Contributor: Jamie Richardson
The West Ave District in Kannapolis has gained a hot new tenant in Cabarrus County’s ONLY Irish Pub, Gaelic Alley. They opened their doors in December just in time for Panthers games, the World Cup, and a New Year’s Eve bash. They are getting rave reviews from patrons already.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We stopped in last night and loved this cozy Irish pub! The decor and drinks were authentically Irish, and the service was great. We’ll definitely be back!”
Below are some Fun Facts about the Pub, what Combos we want to try, and what else is making our mouths water about this new neighborhood place to pull up a bar stool.
Owners Brian Schmidt, Justin Lawrence, and Jordan Young wanted to replicate the feel of being in an authentic pub in Ireland right here in downtown Kannapolis, according to an article from February 27, 2022, in the Salisbury Post about where they got the idea and how the trio came together.
- The pub itself was originally an open alleyway, as reflected in the pub’s name. The alley was later closed in to make a restaurant called Tar Heel Lunch that served workers at the Kannapolis mills for a short time. You can still see the sign painted on the wall as you enter the Pub.
Fun Facts:
🪵 One of Gaelic Alley’s owners, Dr. Brian Schmidt (a surgeon AND a craftsman), crafted the wooden tables and other unique pieces throughout the pub. Visit the gallery on their website to see the transformation and then when you stop by you’ll be even more impressed with the finished product.
🍺 Sláinte means “health” in Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It is commonly used as a drinking toast in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
🐶 Gaelic Alley welcomes dogs on the front patio and is a proud supporter of the Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue.
It’s Magically Delicious!
Cocktails that are nostalgic and fun: The Mill, The Intimidator, and The Gem all pay homage to staples in Kannapolis. But it’s the Lucky Charm that has us feeling all warm and fuzzy. Made with Jameson, Baileys Irish Cream, heavy cream infused with Lucky Charms, and topped with whipped cream and even more Lucky Charms, we feel the need to have one for breakfast!
Photo courtesy of The Downtown Dirty
Make it a Combo
Maybe you have tried a traditional Guinness combination like a Black and Tan (Guinness and Bass), but Gaelic Alley has combinations to help you branch out and see what else Guinness and Harp pair with (all combos are only $8 for a pint).
🍺 Half and Half – Guinness and Harp
🍺 Snakebite – Harp and Cider
🍺 Snakebite Diesel – Guinness and Cider
🍺 Black Velvet – Guinness and Prosecco
🍺 Patriot – Guinness and Miller or Coors
Beer and Cheese…Yes Please!
A larger food menu is on the horizon, but for now, mouth-watering charcuterie boards are available that are a perfect companion with their beers, wines, and cocktails! Pictured below – house-made thousand island dressing, their signature bangers, imported Irish cheddar, Swiss cheese, freshly sliced corned beef with fresh marble rye bread, and sauerkraut.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
