Joe P.
Yelp
A cold January wind rapped gently on the windowpanes at the front of the restaurant as I huddled over a steaming bowl of Shepherd's Pie, filled to the brim with mashed potatoes, mincemeat and peas. Looking up from the table, I raised my pint of Guinness in a toast toward the hearth, where I imagined the ghost of James Joyce sitting with a pipe near the roaring fire.
I wasn't visiting a century-old pub in the heart of the Irish countryside, but a cozy neighborhood bar in the heart of Charlotte's Plaza Midwood community. And Workman's Friend feels every bit the genuine article, breaking the mold of the Disneyfied Irish pub that has woven its way into America's culinary landscape. From the knotted wooden tables and faded leather booths to the whitewashed brick walls and creaking floorboards, this place is about as real as it gets.
The food menu is admittedly pretty limited, but covers the spectrum of Irish pub grub. On a recent visit, my Shepherds Pie was solid, as was the Irish Stew my wife ordered. Other selections include Fish & Chips, sliders, salads, and a house burger that I can't wait to come back and try. The bar serves up a great menu of classic Irish draft beer, along with a decent number of local craft brews. And of course, there's an extensive selection of Irish whiskies that will please even the pickiest connoisseur.
Service was solid throughout our visit, and the environment is perfect for both families and large parties. As with just about every spot in Plaza Midwood, parking can be a challenge, so be prepared to walk a block or two after you find a spot on the street. I absolutely LOVED the vibe at Workman's Friend, and can't wait to visit again. It's like a genuine slice of Ireland that's been transplanted to the Queen City, and a local treasure that's not to be missed!