Durty Nelly’s

After watching the play version (not to be mistaken for the movie version) of Doubt: a parable this past weekend, Cokebaby and I headed across the street to Durty Nelly’s (corner of Argyle and Sackville Street) for dinner.

For a city that prides itself on East Coast culture, when we first moved here in the summer of ’99, there weren’t a lot of Irish pubs. In fact, the only one I seem to recall from that time was O’Carroll’s. I’ve never set foot in that particular establishment as it seems decidedly geared toward another, more white-haired, generation.

But eventually things changed and we saw the rise of such fine establishments as: Jamieson’s, The Old Triangle, and Pogue Fado. Now Durty Nelly’s can be added to the list.

The owners certainly went all out in their attempt to recreate an authentic Irish pub. From the refacing of a genuinely hideous building, to the gorgeous bar as centerpiece, to the fine glass work on the doors, and the spare but cozy furnishings the place just felt right. They even had the good sense to not demean their staff by requiring them to dress like serving wenches and stable boys (I’m looking at you Halifax Alehouse).

At the time they were offering a limited opening week menu which was about the quarter the size of their drink menu. That might seem very limited but get back to me after you’ve seen the size of their drink menu. That said, if you’re a vegetarian there are slim pickings and a vegan might want to stick with the beer for now. I’m hopeful that the full menu will include offerings for herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores.

I went with the Nova Scotia lamb stew with bread and butter dumplings ($14). Now, don’t tell Cokebaby this because he prides himself on his recipe, but it was quite possibly one of the best stews I’ve ever had. There was a perfect ratio of meat to vegetables, unlike some establishments that skimp out in order to cut costs. And everything was cooked to the perfect texture, the meat completely tender and the vegetables neither crunchy nor mushy.

My one complaint is that the three bite-sized, gnocchi-shaped dumplings seemed a bit overcooked and didn’t really do anything for me. To be honest, I would have been happier with a slice of soda bread.

Cokebaby went with the Guinness braised lamb shanks with market vegetables and potato-parsley dumplings ($18). All I can say is that he cleaned up everything that was on his plate. Apparently his dumplings were like stuffing balls and he even raved about the caramelized mini onions. The meat was clearly fall-off-the-bone which made it easier to not leave any scrap behind. Or at least that’s what I’m assuming unless he has a pocket piranha that he feeds while I’m not looking.

With his meal he ordered a Durty Nelly’s House Ale which turned out to be light and more like a Harp.He would have preferred something more like a Kilkenny which is what I had but c’est la vie.

Our waitress was friendly and prompt despite the place filling up rather quickly. She got points for her enthusiasm over our meal choices though I wonder if she would have been equally enthusiastic for other selections.

I do have to mention the fact that our table was wobbly only for this reason: How does that happen in a new restaurant? Someone needs to explain the physics of restaurant furnishings and the rules of probability that we seated ourselves at the one malfunctioning table in the whole place.

Overall, it was a great dining experience. In fact, we’ll be returning for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Did you know that in Newfoundland and Ireland it’s a holiday? And, since Cokebaby is both we’ll be taking the day off together to celebrate!

Sláinte!

Kimberly Walsh is a social media and online community manager. You can follow her on Twitter @AliasGrace.

Tagged as: Downtown Halifax, food, Irish, reviews