Slainte! Forge Irish Pub Offers Authentic Fare In Brandon

BRANDON, FL -- You don't have to be of Irish heritage to appreciate Brandon's newest pub.

The Forge Irish Pub is now open at 109 W. Bloomingdale Ave., just west of John Moore Road, featuring authentic Irish food and drink recipes.

Owner Patrick Crowne hails from Ireland and brings his Irish culture to the new pub he runs with his wife, Mariely. They previously lived in Queens where there's an Irish pub on every corner. The couple worked in the restaurant business before heading to the Sunshine State to open their own pub.

The pub's name pays homage to Crowne's uncle, who was a farrier (horseshoe maker). Crowne now brings that same dedication to craftsmanship and service to his new restaurant.

"You can say that The Forge was created in Ireland and forged in Brandon," Crowne joked.

The pub is decorated with robust artwork and features a full liquor bar serving Irish-inspired cocktails and Irish draft beer.

The menu features Irish fare with a gourmet touch including the appetizer Enniskillen -- goat cheese with roasted red pepper, tomato and black olive with a balsamic drizzle on toast. The name is inspired by the town in Ireland where Crowne's mother lives. She even flew in from Ireland to help the couple develop authentic Irish recipes for their menu.

Other dishes include the Belfast Riot chicken and waffles with spicy maple syrup; the Farm Yard Burger encompassing a half pound of Angus beef, bacon, fried egg, carmelized onions and mustard on a brioche bun; Tyrone Cav + Cheese featuring Cavatappi pasta smothered in cheese topped with pork belly; and Irish Poutine with Fried Egg made up of cheese curds, chips and brown gravy topped with a fried egg.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with happy hour Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Forge will also offer a Trivia Night on Wednesdays starting April 17 and live music on weekends. Matt Billor will perform March 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Kenny McGee will perform March 30 from 7 to 9 p.m.

For information, visit The Forge Facebook page.