McCawley's Irish Pub in Shenzhen, China: A Taste of Ireland in China

It's a little piece of Ireland, a sliver of the emerald isle inside the Middle Kingdom. McCawley's Irish Pub in Shenzhen, China, an institution among expatriates, is a great way to step out of the hustle and bustle of China and into a Irish state of mind.

McCawley's has the distinction of being one of the few places in mainland China to serve real Guinness draft beer. Their food menu is a listing of popular pub grub. The beverages they serve include beers and spirits from around the world, some difficult to find in China.

Located in the Sea World area of Shekou, Shenzhen, McCawley's Irish Pub is a wonderment to the eyes. The décor is that of a proper pub: Wooden floors and benches, dim lighting, and a vast array of knick-knacks and books on the walls. After a week of life in big-city China, McCawley's can offer diners a quiet respite from the busy world.

The restaurant has three floors. The first offers a small bar as well as a tradition dining room, with linen table clothes and polished cutlery. The second floor is a larger lounge area, with a projection television for sporting events, and live performances from local musicians. The third floor roof of McCawley's Irish Pub is a large space available for rent for special events and parties by local groups and teams.

McCawley's menu leaves you hard-pressed to make a decision. Starters include pub classics such as chicken wings, nachos, and French fries (chips). The kitchen offers a wide variety of fresh sandwiches, including hamburgers, steak, and BLTs. McCawley's main courses are a real taste of Ireland in China. Beef and Guinness pie, Irish stew, bangers and mash, and the butcher's mixed grill make deciding on an entrée a difficult task. The all-day breakfast is a very popular item in a country where traditional breakfasts are noodles or dumplings.

I sampled the beef and Guinness pie. This dish is a large plate, covered by golden-brown pastry. Inside you find beef in rich Guinness beer gravy resting on a bed of mashed potatoes. It is a wonderful combination of tastes and textures, and a giant portion. The all-day breakfast is an entrée for the hungry that includes: Eggs, any style, with beans, hash browns, tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon, sausage and toasted fresh bread. After being in China any length of time, travelers or expatriates can truly appreciate this marvelous breakfast.

The only drawback to McCawley's Irish Pub is the prices. While the food is excellent and the beverages tasty, a meal with starter, entrée and drink will cost about 150 RMB (almost $20 US). Given that dining in an average Chinese restaurant will set you back about 30 RMB, this is a substantial difference. Budget travelers or local residents with low incomes should take heed. If you are in desperate need of something not Chinese, McCawley's Irish Pub is a great place to turn, for a price.

The wait staff are kind and well informed. The service is fast and efficient. The Sea World area where McCawley's Irish Pub is located is directly on the main bus route and offers parking. The outside patio is a great place to unwind after a long day or week.

If you find yourself in Shenzhen, China, and need a little taste of something not Asian give McCawley's Irish Pub a try.