By JOHN & STACI GEIGER
Food & Dining Reviews for Everyone
This month we chose Muldoon’s on Main in Carmel, a laid-back American pub with an Irish flair and a friendly atmosphere that offers both family and bar dining. Muldoon’s has been crowned Best Neighborhood Bar by City Voter for five years running.
As we arrived in beautiful downtown Carmel, we found that Muldoon’s was in the middle of all the current construction. So, it was a little difficult to get to. It was 6:30 in the evening when we arrived, and the restaurant couldn’t have been more than 5 percent full.
Dark wood adorning the walls and a picturesque traditional wooden bar with an antique cash register and fireplace creates the perfect cozy pub ambiance. We chose a more secluded table in the corner with a view of the fireplace and a big-screen TV.
Theirs is an extensive and diverse menu, including Irish favorites such as “shepherd’s pie, Irish beef and potato stew made with Guinness broth, and hand-breaded fish ‘n’ chips.” And if you want American pub fare, this is also the place for you. In addition to a traditional Midwest breaded tenderloin, the big flattened-out kind that has won “Reader’s Choice Award” and “Best Buy Award” by Indianapolis Monthly, they also offer BBQ Ribs and Steaks.
Additionally, they offer an extensive bar with draft and bottled beer, wine, and spirits. Staci enjoyed a Lamarca Prosecco ($9.50), a nice lite bubbly with a refreshing and crisp finish.
We decided on two appetizers – Skewered Fried Cheeses ($14) and Cream Cheese Jalapeño Poppers ($11). Both were hot and fried to perfection using trans fat-free cooking oil.
The surprise of the night was the fried cheese skewers, which are “fresh-cut mozzarella cubes that were hand-battered and deep-fried, served with marinara and Dijon mayonnaise sauces for dipping.” Staci thought they were amazing and were her favorite part of the meal. They were also delicious the next day as leftovers. We both highly recommend this appetizer.
After exploring their menu online, we were both excited to try the Crispy French Fries. Unfortunately, they were out of their signature fries due to St. Patrick’s Day and only offered shoestring fries. Not as appetizing, so we didn’t order them.
I wanted to try the Irish Stew and was able to order a small cup ($5) that consisted of sirloin steak, potatoes, onion, peas, and carrots slow cooked in a homemade beef and Guinness broth. It was just as delicious as it sounds – hot, stick-to-your-ribs, melt-in-your-mouth wholesome goodness.
We decided to share a grilled chicken BLT Salad ($14.60) – “just like your favorite sandwich but add grilled chicken, eggs, and their special dressing.” The chicken was fresh, tender, and juicy and the bacon was crispy, all atop a huge bed of lettuce.
Staci chose the “Cottage Pie,” ($15) Muldoon’s version of a Shepherd’s Pie, with “fresh seasoned ground beef, carrots, peas, and onions topped with mashed potatoes and melted cheese.” She said it was delicious and great comfort food.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve had a good steak, and the 10-ounce New York Strip ($22) was chargrilled medium-rare as I had asked. A nice light peppery taste but not overwhelming at all.
For a $1 extra, my baked potato was upgraded to “loaded.” I was extremely satisfied.
For dessert, they offered cheesecake, a volcano cake, and a homemade banana cream pie. Now, Staci’s favorite of these was the cheesecake; however, that night she decided to try the banana cream pie ($7) because it was homemade. Light and fluffy whipped cream topped the smooth and silky banana cream, and she said it was good.
Overall, we agree that it is a great choice for delicious traditional Irish and American pub food. Pleasant wait staff, relaxed environment, and delicious hot food make this restaurant worth finding.
To top it off, Muldoon’s gives back to the community.
The owners of Muldoon’s proudly started a non-profit organization called Wally’s Smile. Wally’s Smile provides comfort and a smile through the delivery of FREE care packages to cancer patients. Doggie care packages are also available for man’s best friend battling cancer. To learn more, visit wallyssmile.org.
Please contact John@ReadTheReporter.com to comment on this restaurant or review.
Reporter photos by JohnGeiger.com