It had just stopped raining and the temps were in the upper 70s when we headed out to dinner the other night, and it felt practically frigid after the heat wave!  We finally decided to try The Port Tavern in Newburyport which took over the former home of the Irish pub Rosie O’Shea’s.  We were sad when Rosie’s left, but the Port Tavern has renovated the spot so that it looks brighter, more open, and more sophisticated.  It feels a bit less like a traditional Irish Pub, but it’s still a great meeting spot with several choice beers on tap including Magic Hat, Guinness, and Sierra Nevada.  The menu features many upscale comfort foods such as White Truffle Mac and Cheese and Fowles Homemade Sausages.

My husband and I both started with a cup of the soup of the day, Three Cheese and Potato.  My first impression was that it was unbelievably thick with a surprising reddish hue.  When I took a spoonful, I was immediately transported to Ireland – it felt like the perfect pub food to eat on a cool, rainy day in Ireland – wholesome and comforting.  I wanted to grab my bowl and go curl up in front of a big fireplace!  It was served with crumbled bacon on top and I suspect that there might have been a bit of bacon within, too, as the soup had a smoky element throughout.  Not only did the soup have a smoky element, but it also had a bit of a kick.  I think that the soup was seasoned with red chili pepper, which would explain the reddish color and the spiciness!  For a small cup, the soup was incredibly rich, filling, and satisfying.  We both loved it.  There were small bits of potato throughout, a mild cheese flavor, and the bacon crumbles added the perfect crunchy texture to the smooth soup.  Our dinners were also pleasing, and we splurged on a side of onion rings, which I highly recommend – they were perfectly battered and fried – thick, crunchy and delicious!  Perfect comfort food all around!