Eamonn's, A Dublin Chipper in Old Town - By The Owners Of Restaurant Eve - Closed Jul 27, 2019

[plunk]

any word on when the PX might open?

[bilrus]

any word on when the PX might open?

I don't remember, to be honest, and don't want to speculate. Based on the last few eagerly awaited openings we've all learned how things can be delayed.

[Ilaine]

We were sooo looking forward to eating there last night, but I think we hit in the middle of the dinner rush, and after one look at the stack of people waiting for food, our friends knew that they were too hungry to wait that long. Bummer! Can't wait until we can get there...again! For real! I know that this is all part of the opening-week shuffle and that it will all be better soon

We were there about 5 pm - the wait for the food was maybe 10-15 minutes. That said, the wait for the dessert was also maybe 10-15 minutes. Not an uncomfortable wait if you had a table, as we did, but the people standing around with no place to sit didn't look comfy.

Lovely fish and chips. Fish and chips from fresh fish and fresh potatoes is a wonderful thing -- almost everyplace else I've had it, the fish was frozen and not completely cooked, or else cooked too much, but Eamonn's is perfectly balanced. I didn't like the fact that the batter wouldn't stick to the fish, though. Plastic forks are detestable, so I wanted to eat with my fingers but the batter came off and I was faced with the dilemma of how to get a bite of batter with a bite of fish.

My son had the batter fried burger, the batter fried sausage and the batter fried Milky Way, all of which he enjoyed, although we were joking that his arteries were going to plug up.

Unfortunately they were out of onion rings and cole slaw.

The "bachelor baked beans" seemed like they were canned beans with ketchup? Maybe fresh cooked, there wasn't a canned taste but they otherwise tasted just like canned beans with ketchup.

I will go back next time I am craving fish and chips and hope that then I can enjoy a Guinness upstairs.

[mdt]

I didn't like the fact that the batter wouldn't stick to the fish, though. Plastic forks are detestable, so I wanted to eat with my fingers but the batter came off and I was faced with the dilemma of how to get a bite of batter with a bite of fish.

Eat it much like a burrito wrapped in foil. Use the bag to hold the fish, that way you can bite off pieces that have both batter and fish.

I guess you don't want to see my plastic fork collection.

[cjsadler]

We stopped in for lunch on Sat. Thought the Kitty O'Shea (sun-dried tomatoes and capers in what seemed to be sour cream) and the Hot Chili (fresh green and red dried) were the best sauces.

Fish prices: Cod 3oz ($3.99), Cod 6oz ($6.99), Ray ($8)

[hillrat]

To be honest, I was just a little bit disappointed in the somewhat smallish piece of cod I received (though this could be because it tasted so good and I just wanted more).

I felt the same way when I got my fish too, but by the time I was done eating I was quite full. It was so perfectly cooked and flaky, that I just really wanted to keep eating.

BTW, Todd was working the fryer when I went in early evening (5:30pm) on Saturday.

[Jacques Gastreaux]

I had lunch at Eammon's on Sunday and Todd told me that they had gone through a half-ton of potatoes since they opened.

[treznor]

We had originally intended to stop by Saturday evening since I didn't know if they were open for lunch yet. My GF had to go into work in Old Town Saturday afternoon though so we stopped by Eamonn's (after calling to see if they were open). We were pretty impressed. I'll have to say I like the decor, it fits. I hadn't been able to check it out previously since I haven't made it into Old Town all that often lately.

I liked the Fronch with my chips, my GF not-so-much. I liked the taste of the curry, but not really sure it does much for the fish or the chips, but if you like curry sauce, Eamonn's taste like it's done well. GF had the Chesepeake, which we both thought was the best of the 3 (though the Fronch was a close second for me). I thought the cod did come away from the batter a bit easily, but evidently I was using the fork so I wasn't eating it right :-) I love a good fry, and Eamonn's satisfied my fry (er, chip?) urge. The fried Milky Way really is something else.

I'm not sure what I'd do if we came for dinner though. Granted I'm a bit of a husky guy, but I'm not sure the large cod and chips (we split the large chips) would do it for me for dinner. For lunch it hit the spot perfectly.

Has anyone had the fish of the day? Any idea what fish we'll be seeing in the FOD? I'm guessing sticking with a meaty white fish (shark, halibut?) but was wondering how adventurous they may get.

[mdt]

Has anyone had the fish of the day? Any idea what fish we'll be seeing in the FOD? I'm guessing sticking with a meaty white fish (shark, halibut?) but was wondering how adventurous they may get.

FOD was halibut on Saturday night.

[Joshua Grinnell]

After reading through the posts, I was worried that two small cods and an order of chips wouldn't be enough for milady and I.

It was, but it was hot out and that's no good for gluttony. That beer tap next to the cash register is going to come in handy when it's colder out.

We had split a fried milky way regardless of full stomachs. If you have a +1 coming with you, go ahead and get one for each of you. It will stave off a fight later. The outside was like those crispy pieces of funnel cake when they've been left in the oil too long by an errant carny making eyes at your cousin, but the inside is as warm and toothless-smooth as a carny's mouth.

[Al Dente]

The outside was like those crispy pieces of funnel cake when they've been left in the oil too long by an errant carny making eyes at your cousin, but the inside is as warm and toothless-smooth as a carny's mouth.

This should surely be in Eamonn's marketing copy.

[DLB]

If not for the huge bag of those good French fries and the fried dough, I would have left hungry. The Cod was good, but I think it's quite expensive ($7) for what you get. To be honest I like the Fish and Chips better at Claire and Don's in Arlington. If I am ever in old town and in search of a nice snack, I may stop by again.

[Jonathan]

i thought it a wee bit small, and it needs salt dashed on it as soon as it comes out of the fryer. by the time its gets to you and you try to add salt, it just bounces off.

i like the big slabs of fish you get in England and Scotland. And there it comes with chips.

[Gary Tanigawa]

They obtained their liquor license yesterday so beer will be served soon

[Camille-Beau]

If not for the huge bag of those good French fries and the fried dough, I would have left hungry.

Thank goodness that the piece of tuna I had last night came with a salad or I would have left hungry. And Beau, thanks for serving side dishes with that roasted chicken last Sunday, otherwise that piece of chicken just wouldn't have been sufficient.

[jparrott]

I believe C-B is winding Jonathan up for forgetting to order chips.

[crackers]

HUH?

Sufferin’ ducks! There's no use in bein' iggerant unless you can show it. She’s saying: “Bite the back of my bollix. We aren’t eatin’ here to be fat as a bishop. It’s a take away lads, not an eatin’ place.” But as sure as there’s a hole in your arse, some bleedin’ spoofer’s going to think a bag of fish and chips and a pint of the black stuff is a substitute for a full supper.

[Poivrot Farci]

Sufferin’ ducks! There's no use in bein' iggerant unless you can show it. She’s saying: “Bite the back of my bollix. We aren’t eatin’ here to be fat as a bishop. It’s a take away lads, not an eatin’ place.” But as sure as there’s a hole in your arse, some bleedin’ spoofer’s going to think a bag of fish and chips and black stuff is a substitute for a full supper.

Appears that the white collars have circled their wagons, taking offense to Mr. Jonathan's humble, personal observation. I too miss the collective fish and novelty chips from my vagabond youth. Perhaps Eamonn’s can offer a conventional #3 menu option (fish and chips together, saving for those of us with lesser means $0.10 and our breath) as is the case in most other Americana take aways in the western hemisphere; or include the ubiquitous chips/fries/frites like they do everywhere else.

[Camille-Beau]

Yes, why don't you explain it?

Well ok then, I shall. For those of you who don't understand my post (and thanks for the IMs from those of you who do ), here ya go:

A "dinner" typically consists of a main item (fish perhaps) and a side or two (chips perhaps). That would, of course, be more filling than one item alone. DLB's statement of "If not for the huge bag of those good French fries and the fried dough, I would have left hungry" leaves me with the more accurate but snarkier response of "Well, duh".

[Jonathan, I wasn't directing this toward your post, just responding to DLB's ]

[DLB]

Well ok then, I shall. For those of you who don't understand my post (and thanks for the IMs from those of you who do ), here ya go:

A "dinner" typically consists of a main item (fish perhaps) and a side or two (chips perhaps). That would, of course, be more filling than one item alone. DLB's statement of "If not for the huge bag of those good French fries and the fried dough, I would have left hungry" leaves me with the more accurate but snarkier response of "Well, duh".

[Jonathan, I wasn't directing this toward your post, just quoting from DLB's ]

Not to get off subject here, but in my opinion a side item should out shine than the main dish. That was my experience at Eammonn's, I remember how good the chips were, because I was still eating them long after the fish was gone. Maybe that's why it's called a Dublin Chipper

[crackers]

Eamonn. One "m", two "n"s. AY Mun.

[danlow]

From a Dining Article in the Alexandria Times this week....

My favorite paragraph...

“How am I supposed to eat out of a baggie?” he complained, “Where do I put the ketchup?” You put it on the food. You put the sauce on the food, and you put the food in your mouth. It’s not complicated.

Dangerously delicious delights at Eamonn’s - Amanda Lenk

[edenman]

Trekked out to old town this afternoon for some fried food at Eamonn's. Had the batter burgher (a generic hamburger patty coated in batter and deep fried) and a small fries, and split a fried snickers with a friend. Add in a Harp (they're serving beer and wine, but the PX isn't open yet), and I had a filling lunch for ~$16. The burgher was good, but the fries were the highlight for me, and I felt like I should've gone for the cod, it looked awesome. The various sauces were great, although the one that came by default, the curry, was not that great. I had the Chesapeake (simple, old bay + mayo), and my friends tried some of the others (Kitty O'Shea?) and also quite approved. And the fried snickers was a melted mess of absolute deliciousness. All in all, a winner, and I dropped off my knife at La Cuisine a few blocks away for sharpening. Now, I just have to return tuesday to pick it up, and decide whether I want to try Eve or just hit the Chipper again and try the cod this time.

It's a good dilemma to have.

[wahoooob]

Asked yesterday about PX, was told next Saturday for the opening.

[ScotteeM]

Asked yesterday about PX, was told next Saturday for the opening.

Is that opening to the public? Or "friends and family"?

[eruby]

Excellent snack over the weekend of small cod, single chips and a fried snicker bar. Will have to get back again for a batter sausage and/or burgher. Sarson's Malt vinegar is bonus over the usual Heinz.

Thank you,

Eric

[ladle]

Made it to Eamonn's last night and it was well worth the trip. I had the cod, my husband had the burgher and the chips were plentiful. I really liked the Kitty O'Shea sauce. Cheasapeake was also pretty good, though the two didn't mix that well. Once the Kitty O'Shea was gone, I pretty much stuck with the malt vinegar, which I agree is better that what you can get elsewhere!

[monavano]

Stopped in yesterday during the arts festival for a quick lunch. My husband and I each had a small cod and split a small order of fries. I was trying all things to dip including the Kitty O'Shea, Cheasapeake, malt vinegar and ketchup! (I'm a dipper, what can I say?)

Along with 2 soft drinks it was $16. It was plenty and plenty good.

Although the place was jumping, we waited less than 10 minutes for our order and managed to snag a couple of stools along the wall.

What a great addition to Old Town.

[Adam23]

Stopped in for lunch yesterday as well. Place was busy but the food came out in 10 minutes.

The cod was wonderful. Perfectly fried, excellent batter, superb fish.

The chips were also very good. Not normally a fan of fresh cut fries, but these were quite good. Not too greasy and a good amount of crunch.

I enjoyed their Kitty O'Shea and Curry Sauces quite a bit. And the good malt vinegar was a welcome surprise.

Can't wait to go back and try the other items.

[eating out]

Was in for lunch last week - while I definitely enjoyed it, I think I prefer a batter on the cod that's a little less thick & bready... I'm sure I'll be back to try again though. Loved the atmosphere, loved the frites, and the best part for me : The fried banana - If you like bananas, this is a must!

p.s. the selection of British chocolates and sodas is great! Especially love the crunchie bars... wonder if they'd deep fry one of them for me...

[Cathal Armstrong]

Was in for lunch last week - while I definitely enjoyed it, I think I prefer a batter on the cod that's a little less thick & bready... I'm sure I'll be back to try again though. Loved the atmosphere, loved the frites, and the best part for me : The fried banana - If you like bananas, this is a must!

p.s. the selection of British chocolates and sodas is great! Especially love the crunchie bars... wonder if they'd deep fry one of them for me...

Ahem.....Irish, not British.

[christopherc]

We were in the PX Saturday night. Loved the atmosphere, music, and service. It is quite small but comfortable. We felt at home immediately. Meant some new people and saw some familiar faces from Eve and Landini's. The young hip crowd that frequents Eve's bar in the evening hours will love the PX too. Can't wait to go again.

Thanks to Dusin and Tammy for making us feel so welcome.

[Escoffier]

Uh, not to quibble but Eamonn's is at the corner of King and Columbus not Washington St. If it were at the corner of King and Washington, we'd be talking about Cosi and I definitely DO NOT want to talk about Cosi...ummm-kay?

[squidsdc]

I tried to phone before the dinner rush to find out if they are metro accessible, and the message on the machine said all pertinent info could be found on the website...unfortunately, the website I went to is just a home page with no way to "enter" (unless of course there is something wrong with my browser, which is entirely likely) I guess they don't have anyone to answer the phone, but who needs it when you've got DR.com?!

Is it metro accessible?

I'm considering "crossing" the river to get here tonite, but I'm a bit directionally challenged and could use some assistance.

Thanks.

[mdt]

I tried to phone before the dinner rush to find out if they are metro accessible, and the message on the machine said all pertinent info could be found on the website...unfortunately, the website I went to is just a home page with no way to "enter" (unless of course there is something wrong with my browser, which is entirely likely) I guess they don't have anyone to answer the phone, but who needs it when you've got DR.com?!

Is it metro accessible?

I'm considering "crossing" the river to get here tonite, but I'm a bit directionally challenged and could use some assistance.

Thanks.

Try this or this.

You can get off at the King Street metro and walk or take the Dash bus.

ETA: According to Google maps, it is 0.6mi from the King Street Metro stop. The map shows the location of Eamonn's 1 block farther South on King St.

[ScotteeM]

Ahem.....Irish, not British.

And not a minor distinction!

[edenman]

Ahem.....Irish, not British.

For what it's worth, at least some of the merch (what the original post was referring to) is definitely British...they have cadbury flake bars, which are British. I didn't study the rest of the offerings, but decent odds British stuff is at least a substantial portion, if not all.

Does British candy get angry if you call it Irish?

[eating out]

Ahem.....Irish, not British (w/angry face)

For what it's worth, at least some of the merch (what the original post was referring to) is definitely British...they have cadbury flake bars, which are British. I didn't study the rest of the offerings, but decent odds British stuff is at least a substantial portion, if not all.

Does British candy get angry if you call it Irish?

Hey thanks - yeah, I've never spent any time in Ireland, but I have spent time in England, and Crunchies and Aero's and the Cadbury chocolates make the trip across the pond that much sweeter... Wasn't aware they originated in Ireland. But wherever they're from, they're my fav candy bars and I'm glad that I can easily find them here now at Eamonn's.

[Meaghan]

I am so Meaghan Fitzgerald. I went again tonight and spend just 10 bucks and enjoyed myself as much as I do at Palena. I'll be rich!

[Antonio Burrell]

I went to Eamonn's on Monday for dinner with the wife...and then for lunch on Tuesday alone...(pathetic me). All I can say is that the battered banger is my new crack....

edited to add: I almost forgot the fried snickers bar....molten hot chocolate goodness....I need to be alone now...that is all.

[bilrus]

I almost forgot the fried snickers bar....molten hot chocolate goodness....I need to be alone now...that is all.

The addition of a sugar and cinnamon dusting made this even better than the first time I had it on opening weekend.

[jparrott]

I'm not actually sure I like the dusting of the fried snickers bar. That said, I think my wife and I sampled just about the whole menu last night. Fish of the Day was swordfish, a bit too-meaty on its own but fantabulous with the curry sauce. Everything else was excellent as well--dark and crunchy.

[synaesthesia]

If only this place were not in VA, I'd be there all the time. I went tonight, and seriously... yay! I was happy to see the Club Orange, Lemon and Rock Shandy, not to mention the Topic bars. Chili tartar sauce had a lovely kick, and the Chesapeake does a Baltimoron's heart some good. Wish I had some salad cream for the chips, though the tartar sauce does well enough.

[ManekiNeko]

The "Marie Rose" sauce is similar to a remoulade.

I believe the "Marie Rose" is simply ketchup and mayo mixed together, if I'm not mistaken. I assume homemade for both. Stopped by this past weekend after dropping some knives off at La Cuisine to get sharpened. Will be stopping by again after pickign up the cutlery on Saturday so that I can try the curry sauce and the Kitty O'Shea. Damn good fish and chips.

[JPW]

I believe the "Marie Rose" is simply ketchup and mayo mixed together, if I'm not mistaken.

If you pick up the January Food and Wine, you can see the "Marie Rose" recipe.

[ManekiNeko]

If you pick up the January Food and Wine, you can see the "Marie Rose" recipe.

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Tabasco

Wasn't that far off. I forgot to mention that it was good, regardless. I'm simply opting for other sauces next time because, like Pokemon, I gotta have 'em all.

[Sundae in the Park]

The Marie Rose is my favorite for the sauces that go (really, really) well with both the fish AND the chips. The curry sauce is fantastic on the chips, but I don't really like it on the fish. It's really hard to get away from these two, but I think next time I'll try to work in the Kitty O'Shea.

The cinnamon and sugar dusting on the fried candy (I love saying FRIED CANDY!!!) ain't too pretty, but it sure is tasty!

Yum, getting hungry again...

[jparrott]

The curry sauce was phantasmagoric with a swordfish special awhile back. Like a hand-held version of a Goan fish curry (with added crunch!).

[David M.]

Twenty-Dollar Tuesday? Nope. More like Twelve-Dollar Wednesday. A quick rundown:

Cod: $4.00 - $6.99

Chips: $2.50 - $3.50

Chicken: $2.50

Full panel of sauces: gratis

Beverage-of-choice: $1.50 - $5.00

Fried Milky Way: $2.50

7 Rockwellians squeezed on one table at Eamonn's: Priceless

[mame11]

Twenty-Dollar Tuesday? Nope. More like Twelve-Dollar Wednesday. A quick rundown:

Cod: $4.00 - $6.99

Chips: $2.50 - $3.50

Chicken: $2.50

Full panel of sauces: gratis

Beverage-of-choice: $1.50 - $5.00

Fried Milky Way: $2.50

7 Rockwellians squeezed on one table at Eamonn's: Priceless

Chicken?

(comfort food extraordinary)

[ol_ironstomach]

Chicken?

Hand-cut nuggets, battered and fried.

It ain't the Park Slope Chip Shop, but Eamonn's sure fries up a succulent piece of cod. Great to get to meet David M., and Legant, who is practically a force of nature herself.

[DanCole42]

Twenty-Dollar Tuesday? Nope. More like Twelve-Dollar Wednesday. A quick rundown:

Cod: $4.00 - $6.99

Chips: $2.50 - $3.50

Chicken: $2.50

Full panel of sauces: gratis

Beverage-of-choice: $1.50 - $5.00

Fried Milky Way: $2.50

7 Rockwellians squeezed on one table at Eamonn's: Priceless

You seee? This is why, like me, EVERYONE should have a picture of themselves as their avatar. I was also at Eamonn's last night, and would loved to have met you all.

The chicken things are incredibly moist and do just as well as the fish. They're kind of what Chicken McNuggets would be like if an upscale place put a spin on them.

The batter that's fried on is thick and crispy, and the cod itself is well-selected... no Filet o' Fish was THIS.

The fries are thick and varied... you can tell they were hand cut because they're got such personality, and just as crispily fried as the cod and chicken.

The sauces made whatever I dipped into them sparkle (including my fingers), but the portions were woefully, horrifically, tragically, undeniably, misanthropically and mercilessly undersized.

So many fried and battered foods... I'm definetely going to be eating salad for the rest of the week. And peppermint.

Can't wait to try PX...

[mdt]

You seee? This is why, like me, EVERYONE should have a picture of themselves as their avatar. I was also at Eamonn's last night, and would loved to have met you all.

Wrong!

I guess you don't read the '$20 Tuesday' thread do you? If you had you could have chimed in so that we would have known to look for you.

And I finally made my first trip to PX...delightful.

[ol_ironstomach]

Weird. Towards the end of our meal, another party sat down at the bench in front of the King St. window. For a moment, I thought to myself "hey, that guy looks kinda like Dan Cole's avatar". And then "but Dan didn't post anything about joining the $20 Tuesday Wednesday plan."

[mnnchas]

As others have said, the cod portion is pricey for the amount of food you get. I also found the chips to be on the skimpy side.

Although I didn't find Eamonn's that appealing on my first visit, if chicken is now on the menu I think I will go again. I'll be sure to order a mars bar this time

[Sundae in the Park]

It's fun bringing people here for the first time. Usually, I have anxiety about bringing friends to new places, but here, besides the fish-n-chip goodness, there are deep fried candy bars. What's to worry about? With every group I try to convert, someone always says, "This is exactly the place we've been looking for!!"

For those worried about small portions, in my opinion, there is nothing skimpy about the large chips. They are more than enough for two really hungry, really good feeders.

[Heather]

The cod was good, but the grouper yesterday was fantastic. The kids liked the chips, and the selection of candy by the front register. We tried all the sauces, and my fave was the regular old tartar sauce.

I had been expecting small portion based on some of the comments here. One large cod, one large grouper, a small cod, two large and one small chips was ample enough for me, Scott, Emma, Ian, Waitman, and Mrs. B. With leftovers.

[Sundae in the Park]

I had been expecting small portion based on some of the comments here. One large cod, one large grouper, a small cod, two large and one small chips was ample enough for me, Scott, Emma, Ian, Waitman, and Mrs. B. With leftovers.

The grouper was awesome!!! Somehow lighter and tastier than the cod, or perhaps less fishy, so I could better taste the batter. Ummmm, delicious batter...

[Tedstar]

We went to Eamonn's for lunch on Sunday. The previous night we had celebrated at Citronelle and hey, thats a tough act to follow.

Eamonns are the best fish and chips I've had in a long time. Possibly ever. Including f&c from several geographical areas of England.

[Capital Icebox]

I had a hard time understanding the rampant praise for Eamonn's until I tried the grouper a few weeks back. While I am not a huge fan of some of the other items on the menu (and find the fries to be woefully inconsistent), the grouper made a believer out of me. For five bones, you get a meaty, hefty portion of grouper that really exemplifies how good fish n chips can be. Get it while it can be gotten.

When they first opened, the fried candy bars were simply battered and fried. On return visits, they were battered, fried, and then coated with sugar, which struck me as overkill. Are they still doing this?

[Sundae in the Park]

I had a hard time understanding the rampant praise for Eamonn's until I tried the grouper a few weeks back. While I am not a huge fan of some of the other items on the menu (and find the fries to be woefully inconsistent), the grouper made a believer out of me. For five bones, you get a meaty, hefty portion of grouper that really exemplifies how good fish n chips can be. Get it while it can be gotten.

When they first opened, the fried candy bars were simply battered and fried. On return visits, they were battered, fried, and then coated with sugar, which struck me as overkill. Are they still doing this?

Another grouper fan! Yeah!

Yes, they are still coating the candy with cinnamon-sugar, making it smell like fair food. I don't know if that's the last straw, but I can only eat one (small, but good) bite of them. Maybe you could ask them to leave it off?

[Spiral Stairs]

I rarely order chicken at restaurants whose food I respect. It feels like walking into a Porsche dealership and walking out with a Toyota. So when we were at Eamonn's on Friday, I left the chicken-ordering to my wife. (I had the grouper, which was really good. It's been too long since my last meal there, but I recall being more bowled over by the cod. I can't enumerate the distinctions though.)

My wife's "chicken bites" were large and numerous, so I helped myself to some. Holy crap. It's virtual sacrilege to me, but I just may get them on every future visit. I had no idea chicken "nuggets" could be so moist and flavorful. And the order was so large, leftovers became a weekend lunch. (For me, not my wife. You snooze, you lose.)

[Capital Icebox]

The fries are getting more and more consistent here, the Ray is a surprise hit, a really creamy, meaty fish (and in my case was boneless, a bonus), the catfish rules and should be had with the Chesapeake sauce, and deep-fried candy bars will gladly be made sans sugar dusting. They also seem to have worked out the kinks with the iPod, so it no longer plays Christmas techno, opting instead for The Clash and The B-52s.

Habit-forming.

[bilrus]

deep-fried candy bars will gladly be made sans sugar dusting.

But why?

[Capital Icebox]

But why?

Because for me, there is such a thing as too sweet. Would I take a snickers bar from the vending machine and roll it in sugar? No, that would be overkill.

[bilrus]

Because for me, there is such a thing as too sweet. Would I take a snickers bar from the vending machine and roll it in sugar? No, that would be overkill.

And the battering and deep frying are the definition of restraint.

To each their own - I didn't like the bar until they rolled it in sugar. Helped with the texture.

[eating out]

I rarely order chicken at restaurants whose food I respect. It feels like walking into a Porsche dealership and walking out with a Toyota. So when we were at Eamonn's on Friday, I left the chicken-ordering to my wife. (I had the grouper, which was really good. It's been too long since my last meal there, but I recall being more bowled over by the cod. I can't enumerate the distinctions though.)

My wife's "chicken bites" were large and numerous, so I helped myself to some. Holy crap. It's virtual sacrilege to me, but I just may get them on every future visit. I had no idea chicken "nuggets" could be so moist and flavorful. And the order was so large, leftovers became a weekend lunch. (For me, not my wife. You snooze, you lose.)

Whole-heartedly agree. I love those chicken bites, and even if Eamonn's only served the chicken, I'd still be going back for them!

[Walrus]

Chicken bites, especially with the curry sauce, are my most favorite Eammon's delight!

[NoKaOi]

And the battering and deep frying are the definition of restraint.

To each their own - I didn't like the bar until they rolled it in sugar. Helped with the texture.

I have to agree - my wife ordered the snickers last week and it was great (with the sugar). However, I ordered the deep fried banana and was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. That banana is my new favorite dessert.

[Craig Erion]

They also seem to have worked out the kinks with the iPod, so it no longer plays Christmas techno

Either we're really late or really early

[ASL]

Also hit Eamonn's this weekend, and if we didn't have our 4 year-old in tow, we probably would never have tried the chicken bites. Holy cow, they were awesome. There were probably about 10-12 large "nuggets" in the bag, which was far more than I expected. The leftovers were re-crisped in the toaster oven for dinner last night. I'll probably stick with the cod on future visits, but it's nice to know that this delicious option exists.

[jparrott]

Chicken bites are easier to eat in the car.

[porcupine]

Since Rocks asked... today, having been denied a Lickity Split lunch , Mr P and I dined instead at Eamonn's. Cod, batter sausage, prawns, chips. Not much to say, really. All fresh from the frier, all really good. But not as good as the bacon, egg, and cheese salad I'm now craving.

[MrPorcupine]

Since Rocks asked... today, having been denied a Lickity Split lunch , Mr P and I dined instead at Eamonn's.

We should have gotten four of the hot-chili sauces, but got two of those and two others. The chili sauce is quite the tasty accompaniment.

And when the iPod played a-ha's Take On Me, you could hear the wave of spontaneous humming sweep across the restaurant.

This was our only chance to make it to a Lickety-Split Lunch for the last few weeks and in the next couple of weeks, so it was a serious bummer that they weren't open. Ah, well, these things happen. Must... learn... to... call... always...

[Capital Icebox]

Prawns? Do tell.

[ASL]

I had the prawns a few weeks ago and found them to be a bit mushy inside. The texture was a little strange. Needless to say, one try was enough for me.

Love the cod and chicken bites, tho.

[porcupine]

Prawns? Do tell.

Not much to tell. Like almost everything else on the menu, they're battered and fried. About two bites each. The two I tried were tender and tasty but a bit heavy with oil.

[DonRocks]

Not much to tell. Like almost everything else on the menu, they're battered and fried. About two bites each. The two I tried were tender and tasty but a bit heavy with oil.

I almost got them tonight but got gun-shy when told they were frozen (although really, Don, what do you expect?) I hadn't been back to Eamonn's in awhile, but boy was it good tonight, and the portion sizes were enormous. Cod, fries, fish o' the day, chicken bites, Smithwick's, every single sauce. Some of the best curried chicken in town right now is the chicken bites liberally dunked in the warm curry sauce. A really good showing all around this evening for Eamonn's, but boy do I feel like a batter-dipped, deep-fried, trans-double-bonded, saturated, fatty-acid molecule from the southwest corner of lipophilic Hell right about now. I hope they don't change a thing!

Cheers,

Rocks.

[squidsdc]

A really good showing all around this evening for Eamonn's, but boy do I feel like a batter-dipped, deep-fried, trans-double-bonded, saturated, fatty-acid molecule from the southwest corner of lipophilic Hell right about now. I hope they don't change a thing!

Cheers,

Rocks.

Yes, but the good news is they fry in canola oil! (heart healthy )

[ol_ironstomach]

A really good showing all around this evening for Eamonn's, but boy do I feel like a batter-dipped, deep-fried, trans-double-bonded, saturated, fatty-acid molecule from the southwest corner of lipophilic Hell right about now. I hope they don't change a thing!

A crime is being committed in Old Town right now, and the evidence is that I walked past a fair number of people coming out of Bertucci's, but just short of 2pm when I walked across the threshold, I was the only customer at Eamonn's, the Second Greatest Friggin' Lunch Bargain in Old Town.

What are the denizens of Alexandria thinking?!! This is outstanding fried cod, the kind that you wish for but never seem to get when you (wishfully) visit the pseudo-pubs of the DC area. I should have had to fight for greasy table space.

A hot piece of juicy cod the size of my hand. Chips fresh out of the fryer. A can of orange Lilt. Heaven.

[mnnchas]

A crime is being committed in Old Town right now, and the evidence is that I walked past a fair number of people coming out of Bertucci's, but just short of 2pm when I walked across the threshold, I was the only customer at Eamonn's, the Second Greatest Friggin' Lunch Bargain in Old Town.

For those of us not enlightened, what is the First Greatest Friggin' Lunch Bargain in Old Town.

[lackadaisi]

For those of us not enlightened, what is the First Greatest Friggin' Lunch Bargain in Old Town.

Lickity Split at Eve? I would say it is the Greatest Friggin' Lunch Bargain in the DC area.

[rkduggins]

AGREED!

[Waitman]

A hot piece of juicy cod the size of my hand. Chips fresh out of the fryer. A can of orange Lilt. Heaven.

Atlantic Cod or Pacific Cod? WWBD?

[goldenticket]

A crime is being committed in Old Town right now, and the evidence is that I walked past a fair number of people coming out of Bertucci's, but just short of 2pm when I walked across the threshold, I was the only customer at Eamonn's, the Second Greatest Friggin' Lunch Bargain in Old Town.

What are the denizens of Alexandria thinking?!! This is outstanding fried cod, the kind that you wish for but never seem to get when you (wishfully) visit the pseudo-pubs of the DC area. I should have had to fight for greasy table space.

Must be a pre-holiday weekend anomaly. As a denizen of Alexandria, I more often than not see the place packed out, with a few in line at the counter. Agreed that it is some damned good cod - but I might have to give those chicken bites that DonRocks mentioned a try one of these days

Looks like sauce preferences vary greatly - mine favorites are Marie Rose and Kitty O'Shea mostly for chip dipping.

[porcupine]

For those of us not enlightened, what is the First Greatest Friggin' Lunch Bargain in Old Town.

You are not of the body.

[Capital Icebox]

Grouper is back!

Music rocks!

Fries have reached their zenith!

[DPop]

Well, now I'm ruined. I will never be able to have fish and chips again at Fado's, Four Courts, or any of the other pubs in town without thinking that Eamonn's is light years better for a lower price. The chicken bites are also as good as advertised, as juicy as I can imagine any meat being and a great portion size for $5.50.

The only disappointment was the Marie Rose dipping sauce, but the staff was nice enough to give us as many sauces as we wanted for free and we loved the tartar and hot chili replacements. Can't wait to get back and go up to PX as well for a few drinks afterwards.

[Craig Erion]

the staff was nice enough to give us as many sauces as we wanted for free and we loved the tartar and hot chili replacements. Can't wait to get back and go up to PX as well for a few drinks afterwards.

Free? I'll have to look into this

[silentbob]

I haven't been here in nearly a year and will be visiting with several friends later this week. Are there any new or exciting menu items to try?

And how easy/difficult is it to find seating at 6:30 on a school night or weekend?

[Capital Icebox]

I haven't been here in nearly a year and will be visiting with several friends later this week. Are there any new or exciting menu items to try?

And how easy/difficult is it to find seating at 6:30 on a school night or weekend?

They have soft-serve ice cream now, which isn't much to get excited about. I haven't tried the prawns, which are a new addition to the menu, but the chicken bites are fantastic. If the grouper is the fish of the day, you won't regret ordering it.

Seating at 6:30 on a weekend might be more difficult than a weeknight, but the only time I've had a problem getting one of the tables is lunchtime on weekends, which is when they really get slammed.

[DPop]

I haven't been here in nearly a year and will be visiting with several friends later this week. Are there any new or exciting menu items to try?

And how easy/difficult is it to find seating at 6:30 on a school night or weekend?

After having been here a couple times now, my recommendation is to stick to the basics; cod, chips, chicken bites, and the fried candy bars and dough balls. I thought the prawns were very disappointing (too much batter, not enough prawn) and the ray, while good, did not measure up to the glory that is the cod. Also, if you enjoy curry, be sure to give that sauce a try, along with the hot chili and the one with capers and olives, which was quite good.

Oh, and don't forget the Guinness and/or Harp's

ETA: Haven't tried the grouper or the battered sausage or burgers yet, though.

[Adam23]

I'd stick with the chicken, cod and the grouper if its the special. We were there fairly recently and the grouper was fabulous. I think its better than the cod.

The fries were a tad off - a little greasy and less crisp than normal when we were there but overall, excellent meal.

The chicken is wonderful if you don't like fish.

My only warning if that the place is amazingly popular with families with little children. I think the Washingtonian said it was a great restaurant for kids, so beware if you don't like lots of little kids running around. We were there in the afternoon on a Sunday and it was packed with families.

[youngfood]

After having been here a couple times now, my recommendation is to stick to the basics; cod, chips, chicken bites, and the fried candy bars and dough balls. I thought the prawns were very disappointing (too much batter, not enough prawn) and the ray, while good, did not measure up to the glory that is the cod.

Dropped down here for a bite after some early cocktails upstairs on Saturday evening. I'm with DPop on the ray, it just didn't measure up to the cod for me. The texture didn't seem right, almost like it was overcooked leaving it a little bit heavy. The cod on the other hand remains otherworldly. It probably takes a unique crowd who'll want to drop in here in sportcoats before or after the best drinks in town at arguably the most elegant cocktail lounge there is in PX, but it's easier to justify a big cocktail bill upstairs when you have a delicious meal downstairs for such so little.

[Sundae in the Park]

After having been here a couple times now, my recommendation is to stick to the basics; cod, chips, chicken bites, and the fried candy bars and dough balls. I thought the prawns were very disappointing (too much batter, not enough prawn) and the ray, while good, did not measure up to the glory that is the cod. Also, if you enjoy curry, be sure to give that sauce a try, along with the hot chili and the one with capers and olives, which was quite good.

Agreed on the prawn front - they were a bit small and their texture was mushy. The grouper, cod, chips, and sauces, however, were top-notch as usual.

[monavano]

Agreed on the prawn front - they were a bit small and their texture was mushy. The grouper, cod, chips, and sauces, however, were top-notch as usual.

I have to chime in on the prawn too. I thought is was an off night, but apparentyly the prawn paucity and texture are issues. The added cost is not justified.

[mxyzptlk]

I'm a big fan of their battered burgher, but I've noticed that it, also, is a hit-or-miss thing. Some nights it's really good, other nights, it comes out as a rock-hard orb of discoloured protein. It would be nice if they had a bottle of HP sauce on the tables as well for it.

[Walrus]

I dare anyone to what Eammon's does better than they do it! Today, juicy chicken with crispy outer coating dipped in curry sauce, accompanied by perfect (for me) fries that were crisp -- but not hard -- on the outside but fluffy like a potato pillow on the inside, dipped in divine Fronch. Only problem now is that I'm full and sleepy and it's only 3:12 pm. Sigh. Good thing I washed it all down with caffeine! (Was that my arteries grinding to a halt? Nahhh...)

Bad news is that Ted's leaving us to go back to school. Good for him, sux for us. Hopefully he'll come back and start an empire of his own Good luck, Ted!

(PS: Hey, Don, I posted -- feel better? )

[jrichstar]

Just wanted to shout out that Eamonn's is still doing great stuff in Old Town. The family had two orders each of the fried cod and the chicken bites. Can't imagine that you can do fried fish any better this and the chicken is what you'd wish fast food would be. All great ingredients and cooked with care. The fries are good, not great, but when you add in the homemade sauces, they are elevated. We got the chile, caper/olive combo and the curry. I don't like olives but that one was my favorite due to the flavor intensity, especially with the fries. The curry went really well with the fish. To top it all off was the excellent fried snickers. Batter, sweet and creamy at the same time---how can you go wrong?

Can't really eat this kind of meal too often to keep the arteries unclogged, but for a price of less than $40 for a family of 5, it will be pretty tempting.

[Sthitch]

The shrimp can only be described as weird, not bad, just weird.