Ireland is a small country with a big personality. Spanning generations of cultural unrest – a result of famine, oppression, civil wars, and invasions – it is surprising that the Irish collectively claim a chirpy disposition.
Marty Dubber and his business partner, James Anderson, have managed to bundle a menu and the cheerful atmosphere of an authentic Irish public house, named Jameson McDubby’s, almost 4,000 miles away from the Emerald Isle, and put it right in the heart of downtown Aiken at 126 Laurens Street.
Dubber grew up in Georgia, his family roots can be traced directly to Ireland. He considers himself a “redheaded Irishman.” There’s even a Col. Dubber’s Shepherd’s Pie on the Jameson McDubby’s menu named for his grandfather.
“You don’t have to be Irish to visit our pub, but we will deliver the full Irish experience, from a pint of Guinness served alongside corned beef and other traditional dishes. The goal is to make sure our customers have a good time and leave happy,” explained Dubber.
Jameson McDubby’s chef, Josh Cocke, shares Dubber’s Irish heritage. It shows on the menu lineup.
Some of the most popular authentic Irish fares at McDubby’s include Irish soda bread, Irish coffee, which is made using locally sourced coffee from MoonBeans, Bangers, and Mash, and of course corned beef.
Jameson McDubby’s has only been open for a couple of weeks and already the corned beef sandwich is a customer favorite.
“Our corned beef is very popular,” Dubber said. “We braise it and smoke it for about 10 hours. Although our menu might change periodically, the corned beef is a keeper.”
Ironically, there is a significant Irish population in Aiken County; about 10 percent of almost 171,000 residents are of Irish heritage.
Jameson McDubby’s wants to celebrate Aikenite’s Irish heritage or travel to Éire, as the natives refer to it. They are setting aside a wall for photos so patrons can showcase their Irish adventures.
Yes, customers are celebrating at the bar, dishes and forks are clanking and it’s a jovial ambiance. While it may not sound like the perfect place for a business lunch, Dubber says, “We’ve hosted several since opening.” Maybe something to consider if your company needs a little Luck O’ the Irish.
The most common of all Leprechaun myths says that the little Irish creatures find gold coins buried in the earth and store them all in a pot that is hidden at the end of a rainbow. Perhaps the real treasure awaits your taste buds at Jameson McDubby’s.
For more information on their hours and menu, visit their website or Facebook page.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
