Let me first say that I'm *not* the Irish pub type. I don't really drink much beer, I tend to shy away from groups of drunk people unless there's another draw (dancing, karaoke, Major League Baseball), and typically the food is inexpensive for a reason.
So when I went to the Corrib, on a Friday night, on a date, I guess I had low expectations. And some of them were met, while others were shot down in a haze of chicken-induced deliciosity.
The first thing I noticed upon walking in is that the bar is separated from the restaurant portion by a high glass divider. This provides the restaurant patrons with enough privacy to feel as though they are not at a bar, and the bar-goers sufficient separation to get drunk without being judged. It's a win-win situation. And since the restaurant is actually very nice inside, it's one that is necessary.
My first experience with the waitress was that she was surly and not particularly interested in my order. Fortunately, I had earlier listened to a song by RZA (of Wu-Tang Clan fame) in which he mentioned that one should "defeat your enemies with kindness," so I continued to be nice to the waitress and she warmed up. Still, it didn't give me a great first impression.
My date chose the Smothered Steak Tips Sandwich, while I ordered the Gorgonzola-Smothered Chicken Sandwich and side garden salad. Apparently, the Corrib is big on smothering things. The salad was... fine. It was a salad. The honey mustard dressing was killer, but that's just how some places make it.
When the sandwiches arrived, I pre-judged mine based on its size and was initially disappointed - it wasn't the huge, honkin' sandwich that I expect for $7.50. But I guess they have to pay for the decor somehow. My first bite, however, was decadent. The chicken was so well-marinated that it could have been perfectly-flavored on its own (if I ever go back, I'm getting it without the cheese), but the cheese added a melty texture and salty flavor that complemented it nicely. I chose to change my french fries to "Corrib Fries," which are spiced lattice fries, and those were delicious as well. My date also enjoyed her steak tips sandwich, although to be fair she lives within walking distance of the venue and said she orders the same thing every time.
My final thoughts on the Corrib are that it's a nice, local pub and restaurant - probably a destination for a few, but mostly a hangout for the locals. The separation between bar and restaurant was useful (except when the Red Sox scored a run or got a strikeout, in which case... what separation?), the food was tasty and moderately-priced, and the server was probably just having a bad day.
Did I enjoy my meal? Yes.
Would I recommend it to others who live nearby? Sure.
Would I go back if I wasn't in the neighborhood? Probably not. read more