With a plethora of pubs to choose from in the O.C., in my most humble of opinions, “Patsy’s Irish Pub” in Laguna Niguel is the grooviest of them all. If you are wondering why I feel this way (after all, it is my blog, haha!)…two of the many reasons are the pub’s great atmosphere and very good food. With two full bars, energetic and accommodating bartenders and waitresses, small dance floor, a handful of flat screen televisions (for the sports enthusiasts) and karaoke seven nights a week, this pub is most definitely my favorite!As a young lassie, Patsy’s Irish Pub namesake, Patsy Donahue Wagoner, dreamt of opening up a seafood/oyster house restaurant. Patsy’s is no longer a seafood restaurant but I can guarantee you it is one of the best pubs (if not “the best”) in the O.C. – some of you foodies out in blog land agree with this little fact since several months ago a handful of you voted Patsy’s #1 on my “best pub in the O.C.” poll.
Do not let Patsy’s gentle demur and petite stature fool you….she may be one of the toughest Irish gals you will ever meet. A successful business owner of a fine china and crystal shop and a single mother of three young children, Patsy left Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and drove out west to settle in Laguna Niguel, California to begin a new life. Well folks, I will say Patsy has succeeded in attaining her goal of making this Irish pub (and sister pub in the city of Mission Viejo) a great neighborhood watering hole.
Most folks go to the local pub for a pint and the social aspect of catching up on the local area news (think of the former T.V. show “Cheers”) and may not give a hoot about the food the pub has to offer. If your taste buds crave that old fashioned recipe of “Corned Beef and Cabbage” you will not be disappointed when your dinner arrives. The plate is full of an over abundance of very lean corned beef and large chunks of buttery cabbage which is cooked to firm perfection yet still slightly crispy.
Although I have yet to taste it, the “Philly Cheese Steak” is a local favorite. I did have the pleasure of eating th
e “Deviled Crab Cakes” - huge, moist and freshly, delicious, they are made with a “secret spice” which gives them a devilishly yummy flavor. The “Clam Chowder”, a rich creamy soup with tons of clams and veggies, is also very good. I savored pleasant flavors of clams and not flour – which one tastes in most restaurant chowder.
The “Corned Beef Tacos” come three to a plate with chunks of lean corned beef, fresh salsa and a creamy horseradish sauce. A must for oyster lovers is the “Devils on Horseback”, sautéed fat oysters in zesty garlic, wine sauce topped with bacon….WOW! In addition to other traditional Irish fare, Patsy’s offers eleven different sandwiches, several very fresh salads, three types of burgers, and many “seafood delicacies” and appetizers. There are also a couple of home style desserts on the menu.
Most folks go to the local pub for a pint and the social aspect of catching up on the local area news (think of the former T.V. show “Cheers”) and may not give a hoot about the food the pub has to offer. If your taste buds crave that old fashioned recipe of “Corned Beef and Cabbage” you will not be disappointed when your dinner arrives. The plate is full of an over abundance of very lean corned beef and large chunks of buttery cabbage which is cooked to firm perfection yet still slightly crispy.
Although I have yet to taste it, the “Philly Cheese Steak” is a local favorite. I did have the pleasure of eating th
e “Deviled Crab Cakes” - huge, moist and freshly, delicious, they are made with a “secret spice” which gives them a devilishly yummy flavor. The “Clam Chowder”, a rich creamy soup with tons of clams and veggies, is also very good. I savored pleasant flavors of clams and not flour – which one tastes in most restaurant chowder.The “Corned Beef Tacos” come three to a plate with chunks of lean corned beef, fresh salsa and a creamy horseradish sauce. A must for oyster lovers is the “Devils on Horseback”, sautéed fat oysters in zesty garlic, wine sauce topped with bacon….WOW! In addition to other traditional Irish fare, Patsy’s offers eleven different sandwiches, several very fresh salads, three types of burgers, and many “seafood delicacies” and appetizers. There are also a couple of home style desserts on the menu.
"Wexford" are battered french fried fresh green beans and they are succulantly amazing! The beans arrive at your table crispy fried and sizzling hot with a yummy, thick dipping sauce. I found them to be rather addicting. The "Bangers and Mash" with peppered caramelized onions and cabbage are worthy of a Gaelic Bardic Poet!Two completely stocked bars with plenty of bar stools for lounging and a nice selection of beers from Smithwicks, Guinness and domestic brews would please any finicky pub officianado. Red and white wine are also available for the non-beer drinker. During my last visit I enjoyed a “Snake Bite” which is a libation consisting of one-half pear cider and one-half Guinness. It was a nice balance of sweet and savory on my tongue and went down my throat easily in a rich and creamy gulp. This cocktail looks like a cocktail for chicks but it was very flavorful and worthy of any Champion
comfortable with his male prowess!“Erin go Bragh”…Up With Ireland!
Cheers!
Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner
Karaoke Nightly and Great $Price Point$
Happy Hour Specials (Monday – Friday) from 3 – 6:00 p.m.
Early Bird Specials Daily from 4 – 7:00 p.m.
