Workmans Friend Charles Jeffries The Workman's Friend

The Workman's Friend

1531 Central Ave. (Thomas Ave.)
Charlotte, NC 28205
980-224-8234
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Cuisine: Irish / Pub
Elevated Irish fare stars in a cozy pub setting.
Openings: Lunch Fri.-Sun., Dinner nightly

Features


The Workman's Friend Restaurant Review:


Exposed brick and barn wood rafters are keys to the pub-cozy feel at this 84-year-old Plaza-Midwood spot. Two of the owners --- Kevin Devin and his designer wife, Corrina --- are from Ireland. On nice afternoons, grab a seat on the back patio. Start with a “bag of chips,” fried wedge potatoes served in a small brown paper sack with a sour-sweet malt vinegar aïoli dipping sauce. Irish traditions dominate the entrées menu, namely fish ‘n’ chips, a crispy battered cod served with requisite English peas and tartar sauce; or Lynn’s Shepard pie, a hearty option including minced beef and lamb, peas, carrots, mashed potatoes, and a small salad. There to share? Split a meat-and-cheese board or opt for the sausage board, complete with house-made sausage, whole-grain mustard, crème fraîche and sauerkraut. For dessert, opt for the car bomb cupcake or a simple seasonal fruit crumble with vanilla bean ice cream. Beer may be the popular picks (Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp and the like), but the brews are in good company with interesting and uncommon wines by the glass. Craft cocktails are an option, too, with such concoctions as the restaurant’s namesake, a mixture of Jameson Irish Whiskey, vanilla bean, ginger root cane syrup and fresh orange juice.