Thatcher McGee's, Pompton Lakes

I eat way too much. At least I'm beginning to think so since I've posted about five blogs in one month? That's crazy! No wonder why I'm always broke!

Sometimes you'll find a restaurant that won't exactly break your bank, and that's what we think about Thatcher McGee's. First, it's affordable, second, the atmosphere is cool, and third, the food and drink are pretty amazing. Step inside Thatcher McGee's and you'll feel as though you're inside a pub in Ireland. Notice the quotes all over the walls...you'll get a real kick out of some of them. For example..."My mother never saw the irony when she called me a son of a b.... Jack Nicholson". Keep looking and you'll find one or two that'll knock your socks off. We chose to sit at a high top in the bar area right by the dartboard. I believe our waitress even had an accent, though she was a little on the flaky side.

Thatcher's offers a typical bar type menu, but with additional dishes. Their reuben is huge and tasty, their fries crispy, hot and delicious, and their chicken wrap with spinach, tomatoes, and swiss was incredibly satisfying. I was a little annoyed when it came without the swiss...one or two bites and I was happy with it but I really wanted the swiss. When it came back to me, it had the cheese but for some reason a lot less tasty than the first go-round. The real winner on their menu is the "Taste of Ireland". It's huge, hearty, and soul-satisfying. I literally could not stop eating off my partner's plate. They start with mashed potatoes that they use as barriers to separate the four entrees on the plate: Guinness beef stew, Shepard's pie, chicken pot pie, and lamb stew (I think...). On top of that, there are fried onions and bangers (sausages). For $13.99 I consider this a bargain, and super flavorful to boot!

Of course you will get a perfectly poured Guinness every single time. The atmosphere is lively and jumping, even on a Sunday afternoon. Get your Irish fill at Thatcher McGee's the next time you're roaming around northern Jersey.

Food: ****
Ambience: *****
Service: ***
Overall: ****