Classics with a Twist at O’Rourke’s Diner
Located on Main Street in Middletown, O’Rourke’s Diner boasts an eclectic menu of homemade classics with a twist. Originally established in 1941, this cozy Irish diner reopened a few years ago after enduring some disastrous fire damage in 2006. Around Thanksgiving, I had plans to meet a friend at O’Rourke’s (the wonderful Kelly Vass, as some of you in the Twitterverse may know as @foodinphilly) and was excited to experience the eatery’s Irish-inspired dishes for the first time.
Within moments of walking in from the blustery wind (and even before being seated), the waitress stopped me in my tracks and overwhelmed me with the best decision I’d had to make all week. “Ok. We’ve got mulled cider warming on the stove, hot chocolate & tea, and eggnog milkshakes. What’ll it be?”
I was sold on the cider and smitten already.
mulled apple cider
Before I go into detail about my meal, I’ll share a bit about the breakfast side of the menu. You should know that I come undone over any place that serves dreamy Irish brown bread (yes, it’s different from soda bread) so I was in heaven from the start.
Menu highlights include the Babka french toast, the Irish Trilogy of French Toast (3 breads of the day topped with homemade jams and clotted cream), and incredible omelet list that rivals the creative concoctions offered at Cosmic Omelet in Manchester (yeah, I dared say it). In the list of sides, the selection of breakfast meats includes lamb sausage, Irish bangers, Kielbasa, corned beef hash, smoked salmon, house baked pork, and spicy jalapeno bacon.
Spud Benny
Since I’ve never had eggs benedict until this point, I decided to spring for one of O’Rourke’s variations on the classic dish: I ordered Spud Benny- poached eggs topped with hollandaise sauce, served over veggie hash with a side of hearty brown bread and Irish bacon. I, of course, substituted the latter with jalapeno bacon, craving that spicy kick. The meal was fantastic, but I could’ve done without the veggie hash.
I’d go back to O’Rourke’s Diner in a heartbeat, and I plan to return soon. For more details about their menu (especially lunch/dinner, which I haven’t touched on) and restaurant hours, check out their website.
O’Rourke’s Diner
728 Main Street, Middletown CT
860-346-6101
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Eggnog milkshake!!! The thought of enriching eggnog further sort of scares me. But in a good way.
oh Em! You’re my favorite person to go to Ireland with and my favorite person to eat Irish brekkie with :) That mulled cider was heavenly… the perfect treat for a day like today! I’m going to write about our trip soon!