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History of Gallagher’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (at the Eagle
House):
It’s said that "timing is everything."
And, that certainly was the case in 2003 when Oakland residents, Kathy and Reed Paden,
decided to move away from the built-in hassles of life in the big city,
and relocate on the rural North Coast in "The Friendly City," Fortuna.
The Padens made that decision because they were not only captivated by the beauty
of the area,
but also considered it a wonderful place to raise their son Wesley, and daughter
Valerie.
Soon after their move, the couple—who had a family business history of owning and
running successful
restaurant/bars—started looking for the "perfect site" to open a new one
of their own, somewhere in Humboldt County.
During this search process, Reed (a skilled bartender and caterer) went to work;
first at Parloto’s in Fortuna, then at the Ivanhoe in Ferndale.
But, his real goal never wavered: Finding an ideal location for the pub and restaurant
that he and his wife longed to open—and in the process, involve their children in
running their family’s business.
That’s when "The Luck of the Irish" kicked in—and, Eureka!
They found it! Sitting there, like a pot of precious leprechaun’s gold,
just waiting for them at the corner of 2nd & "C" Streets in Eureka’s
Old Town:
The Eagle House Victorian Inn—a historic treasure, established in 1888—with a vacant
restaurant/bar space available right in the front of the building.
For the Padens, it was love at first sight.
After some amazingly brief negotiations with Eagle House owner,
Tae Cho (who has owned the Inn for over 15 years,
and has constantly been up-grading its renovation, both inside and out),
the Padens were ready to get back in business.
Although there had already been extensive remodeling of the original old Buon Gusto
bar/restaurant space,
the Padens had some ideas of their own to make it into what they had always dreamed
of:
Gallagher’s Irish Pub & Restaurant—a name celebrating the family’s Celtic roots.
And, their Irish eyes have been smilin’ ever since because their choice suited the
colorful
Victorian seaport ambiance of the Inn perfectly. From the moment that Gallagher’s
opened its doors on January 19, 2005,
there has been a steady stream of satisfied customers drawn to the pub and its comfortable
charm.
Those customers include loyal locals who eat lunch and/or dinner there on a daily
or weekly basis,
over-night guests staying at the Inn, or tourists just passing through.
Family-friendly Gallagher’s has a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites folks
to "relax and stay awhile,"
surrounded by the comfortable ambiance of rich, carved wood.
Old-fashioned decorative signs are scattered around the walls, with colorful flags
from different countries
fluttering above from the tall, elegant, original ceiling that emphasize the pub’s
"international flavor."
Diners are seated at comfortably spaced tables, while other patrons sit and enjoy
a drink or two at the beautiful bar.
Open 7 days a week (check separate listing for hours),
Gallagher’s offers a wide variety of delicious prepared-from-scratch cuisine,
always incorporating the freshest ingredients.
The menu is periodically updated, but always features their famous fish & chips.
There are also additional seafood choices, as well as dishes featuring chicken and
beef.
Or, enjoy their homemade soups, fresh salads and several tasty vegetarian choices.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, try some delicious cheese cake, brownies or bread pudding
for a decadent dessert.
Along with non-alcholic beverages, the full service bar features an extensive choice
of local,
national and imported brews both bottled and on tap, wines, cocktails, mixed drinks,
and (of course) Irish Coffee.
Every "Irish Thursday" also spotlights additional weekly specials of Celtic
food and drink.
For entertainment, Gallagher’s showcases live music by some of Humboldt County’s
finest musicians on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; and, during the week,
a juke box plays your personal choice of past and present favorites.
Sports-minded patrons can engage in a game of darts, or just sit on stools at the
bar and take in the latest
sporting events running simultaneously on the three television screens placed high
above the bar.
(Take your choice of which one to watch.)
For more private seating away from activity, there are additional tables in the separate
back dining room.
Get an intimate table-for-two, or one that will seat a large group of friends and
family.
(For a party of more than 10, advance reservations are suggested.)
Of course, Gallagher’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Party every March
has become a must-attend celebration of all things Irish—a lively morning until night
event
featuring classic dishes, beverages, and live music in both the pub
and the adjacent beautiful Eagle House theater/ballroom.
But, no matter when you drop in, every day’s a holiday thanks to the friendly staff
and the great food and drink you’ll always find at
Gallagher’s Irish Pub & Restaurant at the Eagle House Victorian Inn
2nd & C Streets, Old Town Eureka, a block from Humboldt Bay.
For information, take-out orders or reservations, call (707) 442-1177, or (naturally)
go to
www.gallaghers-irishpub.com Cheers indeed! See you at Gallagher’s!
**And, to really make it a special night out,
reserve one of the gorgeous, antique-filled guest rooms right there at the Eagle
House
(complete with all of the amenities).
Go to www.eaglehouseinn.com for
details, or call (707) 444-3344.
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