It was the first visit to Celtic Crossing for my wife and I. I had heard that Celtic's Shephard's Pie was good - and indeed it was! Although my wife decided to have the Salmon, we both agreed on dessert - Bread Pudding, oh, so good. In fact, everything we ate was so good. Although the place was quite smokey (unexpected and the only disappointment of our visit), even that added to the atmosphere of this fine Irish pub in Cooper-Young. Check it out, if you haven't done so already.
(4)
Mary H.
This is one of the best Patios in Memphis for people watching. On Sunday's they have live music in the warmer weather months. Trivia night on Wednesdays is great fun. I also had my first date with my fiance' here so it will always be special for me.
(3)
Brenda D.
Back at Celtic Crossing. Love the new interior. Server is great. His name is Eric. Asked him to put Irish music on. Perfect!!!
(4)
Katie D.
The food here is just okay at best. I got their fish, which should be their star menu item you'd think. The "chips" (steak fries are not chips) were limp. The servers hovered around from the moment I sat down... no wait, even before I sat down. But then when the cheque was due to come, I couldn't find anyone. Seriously? I actually had to get up and flag down my waitress. I looked around and they weren't slammed, I know how that can be. No apology for disappearing, either. It was also freezing (word of warning, there's a section of tables in almost like a private room. Don't sit there. It's freezing. The thermostat is set for the kitchen which hey, I don't want them to sweat to death. But the kitchen should clearly have its own thermostat.)
(3)
Tracy W.
Tara was as usual wonderful. She has been a part of the Celtic Crossing bar since roughly 2005. This place rocks the Irish bar feel and has done so since it opened. My biggest complaint is the awful and intensively hot bathrooms. You could cook a turkey in the men's room.
(4)
Mark B.
My experience here was below average. I came here with a group of friends for trivia night. The trivia was fun, but the patio was extremely crowded and anytime anyone wanted to leave several of us had to stand up and move our chairs. I will say that the food was decent though - I ordered the Shrimp and Sausage Coddle. Unfortunately there was a group right next to us that was smoking so much that my meal seemed to be seasoned by cigarette smoke. Lastly, I think we must have had a new waitress because it took literally 30 minutes from the time we asked for our check to when we got it. She just up and disappeared for that whole time. None of the other staff really knew what to do when we asked them about it. While the food and the trivia were good and fun, the overall experience was uncomfortable for me and most of my group.
(1)
Bahn V.
Celtic definitely has the best patio in Memphis, shaded with a roof and fans/water misters in the summer, and warming heaters in the wintertime. It's also the only place that I know of in Memphis that you can get a pint of Magners cider. Every Monday, it's Pint Nite and most drafts are $3--I think you can even get a "proper" pint (4 ozs more) for a little extra change, which is nice as it is served in a European style glass as opposed to the typical American glass all sports bars here use. The recent remodel definitely improved the interior, with more comfy seating and a nice soft glow. Celtic is also now a nonsmoking venue inside. The brunch on Sunday is great and they usually have live Irish music on the patio. The mimosa prices seem a bit high, as most restaurants have a special on Sundays for under $3 for mimosas and other brunch drinks. The food is decent, basic pub fare but the prices of the entire menu have just increased by approximately $2...The children's menu appears to now be $7.50, which is obviously way too much for a kid's meal. It's expensive enough as it is to take a family out to eat, but I have yet to see a kid's menu above $5, even in the Cooper-Young and Overton Square area! Hopefully, this will be re-evaluated.
(4)
Christianne B.
I decided to try out Celtic Crossing after hearing of their new "grand opening" following a renovation. My rating is three stars because while nothing was terrible, nothing about our experience was fantastic. When we arrived we were seated promptly, however the entrance was chaotic. The table we were seated at was VERY cramped. So much in fact, that when customers sitting at the tables on either side of us needed to get out, we had to move our table over. The service was decent, I could tell that the server had a lot going on. She seemed rushed but still pleasant when taking our order and bringing our food. No real complains there. The food was decent as well. The menu included a variety of Irish fare. I order the shrimp and sausage coddle which was not bad, but I would try something else next time. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, which we both tried and both agreed was delicious. My biggest complaint was the lack of space and loudness of the restaurant. My boyfriend and I barely had conversation due to having to yell at each other. We basically just gave up and watched the game together. I understand that this is a sports bar, but it's hard not to feel disappointed when I cannot have conversation during my dinner. I did visit during their grand opening, so this might not be the case all of the time. I would maybe check it out again in the future.
(3)
David M.
The pub grub is okay, but you don't come here for haute cuisine. The sprawling patio is a great place to drink away a weekend afternoon or hang after work on weekdays. If you want a chill neighborhood hangout, go before 8ish. If you want to laugh at frat boys trying to pick up drunk chicks, go after 10. All bets are off during World Cup, when it's packed to the rafters and loud as hell. They serve a decent brunch on Sundays until 3pm. Mondays are pint nights, with draft beer specials all evening. Wednesday is trivia night.
(3)
Amariah T.
So...the owner (D.J. Naylor) of Celtic Crossing on Cooper St. threw me and my friends out of his restaurant a little while ago simply because I FOUND HAIR IN MY SALAD and he refused to make a new one. I brought this to our server's attention (who by the way was very incompetent) and she snatched it out of my hand and returned to the kitchen. She then brought another plate out and said that they had re-plated it aka they put the SAME SALAD ON A DIFFERENT PLATE. By this time I'm completely done. After seeing that the salad was NOT remade, I handed it back to the server and asked for her to just take it off my check. I had lost my appetite and was content to sit and fellowship with my friends until they finished eating. A couple minutes later, the owner rushes to our table and in an accusatory voice says, "We had this same problem with y'all about 7 months ago. I've been here since Friday and we haven't had a plate come back yet!" We were confused at first because we didn't understand what the problem was, who he was, and was trying to figure out who "ya'll" was. He was so rude and insulting, that it took a minute for it to register that this was actually happening. While we tried to explain the situation, he over talked us and then yelled at us and told us to "GET THE HELL OUT!" at no fault of ours in front of everyone! Mind you, we were THE ONLY TABLE OF BLACK PEOPLE AT THE RESTAURANT. He told us that they would cover the check and continually YELLED AND CURSED at us to leave. He then came out after we had walked away "apologizing" to the other (white) patrons for throwing us out. This is a restaurant that we eat at frequently and normally order the same thing with no problems, so we were regulars. I am LIVID about this experience and embarrassed that this happened to my friends and I. I've been a server. I know what goes on in the kitchen of restaurants. (My stories would shock you!) So I'm understanding and offer grace when I do go to restaurants. But none of that mattered. Our professional attire meant nothing. Our nice cars that we drove there meant nothing. Our accolades or accomplishments meant nothing. Nor the amount of degrees attained between us. All this racist owner saw was the color of our skin and pegged us as a bunch of black women looking for a free meal. We didn't fit the demographic of his restaurant so he wanted us gone. My only regret is that I did not get a picture nor video footage of this incident, but it escalated so quickly and I was in complete shock. I almost never post statuses on here, but I had to share this because I'm tired of instances like this. I will NEVER step foot in Celtic Crossing again and encourage others not to dine there as well. We have to STOP PATRONIZING BUSINESSES that treat customers this way. Black or white, what this owner did was wrong, humiliating, and insulting!
(1)
Mike P.
Celtic Crossing is a great local Memphis spot. Excellent Patio for good weather to hang out on and have a Guinness or your beverage of choice n a great southern Memphis Day in the Cooper Young District. My favorite food is the Fish & Chips!
(5)
Joelle P.
I had an epiphany last night as I was taking shots at Celtic for St. Paddy's Day (what a party)...I think perhaps I've been a little too hard on Celtic in the past...especially considering the fact that I come here at least once a week. So why did I give them two stars previously? You see, I really do love their patio. I hate that they allows smoking (inside and outside)...but that is precisely why my friends and man friend love it and come so often...because they are smokers (gross). I also really truly love that Celtic has live music. And more importantly GOOD live music...Jeremy Stanfill is a staple here and he is phenomenal. Another reason why I come here so often (he plays most Sunday nights). Another observation while taking a harder look at why I haven't been a fan of Celtic in the past...they are a beer and whiskey joint and I'm a Prosecco/wine girl. Add that to the list of reasons my friends love it and I've been so-so (they are beer connoisseurs). Bottom line: 1) they have the best patio in Memphis 2) they allow smoking 3) awesome live music 4) they do beer and whiskey well
(4)
Kat F.
The patio is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy a drink and listen to music. Brunch is amazing.
(5)
Michael M.
My wife and I came here after our visit to Graceland. Everything was excellent. The service was spectacular (thank you Joseph). The beer was ice cold. Then, finally the food came...it was so good I asked if we were in some sort of accident and this was what the food in heaven tasted like. I had the shepherd's pie, which was unlike any I have ever eaten before. My wife had the corned beef, which was served like steak, and tasted better. My boys had the fish and chips, which was the best I have ever eaten anywhere. The restaurant was located in a neat little part of town, and you would honestly be one of the most foolish people ever to not include the Celtic Crossing in your meal plans while in Memphis. I can tell you, we will probably drive back through here just to eat again. Eventually, the bill came, so I knew we were not in heaven. But the food at the Celtic Crossing might be the closest you can get here on earth! Slainte!
(5)
Matt S.
I love this bar. Just wanted to start with that. Cozy Irish pub inside. Spacious covered patio outside. Possibly my favorite place to grab a pint and catch a soccer match. World Cup time is mayhem (in a good way). Tara behind the bar is always smiling and quickly serves folks while helping maintain the great vibe of the place. Other staff have been friendly and great at navigating the crowds when needed as well. Food wise.. I've only had the fish and chips and as a New England native I have to say it's the best in town. Love it.
(5)
Chris J.
Riding around in Midtown, I found this nice little spot. The staff are very nice and friendly and the patio has a very warm feel to it. This place feels like a great place to spend the day and hang out with friends, before venturing out to visit all of the local shops in Midtown!
(5)
Lauren B.
I came to Celtic Crossing because I had a Groupon and the menu online looked great. Unfortunately when I got there, I found that their menu had a significantly smaller selection than it did online and the prices had been increased. When I mentioned it to the waitress, she snapped back with "what we have is what we have." Not a great start. The restaurant itself was dark and extremely smokey so we opted to eat outside. I had the shepherd's pie--it was okay, but was definitely nothing special. The tiny piece of Irish soda bread they served on the side was dry and flavorless. I've had good Irish soda bread before and this was far from it. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, which were way too greasy. It was as if they had deep fried it 3 times before serving. The batter did not have a good flavor and the fish was extremely dry. The fries were generic but okay. All in all, I had a very mediocre experience here and don't think it's worth coming back. Spend your money somewhere else!
(2)
Kelly H.
We live way east so we had never made it to Celtic Crossing in our 8 years here. On a perfect patio Saturday Celtic was the right place for a (very) quick dinner. We had a Guinness and a great Irish cider. The spouse ordered a dinner salad and I ordered a house salad and a cup of the potato leek soup. Both arrived very quickly and we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the salads which seems hard to mess up, but very often is messed up. The potato leek soup was great as well. Loved it.
A quality Irish Pub. Good food as well as beer selection. They have a great brunch as well. Seating is offered inside and outside. This is the place to come to watch soccer as well.
(4)
Cherie C.
This place is excellent past midnight. Allan Creasy is my favorite bartender in town. Fast, friendly, and completely real with you.
(5)
Jeanie W.
Celtic has a lot to offer a great patio, good food and affordable drinks. My favorite dish is the grilled salmon with mashed-potatoes and asparagus, comes with a garden salad.
(4)
Adie M.
I used to go to Celtic all the time - Bob and Susie Salley(sp?) played every other Sunday, so I'd go there with a friend to do the SUnday crossword puzzle and have brunch. After a while, I noticed that, while I liked the music, the food...not so much. So we switched our brunch allegiance and stopped going. That was 6 years ago. I recently attended a dinner held at Celtic, which gave me a chance to see if the food had improved. It hadn't. I WANT to like Celtic - I think it's a great little pub and I know they are involved in the community. But this review is about the food, not the spirit. We had a big group, taking up two big tables, so we started with one of each of the 3 appetizer combos (Sharables) for each table. When our Merceyside Combo plate showed up with 3 little chicken fingers, 3 mushrooms, and barely a handful of fries (maybe 8-10 TOTAL) I couldn't believe it - for 12 bucks?!? If I hadn't been sitting next to the woman who ordered all our apps, I would have thought they split one plate between the two tables, not one combo PERR table. I didn't get to try the chicken, but the mushroom was fine. Nothing spectacular, nothing inedible. Fries...how do they mess these up? I didn't like them before, either...and I love fries! Didn't care for the curry sauce, but that's probably a personal preference. I ordered the corned beef dinner - 4 thin slices of corned beef that were EXTREMELY fatty - at least a third of the meat was pure fat. Though the mashed potatoes tasted fine, they were gray, which is especially odd considering someone else had normal-looking potatoes... (**Interesting - or not - side note: grey and gray are both right...Gray is more American, grey is more British. Just learned that - thank you, Google! But I digress...) To be fair, most people seemed to like their food - although, like me, they might have thought it rude to complain about a free meal to those providing it! (That's what Yelp is for, haha.) Anyway - I hope Celtic improves their food, so people not interested in getting sloshed can enjoy it, but I won't be back to find out.
(2)
Chris M.
We don't eat here much. In the past I've had the Irish breakfast at brunch and it was pretty good. It's really a drinking bar for everyone I know. The patio has been upgraded and is a great spot to have a pint. Overall the service is pretty good and you won't go thirsty.
(3)
Cedahlia S.
There's just something about this ole Irish pub... I have frequently visited this place since I first arrived in memphis-2007... and I have to admit, this is my favorite. The location is in the heart of midtown - cooper young. And only a jump, skip and a hop away from great coffee, cats and books. The patio has grown and they've added a bar outside and to top all of that, it is very much a seasonal patio. Misters in the summer make me one happy girl! The food... most recently I tried the mussels and they were excellent; Served in a thick cream sauce with a couple slices of bread made this appetizer very filling. They offer a great selection of wine and even that woodchuck "beer" is nothing to turn your nose up at on a hot day.
(5)
Sam J.
This was my first visit after their remodel and was phenomenally disappointed. There's less seating in the main room now and it's awkwardly arranged. It just seems like such a waste of space. Also, Celtic has always has always been a bit loud but I think the remodel has made it even worse. It was impossible to have a conversation over the blare of the TVs and noise of the people. Seriously, put up something to baffle the noise. But the thing that drove this review down to one star is the fact that, although we were seated very quickly, no one ever came to bring us water or take our orders. No servers even came near the table. After waiting and waiting we decided that the situation wasn't worth the wait or the bother of trying to flag someone down. So we just left.
(1)
Caroline V.
I've always passed by Celtic because for whatever reason, it just seems like a place for people way older than me (then again, maybe I just have a delusional self-concept). I've seen it pop up time and again on "best patio" lists, though, so on a recent sunny afternoon I joined some colleagues here for a beer. There's a decent selection of beer including some of my local faves (Tiny Bomb!), and prices for beer are just about in line with other places in the area. The patio is deceptively close to the street - one reason I've never come here before is because it seemed like a place where you'd have to contend with exhaust smells and street noise, but somehow the gate around the patio makes it feel very separate from the street. We only had beers and fries -- fries were unremarkable and not that plentiful, but not that expensive. I couldn't find anything on the menu I wanted to order, as everything looked pretty heavy. I'm not sure I'd come here expecting to eat, but I would definitely come back to enjoy the sun on the patio.
(3)
Deanna W.
I haven't eaten here, but judging by the reviews it doesn't look like I'm missing out. I really do enjoy coming here late night. I absolutely love their new patio. Whoever built it did a great job! The problem with Celtic is that it can get packed very quickly. The new patio really helps with that. If you come here past 10 on a weekend be prepared for some loud music from DJ!
(3)
Rick P.
The pimento cheese dip was incredible. We sat outside and it was very comfortable for winter time. The food was good, staff was very friendly and the live music was awesome. I had a Groupon but was enjoying myself so much that I forgot to use it. So we'll definitely be back.
(5)
Alex D.
Celtic Crossing is the perfect combination of a sports bar and a lounge. They offer great specials and happy hour deals throughout the week that draws people in of all ages. They have one of the best patios in midtown that is included with a separate bar. Additionally, this pub really gives a European vibe by playing sports like rugby and soccer on the television throughout the day and night. This was definitely the place to be to watch the World Cup. Aside from the atmosphere, the food and drinks are excellent. The one setback is the size of the bar. It is quite small for the amount of people that flood in on the weekend nights. It can be difficult at times to even get a bartenders attention. I once waited for 35 minutes before I was even noticed sitting at the front of the bar. However, once you are noticed, the service is great and the bartenders are very nice. If it was a little bigger, the place would be perfect.
(4)
Sheena H.
Today was the worst experience we have EVER experienced at this restaurant! We ordered three salads with salmon and it took a little while for it to come out. We ordered the salads without cucumbers and tomatoes. My salmon was ordered to be cooked a little harder than usual. Of course when it comes out my coworker has hair in her food. She sent it back and when it returned, the waitress said that they only replated the food. We asked was the lettuce changed and she said no. So she canceled her order. The manager storms out and says that they haven't had a plate sent back since Friday (the grand opening) and if we can't order from the menu as is, then don't come back. We visit at least once a week and never a problem. He contunued to say "Yal haven't been here in 3 or 4 months and now yal send plates back." We are there weekly, so apparently he doesn't know his customers. However, the manager was so rude and disrespectful today in front of a patio FULL of guests, that he has lost business from us. It was embarrassing and disheartening.
(1)
Justin B.
Celtic Crossing is a decent Irish pub-type restaurant in Memphis, and there aren't many to choose from. I always go to Irish pubs when I go out of town, and while this certainly is not one of the better ones, it's still pretty good. The menu isn't the best Irish menu I've ever seen nor is the food the best Irish-like food I've ever had, the service is average and the environment isn't as inviting as many other Irish pubs. Still, it fits the bill when I'm craving Irish, and some items, like their shrimp and sausage coddle, I really love. My wife also really likes the curry fries. The fish and chips are ok; I've certainly had better. If there were more competition around, I might not rate them so well, but I would still suggest going.
(4)
Gary P.
Lot's of cold, cold beer. Service is fast and friendly. Great outside patio. The half a sandwich and soup was great. The Irish stew is very good. I like this place a lot. I'm told one night a week people bring their dogs for a kind of social on the outside patio. My kind of place!
(4)
Ruthe C.
Eh. I've been here a few times and would rather have been somewhere else. The covered patio is great for the Cooper Young 4 Miler, but aside from that I have little desire to frequent the place. The inside makes me feel trapped. The food is less than stellar pub grub, although I will say the pimento cheese was surprisingly tasty. The staff has always been friendly, though, and the place seems to always be packed. It must be appealing to the masses!
(3)
Drew W.
Monday nights are pint night, which means $3 for drafts. Make sure you ask about the beer of the month. Service is decent and the food is hit or miss and a bit expensive, but they've got a big selection. Lots of TVs. Pretty good layout too. If you want to go drinking on a Monday, there aren't too many better places.
(4)
Chris C.
For some reason, this was considered THE place for people to meet up after high school graduation. Back in town for a few weeks? Stop by Celtic and see who's there! Perhaps that's what colored my impression of this place for awhile. I finally came back here recently and found that, without the people you know, it's rather disappointing. Beer selection is tiny and they were out of several of the better ones. When you've got competition just down the road in the form of several excellent craft beer places, you need to up your game. Prices in general are too high for what you get on all the alcohol. Service was very slow and haphazard even though it wasn't busy and the smell of smoke permeated everything, even in the supposedly non-smoking rooms. Props though for the interesting old-house location and the trivia night. I'll probably get dragged back here in the future and will hope that the place keeps up with the rest of Cooper Young.
(2)
Charles F.
HORRIBLE SERVICE. I brought a group of 5 around 1:45pm on a Saturday for lunch. The place was not packed. We eventually left after our server doing 4 attempts but never actually bringing us the right beer. One of us never even received their drink. They never even got around to taking our food order. Talked to the manager about our frustrations and they didn't even discount anything. I'm never coming back. Horrible.
(1)
Beth F.
We love Celtic Crossing! Delicious food, atmosphere and nice people, that's what we enjoy at our favorite restaurant. I recommend the club sandwich -- I ask for rye bread instead of Texas toast. My husband is hooked on the shepherd's pie. Our son and his friends have tried everything on the menu and the beer menu and are regulars. Fish and chips is outstanding but the family favorite is the Irish stew. Celtic's atmosphere just got a remodel which includes red leather seating that gives it a warm, inviting vibe to watch your favorite games (the crowd watching the women's World Cup was huge) or enjoy the music on the covered patio. My favorite spot to sit, have a drink, or work on my computer, is on the new sofa. Jamie and D.J., the owners, are great fun with their trivia nights and Irish music days and seem to know everybody by name. Love this place!!! P.S. The chocolate cheesecake is divine!
(5)
Steven M.
Celtic Crossing is an awesome Irish pub in the Cooper Young neighborhood in Memphis. The food is good, and they have the typical selection of beers and liquor. What sets Celtic Crossing apart, for me, is the fact that they open early on Saturdays and Sundays to show EPL (English Premier League) soccer. It's a great place to watch a match and grab an early Irish breakfast and maybe a pint or a Bloody Mary. The pub is packed with football supporters for all the big matches and it creates a great atmosphere. They also show Champions League matches during the week. Overall, a fun place, with great staff and fun customers.
(5)
Jake R.
Pretty basic bar food. But they do have some in house speciality dishes that add some character. The drinks are made well and the beer selection is pretty nice. The staff is friendly and it really feels like your true neighborhood bar. I'd defiantly recommend them and if I lived closer I'd likely be a regular.
(4)
Leigh F.
This place is awful. From the terrible, rude workers to their disgusting excuse for food. I've been here dozens of times and each time the service has gotten progressively worse. Yesterday, during the Cooper Young festival, anything you bought at Celtic had 18% gratuity added. Understandable- with that many people coming in and out of Celtic. My friends and I didn't mind, so we went in and waited for service at the bar. An angry, fat, blonde bartender came over and barked "what do you want!" We requested whiskey and asked if he had any pickle juice in the back. He rolled his eyes and said "hell no" and quickly disappeared. A few moments later he reappeared with our whiskey shots, aggressively slammed them on the counter (spilling some of the shots) and barked at us again. He yelled "how are y'all going to pay?" We responded, "Cash. How much is it?" Again, he rolled his eyes and screamed "28 plus tax" (Just a side note- I was a bartender for years in New Orleans. I definitely understand how stressful it can be when your bar is getting slammed. I also know how easy it is to smile, place drinks down gently and print a ticket so the customer(s) can see the total and pay their bill... Real simple stuff) Confused that he didn't actually ring up our order and tell us the total, we asked "how much is tax?" He got even more angry with us and yelled "it's 28 fucking dollars plus tax!" Then he came up with an arbitrary total of $35 including tax. Mind you, he never rang this up on the POS system/register. We paid the angry bartender for the shots and 18% gratuity, and then collected our change. Soon as we turned to walk away he then screamed "fuck you, you dumb bitch!" I tip well above average and since I've worked in the service industry, I usually let it slide when a bartender or server is stressed out. This time was unacceptable though. A grown man berating young women who just paid him cash (he pocketed the cash and didn't put it in the drawer). Seems like he had some anger issues, needs to seek counseling and/or has some underlying issues with women. I honestly don't understand how we were "the dumb bitches" when he can't even perform a simple task on the register. Seriously, printing a receipt is that hard?
(1)
Whitney A.
Wouldn't come here again. Was hoping it would be an authentic Irish bar but it was just a costume. My husband and I came here, he is from Scotland and was hoping to have a taste of something familiar but it was just Americanized bull. Service was slow, sat there for nearly 30 minutes til a waitress even asked if we wanted anything. There are better places in Midtown to go than this place. Stay away.
(1)
Ciara N.
A good quiet weeknight hangout (except for Wednesday trivia nights, when it packs up fast) whose main attraction is its excellent patio. The food, as John G. says, is just eh, but the beer is big and cheap. In winter, there're those great massive standing heaters; in summer, lots of big fans and continual misting water supply. Warning to women: you will absolutely not have a hairdo after sitting under those misting spritzers for more than three minutes. Wear a head scarf.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
as a former resident of london and a fully confessed anglophile, celtic crossing remains my favorite place in memphis to get a fix. when it fills up on friday and saturday nights it can become more like an oddly imagined dance club -- i tend to prefer it late night, monday nights (pint night) or any evening during happy hour. if i'm remembering correctly, the chef is irish (and the owner is, as well, having met and shared a pint with him many times), and the quality of the food reflects it. celtic is one of my favorite places to get brunch, because they do a superb full irish breakfast (full irish includes white and black pudding, where full english is just eggs, bangers, bacon, tomato, mushrooms, beans, toast) but the fish and chips, boxtys and other authentic irish fare are delicious, too. i guess if you go anywhere enough, the staff is bound to remember you, but that familiarity is one of the things i love about this place. they know me. celtic is a place with a lot of different personalities from day to day. as i mentioned, the friday/saturday night DJ/dance crowd is one (booty shorts alarm), the sunday morning/afternoon families and hungover 20-somethings brunch crowd is another (with authentic live irish music) and the beer-loving, laid back happy hour or late night crowd is another. not to mention the soccer lovers -- celtic shows just about every soccer match that's televised anywhere, ever, and these guys will show up at 9:30 in the morning to drink a guinness and watch the match. and incidentally? some of the nicest bar bathrooms in memphis. seriously. go pee, even if you don't have to -- you'll thank me.
(4)
Mike J.
Poopsie and I went for supper with some friends before a show at Playhouse. The experience was a bit of a yawner, nothing stood out as being really good. The choice of Irish beers was somewhat limited, what happened to Caffrey's, Kilkenny, Beamish or something really interesting? The salad was the usual collection of lawn weeds with a couple slices of tomato and cucumber. The mushroom appetizer was like mushroom soup with lots of mushrooms. The Shepherd's pie lacked vegetables and gravy. The bread pudding dessert was kind of dry and gummy. The staff seemed to be somewhat disinterested, the ambiance, dark and dingy. Strangely enough, I'd go back. It was OK, but there were a lot more negatives than positives. It's probably a better place to sit around and drink than to go for food. In warmer weather, a cigar and a beer on the patio is probably lovely.
(3)
Sean M.
One of the few places in Memphis where the bartenders know how to pour a Guinness. The Irish sausages are authentic (I've lived in Ireland--they match up to the real thing), the atmosphere is great, and there is plenty of seating, even on a busy night. The only drawback is the price--it's expensive compared to similar bars nearby. If you only go there once, get the fish and chips.
(4)
Wayne Y.
This place has Stella Artois on tap, which makes it way cool enough for me. They are also one of the few bars in Memphis that I know of that actually regularly broadcast futbol on the television. The Chicken and Chips and fish and chips are awesome, sunday brunches rock. Mimosas and live music can never be bad. The crowd can be a little rowdy at times, but it's always been in good humour. The house itself where Celtic Crossing is located is really interesting and unique as well. I love the beer, and I love the food. Not much else to say. BTW: You can smoke in this bar everyday except Sundays.
(4)
Elle S.
Normally I would give a place like this a 2 or a 3, but since this is Memphis we are talking about, I will increase the stars due to lack of nightlife options. Everyone that is in their 20s to early 30s goes to Celtic, everyone knows everyone. You go on Wed cause of trivia and Fridays because it's busy and you'll see everyone you don't want to see and everyone you hoped would be there. One of the bartenders hates cute girls, but that's another story. Other than that if you're coming to Memphis, this a BAR you would probably wanna go to in Mid-town. It's within walking distance to a hippie bar, a mostly gay bar and some decent restaurants.
(4)
Missy E.
Service was close to horrible, but I have been there a few times so I will cut them some slack. We just went for drinks this time. The food is solid when I have eaten there. They do have a nice patio area in midtown. Also I really like their brunch.
(3)
Liana K.
This is one of our favorite places to go when we visit Memphis. They have a nice patio and love his Irish Pub. Later in the evening, they even have a DJ that plays popular music. It's definitely a good place to go if you want to just chill with friends.
(4)
Mike G.
People here are the frat boy/ popped collar types. Food is unimpressive as is the wait staff. Go if you enjoy roofie flavored Bud Light.
(2)
John G.
A quick afternoon meeting at 2:30PM turned into 5 hours of hanging out with nice people on the patio. It is amazing how time slips. The food was average, but the 2-6 happy hour food specials had a good selection. We tried some bacon wrapped shrimp, bruschetta, salmon, and chicken and chips. Then the trivia night started, and the place got packed, so we moved on down the street where it was easier to hear everyone talk.
(4)
John H.
Great selection of beer. I would say its one of the closer semblances that memphis has to an irish pub. Even the food is pretty good, just not quite the kind of stuff that jumps out at me all the time as tasty or befitting of a craving. But jeebus!!! Try going there on a weekend night or any other busy time, and friggan forget about it. Louder than hell with people damned near shouting to talk to the person next to them. I seriously waited 15 LONG minutes to get my FIRST drink one sad night. I'll be grateful if this place's business dies down a bit from it's apparent reputation as one of THE spots to hit up in the cooper young district.
(3)
Sarah N.
After visiting here many times since they opened years ago, I can safely say that today will be my last visit. I came for Father's Day for brunch with my sister and dad. We ordered drinks, and breakfast food. Our male waiter was sub-par and I found a short straight brown hair sticking out of my veggie omlette. I didn't say anything, as I didn't want to ruin the meals of my sister or dad. A few items we ordered never came, and our waiter wasn't very tentative until it was tip time. Poor service when the owner isn't present...too bad, used to be a good place. Goodbye Celtic Crossing-we won't be back!!!
(2)
Angela W.
We went for Sunday Brunch. Sat inside. Our waitress seemed to lack any personality, good or bad. Served us with complete deadpan neutrality. Could have been worse. Not the most baby-friendly place, but not horrible. Always seem to get the 'un-level' table. Ugh. Broken glasses came with the carafe of orange juice, but it happens more often than you'd think, unfortunately. They were quick to address it. I had the Moy Benedict - excellent. My companion's Bloody Mary was actually made spicy as ordered. The Celtic Combo starter was good, too. Irish stew seemed to get average reaction.
(3)
Cassandra C.
Good pub style place, with a nice outdoor area for people watching. The food is good, but not awe inspiring. Trivia nights are the nights to go for sure, and the crowd is always lively.
(3)
J B.
A fun place. Food is good. Great pub atmosphere. Yay, they have smithwick's irish ale here on tap!
(3)
J Z.
pretty lively. i like it, for a bar. a great selection of alcohol
(3)
cin f.
i have always had good food experiences at previous restaurants at this location (lilly's dim sum and then sum and the glass onion). however, i did not have such a great experience at current reinvention of the space, the celtic crossing. they have totally redone the building and it has look of a irish pub. the patio provides diners with a view of cooper-young area. my friend was excited about their beer selections which included guinness, harp, boddington's, etc. our dinner selections were fish and chips and a boxty crepe (potato pancake with seasoned with curry and veggies). the fish and chips were fairly tasty. the boxty crepe was unusual. the curry was kind of overpowering-it would have been better without the curry. for dessert, we had a bread pudding that was not very good. the service was fair. there was a mishap. the server dropped some tartar sauce which hit my leg on the way down. they were happy to clean up the tartar sauce from the ground. i used my napkin to clean up the mess on my shorts . i asked repeatedly for another napkin but never got one. the irish bartender/restaurant manager apologized after it happened and i asked him to get me another napkin. he said no problem but the napkin never materialized. so i guess it was blarney on his part. if you go there, i would skip the food and go straight for the alcohol. there will be less chance that you will be a victim of a tartar throwing incident. if i return to celtic crossing, it will be for the beer and the ambience of the pub and not the food. p,s, update from 5/2008. we went there to play trivia on wednesday night. that part was cool. we made the mistake of ordering the bread pudding. it was not good. the man at the next table saw it and asked the waittress if we had ordered the irish stew. if that gives you any clue.
(2)
Ashley K.
Today was my first experience at Celtic Crossing & I was definitely impressed. I was looking for somewhere new to eat and was near Midtown, my friend said she had hear CC was a cool place to eat so we decided to give it try. The weather was nice so we decided to sit on the patio, there were several girls in all black working and they told us to pick a spot anywhere... The atmosphere was very casual and there was great music playing, I enjoyed myself right away...we looked over the lunch menu, which had several different options, from burgers to wraps.. to soups and salads.. Also there was a lengthy beer list (out waitress was very knowledgable about the beverages and was able to answer the questions we had)..I ordered just a classic corona & my friend ordered a bloody mary, which she said was delicious and the perfect blend of tomato juice, vodka and spices. We started with the potato skin appetizer, we both enjoyed it.. they were covered in cheddar cheese and bacon (crisp bacon, not soggy bits which i liked) and sour cream was served on the side. For our meals I got the Dublin 4 Panini and my friend got the Cobb wrap. For the panini they were out of focaccia bread, but it was still very delicious.. the turkey was well seasoned and the avocado on the sandwich was real (not the fake green paste) my only suggestions would be the red peppers were a bit soggy and there was a little too much cheese on the sandwich. The Cobb Club was good as well.. The grilled chicken was moist and had good flavor and the green spinach tortilla brought it all together, only suggestion would be to add a little sauce because it was a bit dry.. Overall our experience was great, not only was our waitress friendly and helpful, the other girls working the patio were also helpful, we didn't have to wait long for anything. The food was definitely enjoyable, but the overall atmosphere is what gives Celtic Crossing an A in my book & I would definitely return for another afternoon on the patio!
(4)
Mary Kate M.
I'm more than partial to this place. I spent many of nights here with my friends over the course of me living in Memphis. Celtic, by far, is the most Irish-like pub to me in Memphis. Situated right in the heart of Cooper-Young, you will find yourself drinking a cold one on their covered or uncovered patio, simply enjoying a night out with your friends. It's a really relaxing atmosphere. Simple Irish decor accents the walls of the old, worn house that the bar sits in. Living in Ireland for a time before returning to Memphis, this place reminded me of my favorite 'local' that I had in Dublin. The bartender, Allen, has been there forever. He's really good at conjuring up something for you if you just tell him what your particular taste is for that night if you're feeling a bit indecisive. The food is really good. It doesn't have the typical bar food taste that you would otherwise expect. I love their gouda burger! It's $8, made with sirloin steak and gouda to top it off. Mmmm..... make sure you get it with their 'chips' and add some malt vinagar for some lasting flavor. Avoid eating this before a crazy night drinking though. I made that mistake once, and I never did that again. The bathrooms have been completely redone. Thank GOD! Before hand, you could barely move around in there. Good luck on getting 2 people in there without feeling cramped. Now it is more accessible and you can be more mobile in there. If you want to come in on a good night, I suggest coming in on Monday for pint night, or come for trivia on Wednesdays. Their trivia nights are always a lot of fun, and can get a bit crazy for what I can remember with some of the questions they ask you. I miss it! Next time I'm in town, I will need to stop in for a pint or 2.
(5)
Erin D.
I came here to watch the USA vs Antigua game earlier this month with fellow American Outlaws (supporters of the USA national soccer teams) who sometimes call this home depending on what channel the game is on. Typically I believe the Memphis chapter is at the Brass Door. I was impressed the bar catered to the US supporters by playing patriotic songs, such as "Born in the USA," prior to the game, halftime, and after the game. No Houston American Outlaws bar has done this. I ordered a macaroni and cheese, which was tolerable, but not good. Frankly I've made better mac and cheese at home. The cheese did not permeate through all of the macaroni at the bottom; I thought it was odd that I had to mix the mac and cheese. Basically, the cheese topping is melted cheddar, which solidifies and has a mundane taste. Homemade mac and cheese actually is best when several cheeses are combined together, e.g. cream cheese, Velveeta, etc. None of these creamy cheeses were part of the ingredients. The piece of bread and veggies served with the mac and cheese were a lost cause. The long islands, on the other hand, were delicious and strong. They were only $7. I bought beers for several people (no pitchers served), and they were cheap - no more than $3 for a draft. It was happy hour, so that helped. Mac and cheese, salad (comes with the mac and cheese), two long islands, and three beers were about $40. For the food, I give two stars, and for the drinks, I give four stars. The moral of this review is to eat before you come (even fast food would be better) and take advantage of the great happy hour pricing.
(3)
Claudia B.
If you are a futbol fan (aka soccer, real football) this is the place to go to watch games, specially during the World Cup. This is the only place I have found in Memphis were the atmosphere is right. I am not a drinker so I cannot judge this place by their alcohol (before you shake your head, I did started off with a disclaimer saying I come here for the games). Back to the review: this is a bar... with bar food. Not the greatest, but actually pretty decent. As a vegetarian (I know, a non-drinker AND a vegetarian! What a freak!), I was gladly surprised that this place was extremely accommodating with my request for changing things on the food. Actually, for service alone I am adding a star to this place. This place was absolutely packed and the server nailed down our orders and kept our drinks full! The taste of the food was decent for bar food, during the FIFA World Cup they have added Brazilian flan to their menu! Not the best Brazilian flan I've ever had, but reasonable. I do have to say that given the quality of the food and the fact that this is a bar, the prices may be a bit on the high side. But personally, if I am sitting there for 2 hours watching a game and taking up a table, the last thing I am going to complain about is the pricing of their food. I am just bringing it up if you are thinking about stopping by for just a quick bite.
(4)
Joanne M.
Very good Sunday brunch with above average service. Its obviously a neighborhood gem filled with locals. Parking is super easy, menu is quite extensive for pub grub. The potato leek souo was very good. I would return.
(3)
Gary D.
Great pub atmosphere and good, traditonal food and beer. Outside seating is great, weather permitting.
(4)
Karen L.
I love Celtic's patio -- it's really one of the best in Memphis. However, everything else is another story, and everytime I'm tempted to go enjoy the patio, I try to remember how terrible everything else is. The service ranges from just barely adequate to just plain awful. I've had to ask repeatedly for menus, silverware, napkins, condiments, water refills.... Unless you're somehow running short on menus, for instance, it'd be nice if you gave one to everyone at the table, instead of just one for us to share. If my salad comes with bread, it'd be nice if you brought me butter by the time I finish my meal. If all I'm drinking is water, it'd be nice if you refilled it before I drink it all and steal my boyfriend's glass. And so on. I used to like the food better, but repeated exposure has been disappointing. Salads are pretty blah, the fried fish is just ok, and the burgers are mediocre at best. The French fries are the worst -- crispy on the outside, complete mush on the inside. The sweet potato fries come with sugar (!!) on top. The bread pudding is ok, but the cheesecake tasted more like chocolate mousse, and not in a good way. Don't even get me started on brunch. Celtic has clearly jumped on the brunch bandwagon as a moneymaker, and it shows in the long wait times and blah, sad-looking food they put out. If you want to drink and hang out on the patio, Celtic may be the place for you. But if you're interested in food, go elsewhere!
(1)
Mr J.
Food is meh, but if you want to watch soccer (futbol), this is where people of all flavors come, and the excitement flows.
(4)
Cristina H.
I have not eaten Celtic Crossing food but the wine night they have is just darn right the best thing going in Midtown!!! The fact that they have wine starting as low as $3!!!! Yes $3 every Tuesday just makes me one lucky lady in midtown. And not only that but they have $5 off any bottle and this isn't some nasty tart wine we are talking this stuff is pretty darn decent!!! So I can't speak on the food or the atmosphere but on wine night who cares!!! Go enjoy a glass at the bar!!!
(3)
Aaron W.
I've been coming here for the past 2 years for trivia during the summer on Wednesday nights and the service has gotten increasingly worse every time. Our waiter disappeared for an hour and a half while we were trying to leave. I understand that they were busy but his absence for that period of time was unacceptable. The food is terrible too with the exception of the bread pudding.
(1)
Fara C.
Love this place! its our local hang out spot! Beet Bruschetta and chicken cesar salad are my favorite. Tomato soup is good too! Love the staff! Love the ambiance. Great place.
(5)
Candace B.
This is not my favorite place to hang out. It is crowded, small, smokey and the crowd is mostly college age. All the guys kept asking me were I was going to school :-) I have been here a couple of times to hang out but I get tried of being shoulder to shoulder with people and usually leave after an hour. This place also was a little understaffed for a Saturday night...they were trying but it was about a 10 minute wait if you were at a table to get a drink.
(3)
Matthew B.
I've left Celtic off my review list out of professional courtesy. Because, you see......I live here. Not literally, but it is my spot in Memphis. I've read some recent reviews about Celtic, and must say....some people don't understand the difference between a Bar and a Restaurant. Celtic is a Bar. They serve food, but it's a Pub first, last, and always. It's not a dive bar. It's a perfectly respectable Irish Pub. If you think Celtic is a dive bar, I think you need to get out and see the real dive-bars of Memphis. They're awesome, too! Here is what Celtic is good for.......drinking. Did I mention its a Bar? They have the best Patio in town. The patio is large, with good tables and seating. They bring me beer, I pay for beer, they bring me another beer. Their Beer and whiskey selection is good and their prices are particularly fair. The food is decent. Not great, but not bad either. I like the Fish & Chips. Their Pimento Cheese is good, with a little Kick to it. The menu is large, you can certainly find something to eat. Celtic has live music on a regular basis. Sitting on this patio on a summer night listening to some live music is one of the better time-wasters that Memphis has to offer. It's a bar, so it gets smoky on occasion. Every bar in Memphis gets that way since the smoking legislation a few years back. Since I can't control the folks who aspire to drag oxygen tanks behind them in Vegas in their golden years, I just sit outside if it gets too bad. Celtic has a good staff. I'm biased because I know most of them. They don't judge me because I get obnoxious on occasion. This is a quality that I prefer in a person. I've never had any trouble with my service here. If someone has trouble with service here, it's probably because they're from the suburbs. It's a midtown place, and works best when you keep it low-maintenance. If you want trendy and chic---- go somewhere else. This isn't your place. If you understand why you go to a Pub, you'll love the patio at Celtic. Stop by and say Hi. I'll probably be there.
(4)
Paul A.
Go to watch a football match for Sunday brunch, you will have tons of fun. This is an old residence that has been converted into a pub. Beet brusheda is delicious.
(4)
Lola A.
Best place for jaeger bombs and soccer matches!!!
(4)
D. S.
After our trip to Boston where we ate at a very good traditional Irish Pub, we were interested in finding something similar in Memphis. Celtic Crossing seemed to fit the bill. We met some relatives there and we were seated immediately. Service was quick and the atmosphere nice (outside). We ordered the Fish and Chips, and the Corned Beef. The Fish and Chips was comparable to Cap'n D's. The Corned Beef was OK, but had an odd texture. Not what we were looking for.
(2)
Nigel T.
I've been coming to Memphis regularly since 2006, and have fond memories of watching World Cup matches at this joint way back when. Unfortunately, subsequent visits have been profoundly disappointing. From the mediocre Guinness, to the overall upkeep of the place, a decent pub, this is not. Has it changed hands? Have the owners checked out? Definitely in need of some fine tuning. Owners, if you're reading this, go and check out Swift in NYC to see how an Irish bar is supposed to run.
(2)
Paul B.
Restaurant would not honor Groupon. Groupon was for $15 food for $8 for lunch, a few exclusions under Fine Print section. We arrived at 1:30 p.m. and were told groupon could not be honored because they did not serve lunch on Saturday, though the menu we were presented was full of lunch items. No Saturday lunch service was NOT under the Fine Print section of the groupon coupon . Our server told us we were the third party that had come in that Saturday with the groupon. So it wasn't ignorance on our part. Rather than do the professional thing and honor the groupon for good customer service, we were given the shaft. We got up and left. Will NEVER go to this place again and would not recommend at all. This is false advertising in my book, and mail fraud, a federal offense. Oh, I have no use for groupon anymore either.
(1)
Colleen G.
Yeesh. I do not recommend during the Cooper-Young Festival. My friends were hungry, so we got a table on the back patio. Realize that on this day, once you sit down, you are committing to: 1.)Automatic 18% gratuity 2.) A 90-minute limit at your table 3.) No substitutions or splitting meals 4.) A limited food menu. To be fair, this is all information you get once you're seated, so it's not like you are totally caught off-guard. However, we were there longer than 90 minutes, because it took forever for food to come out. I didn't order food, but my husband and our friends did (I covertly snuck bites from my husband since we intended to share a plate anyway). People were walking out because their food was taking too long. The poor manager who came and talked to us looked stressed and we were sympathetic to her situation. I don't know if these policies are blanketed for all the Cooper-Young restaurants on festival day, but just beware before you agree to sit at a table. I get that table space is at a premium on a busy day like that, but to me it wasn't worth the hype.
(2)
John G.
Just got a semi rude private message from somebody representing celtic crossing...I've been back plenty of times since my review, I just don't order black and tans there any more... But this kind of crap will make sure I never come back. Thanks for the put down "Brittany H". Copied from my inbox: "A lot of talk: Your reviews sound like you have nothing else better to do than complain. Im glad you found your forum to do so. I work at Celtic Crossing and thought you might want to get something clear. A beer that is mixed with Guiness should always be seperated. You however, ordered a Black & Tan. Which any Black & Tan expert like yourself should know is Guiness & Bass. Since bass is more of a tan color it clearly seperates easier. We don't carry Bass, so our Black & Tan is mixed with Smithwick's (a much darker colored beer) which is why you will never see much of a seperation. At other places this is called a Blacksmith. Why don't you go any where else in Memphis and order a Blacksmith and see what it looks like when seperated correctly. Thanks."
(1)
Amanda S.
Second time to visit and both were pretty good. The food is pretty rich so if you are hoping for light food I wouldn't get your hopes up. It is hearty to say the least. You can tell pretty quickly from the crowd that this is a local favorite. As far as food goes I recommend the scotch eggs. They are listed as an appetizer but definitely serve as a meal too.
(4)
Shannon L.
A recent visit to Cooper Young ended the night up at Celtic Crossing for dinner. Scott and I went to Alchemy for a couple of drinks and then headed to Celtic for some grub after. It was later at night, so Celtic had a band inside. We wanted away from all of the noise, so we chose to sit outside in the heated patio. Heated patios, I believe, are one of the greatest inventions. You get to sit outside in the middle of winter and relax, without freezing. Celtic has a great patio, so I love that I can take advantage of it during 20 degree temperatures. They even had a big flat screen outside, so we could watch the Grizz dominate while sipping a beer. There was only one other table other than us, so it was pretty quiet. We got a goat cheese dip as an appetizer. Scott really likes cheese, so this is usually how we start our meals: with big bowls of cheese. We both agreed that the dip was pretty bland. However, goat cheese is a very mild cheese, so we blamed it on the cheese. I ended up just munching on the pita wedges, which were still warm. Then our food came out. Scott got the Irish Burger, which is described as "8 oz. of sirloin topped with imported Irish muenster cheese and rashers". Rashers, if you did not know, is a fancy Irish word for bacon. We had to ask. His came with fries. I ordered the Grilled Carribean Jerk Chicken Sandwich, which is a "grilled chicken breast served over a red onion and cranberry salsa". I got red potatoes with mine. When we tried our food, we realized that we could not blame the blandness of the goat cheese dip on the cheese. We had to, in fact, blame it on the restaurant itself. Our food was equally as bland as our appetizer. Neither the burger nor the chicken had any seasoning on it. My red onion and cranberry salsa was just that: mashed up cranberries and onions. Nothing else. We were both starving, so we devoured it all. However, I would have much rather walked down the street to Young Avenue Deli (had they not had a cover) or Cafe Ole (had their kitchen not been closed). The next day, we found out from an actual Irish man that maybe we could perhaps blame it on the food and not the restaurant. According to him, Irish food is traditionally very bland and nothing to write home about. Apparently, Celtic Crossing did it right by sticking to their roots. However, on the other hand, traditional Irish food does not serve up burgers and chicken sandwiches. Therefore, we are left confused as to what to think of Celtic Crossing. Is the food due to the bad kitchen or the bad traditions? Either way, we can agree that the food was not great and we won't be coming back to eat. However, Celtic has a great beer list, so it is a possibility I will be back to drink. They have a great happy hour as well, and apparently a good Sunday Brunch too. Trivia has its possibilities as well. St. Patrick's Day is always a blast here. However, most of the time I just find it overcrowded and a little annoying. But, hey, maybe that is how you like your evenings to be. Celtic Crossing is never my first pick (or second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth), but that does not mean I won't be back. My friends seem to love it, so you may see me tagging along too.
The food is nothing to write home about..typical pub grub and maybe not even that good. But the atmosphere is fun and laid back, the bartenders are quick on the job and the beer on tap is better than your usual bar. Stop in with your friends for happy hour, sit on the patio and chill to live music, but stop somewhere else for dinner first. Overall, I really do like this place, and if I were still in college, I imagine I would love it.
(3)
Meg K.
I have been here on many occasions and have tried to remain impartial but EVERY experience I've had here has been awful to say the least. The service is the worst I have ever experienced on three occasions. If you want to just sit in the patio for the great patio then this is your place but if you want service, dinner, dining experience or anything else associated with "going out" this is NOT your place. Don't waste your time or money. The end.
(1)
Yvonne M.
Absolutely love the fish and chips! They are thick cut, crispy, freshest cod I ever had in midwest or southern. I can't tell but it's awfully good. The server was very attentive too. He refilled my sweet tea and our water automatically. The American beef burger was just okay. Who goes to an Irish pub and order american's food? Me...never again.
(4)
Samuel M.
Celtic was where I had my first drink in Memphis, and where a week ago I toasted with friends as we left for our separate summers. Having lived a stone's throw away for almost a year I've been there more times than I can remember (and some visits I straight up can't remember). I've never been to Ireland so I can't speak to its authenticity but I do know that if you're looking for a place to go for a stiff drink, decent food, and warm atmosphere you don't have to look much further. When I think about Celtic here's how it breaks down: Staff: Bartenders are friendly, fast, and knowledgeable. They move around the bar quickly, and even on busy Fri or Sat nights I've never waited for more than a few moments. Recent changes have invigorated a wait-staff that was once on the slower, less-attentive side. There is still the occasional longer-than-average wait when sitting outside, but I just compensate by ordering a new drink before I finish the one at hand. Food: Hands down the best chicken fingers in town. I have one friend who doesn't order anything else. Appetizers are good, the mussels especially. Fish and Chips are good, as is the Rueben, although more Russian dressing would put it over the top. Burgers are pretty average. Fries leave something to be desired. Good pub food that doesn't try to be something it's not. Atmosphere: Inside is dark but inviting, with a friendly cloud of cigarette smoke on busy nights. Friday and Saturday are the most lively, but weeknights are as enjoyable as your company. Best trivia I've seen in Memphis; challenging but not impossible, well structured, and well hosted. Patrons are diverse and unimposing; Rhodes students, young professionals, middle-age couples, aging hippies, and the occasional women's rugby team. Final Verdict: Any rough edges add to an unassuming character. A longer wait with good friends is time well spent, so don't complain and order another round before this one is gone. I'll have a Harp and a shot of Jameson.
(4)
Daniel H.
Good news if you were looking for a "homey" feeling pub to visit and have a pint (or a few) in Memphis. I've been here quite a few times on weekdays and a few times for Sunday brunch. It's consistent. I hear it gets quite a bit more lively on Fridays and Saturdays at night, but that's not usually my scene. Food: The food here is incredible. A little more expensive than I'd prefer, but I haven't ever left feeling like I got ripped off. They have quite a few of your more traditional Irish dishes (or dishes which Americans generally think of as traditionally Irish), but they also have your basic staples like burgers and potato skins. If you can't find something good on this menu, my guess is you're a pretty picky eater. I think their Scottish Eggs appetizer is the best I've ever had anywhere. I also think they do a fantastic job on their Fish & Chips. If you happen to be in the area for their Sunday brunch, try the Corned Beef Hash. I tried it the first time I ever went for brunch and I've been hooked ever since. Drink: The drink here is good. I think they have a pretty decent beer selection on tap for a place that doesn't market itself as a beer-lover's haven. They also have an excellent selection of whisky/whiskey (take your pick) on the wall behind the bar. Their prices aren't overly great, but they won't require a credit application. Show up during happy hour, and you'll be OK no matter what your budget is. Another good deal is their Sunday Brunch Mimosa/Blody Mary specials. Atmosphere: I think the atmosphere at Celtic is one of its best features. I think they actually have more outdoor seating than indoor, and half of the patio is covered. In bad weather they lower the flaps on the covered area so you can still hang out, and when it's cold they'll fire up the outdoor heaters for you. They regularly have live Irish music also. The exterior of the building is also nice: a beautiful green color and a very inviting appearance. Inside is 21+ because they like smoking. I don't like children all that much, so this works great for me. The inside is incredibly cozy. Lots of dark wood, and somewhat low lighting makes it perfect after you escape from the flourescent-lighted concrete dungeon you work in (I work in one). Service: The service is pretty decent. Nothing to write home about for the most part, but there are a few really good servers and bartenders that will take great care of you. Bottom line: I think Celtic Crossing should be on the "must-see" list of any guide about Memphis. There's just so much good about it, and it really stands out.
(5)
Jolynna M.
Now this is close to my neck of the woods and one of my favorite little midtown hangouts. You'll find a very diverse crowd here, depending on what day, and what time of day you go. If you're into soccer, well you probably already know this place, because they air all the games there and the fans love to come out and get rowdy and cheer for their team. It gets pretty crazy during World Cup. But they also have a lot of other cool things going on. Check the website for upcoming events and bands. I like going for Sunday brunch, especially when the weather is nice and you can sit outside. They patio is awesome. They are open for lunch also, and Wednesday night is Pub trivia.
(4)
Rebecca M.
Celtic Crossing is solid. Nothing fantastical, nothing disappointing, just a solid place to go drink and enjoy food. I went on a Sunday morning for the brunch and there was a delightful Irish band playing. Although not really to my taste, my dad loved the music. The food was good but nothing to absolutely rave about. A-OK is really the only thing I can say about this place. Hopefully I will visit again in the evening for a total drink-fest. I'm sure my opinion will then change.
(3)
Cristian P.
Not a great place, food quality is low ( I can have a better burger in Italy), service is not professional even for a pub, many bugs in the patio...too many!!!
(3)
Lily B.
nothing great, nothing horrible. Probably wouldn't go out of my way to go here but if you're in the neighborhood it might be worth stopping in.
(3)
N. P.
Went here last night for drinks and food. We sat outside on their tented patio and it was comfortable, even in the cold, thanks to heaters in the ceiling. Great music for a while, stuff like Fleetwood Mac, got a little more rap action as it got later. The best part was the service. Attentive even though we were the only ones on the patio, never forgot about us or made us wait. Good fries! Definitely enjoyed that visit and look forward to going back.
(4)
Katie K.
Awesome service and daily specials you cant beat! I give them three stars because it smells like smoke and that is personally a pet peeve of mine. The cheeseburger and fries were good as well as the meatballs as an appetizer.
(3)
Rhonda P.
I love this place. It's not trying to be fine dining, it's a pub. And as someone who's been to a real pub in jolly ol' UK, it's as close as you get in Memphis. The owner comes to your table to see that you're doing well, the beer is awesome.. the patio is awesome in the Spring and Fall and it is THE place to be during Cooper-Young Fest. I loved it so well, I took a group of 30 there with for my company (a very big, Fortune 100 company in Memphis). They loved it. We got our own area on the patio, with lots of great Irish appetizers (love the Scotch eggs) and beer. Will definitely take groups there again.
(5)
Von E.
Great patio, sweet bartender during the day. Tonight music and half price drafts again!
(4)
Andy S.
Celtic is an Irish pub in Cooper Young. They have one of the best patios in Memphis. Part of it is covered in the winter, so that it can stay open all year long. Monday, they have pint night, which is only $2.25 beers all night long. They also have a good daily happy hour with $1 off pints and well liquor. Tuesdays, they have 2 for 1 fish and chips. Sunday is a good brunch with mimosa and Bloody Mary specials. I love the scottish eggs, which are hard boiled eggs that are battered fried in a sausage batter. They do allow smoking inside, but there is a non smoking room. They also have a late night menu. We had a combo plate. The combo plate came with fries, chicken tenders and fried mushrooms. The sauces were horseradish, honey mustard and curry. OMG! I loved the curry sauce! It reminded me of Japanese curry. Celtic is a nice affordable restaurant/bar with good food and great drinks.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Yes Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
David E.
It was the first visit to Celtic Crossing for my wife and I. I had heard that Celtic's Shephard's Pie was good - and indeed it was! Although my wife decided to have the Salmon, we both agreed on dessert - Bread Pudding, oh, so good. In fact, everything we ate was so good. Although the place was quite smokey (unexpected and the only disappointment of our visit), even that added to the atmosphere of this fine Irish pub in Cooper-Young. Check it out, if you haven't done so already.
(4)Mary H.
This is one of the best Patios in Memphis for people watching. On Sunday's they have live music in the warmer weather months. Trivia night on Wednesdays is great fun. I also had my first date with my fiance' here so it will always be special for me.
(3)Brenda D.
Back at Celtic Crossing. Love the new interior. Server is great. His name is Eric. Asked him to put Irish music on. Perfect!!!
(4)Katie D.
The food here is just okay at best. I got their fish, which should be their star menu item you'd think. The "chips" (steak fries are not chips) were limp. The servers hovered around from the moment I sat down... no wait, even before I sat down. But then when the cheque was due to come, I couldn't find anyone. Seriously? I actually had to get up and flag down my waitress. I looked around and they weren't slammed, I know how that can be. No apology for disappearing, either. It was also freezing (word of warning, there's a section of tables in almost like a private room. Don't sit there. It's freezing. The thermostat is set for the kitchen which hey, I don't want them to sweat to death. But the kitchen should clearly have its own thermostat.)
(3)Tracy W.
Tara was as usual wonderful. She has been a part of the Celtic Crossing bar since roughly 2005. This place rocks the Irish bar feel and has done so since it opened. My biggest complaint is the awful and intensively hot bathrooms. You could cook a turkey in the men's room.
(4)Mark B.
My experience here was below average. I came here with a group of friends for trivia night. The trivia was fun, but the patio was extremely crowded and anytime anyone wanted to leave several of us had to stand up and move our chairs. I will say that the food was decent though - I ordered the Shrimp and Sausage Coddle. Unfortunately there was a group right next to us that was smoking so much that my meal seemed to be seasoned by cigarette smoke. Lastly, I think we must have had a new waitress because it took literally 30 minutes from the time we asked for our check to when we got it. She just up and disappeared for that whole time. None of the other staff really knew what to do when we asked them about it. While the food and the trivia were good and fun, the overall experience was uncomfortable for me and most of my group.
(1)Bahn V.
Celtic definitely has the best patio in Memphis, shaded with a roof and fans/water misters in the summer, and warming heaters in the wintertime. It's also the only place that I know of in Memphis that you can get a pint of Magners cider. Every Monday, it's Pint Nite and most drafts are $3--I think you can even get a "proper" pint (4 ozs more) for a little extra change, which is nice as it is served in a European style glass as opposed to the typical American glass all sports bars here use. The recent remodel definitely improved the interior, with more comfy seating and a nice soft glow. Celtic is also now a nonsmoking venue inside. The brunch on Sunday is great and they usually have live Irish music on the patio. The mimosa prices seem a bit high, as most restaurants have a special on Sundays for under $3 for mimosas and other brunch drinks. The food is decent, basic pub fare but the prices of the entire menu have just increased by approximately $2...The children's menu appears to now be $7.50, which is obviously way too much for a kid's meal. It's expensive enough as it is to take a family out to eat, but I have yet to see a kid's menu above $5, even in the Cooper-Young and Overton Square area! Hopefully, this will be re-evaluated.
(4)Christianne B.
I decided to try out Celtic Crossing after hearing of their new "grand opening" following a renovation. My rating is three stars because while nothing was terrible, nothing about our experience was fantastic. When we arrived we were seated promptly, however the entrance was chaotic. The table we were seated at was VERY cramped. So much in fact, that when customers sitting at the tables on either side of us needed to get out, we had to move our table over. The service was decent, I could tell that the server had a lot going on. She seemed rushed but still pleasant when taking our order and bringing our food. No real complains there. The food was decent as well. The menu included a variety of Irish fare. I order the shrimp and sausage coddle which was not bad, but I would try something else next time. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, which we both tried and both agreed was delicious. My biggest complaint was the lack of space and loudness of the restaurant. My boyfriend and I barely had conversation due to having to yell at each other. We basically just gave up and watched the game together. I understand that this is a sports bar, but it's hard not to feel disappointed when I cannot have conversation during my dinner. I did visit during their grand opening, so this might not be the case all of the time. I would maybe check it out again in the future.
(3)David M.
The pub grub is okay, but you don't come here for haute cuisine. The sprawling patio is a great place to drink away a weekend afternoon or hang after work on weekdays. If you want a chill neighborhood hangout, go before 8ish. If you want to laugh at frat boys trying to pick up drunk chicks, go after 10. All bets are off during World Cup, when it's packed to the rafters and loud as hell. They serve a decent brunch on Sundays until 3pm. Mondays are pint nights, with draft beer specials all evening. Wednesday is trivia night.
(3)Amariah T.
So...the owner (D.J. Naylor) of Celtic Crossing on Cooper St. threw me and my friends out of his restaurant a little while ago simply because I FOUND HAIR IN MY SALAD and he refused to make a new one. I brought this to our server's attention (who by the way was very incompetent) and she snatched it out of my hand and returned to the kitchen. She then brought another plate out and said that they had re-plated it aka they put the SAME SALAD ON A DIFFERENT PLATE. By this time I'm completely done. After seeing that the salad was NOT remade, I handed it back to the server and asked for her to just take it off my check. I had lost my appetite and was content to sit and fellowship with my friends until they finished eating. A couple minutes later, the owner rushes to our table and in an accusatory voice says, "We had this same problem with y'all about 7 months ago. I've been here since Friday and we haven't had a plate come back yet!" We were confused at first because we didn't understand what the problem was, who he was, and was trying to figure out who "ya'll" was. He was so rude and insulting, that it took a minute for it to register that this was actually happening. While we tried to explain the situation, he over talked us and then yelled at us and told us to "GET THE HELL OUT!" at no fault of ours in front of everyone! Mind you, we were THE ONLY TABLE OF BLACK PEOPLE AT THE RESTAURANT. He told us that they would cover the check and continually YELLED AND CURSED at us to leave. He then came out after we had walked away "apologizing" to the other (white) patrons for throwing us out. This is a restaurant that we eat at frequently and normally order the same thing with no problems, so we were regulars. I am LIVID about this experience and embarrassed that this happened to my friends and I. I've been a server. I know what goes on in the kitchen of restaurants. (My stories would shock you!) So I'm understanding and offer grace when I do go to restaurants. But none of that mattered. Our professional attire meant nothing. Our nice cars that we drove there meant nothing. Our accolades or accomplishments meant nothing. Nor the amount of degrees attained between us. All this racist owner saw was the color of our skin and pegged us as a bunch of black women looking for a free meal. We didn't fit the demographic of his restaurant so he wanted us gone. My only regret is that I did not get a picture nor video footage of this incident, but it escalated so quickly and I was in complete shock. I almost never post statuses on here, but I had to share this because I'm tired of instances like this. I will NEVER step foot in Celtic Crossing again and encourage others not to dine there as well. We have to STOP PATRONIZING BUSINESSES that treat customers this way. Black or white, what this owner did was wrong, humiliating, and insulting!
(1)Mike P.
Celtic Crossing is a great local Memphis spot. Excellent Patio for good weather to hang out on and have a Guinness or your beverage of choice n a great southern Memphis Day in the Cooper Young District. My favorite food is the Fish & Chips!
(5)Joelle P.
I had an epiphany last night as I was taking shots at Celtic for St. Paddy's Day (what a party)...I think perhaps I've been a little too hard on Celtic in the past...especially considering the fact that I come here at least once a week. So why did I give them two stars previously? You see, I really do love their patio. I hate that they allows smoking (inside and outside)...but that is precisely why my friends and man friend love it and come so often...because they are smokers (gross). I also really truly love that Celtic has live music. And more importantly GOOD live music...Jeremy Stanfill is a staple here and he is phenomenal. Another reason why I come here so often (he plays most Sunday nights). Another observation while taking a harder look at why I haven't been a fan of Celtic in the past...they are a beer and whiskey joint and I'm a Prosecco/wine girl. Add that to the list of reasons my friends love it and I've been so-so (they are beer connoisseurs). Bottom line: 1) they have the best patio in Memphis 2) they allow smoking 3) awesome live music 4) they do beer and whiskey well
(4)Kat F.
The patio is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy a drink and listen to music. Brunch is amazing.
(5)Michael M.
My wife and I came here after our visit to Graceland. Everything was excellent. The service was spectacular (thank you Joseph). The beer was ice cold. Then, finally the food came...it was so good I asked if we were in some sort of accident and this was what the food in heaven tasted like. I had the shepherd's pie, which was unlike any I have ever eaten before. My wife had the corned beef, which was served like steak, and tasted better. My boys had the fish and chips, which was the best I have ever eaten anywhere. The restaurant was located in a neat little part of town, and you would honestly be one of the most foolish people ever to not include the Celtic Crossing in your meal plans while in Memphis. I can tell you, we will probably drive back through here just to eat again. Eventually, the bill came, so I knew we were not in heaven. But the food at the Celtic Crossing might be the closest you can get here on earth! Slainte!
(5)Matt S.
I love this bar. Just wanted to start with that. Cozy Irish pub inside. Spacious covered patio outside. Possibly my favorite place to grab a pint and catch a soccer match. World Cup time is mayhem (in a good way). Tara behind the bar is always smiling and quickly serves folks while helping maintain the great vibe of the place. Other staff have been friendly and great at navigating the crowds when needed as well. Food wise.. I've only had the fish and chips and as a New England native I have to say it's the best in town. Love it.
(5)Chris J.
Riding around in Midtown, I found this nice little spot. The staff are very nice and friendly and the patio has a very warm feel to it. This place feels like a great place to spend the day and hang out with friends, before venturing out to visit all of the local shops in Midtown!
(5)Lauren B.
I came to Celtic Crossing because I had a Groupon and the menu online looked great. Unfortunately when I got there, I found that their menu had a significantly smaller selection than it did online and the prices had been increased. When I mentioned it to the waitress, she snapped back with "what we have is what we have." Not a great start. The restaurant itself was dark and extremely smokey so we opted to eat outside. I had the shepherd's pie--it was okay, but was definitely nothing special. The tiny piece of Irish soda bread they served on the side was dry and flavorless. I've had good Irish soda bread before and this was far from it. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, which were way too greasy. It was as if they had deep fried it 3 times before serving. The batter did not have a good flavor and the fish was extremely dry. The fries were generic but okay. All in all, I had a very mediocre experience here and don't think it's worth coming back. Spend your money somewhere else!
(2)Kelly H.
We live way east so we had never made it to Celtic Crossing in our 8 years here. On a perfect patio Saturday Celtic was the right place for a (very) quick dinner. We had a Guinness and a great Irish cider. The spouse ordered a dinner salad and I ordered a house salad and a cup of the potato leek soup. Both arrived very quickly and we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the salads which seems hard to mess up, but very often is messed up. The potato leek soup was great as well. Loved it.
(4)Lauren G.
Oh, Celtic. When I first went , I hated it. This was before the fancy new porch, when it was a bunch of Rhodents and strobe lights and shitty house music. Drinks were cheap but the atmosphere was terrible and fratty. And the food... Let's just say it needed that menu update. Thankfully, since moving to Midtown, it has really impressed me and is now one of my mainstays. They have a plethora of draft options, and I love how they always have local beers on hand (and not only Wiseacre! Several). The Grilled Atlantic Salmon with butter sautéed asparagus and Irish bangers (or the additional vegetable sautée that I occasionally substitute) is really, really good. You get a huge filet for only $13, along with a big salad. There is trivia on Wednesday nights that's really fun, and on the new nicer patio they have big screen TVs in case you are trying to catch a game. And, the atmosphere on Saturday nights is great; I actually look forward to starting and or ending my nights out in Midtown here. Great food, great people, great locale, great beers, great environment. Happy to have this pub right around the corner!
(4)Danny N.
A quality Irish Pub. Good food as well as beer selection. They have a great brunch as well. Seating is offered inside and outside. This is the place to come to watch soccer as well.
(4)Cherie C.
This place is excellent past midnight. Allan Creasy is my favorite bartender in town. Fast, friendly, and completely real with you.
(5)Jeanie W.
Celtic has a lot to offer a great patio, good food and affordable drinks. My favorite dish is the grilled salmon with mashed-potatoes and asparagus, comes with a garden salad.
(4)Adie M.
I used to go to Celtic all the time - Bob and Susie Salley(sp?) played every other Sunday, so I'd go there with a friend to do the SUnday crossword puzzle and have brunch. After a while, I noticed that, while I liked the music, the food...not so much. So we switched our brunch allegiance and stopped going. That was 6 years ago. I recently attended a dinner held at Celtic, which gave me a chance to see if the food had improved. It hadn't. I WANT to like Celtic - I think it's a great little pub and I know they are involved in the community. But this review is about the food, not the spirit. We had a big group, taking up two big tables, so we started with one of each of the 3 appetizer combos (Sharables) for each table. When our Merceyside Combo plate showed up with 3 little chicken fingers, 3 mushrooms, and barely a handful of fries (maybe 8-10 TOTAL) I couldn't believe it - for 12 bucks?!? If I hadn't been sitting next to the woman who ordered all our apps, I would have thought they split one plate between the two tables, not one combo PERR table. I didn't get to try the chicken, but the mushroom was fine. Nothing spectacular, nothing inedible. Fries...how do they mess these up? I didn't like them before, either...and I love fries! Didn't care for the curry sauce, but that's probably a personal preference. I ordered the corned beef dinner - 4 thin slices of corned beef that were EXTREMELY fatty - at least a third of the meat was pure fat. Though the mashed potatoes tasted fine, they were gray, which is especially odd considering someone else had normal-looking potatoes... (**Interesting - or not - side note: grey and gray are both right...Gray is more American, grey is more British. Just learned that - thank you, Google! But I digress...) To be fair, most people seemed to like their food - although, like me, they might have thought it rude to complain about a free meal to those providing it! (That's what Yelp is for, haha.) Anyway - I hope Celtic improves their food, so people not interested in getting sloshed can enjoy it, but I won't be back to find out.
(2)Chris M.
We don't eat here much. In the past I've had the Irish breakfast at brunch and it was pretty good. It's really a drinking bar for everyone I know. The patio has been upgraded and is a great spot to have a pint. Overall the service is pretty good and you won't go thirsty.
(3)Cedahlia S.
There's just something about this ole Irish pub... I have frequently visited this place since I first arrived in memphis-2007... and I have to admit, this is my favorite. The location is in the heart of midtown - cooper young. And only a jump, skip and a hop away from great coffee, cats and books. The patio has grown and they've added a bar outside and to top all of that, it is very much a seasonal patio. Misters in the summer make me one happy girl! The food... most recently I tried the mussels and they were excellent; Served in a thick cream sauce with a couple slices of bread made this appetizer very filling. They offer a great selection of wine and even that woodchuck "beer" is nothing to turn your nose up at on a hot day.
(5)Sam J.
This was my first visit after their remodel and was phenomenally disappointed. There's less seating in the main room now and it's awkwardly arranged. It just seems like such a waste of space. Also, Celtic has always has always been a bit loud but I think the remodel has made it even worse. It was impossible to have a conversation over the blare of the TVs and noise of the people. Seriously, put up something to baffle the noise. But the thing that drove this review down to one star is the fact that, although we were seated very quickly, no one ever came to bring us water or take our orders. No servers even came near the table. After waiting and waiting we decided that the situation wasn't worth the wait or the bother of trying to flag someone down. So we just left.
(1)Caroline V.
I've always passed by Celtic because for whatever reason, it just seems like a place for people way older than me (then again, maybe I just have a delusional self-concept). I've seen it pop up time and again on "best patio" lists, though, so on a recent sunny afternoon I joined some colleagues here for a beer. There's a decent selection of beer including some of my local faves (Tiny Bomb!), and prices for beer are just about in line with other places in the area. The patio is deceptively close to the street - one reason I've never come here before is because it seemed like a place where you'd have to contend with exhaust smells and street noise, but somehow the gate around the patio makes it feel very separate from the street. We only had beers and fries -- fries were unremarkable and not that plentiful, but not that expensive. I couldn't find anything on the menu I wanted to order, as everything looked pretty heavy. I'm not sure I'd come here expecting to eat, but I would definitely come back to enjoy the sun on the patio.
(3)Deanna W.
I haven't eaten here, but judging by the reviews it doesn't look like I'm missing out. I really do enjoy coming here late night. I absolutely love their new patio. Whoever built it did a great job! The problem with Celtic is that it can get packed very quickly. The new patio really helps with that. If you come here past 10 on a weekend be prepared for some loud music from DJ!
(3)Rick P.
The pimento cheese dip was incredible. We sat outside and it was very comfortable for winter time. The food was good, staff was very friendly and the live music was awesome. I had a Groupon but was enjoying myself so much that I forgot to use it. So we'll definitely be back.
(5)Alex D.
Celtic Crossing is the perfect combination of a sports bar and a lounge. They offer great specials and happy hour deals throughout the week that draws people in of all ages. They have one of the best patios in midtown that is included with a separate bar. Additionally, this pub really gives a European vibe by playing sports like rugby and soccer on the television throughout the day and night. This was definitely the place to be to watch the World Cup. Aside from the atmosphere, the food and drinks are excellent. The one setback is the size of the bar. It is quite small for the amount of people that flood in on the weekend nights. It can be difficult at times to even get a bartenders attention. I once waited for 35 minutes before I was even noticed sitting at the front of the bar. However, once you are noticed, the service is great and the bartenders are very nice. If it was a little bigger, the place would be perfect.
(4)Sheena H.
Today was the worst experience we have EVER experienced at this restaurant! We ordered three salads with salmon and it took a little while for it to come out. We ordered the salads without cucumbers and tomatoes. My salmon was ordered to be cooked a little harder than usual. Of course when it comes out my coworker has hair in her food. She sent it back and when it returned, the waitress said that they only replated the food. We asked was the lettuce changed and she said no. So she canceled her order. The manager storms out and says that they haven't had a plate sent back since Friday (the grand opening) and if we can't order from the menu as is, then don't come back. We visit at least once a week and never a problem. He contunued to say "Yal haven't been here in 3 or 4 months and now yal send plates back." We are there weekly, so apparently he doesn't know his customers. However, the manager was so rude and disrespectful today in front of a patio FULL of guests, that he has lost business from us. It was embarrassing and disheartening.
(1)Justin B.
Celtic Crossing is a decent Irish pub-type restaurant in Memphis, and there aren't many to choose from. I always go to Irish pubs when I go out of town, and while this certainly is not one of the better ones, it's still pretty good. The menu isn't the best Irish menu I've ever seen nor is the food the best Irish-like food I've ever had, the service is average and the environment isn't as inviting as many other Irish pubs. Still, it fits the bill when I'm craving Irish, and some items, like their shrimp and sausage coddle, I really love. My wife also really likes the curry fries. The fish and chips are ok; I've certainly had better. If there were more competition around, I might not rate them so well, but I would still suggest going.
(4)Gary P.
Lot's of cold, cold beer. Service is fast and friendly. Great outside patio. The half a sandwich and soup was great. The Irish stew is very good. I like this place a lot. I'm told one night a week people bring their dogs for a kind of social on the outside patio. My kind of place!
(4)Ruthe C.
Eh. I've been here a few times and would rather have been somewhere else. The covered patio is great for the Cooper Young 4 Miler, but aside from that I have little desire to frequent the place. The inside makes me feel trapped. The food is less than stellar pub grub, although I will say the pimento cheese was surprisingly tasty. The staff has always been friendly, though, and the place seems to always be packed. It must be appealing to the masses!
(3)Drew W.
Monday nights are pint night, which means $3 for drafts. Make sure you ask about the beer of the month. Service is decent and the food is hit or miss and a bit expensive, but they've got a big selection. Lots of TVs. Pretty good layout too. If you want to go drinking on a Monday, there aren't too many better places.
(4)Chris C.
For some reason, this was considered THE place for people to meet up after high school graduation. Back in town for a few weeks? Stop by Celtic and see who's there! Perhaps that's what colored my impression of this place for awhile. I finally came back here recently and found that, without the people you know, it's rather disappointing. Beer selection is tiny and they were out of several of the better ones. When you've got competition just down the road in the form of several excellent craft beer places, you need to up your game. Prices in general are too high for what you get on all the alcohol. Service was very slow and haphazard even though it wasn't busy and the smell of smoke permeated everything, even in the supposedly non-smoking rooms. Props though for the interesting old-house location and the trivia night. I'll probably get dragged back here in the future and will hope that the place keeps up with the rest of Cooper Young.
(2)Charles F.
HORRIBLE SERVICE. I brought a group of 5 around 1:45pm on a Saturday for lunch. The place was not packed. We eventually left after our server doing 4 attempts but never actually bringing us the right beer. One of us never even received their drink. They never even got around to taking our food order. Talked to the manager about our frustrations and they didn't even discount anything. I'm never coming back. Horrible.
(1)Beth F.
We love Celtic Crossing! Delicious food, atmosphere and nice people, that's what we enjoy at our favorite restaurant. I recommend the club sandwich -- I ask for rye bread instead of Texas toast. My husband is hooked on the shepherd's pie. Our son and his friends have tried everything on the menu and the beer menu and are regulars. Fish and chips is outstanding but the family favorite is the Irish stew. Celtic's atmosphere just got a remodel which includes red leather seating that gives it a warm, inviting vibe to watch your favorite games (the crowd watching the women's World Cup was huge) or enjoy the music on the covered patio. My favorite spot to sit, have a drink, or work on my computer, is on the new sofa. Jamie and D.J., the owners, are great fun with their trivia nights and Irish music days and seem to know everybody by name. Love this place!!! P.S. The chocolate cheesecake is divine!
(5)Steven M.
Celtic Crossing is an awesome Irish pub in the Cooper Young neighborhood in Memphis. The food is good, and they have the typical selection of beers and liquor. What sets Celtic Crossing apart, for me, is the fact that they open early on Saturdays and Sundays to show EPL (English Premier League) soccer. It's a great place to watch a match and grab an early Irish breakfast and maybe a pint or a Bloody Mary. The pub is packed with football supporters for all the big matches and it creates a great atmosphere. They also show Champions League matches during the week. Overall, a fun place, with great staff and fun customers.
(5)Jake R.
Pretty basic bar food. But they do have some in house speciality dishes that add some character. The drinks are made well and the beer selection is pretty nice. The staff is friendly and it really feels like your true neighborhood bar. I'd defiantly recommend them and if I lived closer I'd likely be a regular.
(4)Leigh F.
This place is awful. From the terrible, rude workers to their disgusting excuse for food. I've been here dozens of times and each time the service has gotten progressively worse. Yesterday, during the Cooper Young festival, anything you bought at Celtic had 18% gratuity added. Understandable- with that many people coming in and out of Celtic. My friends and I didn't mind, so we went in and waited for service at the bar. An angry, fat, blonde bartender came over and barked "what do you want!" We requested whiskey and asked if he had any pickle juice in the back. He rolled his eyes and said "hell no" and quickly disappeared. A few moments later he reappeared with our whiskey shots, aggressively slammed them on the counter (spilling some of the shots) and barked at us again. He yelled "how are y'all going to pay?" We responded, "Cash. How much is it?" Again, he rolled his eyes and screamed "28 plus tax" (Just a side note- I was a bartender for years in New Orleans. I definitely understand how stressful it can be when your bar is getting slammed. I also know how easy it is to smile, place drinks down gently and print a ticket so the customer(s) can see the total and pay their bill... Real simple stuff) Confused that he didn't actually ring up our order and tell us the total, we asked "how much is tax?" He got even more angry with us and yelled "it's 28 fucking dollars plus tax!" Then he came up with an arbitrary total of $35 including tax. Mind you, he never rang this up on the POS system/register. We paid the angry bartender for the shots and 18% gratuity, and then collected our change. Soon as we turned to walk away he then screamed "fuck you, you dumb bitch!" I tip well above average and since I've worked in the service industry, I usually let it slide when a bartender or server is stressed out. This time was unacceptable though. A grown man berating young women who just paid him cash (he pocketed the cash and didn't put it in the drawer). Seems like he had some anger issues, needs to seek counseling and/or has some underlying issues with women. I honestly don't understand how we were "the dumb bitches" when he can't even perform a simple task on the register. Seriously, printing a receipt is that hard?
(1)Whitney A.
Wouldn't come here again. Was hoping it would be an authentic Irish bar but it was just a costume. My husband and I came here, he is from Scotland and was hoping to have a taste of something familiar but it was just Americanized bull. Service was slow, sat there for nearly 30 minutes til a waitress even asked if we wanted anything. There are better places in Midtown to go than this place. Stay away.
(1)Ciara N.
A good quiet weeknight hangout (except for Wednesday trivia nights, when it packs up fast) whose main attraction is its excellent patio. The food, as John G. says, is just eh, but the beer is big and cheap. In winter, there're those great massive standing heaters; in summer, lots of big fans and continual misting water supply. Warning to women: you will absolutely not have a hairdo after sitting under those misting spritzers for more than three minutes. Wear a head scarf.
(4)Elizabeth C.
as a former resident of london and a fully confessed anglophile, celtic crossing remains my favorite place in memphis to get a fix. when it fills up on friday and saturday nights it can become more like an oddly imagined dance club -- i tend to prefer it late night, monday nights (pint night) or any evening during happy hour. if i'm remembering correctly, the chef is irish (and the owner is, as well, having met and shared a pint with him many times), and the quality of the food reflects it. celtic is one of my favorite places to get brunch, because they do a superb full irish breakfast (full irish includes white and black pudding, where full english is just eggs, bangers, bacon, tomato, mushrooms, beans, toast) but the fish and chips, boxtys and other authentic irish fare are delicious, too. i guess if you go anywhere enough, the staff is bound to remember you, but that familiarity is one of the things i love about this place. they know me. celtic is a place with a lot of different personalities from day to day. as i mentioned, the friday/saturday night DJ/dance crowd is one (booty shorts alarm), the sunday morning/afternoon families and hungover 20-somethings brunch crowd is another (with authentic live irish music) and the beer-loving, laid back happy hour or late night crowd is another. not to mention the soccer lovers -- celtic shows just about every soccer match that's televised anywhere, ever, and these guys will show up at 9:30 in the morning to drink a guinness and watch the match. and incidentally? some of the nicest bar bathrooms in memphis. seriously. go pee, even if you don't have to -- you'll thank me.
(4)Mike J.
Poopsie and I went for supper with some friends before a show at Playhouse. The experience was a bit of a yawner, nothing stood out as being really good. The choice of Irish beers was somewhat limited, what happened to Caffrey's, Kilkenny, Beamish or something really interesting? The salad was the usual collection of lawn weeds with a couple slices of tomato and cucumber. The mushroom appetizer was like mushroom soup with lots of mushrooms. The Shepherd's pie lacked vegetables and gravy. The bread pudding dessert was kind of dry and gummy. The staff seemed to be somewhat disinterested, the ambiance, dark and dingy. Strangely enough, I'd go back. It was OK, but there were a lot more negatives than positives. It's probably a better place to sit around and drink than to go for food. In warmer weather, a cigar and a beer on the patio is probably lovely.
(3)Sean M.
One of the few places in Memphis where the bartenders know how to pour a Guinness. The Irish sausages are authentic (I've lived in Ireland--they match up to the real thing), the atmosphere is great, and there is plenty of seating, even on a busy night. The only drawback is the price--it's expensive compared to similar bars nearby. If you only go there once, get the fish and chips.
(4)Wayne Y.
This place has Stella Artois on tap, which makes it way cool enough for me. They are also one of the few bars in Memphis that I know of that actually regularly broadcast futbol on the television. The Chicken and Chips and fish and chips are awesome, sunday brunches rock. Mimosas and live music can never be bad. The crowd can be a little rowdy at times, but it's always been in good humour. The house itself where Celtic Crossing is located is really interesting and unique as well. I love the beer, and I love the food. Not much else to say. BTW: You can smoke in this bar everyday except Sundays.
(4)Elle S.
Normally I would give a place like this a 2 or a 3, but since this is Memphis we are talking about, I will increase the stars due to lack of nightlife options. Everyone that is in their 20s to early 30s goes to Celtic, everyone knows everyone. You go on Wed cause of trivia and Fridays because it's busy and you'll see everyone you don't want to see and everyone you hoped would be there. One of the bartenders hates cute girls, but that's another story. Other than that if you're coming to Memphis, this a BAR you would probably wanna go to in Mid-town. It's within walking distance to a hippie bar, a mostly gay bar and some decent restaurants.
(4)Missy E.
Service was close to horrible, but I have been there a few times so I will cut them some slack. We just went for drinks this time. The food is solid when I have eaten there. They do have a nice patio area in midtown. Also I really like their brunch.
(3)Liana K.
This is one of our favorite places to go when we visit Memphis. They have a nice patio and love his Irish Pub. Later in the evening, they even have a DJ that plays popular music. It's definitely a good place to go if you want to just chill with friends.
(4)Mike G.
People here are the frat boy/ popped collar types. Food is unimpressive as is the wait staff. Go if you enjoy roofie flavored Bud Light.
(2)John G.
A quick afternoon meeting at 2:30PM turned into 5 hours of hanging out with nice people on the patio. It is amazing how time slips. The food was average, but the 2-6 happy hour food specials had a good selection. We tried some bacon wrapped shrimp, bruschetta, salmon, and chicken and chips. Then the trivia night started, and the place got packed, so we moved on down the street where it was easier to hear everyone talk.
(4)John H.
Great selection of beer. I would say its one of the closer semblances that memphis has to an irish pub. Even the food is pretty good, just not quite the kind of stuff that jumps out at me all the time as tasty or befitting of a craving. But jeebus!!! Try going there on a weekend night or any other busy time, and friggan forget about it. Louder than hell with people damned near shouting to talk to the person next to them. I seriously waited 15 LONG minutes to get my FIRST drink one sad night. I'll be grateful if this place's business dies down a bit from it's apparent reputation as one of THE spots to hit up in the cooper young district.
(3)Sarah N.
After visiting here many times since they opened years ago, I can safely say that today will be my last visit. I came for Father's Day for brunch with my sister and dad. We ordered drinks, and breakfast food. Our male waiter was sub-par and I found a short straight brown hair sticking out of my veggie omlette. I didn't say anything, as I didn't want to ruin the meals of my sister or dad. A few items we ordered never came, and our waiter wasn't very tentative until it was tip time. Poor service when the owner isn't present...too bad, used to be a good place. Goodbye Celtic Crossing-we won't be back!!!
(2)Angela W.
We went for Sunday Brunch. Sat inside. Our waitress seemed to lack any personality, good or bad. Served us with complete deadpan neutrality. Could have been worse. Not the most baby-friendly place, but not horrible. Always seem to get the 'un-level' table. Ugh. Broken glasses came with the carafe of orange juice, but it happens more often than you'd think, unfortunately. They were quick to address it. I had the Moy Benedict - excellent. My companion's Bloody Mary was actually made spicy as ordered. The Celtic Combo starter was good, too. Irish stew seemed to get average reaction.
(3)Cassandra C.
Good pub style place, with a nice outdoor area for people watching. The food is good, but not awe inspiring. Trivia nights are the nights to go for sure, and the crowd is always lively.
(3)J B.
A fun place. Food is good. Great pub atmosphere. Yay, they have smithwick's irish ale here on tap!
(3)J Z.
pretty lively. i like it, for a bar. a great selection of alcohol
(3)cin f.
i have always had good food experiences at previous restaurants at this location (lilly's dim sum and then sum and the glass onion). however, i did not have such a great experience at current reinvention of the space, the celtic crossing. they have totally redone the building and it has look of a irish pub. the patio provides diners with a view of cooper-young area. my friend was excited about their beer selections which included guinness, harp, boddington's, etc. our dinner selections were fish and chips and a boxty crepe (potato pancake with seasoned with curry and veggies). the fish and chips were fairly tasty. the boxty crepe was unusual. the curry was kind of overpowering-it would have been better without the curry. for dessert, we had a bread pudding that was not very good. the service was fair. there was a mishap. the server dropped some tartar sauce which hit my leg on the way down. they were happy to clean up the tartar sauce from the ground. i used my napkin to clean up the mess on my shorts . i asked repeatedly for another napkin but never got one. the irish bartender/restaurant manager apologized after it happened and i asked him to get me another napkin. he said no problem but the napkin never materialized. so i guess it was blarney on his part. if you go there, i would skip the food and go straight for the alcohol. there will be less chance that you will be a victim of a tartar throwing incident. if i return to celtic crossing, it will be for the beer and the ambience of the pub and not the food. p,s, update from 5/2008. we went there to play trivia on wednesday night. that part was cool. we made the mistake of ordering the bread pudding. it was not good. the man at the next table saw it and asked the waittress if we had ordered the irish stew. if that gives you any clue.
(2)Ashley K.
Today was my first experience at Celtic Crossing & I was definitely impressed. I was looking for somewhere new to eat and was near Midtown, my friend said she had hear CC was a cool place to eat so we decided to give it try. The weather was nice so we decided to sit on the patio, there were several girls in all black working and they told us to pick a spot anywhere... The atmosphere was very casual and there was great music playing, I enjoyed myself right away...we looked over the lunch menu, which had several different options, from burgers to wraps.. to soups and salads.. Also there was a lengthy beer list (out waitress was very knowledgable about the beverages and was able to answer the questions we had)..I ordered just a classic corona & my friend ordered a bloody mary, which she said was delicious and the perfect blend of tomato juice, vodka and spices. We started with the potato skin appetizer, we both enjoyed it.. they were covered in cheddar cheese and bacon (crisp bacon, not soggy bits which i liked) and sour cream was served on the side. For our meals I got the Dublin 4 Panini and my friend got the Cobb wrap. For the panini they were out of focaccia bread, but it was still very delicious.. the turkey was well seasoned and the avocado on the sandwich was real (not the fake green paste) my only suggestions would be the red peppers were a bit soggy and there was a little too much cheese on the sandwich. The Cobb Club was good as well.. The grilled chicken was moist and had good flavor and the green spinach tortilla brought it all together, only suggestion would be to add a little sauce because it was a bit dry.. Overall our experience was great, not only was our waitress friendly and helpful, the other girls working the patio were also helpful, we didn't have to wait long for anything. The food was definitely enjoyable, but the overall atmosphere is what gives Celtic Crossing an A in my book & I would definitely return for another afternoon on the patio!
(4)Mary Kate M.
I'm more than partial to this place. I spent many of nights here with my friends over the course of me living in Memphis. Celtic, by far, is the most Irish-like pub to me in Memphis. Situated right in the heart of Cooper-Young, you will find yourself drinking a cold one on their covered or uncovered patio, simply enjoying a night out with your friends. It's a really relaxing atmosphere. Simple Irish decor accents the walls of the old, worn house that the bar sits in. Living in Ireland for a time before returning to Memphis, this place reminded me of my favorite 'local' that I had in Dublin. The bartender, Allen, has been there forever. He's really good at conjuring up something for you if you just tell him what your particular taste is for that night if you're feeling a bit indecisive. The food is really good. It doesn't have the typical bar food taste that you would otherwise expect. I love their gouda burger! It's $8, made with sirloin steak and gouda to top it off. Mmmm..... make sure you get it with their 'chips' and add some malt vinagar for some lasting flavor. Avoid eating this before a crazy night drinking though. I made that mistake once, and I never did that again. The bathrooms have been completely redone. Thank GOD! Before hand, you could barely move around in there. Good luck on getting 2 people in there without feeling cramped. Now it is more accessible and you can be more mobile in there. If you want to come in on a good night, I suggest coming in on Monday for pint night, or come for trivia on Wednesdays. Their trivia nights are always a lot of fun, and can get a bit crazy for what I can remember with some of the questions they ask you. I miss it! Next time I'm in town, I will need to stop in for a pint or 2.
(5)Erin D.
I came here to watch the USA vs Antigua game earlier this month with fellow American Outlaws (supporters of the USA national soccer teams) who sometimes call this home depending on what channel the game is on. Typically I believe the Memphis chapter is at the Brass Door. I was impressed the bar catered to the US supporters by playing patriotic songs, such as "Born in the USA," prior to the game, halftime, and after the game. No Houston American Outlaws bar has done this. I ordered a macaroni and cheese, which was tolerable, but not good. Frankly I've made better mac and cheese at home. The cheese did not permeate through all of the macaroni at the bottom; I thought it was odd that I had to mix the mac and cheese. Basically, the cheese topping is melted cheddar, which solidifies and has a mundane taste. Homemade mac and cheese actually is best when several cheeses are combined together, e.g. cream cheese, Velveeta, etc. None of these creamy cheeses were part of the ingredients. The piece of bread and veggies served with the mac and cheese were a lost cause. The long islands, on the other hand, were delicious and strong. They were only $7. I bought beers for several people (no pitchers served), and they were cheap - no more than $3 for a draft. It was happy hour, so that helped. Mac and cheese, salad (comes with the mac and cheese), two long islands, and three beers were about $40. For the food, I give two stars, and for the drinks, I give four stars. The moral of this review is to eat before you come (even fast food would be better) and take advantage of the great happy hour pricing.
(3)Claudia B.
If you are a futbol fan (aka soccer, real football) this is the place to go to watch games, specially during the World Cup. This is the only place I have found in Memphis were the atmosphere is right. I am not a drinker so I cannot judge this place by their alcohol (before you shake your head, I did started off with a disclaimer saying I come here for the games). Back to the review: this is a bar... with bar food. Not the greatest, but actually pretty decent. As a vegetarian (I know, a non-drinker AND a vegetarian! What a freak!), I was gladly surprised that this place was extremely accommodating with my request for changing things on the food. Actually, for service alone I am adding a star to this place. This place was absolutely packed and the server nailed down our orders and kept our drinks full! The taste of the food was decent for bar food, during the FIFA World Cup they have added Brazilian flan to their menu! Not the best Brazilian flan I've ever had, but reasonable. I do have to say that given the quality of the food and the fact that this is a bar, the prices may be a bit on the high side. But personally, if I am sitting there for 2 hours watching a game and taking up a table, the last thing I am going to complain about is the pricing of their food. I am just bringing it up if you are thinking about stopping by for just a quick bite.
(4)Joanne M.
Very good Sunday brunch with above average service. Its obviously a neighborhood gem filled with locals. Parking is super easy, menu is quite extensive for pub grub. The potato leek souo was very good. I would return.
(3)Gary D.
Great pub atmosphere and good, traditonal food and beer. Outside seating is great, weather permitting.
(4)Karen L.
I love Celtic's patio -- it's really one of the best in Memphis. However, everything else is another story, and everytime I'm tempted to go enjoy the patio, I try to remember how terrible everything else is. The service ranges from just barely adequate to just plain awful. I've had to ask repeatedly for menus, silverware, napkins, condiments, water refills.... Unless you're somehow running short on menus, for instance, it'd be nice if you gave one to everyone at the table, instead of just one for us to share. If my salad comes with bread, it'd be nice if you brought me butter by the time I finish my meal. If all I'm drinking is water, it'd be nice if you refilled it before I drink it all and steal my boyfriend's glass. And so on. I used to like the food better, but repeated exposure has been disappointing. Salads are pretty blah, the fried fish is just ok, and the burgers are mediocre at best. The French fries are the worst -- crispy on the outside, complete mush on the inside. The sweet potato fries come with sugar (!!) on top. The bread pudding is ok, but the cheesecake tasted more like chocolate mousse, and not in a good way. Don't even get me started on brunch. Celtic has clearly jumped on the brunch bandwagon as a moneymaker, and it shows in the long wait times and blah, sad-looking food they put out. If you want to drink and hang out on the patio, Celtic may be the place for you. But if you're interested in food, go elsewhere!
(1)Mr J.
Food is meh, but if you want to watch soccer (futbol), this is where people of all flavors come, and the excitement flows.
(4)Cristina H.
I have not eaten Celtic Crossing food but the wine night they have is just darn right the best thing going in Midtown!!! The fact that they have wine starting as low as $3!!!! Yes $3 every Tuesday just makes me one lucky lady in midtown. And not only that but they have $5 off any bottle and this isn't some nasty tart wine we are talking this stuff is pretty darn decent!!! So I can't speak on the food or the atmosphere but on wine night who cares!!! Go enjoy a glass at the bar!!!
(3)Aaron W.
I've been coming here for the past 2 years for trivia during the summer on Wednesday nights and the service has gotten increasingly worse every time. Our waiter disappeared for an hour and a half while we were trying to leave. I understand that they were busy but his absence for that period of time was unacceptable. The food is terrible too with the exception of the bread pudding.
(1)Fara C.
Love this place! its our local hang out spot! Beet Bruschetta and chicken cesar salad are my favorite. Tomato soup is good too! Love the staff! Love the ambiance. Great place.
(5)Candace B.
This is not my favorite place to hang out. It is crowded, small, smokey and the crowd is mostly college age. All the guys kept asking me were I was going to school :-) I have been here a couple of times to hang out but I get tried of being shoulder to shoulder with people and usually leave after an hour. This place also was a little understaffed for a Saturday night...they were trying but it was about a 10 minute wait if you were at a table to get a drink.
(3)Matthew B.
I've left Celtic off my review list out of professional courtesy. Because, you see......I live here. Not literally, but it is my spot in Memphis. I've read some recent reviews about Celtic, and must say....some people don't understand the difference between a Bar and a Restaurant. Celtic is a Bar. They serve food, but it's a Pub first, last, and always. It's not a dive bar. It's a perfectly respectable Irish Pub. If you think Celtic is a dive bar, I think you need to get out and see the real dive-bars of Memphis. They're awesome, too! Here is what Celtic is good for.......drinking. Did I mention its a Bar? They have the best Patio in town. The patio is large, with good tables and seating. They bring me beer, I pay for beer, they bring me another beer. Their Beer and whiskey selection is good and their prices are particularly fair. The food is decent. Not great, but not bad either. I like the Fish & Chips. Their Pimento Cheese is good, with a little Kick to it. The menu is large, you can certainly find something to eat. Celtic has live music on a regular basis. Sitting on this patio on a summer night listening to some live music is one of the better time-wasters that Memphis has to offer. It's a bar, so it gets smoky on occasion. Every bar in Memphis gets that way since the smoking legislation a few years back. Since I can't control the folks who aspire to drag oxygen tanks behind them in Vegas in their golden years, I just sit outside if it gets too bad. Celtic has a good staff. I'm biased because I know most of them. They don't judge me because I get obnoxious on occasion. This is a quality that I prefer in a person. I've never had any trouble with my service here. If someone has trouble with service here, it's probably because they're from the suburbs. It's a midtown place, and works best when you keep it low-maintenance. If you want trendy and chic---- go somewhere else. This isn't your place. If you understand why you go to a Pub, you'll love the patio at Celtic. Stop by and say Hi. I'll probably be there.
(4)Paul A.
Go to watch a football match for Sunday brunch, you will have tons of fun. This is an old residence that has been converted into a pub. Beet brusheda is delicious.
(4)Lola A.
Best place for jaeger bombs and soccer matches!!!
(4)D. S.
After our trip to Boston where we ate at a very good traditional Irish Pub, we were interested in finding something similar in Memphis. Celtic Crossing seemed to fit the bill. We met some relatives there and we were seated immediately. Service was quick and the atmosphere nice (outside). We ordered the Fish and Chips, and the Corned Beef. The Fish and Chips was comparable to Cap'n D's. The Corned Beef was OK, but had an odd texture. Not what we were looking for.
(2)Nigel T.
I've been coming to Memphis regularly since 2006, and have fond memories of watching World Cup matches at this joint way back when. Unfortunately, subsequent visits have been profoundly disappointing. From the mediocre Guinness, to the overall upkeep of the place, a decent pub, this is not. Has it changed hands? Have the owners checked out? Definitely in need of some fine tuning. Owners, if you're reading this, go and check out Swift in NYC to see how an Irish bar is supposed to run.
(2)Paul B.
Restaurant would not honor Groupon. Groupon was for $15 food for $8 for lunch, a few exclusions under Fine Print section. We arrived at 1:30 p.m. and were told groupon could not be honored because they did not serve lunch on Saturday, though the menu we were presented was full of lunch items. No Saturday lunch service was NOT under the Fine Print section of the groupon coupon . Our server told us we were the third party that had come in that Saturday with the groupon. So it wasn't ignorance on our part. Rather than do the professional thing and honor the groupon for good customer service, we were given the shaft. We got up and left. Will NEVER go to this place again and would not recommend at all. This is false advertising in my book, and mail fraud, a federal offense. Oh, I have no use for groupon anymore either.
(1)Colleen G.
Yeesh. I do not recommend during the Cooper-Young Festival. My friends were hungry, so we got a table on the back patio. Realize that on this day, once you sit down, you are committing to: 1.)Automatic 18% gratuity 2.) A 90-minute limit at your table 3.) No substitutions or splitting meals 4.) A limited food menu. To be fair, this is all information you get once you're seated, so it's not like you are totally caught off-guard. However, we were there longer than 90 minutes, because it took forever for food to come out. I didn't order food, but my husband and our friends did (I covertly snuck bites from my husband since we intended to share a plate anyway). People were walking out because their food was taking too long. The poor manager who came and talked to us looked stressed and we were sympathetic to her situation. I don't know if these policies are blanketed for all the Cooper-Young restaurants on festival day, but just beware before you agree to sit at a table. I get that table space is at a premium on a busy day like that, but to me it wasn't worth the hype.
(2)John G.
Just got a semi rude private message from somebody representing celtic crossing...I've been back plenty of times since my review, I just don't order black and tans there any more... But this kind of crap will make sure I never come back. Thanks for the put down "Brittany H". Copied from my inbox: "A lot of talk: Your reviews sound like you have nothing else better to do than complain. Im glad you found your forum to do so. I work at Celtic Crossing and thought you might want to get something clear. A beer that is mixed with Guiness should always be seperated. You however, ordered a Black & Tan. Which any Black & Tan expert like yourself should know is Guiness & Bass. Since bass is more of a tan color it clearly seperates easier. We don't carry Bass, so our Black & Tan is mixed with Smithwick's (a much darker colored beer) which is why you will never see much of a seperation. At other places this is called a Blacksmith. Why don't you go any where else in Memphis and order a Blacksmith and see what it looks like when seperated correctly. Thanks."
(1)Amanda S.
Second time to visit and both were pretty good. The food is pretty rich so if you are hoping for light food I wouldn't get your hopes up. It is hearty to say the least. You can tell pretty quickly from the crowd that this is a local favorite. As far as food goes I recommend the scotch eggs. They are listed as an appetizer but definitely serve as a meal too.
(4)Shannon L.
A recent visit to Cooper Young ended the night up at Celtic Crossing for dinner. Scott and I went to Alchemy for a couple of drinks and then headed to Celtic for some grub after. It was later at night, so Celtic had a band inside. We wanted away from all of the noise, so we chose to sit outside in the heated patio. Heated patios, I believe, are one of the greatest inventions. You get to sit outside in the middle of winter and relax, without freezing. Celtic has a great patio, so I love that I can take advantage of it during 20 degree temperatures. They even had a big flat screen outside, so we could watch the Grizz dominate while sipping a beer. There was only one other table other than us, so it was pretty quiet. We got a goat cheese dip as an appetizer. Scott really likes cheese, so this is usually how we start our meals: with big bowls of cheese. We both agreed that the dip was pretty bland. However, goat cheese is a very mild cheese, so we blamed it on the cheese. I ended up just munching on the pita wedges, which were still warm. Then our food came out. Scott got the Irish Burger, which is described as "8 oz. of sirloin topped with imported Irish muenster cheese and rashers". Rashers, if you did not know, is a fancy Irish word for bacon. We had to ask. His came with fries. I ordered the Grilled Carribean Jerk Chicken Sandwich, which is a "grilled chicken breast served over a red onion and cranberry salsa". I got red potatoes with mine. When we tried our food, we realized that we could not blame the blandness of the goat cheese dip on the cheese. We had to, in fact, blame it on the restaurant itself. Our food was equally as bland as our appetizer. Neither the burger nor the chicken had any seasoning on it. My red onion and cranberry salsa was just that: mashed up cranberries and onions. Nothing else. We were both starving, so we devoured it all. However, I would have much rather walked down the street to Young Avenue Deli (had they not had a cover) or Cafe Ole (had their kitchen not been closed). The next day, we found out from an actual Irish man that maybe we could perhaps blame it on the food and not the restaurant. According to him, Irish food is traditionally very bland and nothing to write home about. Apparently, Celtic Crossing did it right by sticking to their roots. However, on the other hand, traditional Irish food does not serve up burgers and chicken sandwiches. Therefore, we are left confused as to what to think of Celtic Crossing. Is the food due to the bad kitchen or the bad traditions? Either way, we can agree that the food was not great and we won't be coming back to eat. However, Celtic has a great beer list, so it is a possibility I will be back to drink. They have a great happy hour as well, and apparently a good Sunday Brunch too. Trivia has its possibilities as well. St. Patrick's Day is always a blast here. However, most of the time I just find it overcrowded and a little annoying. But, hey, maybe that is how you like your evenings to be. Celtic Crossing is never my first pick (or second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth), but that does not mean I won't be back. My friends seem to love it, so you may see me tagging along too.
(2)Naomi D.
Great Scottish eggs & creme brûlée. Guinness is always a plus for the mister.
(4)Tanya T.
The food is nothing to write home about..typical pub grub and maybe not even that good. But the atmosphere is fun and laid back, the bartenders are quick on the job and the beer on tap is better than your usual bar. Stop in with your friends for happy hour, sit on the patio and chill to live music, but stop somewhere else for dinner first. Overall, I really do like this place, and if I were still in college, I imagine I would love it.
(3)Meg K.
I have been here on many occasions and have tried to remain impartial but EVERY experience I've had here has been awful to say the least. The service is the worst I have ever experienced on three occasions. If you want to just sit in the patio for the great patio then this is your place but if you want service, dinner, dining experience or anything else associated with "going out" this is NOT your place. Don't waste your time or money. The end.
(1)Yvonne M.
Absolutely love the fish and chips! They are thick cut, crispy, freshest cod I ever had in midwest or southern. I can't tell but it's awfully good. The server was very attentive too. He refilled my sweet tea and our water automatically. The American beef burger was just okay. Who goes to an Irish pub and order american's food? Me...never again.
(4)Samuel M.
Celtic was where I had my first drink in Memphis, and where a week ago I toasted with friends as we left for our separate summers. Having lived a stone's throw away for almost a year I've been there more times than I can remember (and some visits I straight up can't remember). I've never been to Ireland so I can't speak to its authenticity but I do know that if you're looking for a place to go for a stiff drink, decent food, and warm atmosphere you don't have to look much further. When I think about Celtic here's how it breaks down: Staff: Bartenders are friendly, fast, and knowledgeable. They move around the bar quickly, and even on busy Fri or Sat nights I've never waited for more than a few moments. Recent changes have invigorated a wait-staff that was once on the slower, less-attentive side. There is still the occasional longer-than-average wait when sitting outside, but I just compensate by ordering a new drink before I finish the one at hand. Food: Hands down the best chicken fingers in town. I have one friend who doesn't order anything else. Appetizers are good, the mussels especially. Fish and Chips are good, as is the Rueben, although more Russian dressing would put it over the top. Burgers are pretty average. Fries leave something to be desired. Good pub food that doesn't try to be something it's not. Atmosphere: Inside is dark but inviting, with a friendly cloud of cigarette smoke on busy nights. Friday and Saturday are the most lively, but weeknights are as enjoyable as your company. Best trivia I've seen in Memphis; challenging but not impossible, well structured, and well hosted. Patrons are diverse and unimposing; Rhodes students, young professionals, middle-age couples, aging hippies, and the occasional women's rugby team. Final Verdict: Any rough edges add to an unassuming character. A longer wait with good friends is time well spent, so don't complain and order another round before this one is gone. I'll have a Harp and a shot of Jameson.
(4)Daniel H.
Good news if you were looking for a "homey" feeling pub to visit and have a pint (or a few) in Memphis. I've been here quite a few times on weekdays and a few times for Sunday brunch. It's consistent. I hear it gets quite a bit more lively on Fridays and Saturdays at night, but that's not usually my scene. Food: The food here is incredible. A little more expensive than I'd prefer, but I haven't ever left feeling like I got ripped off. They have quite a few of your more traditional Irish dishes (or dishes which Americans generally think of as traditionally Irish), but they also have your basic staples like burgers and potato skins. If you can't find something good on this menu, my guess is you're a pretty picky eater. I think their Scottish Eggs appetizer is the best I've ever had anywhere. I also think they do a fantastic job on their Fish & Chips. If you happen to be in the area for their Sunday brunch, try the Corned Beef Hash. I tried it the first time I ever went for brunch and I've been hooked ever since. Drink: The drink here is good. I think they have a pretty decent beer selection on tap for a place that doesn't market itself as a beer-lover's haven. They also have an excellent selection of whisky/whiskey (take your pick) on the wall behind the bar. Their prices aren't overly great, but they won't require a credit application. Show up during happy hour, and you'll be OK no matter what your budget is. Another good deal is their Sunday Brunch Mimosa/Blody Mary specials. Atmosphere: I think the atmosphere at Celtic is one of its best features. I think they actually have more outdoor seating than indoor, and half of the patio is covered. In bad weather they lower the flaps on the covered area so you can still hang out, and when it's cold they'll fire up the outdoor heaters for you. They regularly have live Irish music also. The exterior of the building is also nice: a beautiful green color and a very inviting appearance. Inside is 21+ because they like smoking. I don't like children all that much, so this works great for me. The inside is incredibly cozy. Lots of dark wood, and somewhat low lighting makes it perfect after you escape from the flourescent-lighted concrete dungeon you work in (I work in one). Service: The service is pretty decent. Nothing to write home about for the most part, but there are a few really good servers and bartenders that will take great care of you. Bottom line: I think Celtic Crossing should be on the "must-see" list of any guide about Memphis. There's just so much good about it, and it really stands out.
(5)Jolynna M.
Now this is close to my neck of the woods and one of my favorite little midtown hangouts. You'll find a very diverse crowd here, depending on what day, and what time of day you go. If you're into soccer, well you probably already know this place, because they air all the games there and the fans love to come out and get rowdy and cheer for their team. It gets pretty crazy during World Cup. But they also have a lot of other cool things going on. Check the website for upcoming events and bands. I like going for Sunday brunch, especially when the weather is nice and you can sit outside. They patio is awesome. They are open for lunch also, and Wednesday night is Pub trivia.
(4)Rebecca M.
Celtic Crossing is solid. Nothing fantastical, nothing disappointing, just a solid place to go drink and enjoy food. I went on a Sunday morning for the brunch and there was a delightful Irish band playing. Although not really to my taste, my dad loved the music. The food was good but nothing to absolutely rave about. A-OK is really the only thing I can say about this place. Hopefully I will visit again in the evening for a total drink-fest. I'm sure my opinion will then change.
(3)Cristian P.
Not a great place, food quality is low ( I can have a better burger in Italy), service is not professional even for a pub, many bugs in the patio...too many!!!
(3)Lily B.
nothing great, nothing horrible. Probably wouldn't go out of my way to go here but if you're in the neighborhood it might be worth stopping in.
(3)N. P.
Went here last night for drinks and food. We sat outside on their tented patio and it was comfortable, even in the cold, thanks to heaters in the ceiling. Great music for a while, stuff like Fleetwood Mac, got a little more rap action as it got later. The best part was the service. Attentive even though we were the only ones on the patio, never forgot about us or made us wait. Good fries! Definitely enjoyed that visit and look forward to going back.
(4)Katie K.
Awesome service and daily specials you cant beat! I give them three stars because it smells like smoke and that is personally a pet peeve of mine. The cheeseburger and fries were good as well as the meatballs as an appetizer.
(3)Rhonda P.
I love this place. It's not trying to be fine dining, it's a pub. And as someone who's been to a real pub in jolly ol' UK, it's as close as you get in Memphis. The owner comes to your table to see that you're doing well, the beer is awesome.. the patio is awesome in the Spring and Fall and it is THE place to be during Cooper-Young Fest. I loved it so well, I took a group of 30 there with for my company (a very big, Fortune 100 company in Memphis). They loved it. We got our own area on the patio, with lots of great Irish appetizers (love the Scotch eggs) and beer. Will definitely take groups there again.
(5)Von E.
Great patio, sweet bartender during the day. Tonight music and half price drafts again!
(4)Andy S.
Celtic is an Irish pub in Cooper Young. They have one of the best patios in Memphis. Part of it is covered in the winter, so that it can stay open all year long. Monday, they have pint night, which is only $2.25 beers all night long. They also have a good daily happy hour with $1 off pints and well liquor. Tuesdays, they have 2 for 1 fish and chips. Sunday is a good brunch with mimosa and Bloody Mary specials. I love the scottish eggs, which are hard boiled eggs that are battered fried in a sausage batter. They do allow smoking inside, but there is a non smoking room. They also have a late night menu. We had a combo plate. The combo plate came with fries, chicken tenders and fried mushrooms. The sauces were horseradish, honey mustard and curry. OMG! I loved the curry sauce! It reminded me of Japanese curry. Celtic is a nice affordable restaurant/bar with good food and great drinks.
(4)