The Discriminating Diner:Gallagher’s Food and Spirits

Gallagher’s Food and Spirits

4460 Fowler Street

Fort Myers, Florida 33901

239-936-0096

“Like” them on Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/Gallagher.FM 

 

There is a yet undiscovered little gem of a place called Gallagher’s that just opened in Nov 2011 that we felt we just had to go and check out. Gallagher’s is located on Fowler right next door to Old Time Pottery.  We really were not sure what to except as they had just opened. We were warmly greeted by the hostess who welcomed us and took us to our seats.   

This establishment had once been a Beef O’Brady’s but they did a very nice job redecorating and making the atmosphere warm and welcoming. There are plenty of TV’s and they do have all the sport packages so one can watch their favorite teams.  While Gallagher’s is a pub with an Irish flare and not a sports bar it is a nice addition to be able to watch your favorite teams.  

Our waiter “Jay” was friendly, attentive and answered all our questions regarding the menu items.  The menu offers many “Pub” favorites such as Shepherd’s Pie ($9.95), Corned Beef and Cabbage ($10.95) and Bangers and Mash ($8.95). They also have Irish Beef Stew, Irish Sliders, Pretzel Bread and a flat bread pizza with corned beef, sauerkraut, mozzarella cheese and Thousand Island dressing…very different! They offer sandwiches the likes of: Pastrami, Reuben, Meatloaf and 4 others. They offer 3 types of wrap sandwiches and 4 burger selections. 

 

We settled on for starters the O’Mally’s Basket of Tumbleweeds ($4.95). This is a huge portion, easily enough for 4, of thinly sliced onions, fried and served with their “special sauce”. This sauce is a spicy mustard sauce for dipping and it is “hot”.  For our main we settled on the Wicklow Burger ($8.95) and the Gerti MacDowell’s Meatloaf ($9.95). The burger is huge, was cooked perfectly (Medium Rare as requested) and served with a side of some of the best tasting fries ever.  We asked Jay for some ketchup and mayo and were pleasantly surprised to receive a bottle of each instead of a small cup that is never more than enough for dipping 4 fries into. 

The Meatloaf is served with red skinned mashed potatoes with Guinness gravy and a vegetable (broccoli). The portion is large except for the broccoli; they could add a bit more broccoli to the serving.  The meatloaf was a favorite for sure and has some very special ingredients they use to make it so flavorful. You will have to just try it and then ask them about their secret as I promised not to revel it. Everything was served hot and was full of vibrant flavors.  They only thing was as I said earlier the portion size of the broccoli. We were very impressed that for a newly opened restaurant that the food and service was excellent.  

Many restaurants do not pay attention to the coffee they serve but as a coffee lover, there is nothing better than a fresh cup of good coffee to go along with dessert. They offer 3 choices and we shared the carrot cake which was excellent and served with some chocolate sauce as well.

 

Gallagher’s has many events such as Happy Hour daily from 3-7 PM, Monday night is Hospitality Night from 3 – close, Thursday is Ladies Night from 3 – close. Coming soon is Karoke on Friday nights and a “Yappy Hour” on Saturdays. They have daily, all day draft specials for $1. Each day a different draft is featured at this price. They have free Wi-Fi, and are pet friendly. They have outdoor seating on their patio for those who wish to bring their pets or smoke.   

Overall Gallagher’s gets a thumbs up for our experience!  While they are still new, once this place is discovered I suspect we all will be waiting in line to get in. Gallagher’s is certainly a place you will want to go to and have a great meal in a warm, friendly and fun atmosphere.  When you visit them please tell them that you saw this review on What’s Up SWFL! Happy Dining!