Price Range: Inexpensive
Cuisine: Irish/English
Special Features: Dine at the Bar, Good for Groups, Hot Spot, Kids’ Menu, Late-Night Dining, Lunch, Singles Scene, Small Plates
2010 Best of Sacramento Winner – Best Pub Food
Don’t head to de Vere’s if you’re seeking a quiet, romantic evening—this raucous, high-energy pub is noisy and packed with revelers. However, if you are craving a mood-lifting dining (and drinking) experience, this very popular pub will deliver in spades. You can’t help but smile when you walk through the door and see happy customers savoring the dizzying array of imported beers on tap, and clustering chattily at tables spread throughout the large establishment. The space is divided into smaller, nook-like areas where groups can gather with a modicum of privacy, but the pub is far too loud for any serious conversation. On busy nights, you have to shout to be heard, but that’s just part of the fun. Take a moment to admire the intriguing floors, which look like old wood planks but are actually, according to the owner, stamped concrete—and the ornate hung ceiling panels, replications of turn-of-the-century stamped tin ceilings. The shiny wood bar (imported from Ireland) is enormous, and display cases situated near the front of the pub hold a curious selection of Irish knick knacks. However, the hidden gem at de Vere’s is its food. Yep, this is high-quality pub fare, not the greasy food we often associate with these types of establishments. Try the yummy “Granny’s Shepard’s Pie,” a layer of ground beef freckled with tiny bits of vegetables, swathed in a creamy layer of perfectly piped mashed potatoes; and the crispy and delicious beer-battered fish and chips. Other great choices include the “Pub Club” sandwich, grilled chicken breast and Irish bacon with lettuce, tomato and avocado, piled on toasted white bread; and the robust “Traditional Irish Stew,” perfect fare for a rainy day. Grab a gaggle of fun-loving friends and make the trip to de Vere’s for an entertaining (and rambunctious) dining adventure. — Kira O’Donnell
Insider tip: A second bar area tucked in the back of de Vere’s offers a quieter atmosphere and a few more seating options.
Reservations: Not accepted
Payment methods: AmEx, Diners’ Club, MasterCard, Visa
Alcohol: Full bar
Corkage fee: $10
Hours: 11 a.m.–2 a.m. daily