Irish-inspired eats and good vibes in Nazareth
After the recent onslaught of heavy snow and icy crisis, I was finally able to make it out to my next spot. This Bethlehem Broad’s eyes have been fixed on neighboring biblical town, Nazareth, for some fresh fun and inspiration.
Sean Gall’s Dublin Pub & Grill delivered just that. You can get your kicks on the rocks here, as well.
A tall, blonde, Celtic-dressed steward merrily distributes a round of shots to a table of senior ladies. It’s their girl’s night out. The gentleman is Sean Gall himself, and he is loving life. He makes ordering a beer feel like bidding at an auction. Your heart will race. He works pure joy into each mundane task. Who knew that shuttling silverware could be so satisfying?
As Mr. Gall returns to his show behind the bar, our server nods in his direction and says, “I was a bartender with Sean at Madeline’s in Fogelsville. I walked in here, in August, just before he opened the place ... Gave me the job on the spot.”
Hop in the car, take a trip down Nazareth’s beautiful Broad Street, and when you’ve reached the end, keep driving. Like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, you’ll find Sean Gall’s Dublin Pub & Grill. If not for the sweet potato fries, visit and allow Gall to win you over.
He’ll have the time of his life doing so.
Setting and décor
If the owner doesn’t woo you, the exterior of the establishment will. The facade’s bricks are painted green as the hills of Ireland.
An oak wood door welcomed us inside. We were comforted by the warmth of the place. Maybe it was just the contrast from the practically subzero temperature outside, but I think it was the warm smiles and laughter. A faux fireplace, six flat-screen TVs, a full bar, and a collection of four tops fill the room.
Small Celtic symbology — crosses, knots, and shillelaghs
(the great wooden club of Irish folklore) — adorn the walls alongside quirky quotes and pictures of American presidents.
The pub has a lively feel, no pretension, and the greatest music. From Billie Eilish to the
best of the British Invasion, the jukebox has it all.
By the end of the night, we were dancing out of the place!
Food
I’d go back for a drink, to sing karaoke, and treat myself to one of the glorious desserts.
They have a tall glass case filled with diner favorites like lemon meringue pie, carrot cake, and the “Blackout” — a rich, decadent, dense chocolate cake to satisfy your chocolate craving.
The kitchen makes an impressive lineup of sandwiches and Irish-inspired bar food.
Our family of four covered the bases. My dad ordered a Kilkenny beer and the Shepherd’s
Pie. Mummy got her beloved Thanksgiving leftovers concoction — the Gobbler Sandwich. My sister tried a good old-fashioned cheeseburger with sweet potato fries. I went for the half roasted chicken.
We fought over the last Coconut Shrimp Springroll. The food is hearty and flavorful. The kitchen’s strengths come from anything with a bun around it.
Service
For a Tuesday night in February with a mountain of snow outside, the place was pretty busy.
About five tables were occupied, including the G.N.O. party.
Mr. Gall passed out shots as one of the ladies dropped her tiny purse. As coins spilled
everywhere, she was quite embarrassed. The free drinks made her feel better.
Our server could not have been sweeter. There were tiny blips, like the regular fries for Mum after she ordered sweet. Perhaps he was distracted by her beauty.
The wait for our food was not too short and not too long — it was just right. Make sure that
like us, you sit close enough to the bar so you can witness Gall, The Master at work.
Ask for “The Grenade.” Trust me.
The bottom line
Sean Gall’s Dublin Pub & Grill is the new place where everybody knows your name. Everyone on staff makes you feel as if you are the most important person in the room.
There is a personability, a charm, and a sense of mischief to the place. (Pretty Irish, right?)
It’s fun, too. Go see for yourself.
SEAN GALL’S DUBLIN PUB & GRILL
Where: 394 N Broad St., Nazareth Phone: 610-759-0760
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.11 p.m.
Prices: Appetizers: $6-$10; entrees: $9-$22
Features: Full bar with a great selection of beers, including Guinness and Kilkenny
Credit cards: Yes
Handicap accessible: Yes