Shannon’s
Neighbourhood: Downtown
Address: 175 Carlton St
Phone: 204-943-2302
Entrées: $9-$14
The term “public house” has a certain romantic ring, conjuring up images of quaint towns across the pond, pints of Guinness, jovial laughter. For the quintessential pub experience, airfare is not required—the simple way is to visit Shannon’s Irish Pub.
The convivial space is tucked down a flight of stairs, which give way to an expansive basement, elaborately decorated in forest greens and rustic wood. A stage in the main dining room delivers evening entertainment, with local bands and karaoke superstars testing their chops most nights of the week. Even when the stage is empty, background entertainment is provided by movies projected onto a large screen.
The result is an atmosphere as homey and welcoming as a close friend’s living room—but this friend has billiards, imports on tap, and a knack for churning out spot-on renditions of pub food favourites.
The humble potato pops up all over the menu in applications from bangers and mash to fish and chips. Steak and potato pie bathes the versatile veg in a stout-steeped broth with tender cubes of beef, all topped off with a crisp puff pastry cap.
The juicy lamb burger is a menu highlight. Slathered in a creamy layer of goat cheese, the rich sandwich is well complemented by its crisp onion kaiser bun.
Hearty portions keep diners satisfied, and the chatter from surrounding tables, live music, and clinking of glasses keeps one from wanting to leave. Go ahead, order another round.
