Kilpatricks

Sometimes all you want is good tavern food. We stopped into Kilpatricks on Seneca Street in Ithaca and were very pleased.

We went at an off hour for dining and the restaurant was mostly empty, with a few diners sitting in booths. However, we chose a table near the windows so we could people watch while we dined.

We ordered the Golden Claddagh, a pulled pork sandwich, and the Ambler Batter Haddock Sandwich. We both upgraded our sides, so we also received the black and tan onion rings and the Irish Chips.

The pulled pork was very good. Tender, juicy, with just the right amount of sauce that had a perfect smoky barbecue flavor without over powering the meat. The fish sandwich was good - a nice crispy, crunchy breading and the fish was nicely cooked inside.

However, the stars of the meal were the sides. The black and tan onion rings were delicious. They had a lovely onion taste while the flavors of stout and lager beers still seeped through on the breading. They were served with a dipping sauce so smoky, tangy and delicious that I found myself dipping my fish and chips into it as well.

The Irish chips are house fried and then topped with garlic, pecorino cheese and green onions and served with a ranch dipping sauce. These were also fantastic. The combination of fresh garlic and pecorino on top of the thick cut chips was wonderful and addicting. Add the ranch dipping sauce and I couldn't stop myself from eating the whole basket. (YUM!)