[RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK] Craic Home, Eire's second embassy to Korea, celebrates 2nd anniversary

By Jon Dunbar

Craic Home is celebrating its second anniversary this Saturday. A sports activities theme has been introduced, with prospects inspired to decorate in athletic gear.

This Irish pub is discovered on the second ground of a three-story constructing alongside Itaewon-ro, rather less than 150 meters from Itaewon Station exit 4. It is a spacious place with loads of tables and even a small out of doors space.

Craic Home is sandwiched between Troika and Marrakech, as seen on this 2022 photograph. Korea Instances photograph by Jon Dunbar

The area ought to be acquainted to anybody who’s frequented Itaewon over the previous 20 years. Earlier than Craic Home, it was Route 66, a extra American-themed model of principally the identical enterprise. Previous to that it was Dillinger’s, and once I first visited it was residence to Reggae Pub.

The transition from Route 66 to Craic Home introduced important modifications, and whereas the menu underwent a significant transformation, it nonetheless serves pizza, wings and burgers. Whereas Route 66 leaned extra closely on these U.S.-style choices, Craic Home has moved away from the American sports activities bar vibe, including in some extra Irish-style dishes, similar to Guinness beef pie, bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. Good burgers and pizza are vital, and Craic Home nonetheless does these proper, however the place else are you going to get a shepherd’s pie?

The shepherd’s pie at Craic Home, Sept. 29 / Korea Instances photograph by Jon Dunbar

It additionally nonetheless serves brunch, which is offered solely on weekends till 6 p.m. Throughout a latest go to on Wednesday, they had been promoting a Rocky Street Brownie in addition to tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. After all, Craic Home can be a bar, with a wide array of beers, whiskies, cocktails and extra. Sure there are pints of Guinness, plus premium Irish whisky like Teelings Single Malt and Pink Breast 12y and 15y.

The bar at Craic Home shows the phrase “Slainte Mhaith,” or “Good Well being” in Irish and Scottish Gaelic, a standard consuming toast, Oct. 23. Korea Instances photograph by Jon Dunbar

Whereas Route 66 was good however type of generic, Craic Home has created one thing unforgettable … until you’ve gotten too lots of these Irish Coffees and begin to lose your reminiscence. It has grow to be like a cultural heart the place lovers of Irish music and sports activities congregate. On sure days, you would possibly discover an Irish band jamming within the nook or sports activities taking part in on the display screen, together with video games like rugby or Irish soccer. And it isn’t too unusual to run into the Irish ambassador there. All this isn’t to say it is unwelcoming to the non-Irish both — everyone seems to be Irish right here. It is also energetic in sponsoring varied sports activities leagues, particularly Seoul Gaels, the Gaelic soccer membership in Seoul. As effectively, it collaborates with the Irish Affiliation of Korea on quite a lot of occasions. 

Craic Home is open day-after-day of the week besides Monday. On weekdays it opens at 5 p.m. and stays open till a minimum of midnight. On Saturdays and Sundays it opens earlier and closes later. Hours could differ, particularly for particular occasions. Comply with @craichousekorea on Instagram for extra info.