ATXReview
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
B.D. Riley's Irish Pub
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Just like a visit to Barton Springs on a warm Saturday afternoon or a stop at Hot Topic in the mall, you know exactly what to expect when you walk into an Irish pub. There’s a formula that generally involves some combination of a long wooden bar, a laid back atmosphere, and pints of Guinness. B.D. Riley’s is a mostly typical Irish pub, but it’s one with much better food and a nicer patio than you might expect.
There’s a pretty large menu of classic Irish staples—including some very good fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash—that pair just as well with a pint of Smithwicks or with something local on draft. But there are also dishes like a Guinness and steak poutine that’ll have you knuckles-deep in a mountain of thick-cut crispy potatoes, gravy, and melted cheese curds before you can piece together how this Canadian-Irish fusion even came about.
The inside is modeled after classic Irish pubs—like many others around the world, it was built in Ireland, and assembled locally—and it’s a dark, cozy escape from a sunny afternoon at Mueller Lake Park. There’s also a large patio that sprawls out onto the sidewalks and walkways on either side of the pub, while the largest fan we’ve ever seen spins overhead and provides a light breeze for all 365 days of the year that they’re open. It’s a relaxed place on most evenings, but both the inside and the patio become pretty lively during soccer matches and football games (they’re a Patriots bar).
Grab a pint of Guinness, order some snacks for the table or a full Irish breakfast at any time of day, and enjoy one of our favorite patios in Mueller. There might not be a giant spring-fed pool to cool off in, but we’ve found a cold pint to be a decent alternative.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
Fish & Chips
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
Guinness & Steak Poutine
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
Bangers & Mash
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
Riley's Reuben