Reddys of Carlow

Just what Carlow needed - another traditional Irish pub promising that elusive combination of "authentic atmosphere" and "proper food." Reddys of Carlow sits there on Tullow Street, wearing its heritage like a well-worn flat cap, daring you to be cynical about yet another establishment claiming to serve the perfect pint of Guinness alongside "home-cooked" meals. And yet...

I hate to admit it, but there's something genuinely charming about the place. Maybe it's the way the afternoon sun streams through those Victorian windows, casting warm shadows across worn wooden floors that have seen generations of locals come and go. Or perhaps it's the staff who manage to be attentive without hovering - a rare art in these days of either neglectful or overzealous service.

Let's talk about the Guinness, since we must. In a town where every pub proclaims their pour to be superior, Reddys of Carlow somehow manages to serve a pint that actually lives up to the hype. The perfect temperature, the proper settling time, the precise head - it's all there, making you forget about the countless mediocre pints you've endured elsewhere.

The food menu initially reads like a greatest hits compilation of Irish pub fare - and I arrived fully prepared to roll my eyes at another parade of uninspired dishes. But here's where Reddys started to chip away at my professional skepticism. The roast beef actually tastes like beef rather than a memory of what beef should be. The portions are generous without being grotesque, and someone in that kitchen understands that seasoning involves more than just salt and pepper.

Their daily lunch specials deserve particular mention, if only because they've managed to maintain reasonable prices while not sacrificing quality - a feat that seems increasingly rare in these inflationary times. The sirloin steak (which I ordered with deliberately low expectations) arrived perfectly medium-rare, accompanied by proper chips that clearly never saw the inside of a freezer.

But it's the desserts that finally forced me to surrender my cynicism entirely. House-made sweets are often pub afterthoughts, but the lemon meringue pie here could hold its own against dedicated patisseries. The sticky toffee pudding - a dish I've consumed more times than my cardiologist would care to know - manages to be both richly indulgent and surprisingly light.

The space itself strikes that difficult balance between maintaining traditional charm and modern comfort. Yes, there's live music some evenings, but it's actually enjoyable rather than the usual assault on your eardrums. The outdoor seating area provides a pleasant spot for people-watching when weather permits, which in Carlow might mean bringing a jacket even in July.

They've managed to create an atmosphere that works equally well for family lunches, casual pints, or proper evening meals. The children's menu offers more thought than the usual chicken nugget propaganda, and the staff seem genuinely pleased rather than merely tolerant of younger diners.

What truly sets Reddys of Carlow apart is its consistency - that most elusive of hospitality qualities. Whether you're dropping in for a morning coffee (yes, they actually know how to make one properly), a quick lunch, or a full dinner service, the standard remains remarkably steady. Even during busy periods, when many venues let their guard down, they maintain their composure.

Here's the truly irritating part - I've visited multiple times, actively looking for reasons to write a scathing review, and they've thwarted me at every turn. From the free parking nearby to the reasonable prices for the quality offered, they've thought everything through. Even the breakfast service (often the Achilles heel of pub restaurants) manages to impress.

So here I am, reluctantly recommending Reddys of Carlow to anyone seeking proper pub fare in the heart of town. Whether you're a local looking for a reliable regular spot or a visitor hoping to experience genuine Irish hospitality without the tourist trap trappings, you'll find it here. Just don't tell them I sent you - I have a reputation for cynicism to maintain, after all.