Want an exquisite meal in a laid-back atmosphere near bergenPAC? Look no further than right next door. The Irish bistro and bar Biddy O’Malley’s {30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood; 201.608.5545; biddyomalleys.com}, owned and operated by County Clare émigré Noel O’Malley, opened up shop in Englewood earlier this year to serve up cuisine that is anything but standard pub fare. Said the Times last summer about the flagship Northvale outpost, “There is no reason to cross the ocean to experience a superlative Irish gastropub… Just visit Biddy O’Malley’s.”
Both the original Northvale location and the Englewood gastropub share the same menu, which aside from countless brews and its celebrated custom-blend burgers—try the signature 8oz Biddy O’Malley with caramelized onions, Gruyère, arugula, pancetta, and Malbec butter ($13)—offer new twists on some old Irish standbys, including Fish and Chips (Yuengling beer-battered fresh Atlantic cod, $17) and Lamb Shepherd’s Pie (root vegetables, mashed potatoes, scallions, and demi-glace, $17). The Wild Copper River Sockeye Salmon (shrimp-fried black rice, Sriracha, and an orange-tamari reduction, $26) is also extraordinarily popular.
The menu of weekly specials includes suggested wine pairings—Biddy’s offers a nice selection of reds, whites, and rosés, along with a dozen draft beers, including Irish specialties such as Guinness, Harp, and Smithwicks, as well as nearly 20 bottle choices.
Cocktails include Summertime Nostalgia—a mix of Hendrick’s, cucumber, strawberry simple, cucumber bitters, and tonic; and the Biddy’s Mule—which includes Tullamore Dew, Crabbie’s ginger beer, fresh lime, and bitters.
The décor is somewhat similar to the original location—exposed brick abounds—but “there are some differences,” says O’Malley. “The Englewood location is more contemporary with muted walls and sleek black accents. It also has a larger bar area and is open later.”
What about that name? “Biddy is my wife’s childhood nickname that was given to her by her Irish grandmother when she was an ‘Itty Biddy,’ and it stuck,” says O’Malley. It’s the perfect thing to know about a place full of Irish charm.
By Judy Grover, Editor
