Blarney Stone - Authentic Irish Pub

Ok, here we go again. I have been coming to Bismarck, ND for over 10 years now on business and just stumbled on this little gem. They only opened last October (that explains that), and are apparently getting some very good attention! To start with – I arrived on Sunday and as is typical in Bismarck, just about everything is closed…but even on Mother’s Day? The Radisson folks called every place I could think of – and although their restaurant opened at 4:00 pm – I wanted something else. The Shuttle driver said – “Hey – you need to go to the Blarney Stone!” Ok… He said it was just a block away and 4 doors down from Peacock Alley (also closed). Here’s the kicker: “Everyone I send over there has a great time –good beer, fun staff and just a nice spot to relax”. Ok, I’m in. People drive in from Mandan – so something has got to be right!

I am on my 1-hour power walk, with sweats, headphones and IPod – do I change? Naw – need to check out the Blarney. The place is just as you would expect in an Irish Pub replication. Dark woods, seems like hundreds of taps, traditional Irish music (the more popular stuff, not Gaelic, uilleann pipes, and all). Immediately, I am made to feel right at home by Shasta and Tim. We do a little demo on my Nokia Bluetooth headphones. Shasta really has a great sense of humor and heaps lots of abuse on Tim – but he is very good natured about it. Now I am getting hungry, but I am sans glasses – pay for my wine, back to hotel to retrieve them. They think I was scared off and that was it. So, I return (“Oh, you’re back?”) ready to delve into the menu. Not what I expected.

The menu has its typically pub fare – but also different items you would not expect: Irish Nachos, Mussels Malone, and Smoked Salmon Lox for starters; Sandwiches include: Smoked Sicilian and Honey Cashew Chicken, for example with a great array of burgers and specialty items like Guinness Irish Stew, Shepard’s Pie, Bangers and Mash and a Black & Tan Sirloin (at a very reasonable $16.99 – it is the priciest thing on the menu), along with a great selection of imports and artisan ales. You can even get Clamato Juice in your ale! I had some delicious wings and the Smoked Salmon (nice presentation and very tasty!).

Very nice Clientele – and a real mix of young and older folks too. Manager Kirsten is very proud of her business and I noticed plenty attention to detail and no one goofing off, except me. The staff is very convivial and fun (Amanda and Gabrielle, too).

On balance, the Blarney Stone delivers great food at modest prices, outstanding selection of beverages, and a very relaxing atmosphere (although, I’m sure it can get very hectic in there). For me, on that Sunday, it was the best! I need to go back there.

Slainte!