Local Restaurant Review: Claddagh Irish Pub in Indianapolis, Indiana

Mother's Day brunch, it seems like every restaurant gets in on the act. Maybe some shouldn't. This year we visited Claddagh Irish Pub. It was their first year to offer a brunch for Mother's Day. Our reservations were for 2 pm. The brunch ran from 11 am to 2:30 pm. Our party was rather large with twelve people ranging in age from toddler to senior citizens. We should have know before heading out that the day wasn't to be so fantastic since we were being swayed by an Aunt who is childless to make the demands of the day while there were four other mother's attending the meal.

We were seated rather quickly at a large table that was well situation for small children. There was an area at one end that ran along a wall and a divider wall that the kids could get up and move around. The atmosphere was rustic; it is a pub after all. But I felt that it was well suited for our group.

Our server was very attentative and helpful. He brought drinks without being asked and checked on us often. Some of the other staff was less helpful. When we got our food, we didn't have silverware but that was readily fixed. The buffet was spread out around the restaurant. Plates continued to run out as did many of the food items being offered. It is amazing how running out of American bacon can hold up a buffet line. Some patrons were getting angry.

The variety of food offered ranged from traditional breakfast fare: eggs, bacon, waffles, Omelets, Danish and then traveled through Irish pub fare: Shepard's pie, bangers, Irish stew and Irish eggs. There was the traditional buffet Roast Beef, mine was fatty and hard to cut and thus eat. For dessert, there was a spread of not so tasty items and generic frozen treats available at any Warehouse Club.

I give Claddagh some leeway since it was their first attempt at a brunch for Mother's Day. I imagine it will improve should they attempt it again next year. I doubt we will be in attendance. Our group would much prefer the pitch in meal given at one relative's house since we are free to roam around and visit with each other for a leisurely amount of time. While Claddagh offered us a laid back atmosphere and a bit of wiggle room for the kiddo's, I'd rather the family pitch in style of meal. Lesson learned, next year, we stay home.