Austies Pub & Kitchen

Just what Sligo needed - another pub with pretensions of being a "kitchen." Austies Pub & Kitchen sits there, all smug with its dual identity, probably serving microwaved frozen prawns to tourists who don't know any better. At least, that's what I thought before I actually bothered to visit the place. And now, much to my chagrin, I have to admit I was wrong. Terribly, embarrassingly wrong.

Let's talk about those prawns I so cynically pre-judged. The salt and chilli prawns at Austies Pub & Kitchen are the kind of dish that makes you question every snarky assumption you've ever made about pub food in Sligo. They arrive perfectly seasoned, looking like they just jumped out of the ocean and straight into the kitchen. It's almost annoying how good they are.

The thing about Austies that really gets under my skin is how effortlessly they balance the pub-restaurant hybrid concept that so many places butcher. The bar area feels like a proper Irish pub - none of that "Irish pub theme park" nonsense that plagues so many establishments. The dining space manages to be both casual and sophisticated, like that friend who looks put-together without trying too hard. I hate that I'm impressed by it.

Their seafood chowder deserves its own paragraph. Actually, it deserves its own sonnet, but I'll spare you my poetry. It's the kind of chowder that makes you understand why people write love songs about food. Rich, creamy, packed with fresh seafood - it's the bowl of comfort you need on a rainy Sligo day (so, basically, most days).

The menu prices sit in that sweet spot where you can't really complain, though I certainly tried. Sure, you could find cheaper pub grub elsewhere, but then you'd be eating cheaper pub grub elsewhere. The fisherman's pie costs what a good fisherman's pie should cost, and delivers what a great one should deliver. There's value here, even if it pains me to acknowledge it.

They've got all the expected amenities - outdoor seating for those three sunny days Sligo gets annually, a decent wine list that won't bankrupt you, and a children's menu that actually serves food rather than just chicken nuggets. They're even dog-friendly, which means you can bring your four-legged food critic along. The live music isn't the usual painful cover band experience - they actually book decent acts. I'm annoyed at how many boxes they tick.

The staff operates with that rare combination of professional efficiency and genuine warmth that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. They remember your preferences, make solid recommendations, and somehow manage to be attentive without hovering. It's like they've been trained by someone who actually understands hospitality - imagine that.

Let's talk about the portions because they're genuinely generous without being ridiculous. The seafood linguine doesn't leave you hunting for seafood like some sort of pasta detective, and the steak sandwich isn't trying to hide its inadequacies under a mountain of garnish. They serve proper meals that don't require a stop at the chipper on the way home.

The venue works equally well for a casual pint, a family dinner, or a date night. They've managed to create an atmosphere that's both relaxed and special enough for occasions. The view doesn't hurt either - though I suppose they can't take credit for Sligo's natural beauty. They just had the good sense to make the most of it.

Look, I didn't want to like Austies Pub & Kitchen. I really didn't. But here I am, recommending that you book a table (yes, actually book - the place gets busy because apparently I'm not the only one who's discovered it). Whether you're a local or just passing through Sligo, it's worth your time and money. And I can't believe I just wrote that sentence without a hint of sarcasm. Well played, Austies. Well played indeed.