2008 Woodie Awards
This is Bull... Feeney's
Ashley Rosborough
Issue date: 10/10/05 Section: Arts and Entertainment
Ashley Rosborough
Contributing Writer
Located at 375 Fore Street in the heart of the Old Port, Bull Feeney's has long been a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Friendly service paired with authentic atmosphere make Feeney's an easy choice. The extensive menu has a wide range of appetizing selections, offering a good balance of classic Irish fare as well as Down east essentials.
The inside of Bull Feeney's is exactly what you'd expect an Irish pub to look like. The darkened interior is filled with cozy booths, warm fireplaces, and exposed brick giving it a familiar homey feel. It's surprising how well the interior pulls off that small local pub feel in such a large space. The grand windows lining the front of the pub lets in quite a bit of light without ruining the mood and also gives great views of the old port and (in some areas) the water. Classic Irish music and a great staff pulls together the great Bull Feeney's feel.
As far as food goes, there are no problems finding something to your liking on the menu. For starters try the Crab Cakes, $10.95, or the Chilled Artichoke Dip, $8.95. The handmade crab cakes, a favorite at many local restaurants, are served with a tangy citrus aioli that complements the sweetness of the crab perfectly. The artichoke dip, also a familiar favorite, is blended with garlic and parmesan cheese, served with a soda bread crostini.
For main courses, the menu has many light choices as well as "hearty fare". The Spinach Salad, $7.95, is a good vegetarian light choice. The salad is full of flavor with fresh strawberries, baby spinach, crumbled blue cheese, red onion and toasted pecans, topped off with sweet maple vinaigrette. If your feeling like a sandwich, the Classic Reuben, $7.95, is another excellent choice, with rye bread piled high with house corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing.
If you're feeling like a selection that is sure to be filling, try one of the restaurants heartier choices like the classic Irish Stew, $10.95, or the Bangers and Colcannon, $9.95. If you're feeling like something different, try the Lamb Pizza, $11.98. Made with ground lamb, spinach, onions, and three cheeses, it is a delicious variation. Another offering is what the menu advertises as "Maine's Best" Fish and Chip's, $12.95.
Feeney's also offers a wide range draft beers to help wash down your meal. With nearly twenty beers on tap, there are lots to choose from. Choices range from English, Irish, or local brews, all served in 20oz. glasses. The restaurant also offers a full bar, which includes their extensive whiskey selection.
If it's live music you're looking for, Bull Feeney's has covered that base as well. With bands starting around 9pm most nights and $3 drafts during happy hour, Feeney's can become quite the happening place at night. Some upcoming events include "Best Bands Saturday", October 8th featuring One Two Many starting at 9:30 pm., "Celtic Sunday Evening", October 9th featuring live Irish music and specials on Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick drafts starting at 7pm, and "Musician's Night", October 11th with open mike starting at 8:30 pm. If none of these events appeal to you maybe "Ladies (Men in Kilts) Night" will. Wednesday October 12th well drinks, house wine and all beer are $3 for ladies, and those men brave enough to wear a skirt. At 9 pm the band On Tap will be performing.
So whether it's a good meal, a good pint, or just a good time that you are looking for, you're sure to find it at Bull Feeney's. After all, even Lobsters Love Guinness.
Ashley Rosborough can be contacted at freepress@usm.maine.edu
Contributing Writer
Located at 375 Fore Street in the heart of the Old Port, Bull Feeney's has long been a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Friendly service paired with authentic atmosphere make Feeney's an easy choice. The extensive menu has a wide range of appetizing selections, offering a good balance of classic Irish fare as well as Down east essentials.
The inside of Bull Feeney's is exactly what you'd expect an Irish pub to look like. The darkened interior is filled with cozy booths, warm fireplaces, and exposed brick giving it a familiar homey feel. It's surprising how well the interior pulls off that small local pub feel in such a large space. The grand windows lining the front of the pub lets in quite a bit of light without ruining the mood and also gives great views of the old port and (in some areas) the water. Classic Irish music and a great staff pulls together the great Bull Feeney's feel.
 Media Credit: Jen Wilson |
As far as food goes, there are no problems finding something to your liking on the menu. For starters try the Crab Cakes, $10.95, or the Chilled Artichoke Dip, $8.95. The handmade crab cakes, a favorite at many local restaurants, are served with a tangy citrus aioli that complements the sweetness of the crab perfectly. The artichoke dip, also a familiar favorite, is blended with garlic and parmesan cheese, served with a soda bread crostini.
For main courses, the menu has many light choices as well as "hearty fare". The Spinach Salad, $7.95, is a good vegetarian light choice. The salad is full of flavor with fresh strawberries, baby spinach, crumbled blue cheese, red onion and toasted pecans, topped off with sweet maple vinaigrette. If your feeling like a sandwich, the Classic Reuben, $7.95, is another excellent choice, with rye bread piled high with house corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing.
If you're feeling like a selection that is sure to be filling, try one of the restaurants heartier choices like the classic Irish Stew, $10.95, or the Bangers and Colcannon, $9.95. If you're feeling like something different, try the Lamb Pizza, $11.98. Made with ground lamb, spinach, onions, and three cheeses, it is a delicious variation. Another offering is what the menu advertises as "Maine's Best" Fish and Chip's, $12.95.
Feeney's also offers a wide range draft beers to help wash down your meal. With nearly twenty beers on tap, there are lots to choose from. Choices range from English, Irish, or local brews, all served in 20oz. glasses. The restaurant also offers a full bar, which includes their extensive whiskey selection.
If it's live music you're looking for, Bull Feeney's has covered that base as well. With bands starting around 9pm most nights and $3 drafts during happy hour, Feeney's can become quite the happening place at night. Some upcoming events include "Best Bands Saturday", October 8th featuring One Two Many starting at 9:30 pm., "Celtic Sunday Evening", October 9th featuring live Irish music and specials on Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick drafts starting at 7pm, and "Musician's Night", October 11th with open mike starting at 8:30 pm. If none of these events appeal to you maybe "Ladies (Men in Kilts) Night" will. Wednesday October 12th well drinks, house wine and all beer are $3 for ladies, and those men brave enough to wear a skirt. At 9 pm the band On Tap will be performing.
So whether it's a good meal, a good pint, or just a good time that you are looking for, you're sure to find it at Bull Feeney's. After all, even Lobsters Love Guinness.
Ashley Rosborough can be contacted at freepress@usm.maine.edu
 Media Credit: Jen Wilson |
