Words Rain Delisle
If You’ve been pub-crawling among punters in Dublin, surely you know the “craic,” leprechaun-
speak for “good vibe.” Upon entering Surrey’s Dublin Crossing, you’ll forget you’re in strip-mall heaven and be transported to Temple Bar. Like the watering holes in Ireland’s famed drinking district, the buzz starts early at the Crossing, and on a damp, mid-week evening, the place is packed by 6 o’clock. Couples snuggle in cozy corners, solo diners read by the fireplace, rugby mates chug at the bar, and businessmen and bikers share a pint or two, seemingly
united only by the idea that “work is the curse of the drinking class.”
By the time the band goes on, it’s standing room only. For the spacious pub that seats 250 on its main floor and open-air upper level, that is quite the feat. Every night there’s a live act, from local favourites to touring Maritimers, playing
Irish tunes. Watching the serene landscapes of Ireland float by on the TV's to the hyper sound of the fiddle is very Dark Side of the Moon-meets-Wizard of Oz.
We recommend taking a break from the sensory overload and walking around the restaurant to work up an appetite. Every inch of the Crossing is expertly decorated against the backdrop of stunning faux stone walls and woodwork. From stained glass cathedral windows, Celtic knotwork lighting fixtures, and Druidic wall carvings to antique drinking paraphernalia,
the pub doubles as a museum.
The first item on the starter menu is a pint of expertly
poured Guinness, and the rich stout trickles down into several other dishes. The wings come with Guinness barbecue sauce, the mussels are swimming in a saffron and Guinness broth, and poutine is smothered in, you guessed it, Guinness
gravy. There’s even a Guinness brownie for dessert! On the main menu, you’ll find a slew of traditional choices, including bangers and mash, pub pie, Shepherd’s pie and Irish stew. We recommend the Irish Study, a platter of the best of the homestyle fare.
True to its Irish roots, the bar is well stocked and the drink menu is stellar. There are a dozen different Irish whiskies and an equal number of scotches. You won’t find more choices of beer this side of the Fraser, and the bartenders’ creative house cocktails will keep you buying rounds all night.
If you manage to squeeze into the Crossing on Saint Patty’s Day, you can celebrate with the signature, six-layer Irish Rosetta shooter. It’ll set you back $50, but you get to take home the crystal shooter glass to remind you of your mind-bending experience. Now if only something
could remind you of how you got home! 101–18789 Fraser Highway, Surrey, 604.575.5470, www.dublincrossing.com.