"Thanks Be To Cod." That's the saying over at Eamonn's Dublin Chipper, one of way too many delicious places to eat in Old Town, Alexandria. We love Vermilion, Farrah Olivia (tear), The Majestic (same owners!), enjoyed 100 King, and let's not even talk about the shopping. OH the shopping.
ANYWAY! Eamonn's. The menu is small, the tables are few, and the food is fried. But don't let that scare you. There's nothing heavy about this fried food--although I can't speak to the desserts (fried Snickers or Milky Way, anyone?). You've got some protein options, including "Batter Sausage," which I'm guessing is...battered and fried, like everything else, but you've got to be CRAZY not to get good old fish and chips. I read all the Yelp, Urbanspoon, and Chowhound stuff about Eamonn's and decided we should get "small" cods--apparently the portions are unreliable, and often a small is the same as a large, but for $3 less. Also, with fries, I was sure there was no way we'd leave hungry.
The fish was super hot, super fresh--a crispy crunch on the outside, but flaky yet still moist white flesh within. And the fries were to die for. I mean chips! Keep in mind that this is a messy adventure. You won't get a plate, just your food in a paper bag, Dublin style (I guess?). But we did get handwipes, which I totally kept in my purse in case of a future sinkless emergency. Seating is limited, and the "outdoor" space isn't charming at all. And FYI, the "smalls" were more than enough for both of us.
To summarize: We had a great time here. We weren't expecting a sit-down fancy place, and so we enjoyed the yumtastic food that came to us with matching smiles. Would it be great to have plates, a long beer list, funky outdoor seating, and an amiable waitstaff (as opposed to the one dude who was perfectly friendly, but seemed more like he belonged at Urban Outfitters or something)? Sure it would! But we can do without. We'll definitely go back to Eamonn's the next time we're craving cod and chips.
Eamonn's Dublin Chipper
728 King Street
Metro: Blue and Yellow Lines to King Street
I must try this place, considering I've never had good fish & chips in the DC area.
ReplyDeleteI'm no expert--I haven't had the British or Irish experience. But I HAVE been to Cape Cod (and had several variations). Does that count?
ReplyDeleteI know I like a place when every time I think about it I get hungry again.
don't forget about the excellent dipping sauces for the fish and fries! many options, i enjoyed all of them.
ReplyDeleteI know!! What sauce, A? WHAT SAUCE?
ReplyDeleteMy personal faves are the classic tartar and whichever one is tartar-like but with sundried tomato and olive (Kitty O'Shea?). Mmmmm.
No shock here, but I definitely had the fried mars bars. It gets so melty inside that it's totally unrecognizable as a candy bar. To die for!
Wow, I've been somewhere (many times) before ieatdc!!
We were straight up tartar sauce and curry sauce. I didn't love the curry because it was sort of thin and soupy---I prefer a thicker condiment. I'd like the Kitty O'Shea it sounds like!
ReplyDeleteLook at you, SS--you're Ms. Alexandria 2009!
Meanwhile, I love how two of these commenters lived across the pond temporarily. Ya'll and your "chips."
ReplyDeleteI loved their fish and chips- definitely similar to the real thing!
ReplyDeleteNow I feel the need to go get their fish and chips. I've had their Milky Way bar before. I'm sure I'll die a year sooner, but it was worth it.
ReplyDelete