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Waterford City Restaurants (2010 - Present)

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  • Registered Users Posts: 6,602 ✭✭✭Luckycharms_74


    I went to McClearys over the weekend with a friend of mine. I honestly can't believe it when people rave how good the food is in there. I for one wouldn't agree.
    We had rib eye steaks, which were grisly and fatty (cooked perfect but must be bad meat they are getting), chips were soggy and the onion rings had no flavour what so ever.
    The desserts were average as well.
    Throw in an overpriced bottle of wine (which tasted average btw) for good measure.
    All in all I would give the meal about 4/10.

    P.S. Why would a place supposed renowned for steaks not have on the menu where their meat is sourced, etc.
    They also only had 3 types of steak and 2 different sauces :(


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭wellboytoo


    I went to McClearys over the weekend with a friend of mine. I honestly can't believe it when people rave how good the food is in there. I for one wouldn't agree.
    We had rib eye steaks, which were grisly and fatty (cooked perfect but must be bad meat they are getting), chips were soggy and the onion rings had no flavour what so ever.
    The desserts were average as well.
    Throw in an overpriced bottle of wine (which tasted average btw) for good measure.
    All in all I would give the meal about 4/10.

    P.S. Why would a place supposed renowned for steaks not have on the menu where their meat is sourced, etc.
    They also only had 3 types of steak and 2 different sauces :(

    No comment on your overall critique but rib-eyes are always fatty that is their makeup and why they are so flavoursome,I always look for a marbled rib-eye when buying, you should order Sirloin if you want less fat in your steak.


  • Registered Users Posts: 948 ✭✭✭THEIRISHMOB


    wellboytoo wrote: »
    No comment on your overall critique but rib-eyes are always fatty that is their makeup and why they are so flavoursome,I always look for a marbled rib-eye when buying, you should order Sirloin if you want less fat in your steak.

    I was with the last poster for this meal.

    I eat out regularly and it is part of my job.
    We both ordered rib-eye steaks and I understand that they have more fat as it adds flavour but the issue was not the amount of fat but the grizzle that we could not eat.
    I left approx. 30% of my "rib-eye on the plate as it was impossible to eat.
    So question
    1. should you be charged for food you cannot eat?
    2. should you serve food that cannot be eaten?

    The server asked me was everything ok and when I said "There is a lot of fat and grizzle I could not eat" he replied well it is a fatty cut of steak...!!!

    Rather than well sorry about that, and maybe offer a free desert or reduction in price. I was complaining about the meat not asking for his professional opinion. Restaurants need to care more about their customers opinions as I would never go back there or recommend it, where if we were treated a little more respectfully and professionally I would have appreciated it.

    The steaks were served with chips that fell off your fork as they were so greasy and floppy. The onion rings were also quite greasy and I felt sick with the amount of fat and oil I ate that night.

    There were a few other issues.
    We were welcomed with "Well Lads" and referred to as lads all night. Not what I would do or expect from someone that it is their profession to serve customers. I would never refer to anyone especially a customer as "Lad" ever...!!!

    The desert was quite nice I felt so no complaints there. The wine we ordered was over priced for what we got but this is standard in 90% of Irish restaurants.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 6,351 ✭✭✭katydid



    We were welcomed with "Well Lads" and referred to as lads all night. Not what I would do or expect from someone that it is their profession to serve customers. I would never refer to anyone especially a customer as "Lad" ever...!!!
    .

    Ah come on, you were in Waterford. It's how Waterford people greet each other, and it's just being friendly. I much prefer that to the insincere and/or stylised "Good evening, Sir/Madam".

    I wouldn't take exception to that at all, unless I was in a very posh restaurant. And it's not a very posh restaurant.


  • Registered Users Posts: 948 ✭✭✭THEIRISHMOB


    katydid wrote: »
    Ah come on, you were in Waterford. It's how Waterford people greet each other, and it's just being friendly. I much prefer that to the insincere and/or stylised "Good evening, Sir/Madam".

    I wouldn't take exception to that at all, unless I was in a very posh restaurant. And it's not a very posh restaurant.

    I have never gone into a restaurant and been called "Lad" ever.
    I know were in Waterford, I have lived here for 40years and I have never called anyone Lad.

    "Hi how are you" or Welcome, anything but Hey Lads.

    he was doing it to everyone...I am sure a lot of people eat in there that are not from Waterford.
    Why not "Well Boy". come on...!!!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 3,596 ✭✭✭lassykk


    I went to McClearys over the weekend with a friend of mine. I honestly can't believe it when people rave how good the food is in there. I for one wouldn't agree.
    We had rib eye steaks, which were grisly and fatty (cooked perfect but must be bad meat they are getting), chips were soggy and the onion rings had no flavour what so ever.
    The desserts were average as well.
    Throw in an overpriced bottle of wine (which tasted average btw) for good measure.
    All in all I would give the meal about 4/10.

    P.S. Why would a place supposed renowned for steaks not have on the menu where their meat is sourced, etc.
    They also only had 3 types of steak and 2 different sauces :(
    I was with the last poster for this meal.

    I eat out regularly and it is part of my job.
    We both ordered rib-eye steaks and I understand that they have more fat as it adds flavour but the issue was not the amount of fat but the grizzle that we could not eat.
    I left approx. 30% of my "rib-eye on the plate as it was impossible to eat.
    So question
    1. should you be charged for food you cannot eat?
    2. should you serve food that cannot be eaten?

    The server asked me was everything ok and when I said "There is a lot of fat and grizzle I could not eat" he replied well it is a fatty cut of steak...!!!

    Rather than well sorry about that, and maybe offer a free desert or reduction in price. I was complaining about the meat not asking for his professional opinion. Restaurants need to care more about their customers opinions as I would never go back there or recommend it, where if we were treated a little more respectfully and professionally I would have appreciated it.

    The steaks were served with chips that fell off your fork as they were so greasy and floppy. The onion rings were also quite greasy and I felt sick with the amount of fat and oil I ate that night.

    There were a few other issues.
    We were welcomed with "Well Lads" and referred to as lads all night. Not what I would do or expect from someone that it is their profession to serve customers. I would never refer to anyone especially a customer as "Lad" ever...!!!

    The desert was quite nice I felt so no complaints there. The wine we ordered was over priced for what we got but this is standard in 90% of Irish restaurants.

    Did you not realise... You aren't allowed speak ill of McLeary's on here. There's one poster who will have an absolute hissy fit when he sees these two reviews! Prepare for some chest beating about them being local lads and that the food is top notch!

    I agree with nearly everything mentioned in both your reviews though. Have always found their steak to be only alright, especially for a place that specialises in the stuff. All in all, it's only alright and I definitely wouldn't chose to go there too often!

    Can't agree with the "lads" comment though. This is a normal enough welcome in Waterford in my experience. Certainly wouldn't be put off by it. In fairness to them the food isn't anything special in there but the service has always been good.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 6,351 ✭✭✭katydid


    I have never gone into a restaurant and been called "Lad" ever.
    I know were in Waterford, I have lived here for 40years and I have never called anyone Lad.

    "Hi how are you" or Welcome, anything but Hey Lads.

    he was doing it to everyone...I am sure a lot of people eat in there that are not from Waterford.
    Why not "Well Boy". come on...!!!

    I just think you need to lighten up. :-)


  • Registered Users Posts: 77 ✭✭fiesty lady


    I have been a customer of ken and Kevin in Mac Aleerys for many years back as far as when they were in the olde stand ,I have never found them to be rude or unfriendly, I think this is what makes mc Aleerys so popular as everyone is treated as friends ! maybe an over reaction!!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 948 ✭✭✭THEIRISHMOB


    I have been a customer of ken and Kevin in Mac Aleerys for many years back as far as when they were in the olde stand ,I have never found them to be rude or unfriendly, I think this is what makes mc Aleerys so popular as everyone is treated as friends ! maybe an over reaction!!!

    It was not once stated or mentioned that anyone was "rude or unfriendly"

    The problem I have is that it is not professional to call your customers "Lads"
    I have worked in every aspect of the hospitality industry from waiter, to manager to owner and I would never dream of calling a customer "Lad" and if any of my staff did I would soon tell them how to address a customer.

    For the record Ken and Kevin are very friendly and in NO way rude.


    The food issue was a far bigger issue for me, serving steak that cannot be eaten and chips that are soggy and oily. A chip should be crisp on the outside and not soggy on the inside but again the chef should not be sending out food like this...
    Again should I have to pay for food I cannot eat?


    I genuinely felt sick for 2 hours after the food with the amount of fat and greasy which is not good.


  • Registered Users Posts: 16 mollyp


    THEIRISHMOB, I cannot agree more. I've given this restaurant a go three times, twice for lunch once at night. Each and every time I'm truly disappointed, I can't see why people rave about the place. I find it to be extremely casual, which isn't a bad thing, but the steaks leave a lot to be desired. The last time I ate there the steak was oily, as were the garlic mushrooms. It was sitting in my stomach all night. The two boys who run it are very friendly, and I agree the lads comment isn't to everyone's taste but I think the type of people that they appeal to aren't into fine dining or fine food, and I don't mean any offence to people who do like this type of food. You compare their steak to what is served in La Boheme or Bodega even and there is no comparison. The menu to me is quite 80's. To be honest I've heard a few bad stories, in particular one regarding my parents who booked a table there within the first few months it had opened. They booked it for 9pm, The people on the table hadn't finished up so they were asked would they go away and come back at 9.30, no problem they did that. When they arrived back the table still wasn't ready so they were put at a small table along with another couple who were waiting to be seated (whose table was also late). One of the "the lads" came over, said why don't I give you a bottle of wine while you are waiting. Great thought my parents that was very nice of him to offer it, so he came over to them with a bottle of red. They finally got their table just before 10pm. Food for them too wasn't great, they do like their food and know good from bad. Anyway they ordered a bottle of red with dinner. Bill arrived and they were charged for the two bottles. They were shocked, it seemed to them that when it was offered it was complimentary for the massive delay in getting their table. They paid their bill. But have never gone back.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 25,953 ✭✭✭✭kryogen


    So some story that someone told sometime a few months after a place opened is supposed to be indicative of anything relevant?

    Odd.

    It is what it is, the food from my experience (which hasn't been too much) has always been solid rather then spectacular, I like the relaxed atmosphere and the friendly greeting, I understand that things like, "Well lads" is not what you would expect going into too many restaurants, but to have something different about you is not always a bad thing for a business. If I was to walk in to La Boheme and be greeted with Well lad! I would find it strange, but walking in to a place like McLearys it would not draw anything other then a smile from me tbh

    They market themselves as a treat you like an old friend kind of place so its kinda par for the course that they would have a pretty informal, and probably colloquial greeting. They are drawing a bit of criticism lately in certain circles due to the sweetheart deal they are taking from the council with regards to the location change but that would be another thing, and its not really their fault either in fairness to them.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 76 ✭✭Kizzles


    I've only ever been to McLeary's once but I thought the service was fantastic. Really friendly staff and the best fish I have gotten in Waterford in a long time


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,986 ✭✭✭iseegirls


    kryogen wrote: »
    They are drawing a bit of criticism lately in certain circles due to the sweetheart deal they are taking from the council with regards to the location change but that would be another thing, and its not really their fault either in fairness to them.

    What's the location change about?


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,975 ✭✭✭nkay1985


    kryogen wrote: »
    They are drawing a bit of criticism lately in certain circles due to the sweetheart deal they are taking from the council with regards to the location change but that would be another thing, and its not really their fault either in fairness to them.

    They've moved, have they?


  • Registered Users Posts: 6,602 ✭✭✭Luckycharms_74


    nkay1985 wrote: »
    They've moved, have they?

    Not yet. I was told some issues with the new premises, so things are delayed at present.
    Basically they got a sweet deal with the council to move locations towards the viking triangle.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭Deise Vu


    Not yet. I was told some issues with the new premises, so things are delayed at present.
    Basically they got a sweet deal with the council to move locations towards the viking triangle.

    I would have thought secret sweet deals with the Council are frowned upon these days?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,986 ✭✭✭iseegirls


    What premises would they be moving to? They're pretty much close to the Viking Triangle anyway.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭Deise Vu


    iseegirls wrote: »
    What premises would they be moving to? They're pretty much close to the Viking Triangle anyway.

    The City Council acquired a lot of property on the Quay from the nuns which they have been doing up for a while. They also own a lot of property where the old planning office was on William Street around onto the Mall. Anyone who thinks there will be anything outside of normal public procurement rules in relation to the letting of any of these properties is dreaming.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭wellboytoo


    kryogen wrote: »
    They are drawing a bit of criticism lately in certain circles due to the sweetheart deal they are taking from the council with regards to the location change but that would be another thing, and its not really their fault either in fairness to them.

    I would say they would disagree at this stage about a sweet heart deal! the building they are going into is 250 years old that not a penny has been spent on it for at least 100 years and it's swallowing money like a WAG on alimony,


  • Registered Users Posts: 85 ✭✭crazyman


    iseegirls wrote: »
    What premises would they be moving to? They're pretty much close to the Viking Triangle anyway.

    Think it's the building between Jordan's pub and the tourist office.

    Would never have considered McLeary's to be fine dining but have always had an enjoyable meal when there. Always found it to be friendly and the food to be decent, but would usually order fish and not steak no I suppose I can't comment on the Rib Eye's etc.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,759 ✭✭✭dzilla


    McClearys is fantastic anytime I have been there. Nice bit of steak and chips and the craic with the boys sure what more do you want?


  • Registered Users Posts: 2,986 ✭✭✭iseegirls


    I don't think they've changed the menu much in there since they've started. We went there a few times at the beginning - and it was lovely. But I'd rather they'd update their menu (outside of the steak options), as I'd rather try something new every time I'd go into a restaurant.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭wellboytoo


    La Fontana on the Quay never ceases to make me happy with their offerings, must say it is IMO the best Italian in Waterford by a country mile.


  • Registered Users Posts: 85 ✭✭crazyman


    wellboytoo wrote: »
    La Fontana on the Quay never ceases to make me happy with their offerings, must say it is IMO the best Italian in Waterford by a country mile.

    Couldn't agree more.


  • Registered Users Posts: 948 ✭✭✭THEIRISHMOB


    crazyman wrote: »
    Couldn't agree more.

    What makes it better than the others? please explain/describe?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭wellboytoo


    What makes it better than the others? please explain/describe?

    Menu constantly evolving and inventive, fish is fresh, not frozen prawns, like some others, the price is very good , no stupid €20+ pasta main course's, They use parmigiano reggiano not Gran Pandano,
    There ya go, but it is my opinion, I like Italian food and have eaten in all of them in Waterford and do eat in most of them still, but la Fontana have the overall gong as far as I am concerned, have you a favourite?


  • Registered Users Posts: 85 ✭✭crazyman


    What makes it better than the others? please explain/describe?

    I've always found the food to be tasty and of high quality....and at reasonable prices. They have always accommodated any special requests other than what's on the menu, i.e. this pasta with this sauce with this meat etc.
    I've never left there thinking 'well that could have been better'.


  • Registered Users Posts: 700 ✭✭✭kayaksurfbum


    crazyman wrote: »
    Couldn't agree more.

    Couldn't agree less.

    Its a really bad Italian in my opinion. Antichi Sapori or Harliquin are miles ahead. And they have actual Italians in the kitchen, not like la fontana.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 6,351 ✭✭✭katydid


    Couldn't agree less.

    Its a really bad Italian in my opinion. Antichi Sapori or Harliquin are miles ahead. And they have actual Italians in the kitchen, not like la fontana.

    Just back from a lovely meal in Antichi Sapori. "Early bird" all night, twenty euro for three courses, even on a Saturday. Nicest pizza I've had in a long time


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  • Registered Users Posts: 5,081 ✭✭✭fricatus


    I saw on Twitter that apparently there's a new Japanese place on the Manor.

    Anyone know the name or have a link to a website?


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