Sullivan’s Public House: The Best Bangers and Mash
Honestly, before our sumptuous dinner at Sullivan’s Public House in Oxford, Michigan, we had no real understanding of Bangers and Mash. Sullivan’s is an authentic Irish pub. The Owner grew up helping his parents run a pub in Ireland before coming to the U.S. to run his own. There is a bit more in the middle of that story. If you would like the details, check out their website and read about the heritage of Sullivan’s Public House.
Inside Sullivan’s Public House
Sullivan’s Public House has both a back and front door. Most patrons use the back door because that is where you will find the most parking. The front of the building is on M24 in downtown Oxford and is part of the Oxford Social District.
The layout resembles a wide hallway. Sullivan’s is a narrow building, and the kitchen is on the second floor to make the most of the available space. This is a clever layout, and the waitstaff certainly gets their stair steps in for the day. There are table seating areas on the patio and in the front and back ends of the interior. The middle section is the attractive and popular bar area. The decor is tasteful and entertaining. There are humorous metal signs on the walls and Irish paraphernalia throughout.
First Round-Drinks and Appetizer
We each ordered a drink and shared an Appetizer. Our drinks were each delicious, and the appetizer was a 1/2 order of the Irish Layered Crisps. These are housemade BBQ crisps (potato chips) layered with pulled pork, cheese, and condiments. The chips were very crispy so that they could stand up to the loads of delicious toppings—a very tasty beginning to the meal.
The Meal and those Bangers and Mash
The son ordered the usual cheeseburger and fries, which he enjoyed very much. We decided a bit hesitantly to order more Irish Faire. Hesitant only because we haven’t been introduced to proper Irish food, and the American version of some ethnic foods doesn’t always translate well. One bite, and we were hooked. The Shepherd’s Pie was very tasty. The potatoes had just the right amount to dry, slight crispness to the top layer, and were creamy and moist underneath.
The Bangers and Mash were so outstanding that we chatted with the Chef. He was happy to come down from the upstairs kitchen and answer all our questions about the dish. The Chef shared that they make the bangers (sausage) fresh every morning from a recipe generations old and straight from Ireland. He said it is the best item on their menu, and also highly recommended the Full Irish Breakfast served for Sunday brunch. Go Try them out! Really!
Dessert too?!
Well, yes, we did! We shared a delicious slice of Irish Cream Cheesecake. Super tasty. Creamy with a mild hint of Irish Cream flavor. It’s an excellent way to top off an absolutely outstanding meal.
While you are in Oxford, doing any number of fun things, or just passing through, you should stop at Sullivan’s Public House and give those Bangers and Mash a try!