Trinity Hall is well named for Food, Music and Drink
Jams and Restaurants
3/10/2008, Liz Patton
Dallas is a tower of metropolitan living surrounded by Texas culture of farming and ranching.
It’s not what generally comes to mind as a haven for traditional Irish music. Yet in the heart of
this city, in the posh Mockingbird Station plaza is an upscale pub that features Celtic music most
weekends.
Trinity Hall, started seven years ago, pays homage to Irish pubs, complete with massive wood bar,
cozy seating for dining, a friendly atmosphere and of course – music. Though I have only frequented
this pub for the O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat benefits they have built up a strong connection with
the local Celtic musicians. They host an invitation-only session every Sunday afternoon, and an open
session once a month. Most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights feature local artists.
The pub isn’t called a restaurant just to lengthen the name. Hanging out there will inundate you
with tempting smells. Some of the dishes are basic stuff you’d expect at any Pub-style place –
hamburgers, fish ‘n chips and the like, up to filet mignon. Some dishes are as Irish as the music:
leg of lamb, Bangers and Mash, Mulligatawny, and corned beef. I tried their Mockingbird Sundae (brai
sed cubed lamb or chicken over mashed potatoes and broccoli, with a pan gravy and their excellent
brown soda bread), which I promptly co-opted for my recipe arsenal. If you’re on a budget you’ll
have to watch what you order, as their menu runs the gamut from about $8 to $25 for single entrees.
Though the atmosphere is relaxed, the food is very upscale.
No pub is complete without the bar. Their huge mahogany bar is as large as their bemusing list
of ales, stouts, lagers, hard ciders (my favorite), wines and whiskeys. I find the array of alcoholic
beverages confusing, but connoisseurs will probably like the variety of domestic, imported and
draught. They have won AOL’s City’s Best Beer Selection award three years running, and their liquor
list is just as formidable.
So to sum up my ramblings, Trinity Hall is a good place to catch some of the best local players,
and catch a good meal and a drink while you’re at it.
To get directions or check out their lists of performances, food, beverages and more visit their
Web site: Trinity Hall Irish Pub and Restaurant.
About the Author
Liz Patton is the founder of Celtic Music Nations, an avid Celtic musician and fan. She has played guitar and bass for over a decade, and occasionally dabbles in other
Celtic instruments like mandolin, bodhran, fiddle and tin whistle. She wrote and edited for the University of Texas at Arlington's student paper for two years.
She has an Associate's in Commercial Music from South Plains College, and a Bachelor's of Music from UT Arlington.
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