Harrigan's Is Fit For A Family

Lots of food, with friendly service, at a good price, is the best way to describe Harrigan's family restaurant. 

A three-course meal at this Montville landmark is anything but standard.  Not only are the portions generous, with appetizers almost as large as a main course, the main course comes with a choice of soup or salad.  For this reviewer, a three-course meal was more than enough food for two people i(t also provided lunch the next day) and the bill was reasonable.

Housed in an old barn, which, according to Montville historical society president Kathy Fisher, was built in the early 1800's to shelter the horses of guests staying at the Montville hotel, Harrigan's is a rather plain structure from the outside. 

Inside, however is another story.  Established in 1982, Harrigan's features a large bar with plenty of seating, a dart board, and a number of small but requisite TVs.  A variety of imported and domestic beers, as well as Irish whiskey, are staples in the array of available libations.  A carnival wheel, with shamrocks and numbers, is mounted above the bar and spun every few minutes throughout happy hour.  Each number corresponds to a special drink patrons can try.  Although one must walk through the bar to reach the dining room, once seated, the two areas feel completely separate, making Harrigan's suitable for families.

The menu, available in both the bar and the dining room, is extensive, with a wide range of sandwiches, pub fare, dinner entrees, burgers and BBQ specialties. Each BBQ entree is made to order in the restaurant's smoker.

More impressive, however, is the range of specials.  Executive chef Costa Gomez is credited with the creative and expansive specials menus.    It was from this menu that our friendly and bubbly waitress made suggestions upon our request.

For starters, The tomato gazpacho was delicious.  Light and cool, this cup of tangy and spicy soup, made of chopped fresh vegetables soaked in a tomato base, created a flavor explosion.  

Equally as exciting was the amazing eggplant rollatini.  Large enough to serve two, this appetizer was steeped in an outstanding marinara sauce that delicately complimented the thin sliced eggplant stuffed with ricotta cheese and topped by fresh mozzarella. 

Disappointing, however, was the bread and butter.  Neither warm nor unique, it was an unnecessary serving that added little to the savory flavor of the appetizers. 

It appears, however, that sauces are a Harrigan's specialty.  In addition to the delightful marinara found on the rollatini, the house salads of simple greens were topped with homemade dressings.  The balsamic vinaigrette had a thick consistency that delicately coated the lettuce, providing a full complement of flavors in every bite, while the homemade blue cheese dressing was mild and creamy.   

The main courses were served in oversized dishes.  The risotto with shrimp, and porcini, fancy, and portobello mushrooms was flavorful and filling. The large portion was a good value at $15.95.  However, the salmon special, served in an understated cherry wine sauce with artichokes and shitake mushrooms, was not as flavorful as the other dishes we sampled.  Still, the portion was large, the fish fair and the baked sweet potato and side vegetables tasty.

Dessert at Harrigan's is a spectacular event.  According to the enthusiastic waitress, the desserts are baked on-site daily.  The homemade masterpieces, from pastry chef Rocky Norris, known affectionately as "aunt Rocky," because she is the owners' mother's sister, are fresh and feature both seasonal and traditional choices.  The blueberry buckle served with whipped cream boasts four layers of fresh blueberries baked into a muffin-like cake that is just sweet enough, but not too sweet.  Likewise, the peanut butter pie, drizzled with chocolate and whipped cream, is light and fluffy.  Each bit of its airy consistency melts away, leaving behind the perfect blend of sweet and salt, chocolate and peanut butter.

The featured spirited coffees from the menu look delicate served in hurricane glasses, topped with whipped cream, but they are powerful.  Once again, the waitress was exceptionally accommodating when she heard we would prefer decaf, offering to make fresh coffee and fresh espresso for each after dinner confection.  Italian espresso with sambuca and traditional Irish coffee were an enjoyable, but potent, finish to a fine evening. 

"Our connection to Montville Township goes back more than 100 years," said Aran McDermott, who, with his brother, Ryan, manages the restaurant their father, Joe, opened 28 years ago. 

On July 5, 2010 Joe McDermott passed away.  His sons will continue to run the restaurant. 

"Harrigan's was important to my father.  It has been a way of life for us and for generations of Montville residents," he said. "Lots of residents have worked here, lots of people learned their work ethic from my dad and my dad felt like they were family.  Harrigan's a fun, safe, place with good food at great prices, where everybody looks out for each other."

The work ethic is apparent.  The impressive wait staff not only works hard, they make it look like they are enjoying themselves and they want the customers to feel welcome.

Harrigan's is located at 144 Main Road (Route 202), Montville, NJ 07045.