Wonderful fish & chips- Irish Times in Brookfield

Late lunch today at Irish Times pub and restaurant which faces the Burlington tracks at the west end of the commercial district there.

Best fish and chips I think I've ever had. Tasty cod, golden batter and sensational, crispy/creamy fries. Big helpings for $12; we took 1/3 the serving home to reheat in the convection oven, which is a fairly satisfactory way to rewarm at home. Our son had the Shepard's Pie, which he pronounced excellent. They have a great selection of beer/ale/stouts on tap.

One tip, through, gained from bitter experience - NEVER go there on Saint Patty's Day unless you cherish a really intimate dining experience. It will be just you and about 11,000 other Irishmen-for-a-day. (Actually, I'm a full-time Irishman on my mother's side.)

They have an all-you-can-eat F&C on Fridays; it would be best to plan a very early dinner, though. It is super-crowded for this event.

Bon appetit.

I think the question of dinner for tomorrow just got solved.

http://www.irishtimespubchicago.com/

Irish Times is our default Friday night destination. It is a lovely little place with a "cottage" in the back for overflow crowds and private parties, outdoor seating and a really friendly neighborhood vibe. While we eat there almost weekly, and last Friday in fact we thought the Fish to be better than normal, I have always found the food to be underwhelming and pedestrian in as far as everything is serviceable but nothing anywhere near exemplary. The burgers are generally overcooked, the fries are food service similar to burger kings, the soups are ok, the salads sub par, they do not even make a fresh vegetable, the fish is large and well cooked but under seasoned and served with the mayo based cole slaw that I believe is from a tub and tartar sauce that no one in my family eats. There is Low grade vinegar on the table and we have brought our own on occasion from home (thanks Dino and Cap't porkies) which helps quite a bit.

Would I recommend it for a good time, sure. Would I say you will love the food, surely not.

As for crowds it is usually no more than a few minute wait in my experience.