Restaurant Pubs in Westport

Just what Westport needed - another pub-slash-restaurant-slash-everything venue masquerading as the answer to all our dining prayers. Ted's Bar, Restaurant and Venue (because apparently picking one business model was too challenging) sits there, practically begging for another jaded critic to tear it apart. Well, challenge accepted. Let's address the elephant in the room - Ted's Bar, Restaurant and Venue in Westport is trying to be all things to all people, which usually ends about as well as my attempts at making soufflé. Yet somehow, against all odds and my better judgment, they're pulling it off with an irritating level of competence. I walked in fully prepared to mock the jack-of-all-trades approach, only to find myself grudgingly impressed by how seamlessly they transition from casual pub to proper restaurant to event space. It's like watching a chameleon change colors, except this one serves surprisingly decent food and pours a proper pint. The prices are suspiciously reasonable, which initially set off all my warning bells. In my experience, affordable pub grub usually means frozen everything and microwave cuisine. But Ted's in Westport had to go and prove me wrong, didn't they? Their fish and chips (which I ordered purely for critical purposes, obviously) arrived fresh, crispy, and demonstrating an actual understanding of seasoning. The audacity. The dining room manages to avoid the typical Irish pub clichés while still feeling authentically welcoming - no small feat in a town where shamrock-plastered walls are practically mandatory. The space flows naturally from cozy drinking nooks to proper dining areas, and then there's that event venue section that I was fully prepared to hate but actually found myself mentally bookmarking for future reference. Their menu should be a mess - trying to cover everything from bar snacks to full dinners usually ends in culinary disaster. Yet here I am, begrudgingly reporting that whether you're after a quick sandwich or a proper evening meal, they've somehow managed to maintain quality across the board. The kitchen apparently didn't get the memo that they're supposed to cut corners when offering such a broad selection at these prices. The service staff commits the ultimate sin of being genuinely friendly without feeling forced. I specifically visited during peak hours, hoping to catch them dropping the ball, only to find them handling the crowd with surprising efficiency. Even the bar service, which in similar venues often devolves into a contact sport, maintains a civilized order. Let's talk about their event space, because I was fully prepared to dismiss it as another soulless function room. Instead, I found myself admitting that the views alone make it worth considering for everything from family gatherings to proper celebrations. The fact that they can handle both intimate dinners and larger events without the quality suffering is, frankly, showing off. They've even managed to nail the basics that so many others overlook. The parking is ample (and free, which in Westport is becoming as rare as a bad view). The amenities are spotless (I checked, thoroughly), and the whole operation runs with the kind of smooth efficiency that makes my job as a critic unnecessarily difficult. For families (I brought my nephew purely for research purposes), they've created that elusive sweet spot where adults can enjoy a proper meal while kids are genuinely catered for, not just tolerated. The children's menu avoids the usual frozen nugget tragedy, offering proper food scaled down to smaller portions. So here I am, reaching the end of this review and finding myself in the uncomfortable position of having to recommend Ted's Bar, Restaurant and Venue in Westport. Despite my best efforts to find fault, they've managed to create something that actually works on multiple levels. Whether you're after a casual pint, a family dinner, or a venue for your next celebration, they've got it covered with an annoying level of competence. Go ahead, visit Ted's in Westport. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation to maintain, and they've already damaged it enough by being inexplicably good at what they do.

When you first step into The Western Strands Bar, Restaurant & Guesthouse in Westport, you might think you've stumbled into a scene from a charming Irish novel. There's that unmistakable warmth that wraps around you like a well-worn wool sweater, the kind of place where the locals' laughter mingles with the clinking of glasses and the gentle hum of conversation that makes you feel instantly at home. Recently renovated but losing none of its soul, The Western Strands has mastered that delicate balance between modern comfort and traditional Irish hospitality. The bar area gleams with polished wood and brass fixtures, while comfortable nooks and crannies invite you to settle in for what the Irish call "the long stretch" – those perfectly endless evenings where one drink turns into several, and strangers become friends over shared stories and maybe a tune or two. The food here is what would happen if your Irish grandmother got formal culinary training but kept all her secret recipes. Their fish and chips has developed something of a local legend status – the batter achieving that mythical level of crispiness while the fish inside remains tender enough to melt in your mouth. It's reasonably priced too, making it an accessible spot for both travelers watching their euros and locals looking for their regular haunt. Speaking of regular haunts, the live music sessions at The Western Strands Westport are the kind that make you cancel your other plans. While they don't happen every night (worth calling ahead to check), when they do, it's magic. Picture this: a corner of the pub transforms into an impromptu stage, where local musicians might start with a familiar tune before diving into traditional Irish music that makes your pint taste twice as good. The restaurant section strikes that perfect note between casual and special occasion dining. By day, sunlight streams through the windows, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely breakfast or brunch. As evening falls, the space transforms, with subtle lighting creating an atmosphere that works just as well for a romantic dinner as it does for a family celebration. Their menu dances through Irish classics and contemporary dishes, all executed with a respect for ingredients that you can taste in every bite. For those lucky enough to snag one of their guestrooms, you're in for a treat. Each morning starts with the kind of breakfast that makes you glad you're not just a dinner guest. The full Irish breakfast here isn't just a meal – it's a statement of intent for your day, though lighter options are available for those who prefer a gentler start to their morning. The staff operate with that particular brand of Irish efficiency that never feels rushed – they're always ready with a recommendation or a bit of local knowledge, delivered with a warmth that makes you feel less like a customer and more like a welcome guest. They've mastered the art of being there exactly when you need them while letting you enjoy your space when you don't. For families, The Western Strands has thought of everything. There's a children's menu that goes beyond the usual chicken nuggets (though they're available for the die-hard fans), and the staff have that magical ability to make both parents and kids feel equally welcome. Groups large and small find themselves well-accommodated, whether it's a family celebration or a gathering of friends. The Western Strands' location in Westport puts you right where you want to be, with free parking that's a blessing in this busy town. It's the kind of place that serves as both a destination and a perfect base for exploring the area. Whether you're starting your day with their excellent coffee, popping in for a satisfying lunch, or settling in for an evening of food, drinks, and possibly music, you'll find yourself wanting to return. Here's a tip from someone who's spent more evenings here than they probably should admit: come for dinner, but arrive early enough to grab a drink at the bar first. It's the best way to catch the place in its transition from day to evening, when the atmosphere shifts like a well-orchestrated performance. And if you're lucky enough to be there on a music night, well, just cancel tomorrow morning's plans. Trust me, The Western Strands Westport is worth it.