Undercover Diner Visits the Irish Version of Dish

St. Patrick’s Day is best celebrated with good company, lively music, and comforting Irish fare, all of which were in ample supply at Dish this past Monday night. I ventured out with my mom and sister to partake in the restaurant’s festive specials, and as soon as we stepped inside, the cozy ambiance was heightened by the sounds of Jim Robertson and friends filling the space with traditional Celtic tune

The restaurant’s Irish-inspired menu for the evening featured a mix of small and large plates, making it hard to choose just one dish. Small plates included Pasties ($12), Chips N’ Curry ($8) and Galway Mussels ($14)

Before our main dishes arrived, we all split the hummus from the happy hour menu. We got there around 5 p.m., and happy hour runs until 6:30 p.m., which we always take advantage of, especially on this occasion. By 6:30, the restaurant was getting packed, and we were glad we made reservations in advance. The hummus was perfect and creamy, and the homemade pita was soft and flavorful.

For our mains, we each opted for different plates to sample a bit of everything. My mom ordered Corned Beef and Cabbage ($24), which was a huge steak of corned beef accompanied by delicious carrots, cabbage, and potatoes. It was enormous! She ended up taking leftovers home to my dad.

My sister and I split the Fish N’ Chips ($24), which featured two giant pieces of beer-battered cod—easily the best fish and chips I have ever had in my life. We were so full! They came with delicious hand-cut fries that were crisp and perfectly salted.

Throughout the meal, the live Celtic music added an extra layer of festivity, making it feel as though we had been transported to a small pub in the heart of Ireland. We were seated right next to the band, which isn’t an official group but rather a gathering of friends who come together to play music. They performed traditional Irish and Celtic tunes with traditional instruments, and I was so impressed by how they didn’t even need sheet music. They had so much fun together, singing shanties, and soon the whole restaurant got involved! It was such a fun experience.

By the end of the night, we left with full bellies and the echoes of fiddles still playing in our minds. Dish delivered not just a meal, but an experience—one that made St. Patrick’s Day feel truly special. Dish is one of my favorite restaurants and is always good, but since they only make this kind of fare once a year, I am so glad we got to be a part of it. If their Irish menu makes a return next year, I think I'll try the Shepherd’s Pie.