Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, North Carolina, is the immensely popular and always hopping Claddagh Irish Pub and Restaurant. This easy-going Irish-themed sports bar, known for offering “cheers with an Irish twist” features dark wood furnishings, TVs, brews, and pub grub with a kick. It is also situated nearby the famous Biltmore Estates and offers additional dining options when visiting the area.
The interesting name Claddagh is derived from a traditional Irish ring either given in friendship or worn as a wedding ring. The customs associated with this ring and its earliest history, which dates back to the 17th century during the reign of Queen Mary II, is found in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, which is situated outside the city of Galway.
The ring symbol features a design with two hands clasping a heart. This is associated with qualities of friendship, the hands, love, the heart, and loyalty, the crown. The message behind this beloved ring and symbol is “with my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love.” It is this symbol that represents the commitment of Claddagh to its customers.
The restaurant actually has two locations. One is the aforementioned offering in Asheville, the other is located on a side street of East Parrish Avenue in High Point. Both are excellent places to visit. At Claddagh, guests rave about their signature blueberry jam. Yes, you read that right, this pub and restaurant are best known for its home-made one-of-a-kind jam which is a specialty of the chef. Called Mayra’s Everything Blueberry Jam, this delicious treat is now a standard fare at Claddagh, gracing every table along with homemade scones.
The famous blueberry jam, which was even featured in YES Weekly, pairs well with Claddagh’s French toast, pancakes, and blueberry martini. The jam is also utilized to create the most delicious blueberry balsamic barbeque glaze you will likely ever taste, which is served on the restaurant’s delicious pork chops. The jam itself is made of smashed blueberries, sugar, lemon, cinnamon, cornstarch, flour, and water with a little zest of ginger. The jam works well with virtually anything served at Claddagh.
While there are many lunch, dinner, and brunch items that are delectable at Claddagh Restaurant & Pub, there are some guest favorites that are must-try items when visiting this uniquely Irish location:
Pots of Gold
Get started with the Pots of Gold appetizer, which is freshly baked potato skins loaded with cheddar cheese and fresh bacon bits and is served with range or sour cream.
Shamrock Wings
As you might expect for a pub of good reputation, the wings at Claddagh are a great way to get your meal started. They offer fresh chicken wings that are lightly breaded then tossed in your choice of mild, hot, fire, BBQ, or plain seasoning, and then served with handcrafted blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Irish Nachos
Another appetizer that pairs well with your drinks is the house signature item the Irish Nachos. This dish is served with deep-fried corn tortilla chips, featuring a Shepherd’s pie base, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, and green onions. It is served with salsa and sour cream.
Chicken & Irish Rasher Bacon Boxty
As another signature special, this dish features grilled children served in creamy bacon and basil bechamel along with traditional Boxty pancakes.
O’Sullivan’s Irish Hash
As a nod to the traditional food of Ireland, this dish features thinly sliced corned beef over garlic mash with red wine Demi glaze. It is topped off with a sunny side egg.
Claddagh’s Irish Burger
Don’t forget the king of the pub fare itself, the burger. This house specialty features Angus ground chuck, medium fried egg, Irish Rasher bacon, Swiss cheese, and tomato jam, and is served on a brioche.
Insider Tips:
-In addition to the delicious assortment of dishes you can enjoy at Claddagh Restaurant & Pub, they do offer several vegetarian-friendly options from which to choose.
-All meat and vegetables served at Claddagh are locally sourced.
-Claddagh serves lunch, dinner, and brunch as well as offers curbside pickup and delivery.