Brunch at The Irish Rogue

We’ve been spending more and more time in the theatre district lately, what with just having taken in matinee revivals of Wallace Shawn’s Marie and Bruce and Michael Frayn’s Benefactors (both of which we’ll be reviewing right after they officially open on April 5) and that has led us to step up our search for restaurants in the area offering good pre-theatre brunches. We recently commented positively on the brunches at Delta Grill and Mont Blanc and we’re now pleased to add another find to our list: The Irish Rogue on West 44th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues.

At first blush, The Irish Rogue is little more than your typical Irish sports pub, with its offerings of Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers & Mash and Fish & Chips, its broad array of beers on tap, and its ubiquitous flat screen TVs, each tuned to one or another sporting event. But once settled in, you quickly discover that it’s a lot more than your typical neighborhood pub after all – it’s relatively quiet and congenial, service is exemplary, and, while I cannot comment on the stereotypical Irish grub, having partaken of none of those classic dishes (other than the Full Irish Breakfast) myself, I can tell you that the brunch offerings are terrific and a great bargain to boot.

The pub offers a prix fixe weekend brunch for $11.95 which includes two drinks (bloody marys, mimosas, champagne, juice or selected domestic draft beers) and your choice from a great selection of entrees – not only the traditional Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Three Egg Omelets, French Toast and Pancakes we’ve all come to expect but Corned Beef Hash and Smoked Salmon Hash, both topped with poached eggs, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes served with sauteed vegetables, and a Full Irish Breakfast (consisting of Irish bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, baked beans, eggs, French fries and toast). Sue had the Crab Cakes and I had the Full Irish Breakfast and we both were more than satisfied.

The pub is a bit hokey (restrooms are labeled “Rogues” and “Roguettes”) but it’s fun, the food is excellent and the service and prices can’t be beat. Give it a shot, next time you’re looking for a good weekend brunch in the area.