Eric K.
Yelp
I can't remember the last time I went to an Irish restaurant, so we decided to give Grace O'Malley's a try. It's right on the main street in downtown Matthews. The inside is nice, but doesn't seem to have a lot of atmosphere. I volunteered to sit at the last hightop in the bar instead of the table for two I saw them eyeing for us by the swinging kitchen doors. Note to all restaurants: absolutely no one wants to sit by the kitchen door or even peer into the kitchen, so reconfigure your dining room, thank you.
Our server/bartender spoke to us in an Irish accent, and we wondered if that was his real accent or something he does for show. If it's not real, he really gets into his work.
I took a peek at the menu before we went, and I knew I had to order the Corned Beef Poutine appetizer. French fries topped with gravy, cheese curds, and corned beef? Yes, please. The flavor combination was delicious, but for $10, I think I expected a bit more on the plate (and shredded corned beef instead of tiny cubed pieces).
I ordered the lamb burger cooked medium. I think it came out well done, but it still tasted good, although it, too, was lacking in size and toppings, making it appear smaller than it actually was. As my side (to be good), I ordered steamed broccoli. Braised cabbage came out in its place, which I absolutely will not eat. After mentioning this to our server, it took quite awhile for the broccoli to come out (after we had finished our meals), and then it was just mediocre. It was steamed broccoli, and that's about it. No flavor, no seasonings. Just warmed up broccoli. I could have used that gravy from the appetizer and, in retrospect, I wish I had ordered the chips/fries that my partner ordered, which were actually like potato wedges and flavored with spices, to which I could have added malt vinegar as well. Ah well...live and learn. Maybe there will be a next time.
I did try my first Irish Mule drink, similar to a Moscow Mule, but with Irish whiskey instead of vodka, served in a copper mug. It tasted pretty good, and not as bitter as I thought it might be.
Grace O'Malley's has a big, awesome outdoor area which will be perfect during the summer months.
Although there were some mishaps, I'd give Grace O'Malley's another try in the future. However, I still wish they'd up their game a little bit in their portion sizes and/or sides offered. They don't seem to fit very well with the pricing of each item. And more Irish theming inside would be a plus as well.