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Dining With Dave
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Dining With DaveO’Kanes’s Irish Pub & EateryBy DAVID THEUS With gas prices the way they are, if you are looking for a nice day out, Fernandina’s historic district is the ticket. On my last trip, the particular day was warm, and by warm, I mean sweltering! My mission was to canvass the street and literally enter each store front and office space to introduce North Florida News Daily to Fernandina that day. With cards in hand I went about my hike. If you’re not familiar with the layout, it’s pretty simple. I parked on the top of the hill, on the north side of the street and began walking till I hit the water. Then, I crossed the street at the railroad tracks and proceeded back up the hill towards my car. My plan all along was to time my walk so I could have lunch at one of the restaurants on the south side of the street as I head back towards my car. Long story short. The plan worked, but it was so hot, I nearly passed out by the time I reached where I wanted to have lunch. The good news, every shop I would enter had their A.C. working overtime and with each visit came a blast of cool. Finally, my weary feet took me to O’Kane’s Irish Pub & Eatery at 318 Center Street. As I entered the door it was clear to me that this was not the usual Irish Pub that I may have visited during my many years in college. This establishment was "top shelf" all the way through. Very clean and inviting to the eye. I quickly headed towards the bar asking if they served lunch? To which this beautiful young lass named Nikki answered a firm yes, and then quickly offered a menu and a much needed iced tea. In case you’ve never been to O’Kane’s, this is not just a pub, but a full restaurant as well. There is table seating in the front as you come in and to the right a large and well stocked bar and bar seating area too. As I glanced towards the back of the restaurant, I noticed a full dining area that reaches to the back of the building. This would allow you and your guest a chance to escape the noise of the bar area and enjoy a nice quiet dinner. Very nice décor as well, all exposed brick on the one wall displaying the historic features of the building. Just so you know, for lunch they offer an assortment of appetizers, with soups and a mix of cool salads too. They had a number of great looking sandwiches as well. They had a local catch sandwich served grilled or blackened, a traditional Corned Beef and Swiss, a Reuben, and Hawaiian Chicken sandwich. I ordered the Spicy Shrimp Wrap made with sautéed shrimp in hot sauce, white rice, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. All rolled up into a wrap and served with fries or a side salad. I opted for the salad, of course. It was very good. It turns out that O’Kane’s is known for their entertainment as well. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night around 8:00 pmish to close or so the sign says, a local Irish group known as the Davis Turner Band, plays traditional Irish music as well as covers some of the more recent tunes as well. Nikki says it’s great fun, there is plenty of singing and enjoying each others company. So don’t forget the next time you are looking for a night out, or better yet spend the night out. Come to Fernandina, spend the day shopping the shops, stay at one of the great Bed & Breakfast establishments just up the road and hang out at O’Kane’s for dinner, drinks, and great entertainment. O’Kane’s Irish Pub & Eatery |
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