Magee’s Irish Pub & Eatery

When’s the best time to write a Belly Up column on an Irish place? After the St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans.

I headed to Magee’s Irish Pub & Eatery following their three-day St. Paddy’s day celebration. A few leftover green decorations dotted the place. But no worries — there was plenty of Irish food and drink.

Magee’s is located in The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny and opened in December 2019. It’s named after co-owners Dawn Magee Martin and Andrew Martin. With several other businesses, the Martins wanted a place Ankeny didn’t have: an Irish pub.

The brick and black décor outside match the interior, with deep cherry wood and a brick wall behind the bar. Several booths separated with stained glass offer privacy. Irish beer signs and slogans provide a right mix of authentic, homey interior.

“We’ve heard from a lot of people who have been to pubs in Ireland that this is realistic, with an American twist,” said Trevor Perez, director of operations.

The food menu consists of Irish favorites, including their popular fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage and Shepherd’s pie. Some unique foods include Reuben egg rolls, kilted banger bites with banger sausage and cheese, wrapped in a puff pastry and Guinness dip — a hot crock of chipped corn beef, cheese, sauerkraut and Guinness beer served with flatbread. 

What’s an Irish pub without alcohol? You’re in luck as they have a wide selection of beers. With many Guinness options, Magee’s is the No. 1 seller in Iowa, according to Perez. A 20-ounce pint costs $8. They’ve partnered with Ankeny’s Firetrucker Brewery for their Mollie Magee, which is an Irish-style red beer, brewed with Bushmills Irish whiskey.

Glenfiddich. Balvenie. Tullamore. Glenlivet. Can’t decide from the 75 or so varieties of Irish and Scotch whiskeys? Then choose a whiskey flight, which offers four tastings for $30. 

Weekend brunch on both days offer up flavorful hangover-cure breakfast cocktails. Swap out your coffee creamer for some Bailey’s Irish Cream to go with your scotch eggs and bangers and mash. Soon you’ll be declaring “Top of the mornin’ to ya’ ” in your best Irish brogue. 

With a full bar, domestic beers and wine by the glass or bottle, there are drinks to please all the lads and lasses. Try a shamrock shake — and not the McDonald’s style. This shake includes Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, crème de menthe, Godiva chocolate, Hershey’s syrup and cream.

A raised stage offers live music. The second Tuesday of the month is an Iowish (Iowa/Irish) jam session, for musicians to play Irish music. The wrap-around patio outside overlooks the District’s bustling downtown. 

Happy hour, Mondays through Thursdays from 2-5 p.m., includes $2 off select pints and appetizers, $5 well drinks and $1 off wine.

Magee’s recently took over the building next door, creating more seating along with a private tasting room, wine cellar and private party space. 

Head to Magee’s in Ankeny for the luck o’ the Irish — even if it’s not St. Paddy’s day.