Hibernia Pub Irish Tavern, Good Food and Service, Little Rock, AR

Upon entering Hibernia, the foyer is a large and comfortable waiting area. Artwork and books by Irish writers, are visually displayed around Hibernia. Through the waiting area into Hibernia Irish Tavern, there is a Doorway, that I refer to as an arch, but it is squared. This may seem like a standard architectural entryway, but I assure you it is not. It is a Portal.

There is a defining moment from when you leave the foyer, and enter the Tavern via the Portal, there is a feeling of transportation..."Scottie has beamed you to Ireland". It is funny, because when you are on the way in, it is as if one must be invited over. Whoever is at the Bar, will give you are hearty, "Come on in". He has an authentic Irish Brogue. At first my Arkansas hearing said, huh?, then I got the drift, "come on in"!

There is a big sign indicating it is always 5:00 o' clock. (see photo) That is a good thing, because I was there for an early lunch. In Arkansas, 5:00 is usually no earlier than 3. As you come through the Portal, you come face to face with a Full-Bar. One of the owner's "Gerry", welcomed me last Saturday, when I first visited. He had another bartender, and one customer at the bar. You can choose where you want to sit! I like it.

It was early, 11:00 a.m., and I had a choice between seats or a booth. Booth! Big comfortable Green booth, thank you. There are enough tables and chairs to allow for sizable groups or families. In-house, and other Catering is available. It is also roomy enough for a couple or two to break out in an Irish Jig. (see photos of dining area)

The music was playing as a quiet backdrop to the early lunch crowd. It was a mix of different kinds of music. I appreciate this subtly. I want to hear Celtic and Irish tunes, but I like my an eclectic mix of rock, country and pop. Hibernia offers that.

9700 Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72227 - Phone (501) 246-4340

Okay - the suspense is too much: Here is the best part. Last Saturday Food -

B). Fish and Chips: Our Chefs incredible batter encrusts this succulent fish that comes unhooked with home cut fries. Served with tartar sauce and malt vinegar (stays on the table!)

13). Curry Chips: Traditional Irish favorite. Imported curry straight from Ireland served over our house chips

I wanted to try as much as possible, because I wanted to write a review on this new business. (And, I read the menu several times, trying to decide what to get next time). So, I got Brew, with Curry Chips. Two Paws Up!

To Drink: Guinness on Draft!

Dessert: Chocolate Bally Lava Cake: Topped with a chocolate and garnished with fresh red berries.

I tip 15 - 20 % + for average to good service .

My mouth and belly were happy! I must come back to check out more things on the menu. (check link to Menu)

Shout Out to Elizabeth my Server today!

Shout Out to Sam!

Shout Out to our chefs!

What we had :

Expert Ordered: 9). Hibernia Party Platter : This delicious hodgepodge combines our Angel wings, Tipperary tenders, Duffy's sticks, Murphy's skins, Jurassic Wings and our signature Curry chips. Choice 3 Sauces.

G). Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Fries Hibernia Chicken Sammie: Succulent grilled chicken breast served on our toasted house bun with honey mustard, sautéed onions, mushrooms, lettuce and tomato.

2). Miller Light on Draft .

I ordered:

A). IRIS COTTAGE PIE : Irish Cottage Pie: Unlike its cousin Shepherd's pie which is made with lamb, this family secret is a favorite and is as Irish as you can get. A deliciously fresh all beef filling topped with mashed potatoes.

2). Guinness Draught ! 1 Shot of Bailey's Irish Liquor, and Irish Whiskey, makings for a "car bomb" (It is a drink, but I was hesitant to bring it up .)

We believe in Tipping your Server . Hopefully, she is happy.. A family of 4 could have eaten this meal! Excellent! Two Paws Up and a Four Leaf Clover -

We pigged out, and brought food home, and continued riding herd on that very good and delicious food. We keep studying the menu, trying to decide what to try next!

Hibernia Irish Tavern, est. 2010 , was a deeply hidden treasure. It was by word of mouth, that I tried this newly opened experience. No passport needed, just be hungry and thirsty. The rest will take care of itself. Enjoy.

Everything is Delicious! Yummy! We Will Be Back to Uncover more Hidden Treasure.

Update! Last Night 09/09/2010 Was Hibernia's Grand Opening. The place was hopping and the natives were piping and playing.

It was rush hour, and the Galleria Shopping Center was full, and what did my wandering eyes behold? Men dressed in traditional kilts and playing bagpipes. Outside...Inside, it put me in the mind of a Family Reunion.

The band (Beyond the Pale) was steadily streaming in, I got there as soon as I got out of traffic hell, because I wanted to make it early and watch the excitement build. I ordered a mixed beer; the Blacksmith - Guinness and Smithwicks! It was very good.

To show my support, I ordered the Hibernia Party Platter, and since I am attempting to do a good service to Hibernia, by trying new dishes each time, I ordered The Irish Breakfast: This one comes straight from the motherland. A Gaelic treat of Irish sausages, rashers (Irish bacon), fried eggs, black and white pudding, fried tomatoes, mushrooms and fried spuds. Served with toast and Irish butter. I have to say I nearly wept as I tasted this wonderful fare. Don't worry, I did not eat all of the food myself, I brought it home, shared, then took the rest for lunch today. I am still so full, I will not eat again until tomorrow!

Hibernia has a new Chef on the premises, Chef Justin! . He came out to meet and greet customers, and to inquire as to the quality of the food! Excellent

Oh, yes...When Chef Justin came to visit my table, I inquired as to whether or not they had Sweet Potato Pie...Yep! I felt I should have a few more vegetables, so I took the Sweet Potato Pie home.

With all the madness; and by the time I left it was getting Fun, the waitresses did an excellent job. How they kept track I will never know. Gerry, Gerry and Chef Justin...I will be back soon, so much to try, so little time.

On the front of the Hibernia's Menu, there is a photo of Lady Hazel Lavery. Considered the icon of "mother Ireland", this portrait was on all of the Republic of Ireland's Banknotes in the years of 1928 to the 1970s. She was famous for her friendship with Michael Collins. Many credit her with setting up the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

After Michael Collins assassination she continued supporting Michael Collins cause of Nationalists. Lady Hazel witness the dismantling of the treaty she had worked so hard to establish. Hazel died in 1935 at the age of 55, believing her life to be completely without purpose. The one honor bestowed posthumously was being a "ghostly watermark" representing Love and Freedom.

The Message under the beautiful portrait of Lady Hazel is this welcome:

Céad Mile Fáilte...A hundred thousand welcomes to our home away from home. Whether you want to enjoy traditional Irish dishes, local or international fare, or just relax at the bar or in our snug, we hope that the time you spend with us is a pleasant and memorable one.

We take pride in our authenticity, excellent service, food quality and warm family atmosphere.

Ceol, Caitn Agus Craic (Music, Chat & Fun) await you...at Hibernia Irish Tavern.

SlÁinTE