Duffy's Irish Pub
Early structure preserved by Al Salazar
By K.T.
Duffy's Irish Pub, located at 3779 State Route 4 West in Grays Harbor, Wash., is a testament to the feasibility of preserving early structures as an attractive feature for restaurants and pubs. The quaint and unassuming front of Duffy's Irish Pub will catch your eye as you cruise along the beautiful scenic Hwy 4 on the "Washington side" (See photo).
The pub is on the highway, with the parking area right next to it. When you enter the pub, you immediately feel like sitting on a comfy chair, putting your feet up (ask first!), ordering a tasty lunch or dinner and perusing a book or magazine from their unique and generous collection.
The menu boasts specials served every day, including traditional Irish stew made from an old Southern Irish recipe. Also listed are a spicy sausage with red beans and rice item. Their red beans and specialty rice dish is served with homemade cornbread. Barbeque pork ribs, catfish (baked), 12 oz. T-bone steak and pan-fried oysters from Willapa Bay are described. The hamburger offerings allow the addition of bacon and a Gardenburger option. Apple pie and ice cream will tempt you even after you have enjoyed a satisfying and otherwise filling meal.
Duffy's houses a full-service bar, with cocktails and regional wines. The beers on draught include Guiness, Widmer, MacTarnahan's Amber Ale and even Bud Light. Bottled beers include imports such as Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout, microbrews and domestics. Since there are too many to list here, you'll just have to stop in and check it out for yourself! It's likely you won't be able to leave without at least having a tall cold drink, or hot coffee!
The interior of the pub is warm in its appearance and ambience. It certainly does feel like you're in the front room of a guest house on a little country road somewhere in Ireland or Scotland. In an earlier day, you might have been walking, or driving a horse and wagon. Today, you can use State Route 4 to enjoy the scenery and still have plenty of time to arrive at your destination. It's nice to stop and relax a bit in a pub with decorations, displays and appointments that are as interesting as any museum.
Owner Al Salazar, who also owned the Pine Street Theatre in Portland and Salazar's in Welches, Ore. is a savvy businessman who is building a great stopping place for travelers in Washington State. He is pleased to prepare the homemade menu items with charming Lorraine Schroeder serving them. They want to hear your feedback.
Even though the full menu is served every day from open to close, you might want to call ahead to determine open hours and whether you might need a dinner reservation. It is likely that you can just stop in either on a whim, a planned stop or a destination in itself. You will receive the friendly royal treatment at Duffy's Irish Pub. If you are heading up for the Rod Run in Long Beach, Sept. 6-7, drive up the Washington side on Hwy 4 for beautiful scenery and stop in at Duffy's.