Why: Shanahan’s Pub & Grill is a casual neighborhood bar. Aside from the wide range of alcoholic beverages, there is emphasis on good food and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. If you are looking for an above-average bar experience, you may find it at this one.
What I Tried: When I discovered that they smoke meat for sandwiches and such at Shanahan’s, I had to give it a try. I settled on the smoked pastrami, which is served on a fresh hoagie roll with its own special BBQ sauce. I decided on coleslaw to accompany the pastrami on the side. It also comes with a portion of kettle chips.
Instead of typical, thin-sliced pastrami, the roll was filled with delicious, meaty, thick slices of pastrami. Shanahan’s sweet, smoky BBQ sauce was the only other ingredient. The simple construction of the sandwich was part of its appeal. The texture of the pastrami was similar to that of dense sausage, and it wasn’t overly juicy or dry. I think it will be hard for me to find a regular pastrami sandwich very satisfying after having Shanahan’s version.
The coleslaw was a micro-sliced cabbage and carrot mixture doused in a somewhat watery and sweet sauce. It paired well with the sandwich and served as a minimal vegetable element. You may opt for beans, as well.
Menu Highlights Beyond what I tried: Pork, beef brisket, corned beef, and chicken are also smoked on site. Scottish eggs are on the menu. Beer-battered cod is used for fish and chips. The smoked chicken salad sounded delicious, as did the steak bites made with marinated top sirloin stuffed with mushrooms. Shany fries consist of tots and fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon and green onions. They are served with ranch dressing.
Atmosphere: The stand-alone building is easily identified as the pub, which has ample parking on the west side of the building. Beyond the windowless, single-door entry, the pub is furnished with all the things one would expect to find. Wood surfaces impart a traditional pub vibe with old-world essence. Pool tables, arcades games and several large-screen TVs provide entertainment. There is also a dedicated banquet room for events and a large outdoor patio, which is dog-friendly.
Other Observations: The service was friendly, welcoming, and very attentive. My meal arrived fast and my iced tea was kept replenished without my asking. I found the atmosphere on my afternoon visit very pleasant — it feels aged but not worn. I will definitely return to Shanahan’s to try more of their house-smoked options and perhaps a game of pool.
Cost: Appetizers and sides range from $2.50 to $9. Burgers are $8 to $12. Sandwiches are $5 to $9.50. Hot wings come in 1-pound, 2-pound, and 3-pound portions and cost $8 to $18. Salads are $3.50 to $9. Chili is $4 for a cup and $6 for a bowl. Popular menu items and house-smoked selections are $6.50 to $9. Happy Hour menu items are $3 to $7.50.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday. 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Happy Hour is 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Where: 209 W. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.
Contact: 360-735-1440 or www.shanahanspubvancouver.com
Health Score: Shanahan’s Pub & Grill received a score of 13 on April 22. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428
