St. Paul Pub – The Liffey

When you think of eating downtown in the Twin Cities, do you think of Minneapolis first? Come on, be honest? Maybe you think of St. Paul, but I wonder how many do. You really need to if you don’t.  St. Paul has a lot to offer beyond the Excel Energy Center, the St. Paul Science Museum and the Ordway Theater. It has a good number of places to eat as well. One of which is The Liffey, just kitty corner from the Excel Energy Center.

The Liffey is one of 4 pubs operated by Cara Irish Pubs. The others are Cooper in St. Louis Park, The Local & Kieran’s in downtown Minneapolis. It’s got a nice and comfortable feel inside when you arrive. Even though it’s attached to the Holiday Inn in St. Paul, you don’t necessarily notice or “feel” that. Back in July of 2011, it was given fresh look inside and out, and so you have a number of seating options available to you to choose from. If  you’re looking for something private or secluded, there’s the “Nook” space which provides you with a more intimate space to eat and talk in for a small group. Then there’s the booths along the windows that you can eat at, similar looking and feel as if you were riding on a train.  There are also some high-stools and counters near the piano area for another kind of eating and social engagement with other fellow customers.

As an Irish Pub, they have a good deal of brews and drinks for you to try, as well as a good number of menu options sure to fill your appetite, whether your looking for a little or a lot to eat.  On my lunchtime visit, I tried a 1/2 order of their fried fish with an order of their “frickles”, deep fried sweet-pickle chips.  What a treat!  The fish is good with a nice coating on i,t so that the fish had good flavor and was great for dipping into the tartar sauce that’s provided. The lightly oiled salad that came along with it was also very tasty and fresh. Next were the “frickles”. I would HIGHLY recommend them for your first or next visit to The Liffey. They’re sweet, juicy and delicious. Especially with the dipping sauce that comes with the oder. They’re sliced a little bit on the thick side for me, I’d actually prefer them to be a little thinner, but the taste was great!

The look, feel and the food at The Liffey shouldn’t be missed. So the next time you’re in or near downtown St. Paul, give The Liffey a try. Your stomach with thank you!