Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

Located just inside the gates of Pleasure Island on Disney World property, Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is exactly what you would expect when Disney conceptualizes the traditional Irish Pub.

The word "Pub" is short for "public house" and usually denotes a cozy meeting place where people can get together, share a pint of ale, some food and sing Irish songs. Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant meets all of these requirements, however a high percentage of their clientele is made up of tourists visiting Disney World, so the likelihood that they will meet more than once is small. Even so, Raglan Road is worth a visit, and if you are local, it should be added to your list of restaurants to visit for great food, great presentation and Irish entertainment.

There are several rooms in the restaurant, providing seating for 600 people, plus a large area of tables outside. True to the Disney style, the bar, which is 130 years old, was imported directly from Ireland to establish a feeling of authenticity. The variety of imported beers and ales are one reason to stop in, but the food is the main attraction. Raglan Road specializes in contemporary Irish food with menu items that are enjoyed in Ireland daily.

Before the meal, Irish soda bread is served with a dish of olive oil infused with Guiness. This gives the oil an unusual, sweet flavor. There are two lists of appetizers: "Starters Solo" and "Starters for Sharing." One of the former, Drunk Chicken, consists of marinated whiskey glazed chicken kebabs served with romaine lettuce and a lime dressing. The Smokie City appetizer, intended for sharing, is made with layers of Pollack, mature Wexford cheddar and double cream in a crock, served with crusty bread. This dish alone is worth the drive from anywhere in Central Florida!

Entrees include very creatively named main dishes. Salmon of Knowledge features a fresh salmon fillet covered with a thin layer of smoked salmon, baked and served with a maple glaze. The salmon is accompanied by mashed potatoes, onions, cabbage and tomatoes. Sod the Stew is Raglan Road's tribute to traditional beef stew, seasoned with a hint of Guiness. Shepherds Pie, an Irish favorite, is also available for the beef eaters.

There is a Fish N Chips Shoppe on one side of the building with plenty of umbrella tables where you can comfortably enjoy the food and Florida weather.

Raglan Road also has a gift shop, offering shirts, souvenirs and cookbooks for those who would like to try to duplicate some of the Irish dishes at home.

Six nights a week, diners can enjoy the Irish dancers, dressed in traditional clothing, and singers performing Irish songs. It can only be described as a visit to the Emerald Isle by way of Disney World!

Sean Griffin, Raglan Road's manager, ensures that although St. Patty's Day gets special attention at the restaurant, Raglan Road is worth visiting all year long. For convenience, reservations can be made online through their website.