Years ago I abandoned Midtown Houston for less trendy establishments with more parking options. This was a hot spot for young and dumb college me, but now I work downtown and live way out in the burbs, so I let the next generation have it, and I enjoy an earlier bed time. But after I thoroughly enjoyed a blogger dinner at Russo’s last month, I started to reconsider Midtown. And then I was invited to try the new Irish pub, Jack & Ginger’s…middle aged me is pleased!
Jack & Ginger’s is located across the street from Spec’s Wine, Spirits, & Fine Foods in Midtown and is cheerily designed exactly, even down to the flowery window boxes, how I’ve seen pubs in the United Kingdom and Ireland…but with more green. I was able to bring my husband Jerome with me to this media event, as he’s my ride or die beer taster/serial retweeter/candid photo taker.
We sampled Ginger’s Shepherd Pie (the best damn shepherd’s pie I’ve ever had), Grilled Cheese Hushpuppies, Pigs in a Blanket, Guinness-Battered Fish & Chips, Green Beans (not to be underestimated, my friends), and Jumbo Local Pretzel. Having just visited the British Isles in September, we were very pleased to enjoy authentic (without being completely foreign) Irish pub food.
We also sampled a few beers (Jerome was very happy indeed), every single cider on their menu (my fermented beverage of choice when I’m not having wine), and a couple cocktails. Some serious standouts were Red Head in Bed (a mixed drink with vodka and sparkling wine), 8th Wonder Rocketfuel (a coffee porter), and an outstanding stand-off between Eastciders Pineapple and Houston Cider Co. Rose (two ciders I couldn’t decide which I loved more). They also had a stellar selection of whiskeys and whiskys, many of which we have at home.
Though the event was on the covered patio, I went in to check out the interior of the pub, and it was as you would expect to see in any Irish pub here or abroad. Wood, brick, wood, tile, and more wood. So close to what I’ve seen abroad that for a split second I expected to find stairs leading down to the water closet. Deceptively small looking on the outside but bigger on the inside, this is a great place to gather friends for shenanigans.
We had a great time happy houring at Jack & Ginger’s, and we even appreciated that the music volume allowed us to have a conversation without yelling at each other (the fastest thing to make me leave a bar is concert level noise). I’d happily happy hour here again, especially when I’m missing Ireland and wanting to feel nostalgic.
For more, read my Houston Top Picks for Locals and Tourists here and Reconsidering Midtown: Russo’s New York Pizzeria here.
Thanks for sharing this local gem. I can’t wait to check it out!
You’re very welcome!