like it. There was a lot of salt though, and I couldn’t finish it. I will try again though. Some tastes are worth acquiring.

My fellow adventurer had the BBQ pork and eggroll rice plate, with a glass of coconut juice (including slices of coconut!). When I asked him how it was, there was lots of nodding and chewing and a thumbs up.

If you’re worried about too much hot spice, don’t; it’s on the table in unmarked bottles. You can leave it there, or slather it on your plate. I don’t know how traditional that is, and I don’t care. It’s the best way for my wimpy palate and my fire-eating husband to enjoy the same entrée.

Their menu is pretty long, and I look forward to working my way through it. With prices ranging from $6 to $11 per entrée, it’s an indulgence within my relatively restricted means.

615 F St, Eureka. Across from the Eureka Theater.
Have you eaten there? Share your adventure in the comments!