Nestled in the quaint corners of Ormond Beach, Florida, Fletcher's Irish Pub might not be the first name that leaps to mind when scouring for an authentic Irish culinary experience in the Sunshine State. Yet, for those who venture into its welcoming embrace, the pub offers a comforting slice of Ireland, with a side of warmth and conviviality rarely matched by its contemporaries.
On a recent date night with my girlfriend, the highlight of my meal was, without question, the Fish and Chips. Fletcher's opts for haddock, a choice that purists would nod in approval at, given its traditional use in this quintessentially “British dish”. While many aficionados might balk at the fact that the fish isn't breaded in-house—a detail that often separates the great from everyday grocery store Gorton’s oil sodden dark isosceles triangles—the kitchen at Fletcher's manages to sidestep any qualms with the quality of their offering. The haddock was impeccably flaky, moist, and unmistakably fresh, a testament to the kitchen's commitment to quality ingredients over handcrafted pretensions.
Accompanying the fish, the fries—ordered well-done at my behest—arrived golden, crispy, and utterly irresistible. They were a delightful contrast to the tender fish, adding a textural depth that elevated the dish. However, a minor note of discord in this symphony of flavors was the choice of vinegar. In an establishment that prides itself on authenticity, the presence of a standard Heinz vinegar, as opposed to a more traditional British brand, was a touch disappointing. This small detail, though not a dealbreaker, hinted at a missed opportunity to fully transport diners across the Atlantic.
The service, much like the food, was characterized by a genuine warmth that felt both refreshing and rare. Our waitress, the owner's daughter, exemplified the family's dedication to their patrons. Polite, attentive, and brimming with a kindness that felt as heartfelt as it was professional, she navigated our dining experience with a grace that made us feel not just welcomed, but truly valued. It was impossible not to wish her well, especially with a knee injury she seemed to bear with a stoic cheerfulness.
Fletcher's Irish Pub, with its homey decor, Irish music and convivial atmosphere, might not redefine culinary boundaries or offer avant-garde interpretations of Irish cuisine. Nothing is more disappointing in a Irish Pub than American Rock being played in the background. Yet, it doesn't have to. In its simplicity, its commitment to quality, and its heartwarming service, Fletcher's offers a reminder that sometimes, the essence of dining out is not in the pursuit of culinary innovation, but in the joy of sharing good food, in good company, within the embrace of a place that feels like home.
In sum, Fletcher's Irish Pub is a charming spot that promises not just a meal, but an experience—a slice of Ireland for those who seek it, complete with the warmth of Irish hospitality. While minor quibbles can be made about vinegar brands, the essence of what makes Fletcher's special lies far beyond such details. It's in the fresh flakiness of their haddock, the crisp perfection of their well-done fries, and the genuine kindness of their service. For those in Ormond Beach with a hankering for comfort food served with a smile, Fletcher's Irish Pub is well...
Read moreWent for $5 burger day. Had been seeing Facebook ads. Looked huge. Overflowing sauce, toppings. Gave it a try seeing the opened new location. It's got to be good right? Hmm.
Wish I would have taken a reality vs Facebook picture of their burgers.
In reality. Burgers were like.... lunch room quality. Dense patties like they were frozen? Not juicy. Little taste. Actually had a huge piece of meat in mine that was whole and not ground. They can't be bothered to even warm the buns let alone grill them or butter them or... Mac and cheese bites were almost cold. Tasteless. Ordered mushrooms. Didn't get any.
Waitress who was one of those that acts like a know it all also messed up another topping on other burger order. Never wrote it down. Brought the electronic receipt machine over. Was fiddling with it for a long time. Had to repeat one of the beers ordered to her. She said $60. We were like umm what. Then she disappeared for 10 min fusing with it. Was on the phone etc etc etc. Frustrating. Came back and it was $40.
Nice atmosphere. Liked the other menu options and was excited to try more another time before the food arrived. Based on the quality of the burgers that is not happening.
Ps why is your Facebook page a "group" and not a page. No one wants to join a "group" for restaurant updates. They just want to...
Read moreWalked in at 7:15 greeted by very nice dark haired bartender (forgot her name). Offered samples of beer and very knowledgeable of menu. Seemed like there was a Riff between two bartenders but not sure why. We ordered Classic Reuben and pastrami sandwiches. We were two of four people in the whole place. Cook brought food out and threw it on bar. Pretty sure it was ours as the only other two people were playing darts and not eating. Bartender sent it back to kitchen and it later showed back out at our seat. Evidently they tried to remake it the right way and we ended up with half of each other’s sandwich that literally looked like it went thru the tumbler of a dryer. We obviously didn’t have the correct sandwiches and asked the other bartender if we had the right sandwiches. She grabbed them and turned her back to us while rifling through our sandwiches with her bare fingers and then turned to cook sitting at end of bar and we heard him angrily say “what’s wrong with them now”. Bartender brought them back and said they just mixed them up you each have a half of each others sandwich are you ok with that. We said ok, we would fix it ourselves. Food was so salty we could not eat it and fries cold. We ate what we could (because we were hungry) and left. Definitely a...
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