Welcome to the pub life... Sláinte!
In Irish pubs just like in Mexican cantinas, patrons toast to good health. And whether you clink glasses to "sláinte", "salud" or anything else; at Killarney's Irish Pub & Restaurant, all are welcome.
The ambiance is super laid back. There is a baby shower being catered to businessmen working from lap tops, families with young children enjoying a meal, smokers in the outdoor patio, construction workers sitting at the bar... and in walks the food blogger.
There's a welcoming feel to this watering hole and it's not particularly due to the sofas and board games. The vintage decor is a collection of Irish imports brought in by the owner.
Killarney's has been around for 13 years tucked in a Temecula City shopping center, located between Wine Country and Pechanga Resort & Casino.
Moscow Mules
The bar has 28 beers on tap—some of winch are imported from around the world, as well as, rotating local craft beer. Renowned brewers come in throughout the year for food and craft beer pairing events. They also have happy hour and dining specials such as Prime Rib on Wednesdays and Fish Fry on Fridays.
Chicken Boxty ($13.75)
Now, let's dive right into my favorite dish. The Chicken Boxty is a traditional Irish dish consisting of a fluffy potato pancake. The pancake is folded over and stuffed with savory grilled chicken, mushrooms and onion sauté then smothered in a cream sauce. Although, the sauce is made with Jameson whiskey, it’s not boozy. It is so good, it could very well make cardboard edible. A side of seasonal veggies makes a great combination keeping the dish on light side. I washed it down with a good old Guinness beer.
Baja Crispers ($6.50)
The Baja Crispers are great for small bites or starters. Like mini chimichangas, a flour tortilla is filled with chicken, jack cheese, jalapeño, black beans, corn, then deep fried and served with creamy chipotle ranch. On the spicy berometer, they were extra mild. These tasty bites are so gooey in the middle and crispy on the outside.
Shepherd’s Pie ($8.75 )
Another delightful Irish offering is personal Shepherd’s Pie. A beautiful golden crust seals a layer of garlic mash potatoes and ground beef. Ground beef is cooked on slow with leaks, carrots and peas. A rich Irish brown gravy keeps it moist and ties it together beautifully. It is served piping hot in a ramekin with a side of wheat bread.
Black & Blue Burger ($11.75)
A great way to tap into the pub life is with the Black and Blue Burger. A nice charbroiled beef patty is stacked with blue cheese crumbles, onion straws and sautéed mushrooms. These ingredients give the burger a much appreciated bold character. It also contains the usual suspects—lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun.
For the love of burgers, I also sunk my teeth into the BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger ($11.75). This classic combination is taken to the next level with crispy onion straws. Lovely cheddar melts perfectly onto the beef patty as it’s sandwiched in a brioche bun. On Mondays, don't miss out on the Build Your Own Burger special, for only six dollars. Build it just how you like it!
Kinsale Burger ($11.75)
Plot twist alert! The Kinsale Burger is stacked in garlic sourdough... Yes please!! The burger also has sautéed mushrooms and onions with Killarney’s secret sauce. Actually, that was more like an arm twist alert. I washed down the goodness with a Moscow Mule.
Harp Fish 'n' Chips ($15.75)
The Fish n Chips definitely played the strings of my Harp. I couldn't leave without trying this bar favorite. A flaky North Atlantic Cod is dipped in their Famous Harp Beer Batter, then deep fried until golden. The fish is served with seasoned fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. The batter did not overpower the fish’s natural flavors and tasted quite fresh. I enjoyed this meal with none other than a refreshing Harp beer.
Irish Cream Bread Pudding ($8.50)
I completed the pub life experience with freshly baked Bread Pudding ala mode. Irish Cream, caramel swirls, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream was the perfect contrast to the hot, scrumptious pastry. This deliciousness called for a hot toddy.
Irish Coffee
So I had a warm cup of Irish Coffee for that coffee fix. Wait... It's a whiskey fix. Either way, its a winning situation.
Rose Bud & Chef Walter Crittle
32475 Temecula Parkway G101
Temecula, CA 92592
951.302.8337