Fallbrook's first Irish pub makes a frothy splash

J.J. “Purty” Landers would have been pleased that an Irish pub was named after him. This man is described in his obituary as “…loving and caring…in whose company you were never short of a laugh.” His niece, Brenda Giblin, pub owner, had her own impressions: “He loved to chat and loved the pub scene.” Even though he enjoyed a spirited exchange and a robust laugh, he was serious when it came to football (which is known in America as soccer). In his celebrated career as a football player he won five “All Ireland” medals as well as many other awards and titles. Brenda and her husband Ned had no problem deciding to name their third North County pub after her famous uncle. The Giblins also own R. O’Sullivan’s in Escondido and Tom Giblin’s in Carlsbad.

Pub food in the Emerald Isle, as well as in the British Isles, has always been known for its delicious and hearty portions at reasonable prices. J.J. Landers in Fallbrook is no exception. The establishment serves traditional “Irish Faire” as well as American hamburgers, salads, sandwiches and soups.

They even give a nod to Scotland with their Scotch Eggs, which are difficult to find in Southern California but are served for breakfast in Scotland. J.J. Landers’ Scotch Eggs are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in Irish pork sausage, rolled in breadcrumbs, then baked.

It was difficult to choose one menu item from the Irish Faire, but I finally chose the “Irish Whiskey Chicken Boxty” because the name was so intriguing. A “boxty” is an Irish potato pancake, and J.J. Landers’ version was delectable, stuffed with chicken chunks, onions, tomatoes and mushrooms then drenched with a thick Irish whiskey sauce. It was absolutely delicious! Soon I plan to return to sample the Bangers and Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage and Guinness Stew. Oh, and, of course, the Scotch Eggs and maybe Irish Stew… and I can’t forget the Shepherd’s Pie…

The pub offers a variety of beverages including wine and, of course, ale. Twelve different kinds of draught beer selections are available, including the full-bodied Guinness (brewed since 1759) and the rich Smithwicks Imported Irish Ale (brewed since 1710).

The happy pub chatter and delicious Irish Faire will surely lure you on a mind journey to Dublin where buildings exude history and residents enjoy a sense of solidarity. A pub is not just a place to find good food and drink but a place of camaraderie where you can meet friends, spend some leisurely time and forget the rest of the world. It’s a place to laugh or even cry. In Maeve Binchy’s novel “Quentins,” a group of friends gather at a Dublin pub to “pat down the feathers” of a friend who was ruffled a bit by a quarrel.

J.J. “Purty” Landers Irish Pub is located at 125 South Main Avenue in the El Real Hotel building and is managed by Brendan Kennedy, formerly of Dublin. Sit in the cushy row seats, which encourage friendly chatter, as you listen to the Irish tunes piped through speakers. On weekends live music fills the air. Two different television screens, one eight and a half feet wide, light up the dining area. Please call (760) 731-0839 for pub hours and entertainment schedule.