Art H.
Yelp
As a Yelp reviewer, I want to give good ratings. I love great restaurants. I love my Orlando city. I want culture and cuisine. And I'm overjoyed when new places pop up.
So, when I first spotted The Castle in College Park, I was mega pumped. As an old school American, of entirely British descent, Irish and English pubs are a soft spot of mine. Naturally, from the outside walking in, The Castle looks imposing and gorgeous. Hopes were high.
And the interior spaces did not disappoint. I can say with 100% confidence that this pub is elegant, spacious and aesthetically a home run. It's absolutely gorgeous and a great place for happy hour, working for hours, lunch, dinner, etc. Truly, it's stunning and comfortable. Also, the drinks are impressive. Even the draught beer selection has some Irish selections I've never heard of (and trust, I'm a beer snob.)
Also, the people are smashing. They are great. Everyone we met was cheerful and helpful. They really are happy you are there and want the place to succeed.
Now, let's get to why it has 3 stars. Sadly. The food. I so wish it was awesome. And I do truly believe this place will figure it out. Remembers, it's new. But pub food is an art form. It's time tested. And meant to be exactly what it sounds like. I think what's happening here is an attempt to elevate Irish pub with an American culinary upgrade. And something's getting lost in translation.
Curry Chips - These are french fries with a yellow curry sauce. Any proper British pub serves them. Here the chips (fries) were overly artistic and dense. You want curry chips to be simple and tasty and perfect with beer. The ones I received from The Castle were bulky, didn't really taste like french fries and the curry sauce was sorta goopy, rather than runny. This resulted in a heavy bite, rather than a light bite. And hence, the fries staying on the plate, the curry thick sauce soaking into them, and a bunch of things I didn't finish. The flavor, texture and consistency all missed the mark.
Reuben - Again, heavy, greasy and too cheesy. Plus, it came with a side of fries, even though we had already ordered fries. Maybe ask, "would you like a different side?" But yet again, here was a mound of those formidable fries. The reuben was not noteworthy and not something to be ordered again.
Shepard's Pie - Our other friend had ordered this a few days prior and informed me that it was runny and non-traditional. I can't verify this one for sure, but my friend is an honest, nice guy who lives in College Park. I'm sure he wanted to say something nice, but the food left him wanting.
In general, The Castle is a 5-star restaurant and pub waiting to find its form, and currently serving 3-star food. Yes, they can improve. Yes, they will. It's an amazing spot with amazing people. Certainly worth a visit, but, be cautious before diving into the menu with aplomb.