Jason O. Nungesser

Review of Emerald Isle Restaurant and Ba...

Not my favorite place by a long shot. In fact, it'...

Not my favorite place by a long shot. In fact, it's not even close to my favorite place. Sure, the patio has a nice view and in the spring/summer/fall can be a pleasant place to while away the hours, but why? In my experience, the food is typical "bar food." That is to say, the food seems microwaved and of the poorest quality. Maybe I've just had bad experiences there or maybe I'm a food snob. Either way, I don't know anyone who goes there to eat the food.

Okay, maybe the nachos are okay, but really, who messes up nachos?

As for the libations ... well, they're not that good. Your beer options are pretty much Coors and other large scale options. Your liquor options are your basics: Jim, Jack, Jose, etc. Emerald Isle just isn't the kind of place that you're going to find variety or options.

The inside bar is small - one might say "cozy," which leaves very little room for their live bands or large parties during the cooler months.

During certain seasons the majority of the crowd are motorcycle riders, so if that's not your crowd chances are you won't have fun there, either. I once witnessed a fight there and thinking the bouncer was tossing a guy out (for some reason I didn't catch) I was corrected by the bartender. Apparently a regular took it upon himself to knock a guy over and drag him out the front door. Again, I didn't catch what sparked it, but I haven't been back since.

But, if you're looking for a nice hole-in-the-wall without all the hipsters commenting on their pale ales and find yourself on this side of town, the Emerald Isle might be the place for you.