Being a huge fan of diners and coffee houses, I was immediately intrigued when I passed The Irish Coffee Shop on West Chester Pike in Upper Darby. Wondering if it was a catchy name or true Irish cuisine, I asked my friend Jason to join me before work.

Upon entering, I immediately noticed how Irish the place actually was. Not only were there booths and tables for guests to dine in, but there were shelves full of Irish imported products for purchase, a stand full of Irish newspapers and periodicals, and even imported Irish ties.

Chrissy, our waitress, introduced herself with a huge smile and let us pick our booth. She immediately took our drink orders (we both chose chocolate milk) and gave us menus to pursue. A gentleman of Irish descent named Chris sat in the booth behind us, enjoying a bowl of Porridge ($2.00). We exchanged good morning pleasantries with him and I asked if he came to the coffee shop often. “Every day!” he responded without hesitation. He was obviously at home when other patrons came in and all socialized with him as they started their day.

The menu was loaded with both Irish and standard American fare. Asking Chrissy what she recommended, she told us that the most popular dish ordered was the Traditional Irish Breakfast which includes Irish Sausage and Irish Bacon, ($10.89), but she recommended we try the French Toast ($3.99) explaining that it was “to die for” since the bread was homemade. She pointed over to the glass window display of breads and pastries that were offered to take home as well.

I decided on the French toast with Irish Bacon ($6.89) and Jason decided on 2 Eggs ($3.79), Home Fries ($2.50), and Bangers ($3.15). Our meals came out only a few minutes later-the service was so prompt!

Chrissy was right about the French toast. The slices were thick; the bread was homemade and cooked perfectly. It was topped with powdered sugar and served with packets of butter and a dispenser of maple syrup. The portion was large and fulfilling. I had never experienced Irish Bacon before, and it was delicious. It is thicker and meatier than the American bacon with somewhat of a smoky flavor. It is cut from the back meat of the pig and it’s cooked until done, not crispy. American bacon comes from the pork belly and is usually cooked until crispy.

Jason’s eggs were cooked over easy, just as he had ordered, and they too were cooked perfectly. The hash browns were plentiful, and the bangers that Jason had ordered were tasty. For those of you unfamiliar with traditional Irish food, a banger resembles a hot dog and is a type of pork sausage commonly served in England and Ireland.

Overhearing my conversation with Jason about never having tried true Irish dishes, the owner came out of the kitchen and introduced himself. Friendly and all smiles, Caesar was happy to tell me how the Irish Coffee Shop came to our area; his 5th anniversary approaches this July. Caesar worked for an Irishman named Paul for years in New York City. He was taught true Irish cooking from Paul and all of the facets of owning and running a restaurant. After years of experience under his belt, the opportunity arose for him to purchase The Irish Coffee Shop and move to the Philadelphia area, and we’re lucky he did!

Not only does The Irish Coffee Shop serve breakfast in house, they also deliver! They serve lunch and dinner, as well. From lunch to dinner, you can order traditional American soups ($2.15 a cup or $2.75 a bowl), appetizers, burgers, steaks, hoagies & sandwiches or you can eat Irish fare from Shepherd Pie ($8.65) to Ham & Cabbage ($9.99). There are items on the menu that everyone will enjoy.

Those looking to enjoy a salad can complement the standard tossed salad (dressed with carrots, onion, cucumber, tomato, green pepper and croutons) with grilled chicken ($8.75), turkey or ham & cheese ($7.99), tuna salad ($8.15), chicken salad ($8.15), or chicken fingers ($7.99). Salads are all served with your choice of Russian, Italian, French, Blue Cheese, Caesar, Honey Dijon or Creamy Italian dressing.

As we were heading out to start our day with full stomachs and smiles on our faces over finding this popular Irish location, Jason decided to purchase a tie for himself and one for his cousin. At only $1.99, the ties make a great, affordable gift for Father’s Day! So does the Guinness Bread Mix or the Katie Reilly’s Irish Soda Bread Mix, ($3.99 each) for those of you with fathers who love to cook.

The Irish Coffee Shop is located at 8443 West Chester Pike in Upper Darby, PA. There is plenty of off street parking behind the shop. They are open Monday-Friday 6:00am-8:30pm, Saturday 6:00 am-7:00 pm, and Sunday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm. Delivery service and catering are also available. To place an order or to call for the lunch and dinner special call 610-449-7449. Don’t forget to say hi to Caesar and Chrissy and tell them that you heard about them in Delaware County Magazine!