I first stumbled into Nine Irish Brothers on State Route 38 in Lafayette on one of those gray Indiana afternoons when comfort food felt like a necessity rather than a choice. The moment I walked through the door, something clicked.
Maybe it was the warm glow from the old-world pub decor or the smell of hearty Irish cooking drifting from the kitchen, but I knew immediately this place was different. That first bite of their shepherd’s pie changed everything for me.
Rich, savory beef swimming in thick gravy beneath a blanket of creamy mashed potatoes had me hooked from the start. Since that day, I’ve found myself making the drive to 3520 State Route 38 East more times than I care to admit, each visit reaffirming what I already knew.
Nine Irish Brothers isn’t just another restaurant serving Irish food in Indiana. It’s become my go-to spot when life demands something more substantial than takeout and more memorable than chain dining.
The shepherd’s pie remains my obsession, but I’ve discovered seven compelling reasons why this cozy Lafayette gem deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
The Shepherd’s Pie That Started It All
When people ask me about Nine Irish Brothers, my answer always starts with the shepherd’s pie. Technically it’s cottage pie since they use beef instead of lamb, but honestly, I’ve stopped caring about technicalities.
What matters is that this dish delivers everything you want when cold weather hits Indiana and your soul needs warming. The beef comes tender and plentiful, swimming in a gravy so rich it coats your spoon.
Every forkful reveals chunks of meat that practically fall apart, mixed with carrots and vegetables that add texture without overwhelming the star ingredients. The mashed potatoes on top come whipped to perfection, creating a creamy barrier that soaks up the gravy beneath.
One reviewer mentioned getting a full order and struggling to finish it, which tracks with my experience. The half portion at Nine Irish Brothers provides more than enough food for most appetites.
I’ve watched friends order the full size thinking they could handle it, only to need a to-go box halfway through. Located at 3520 State Route 38 East, this Lafayette spot has perfected comfort food that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
The shepherd’s pie represents everything great about Irish pub cooking done right in the heart of Indiana.
Authentic Irish Pub Atmosphere Without Leaving Indiana
Walking into Nine Irish Brothers feels like stepping into a genuine Irish pub, minus the transatlantic flight. The dark wood furniture and vintage beer signs create an atmosphere that locals recognize immediately as something special.
Large windows along the front let natural light pour in during lunch hours, balancing the otherwise dim, cozy interior that makes evening visits feel intimate. The seating options range from traditional booths with high backs to an eclectic collection of bar stools that give the place character.
Some guests prefer the booths for their comfort, especially during longer meals with family or friends. The bar area attracts regulars who’ve made Nine Irish Brothers their neighborhood spot, creating a welcoming vibe that extends to first-time visitors.
Irish memorabilia decorates every available wall space without feeling cluttered or kitschy. Everything from old pub signs to cultural artifacts contributes to an environment that feels genuinely transported from Ireland rather than manufactured for tourists.
The attention to detail shows in ways that matter to people who appreciate authentic experiences. Just down the road from Purdue University’s main campus, Nine Irish Brothers has become a Lafayette institution since opening.
The atmosphere alone justifies the visit, but combined with exceptional food, it creates something memorable.
Fish And Chips That Rival Any Coastal Spot
You wouldn’t expect landlocked Indiana to serve fish and chips that compete with coastal restaurants, yet Nine Irish Brothers manages exactly that. Their Tiger Mike’s fish and chips shows up as the most mentioned item in customer reviews, with 98 people specifically calling it out.
That kind of consistency speaks volumes about quality. The batter arrives perfectly crispy on the outside while the fish inside stays flaky and moist.
Many regulars order the half portion and still struggle to finish, which tells you something about the generous serving sizes. One couple mentioned splitting a full order between two people and both leaving satisfied.
What sets this dish apart comes down to execution rather than fancy ingredients. The fish gets fried to order, ensuring that crispy exterior doesn’t get soggy before reaching your table.
The pub chips that accompany the meal provide the perfect vehicle for their signature Shamrock sauce, a condiment that guests rave about in reviews. The fish and chips earned Nine Irish Brothers recognition beyond Lafayette, with food critics noting the quality rivals establishments in cities known for seafood.
Whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, this dish represents Irish pub cooking at its finest. Located conveniently off State Route 38, it’s worth the drive from anywhere in the Lafayette area.
Fried Pickles That Deserve Their Own Fan Club
Before visiting Nine Irish Brothers, I never understood the fried pickle obsession sweeping through Midwest restaurants. One order of theirs changed my perspective completely.
These aren’t just pickles tossed in batter and dropped in a fryer. They’re something special that keeps people coming back specifically for this appetizer.
The breading stays incredibly crispy without being greasy, a balance many restaurants struggle to achieve. Each pickle chip maintains enough tartness to cut through the richness of the coating, creating a flavor combination that works better than it has any right to.
Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned these as the best fried pickles they’ve ever encountered. One guest noted that even with the restaurant’s recent price adjustments, the fried pickles remain worth every penny.
The portion size allows sharing between two or three people as a starter, though I’ve been known to order them as a side with my main course. They pair exceptionally well with their shepherd’s pie, offering a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
The kitchen at 3520 State Route 38 East clearly takes pride in their appetizers, but the fried pickles stand out even among strong competition. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or skeptic, these deserve a try during your visit to Lafayette’s favorite Irish spot.
Generous Portions That Respect Your Wallet
Indiana folks appreciate restaurants that don’t skimp on portions, and Nine Irish Brothers understands this fundamental truth. Nearly every review mentions the generous serving sizes, with many guests unable to finish their meals.
The restaurant offers both half and full portions on most entrees, giving diners control over their experience. The pricing sits at a moderate level marked by two dollar signs, placing it above fast food but below fine dining.
Recent inflation hit their suppliers hard, forcing some price adjustments that the ownership addressed transparently in review responses. They chose maintaining quality and quantity over cutting corners, a decision that longtime customers appreciate even if prices increased slightly.
One reviewer mentioned the fish and chips sitting at a 40 percent food cost, which for non-restaurant people means they’re barely making profit on that dish. They could easily reduce portion sizes or quality to improve margins, but they haven’t.
That commitment to value shows in every plate that leaves the kitchen. The half portions provide more than enough food for most appetites while keeping costs reasonable for families or couples dining together.
Located in Lafayette where Purdue students and locals mix, Nine Irish Brothers has found the sweet spot between quality and affordability that keeps tables full seven days a week.
Corned Beef And Cabbage Done Right
Most restaurants serve corned beef and cabbage once a year around Saint Patrick’s Day, treating it like a novelty rather than a legitimate menu staple. Nine Irish Brothers keeps it available year-round, and more importantly, they’ve mastered the preparation.
The meat arrives super tender and flavorful, according to one five-star review from a visitor who felt immediately welcomed despite being a stranger. The key to great corned beef lies in the cooking time and seasoning balance.
Rush it and you get tough, chewy meat. Overdo the spices and you mask the natural beef flavor.
Nine Irish Brothers nails both aspects, producing corned beef that practically melts on your fork while maintaining distinct flavor that doesn’t rely on heavy-handed seasoning. The cabbage and accompanying vegetables come cooked to that perfect point where they’re tender but not mushy.
Too many places boil vegetables into submission, but here they retain enough texture to provide contrast against the soft corned beef. The presentation looks simple and honest, which suits this traditional Irish comfort food perfectly.
This dish represents the kind of authentic Irish cooking that Nine Irish Brothers built its reputation on. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or just appreciate well-executed comfort food, the corned beef and cabbage showcases why this Lafayette restaurant has earned its 4.6-star rating across more than 1,600 reviews.
Outstanding Service That Makes You Feel Like Family
Great food matters, but exceptional service transforms a good restaurant into a place you return to repeatedly. Nine Irish Brothers consistently earns praise for staff who treat guests like regulars even on first visits.
One reviewer mentioned being a stranger at the bar yet feeling welcomed immediately by both bartenders and other patrons, which speaks to the culture the restaurant has cultivated. The servers handle large groups with impressive competence, as evidenced by a party of 15 people who raved about their waitress managing everything smoothly.
During busy periods, the staff maintains efficiency without sacrificing friendliness or attentiveness. Multiple reviews specifically call out servers by name, including Conor and Raven, who left lasting positive impressions on guests.
What strikes me most about the service at Nine Irish Brothers is the genuine nature of interactions. The staff doesn’t perform scripted hospitality routines or hover annoyingly.
They check in at appropriate times, make solid recommendations when asked, and handle issues professionally when they arise. The ownership responds personally to nearly every online review, both positive and negative, showing they care about guest experiences.
Located at 3520 State Route 38 East in Lafayette, this restaurant has built something special beyond just food quality. The combination of delicious Irish comfort food and service that makes you feel valued creates an experience worth the drive from anywhere in Indiana.
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