Clairemont Chowhound
I’ve driven down Morena Blvd a thousand times and I’ve always wondered about the Irish pub called Dan Diegos with the large wooden patio and assorted flags waving in the wind. So, in honor or Saint Patrick’s Day, I thought it was about time to trot in and check it out. Boy was I glad I did…
When I arrived, I noticed a wooden plaque hanging above the front door with a foreign saying: ‘Cead Mile Failte’. I learned that this phrase means ‘a hundred thousand welcomes’ in Gaelic. This proverb couldn’t be more accurate about this charming pub in the Morena District.
Inside, it was clear that the atmosphere is distinctly Irish, complete with an Irish jig playing in the background. There is ample outdoor seating on the large wooden patio or inside the pub either in the dining area or along the large, L-shaped bar. I took a seat at the bar and soaked in the selection of 150+ exotic beers and 18 draught beers. As I perused the menu, I discovered that the selection of Irish, German and traditional English food is almost as extensive as the list of beers. I was told that everything is made fresh in house from the ground meat to the homemade tartar sauce. My server Sarah reviewed the house favorites, including the Irish Reuben served on Irish soda bread ($11.50), Belgium steamed mussels ($15), and Munchner Schnitzel, a pan-seared breaded pork cutlet smothered in caramelized onion gravy ($14.50). I settled on the popular fish and chips ($12.50), paired with a light, crisp and ultra refreshing Kronenbourg beer ($6). My dish arrived with a generous mound of fat, home-style fries topped with three pieces of flaky and delicious fish covered in a beer-type batter (of course). The house made tartar sauce was rich and zesty, a perfect counterpart to the delicate fish. I was in Irish heaven with all this food!
Opened about two years ago, Dan Diegos has enjoyed a growing crowd of regulars and visitors alike. The brunch is extremely popular with items including soda bread beignets with Jameson whiskey caramel sauce ($8), biscuits and country sausage gravy called “Happy” ($6), Irish bangers and mash ($10), and fried chicken and waffles ($10). And of course, no meal at Dan Diegos is complete without a helping of their famous bread pudding covered in whiskey caramel sauce ($6). To quench your thirst, you can wash it all down with a mimosa, any craft or macro beer your heart desires or one of the daily coffee specials.
Whether you’re in search of a satisfying meal, an interesting brunch spot, or you just want to get your Irish on to celebrate St. Patty’s Day, Dan Diego’s is the spot. And, in the spirit of the season, here’s a fitting Irish proverb to remember:
“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”
Dan Diegos
2415 Morena Blvd. San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 276-2100
Closed on Tuesdays (We are open of course on Tuesday, March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day)
