A Taste of Dublin in Morganton: Toner's Irish Pub opens to rave reviews

They also fed their staff, testing Iris’ recipes for shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash, before they presented their debut menu to the public.

But this was different. This was the Toners’ first presentation of their pub, the project they created with attention to the smallest of details, to the city.

Iris was excited and anxious as 6 p.m. approached. Quality of food, drinks and service was of the utmost importance to the couple — but so was taking care of their staff. “We don’t want to overwhelm the kitchen,” Iris explained.

She needn't have worried. The door had been left unlocked since well before 6, and friends who knew about the “unannounced” opening began trickling in before 5:30. Bartenders began serving drinks, including the famous “well-poured” pints of Guinness beer, served in original Guinness tulip pint glasses from Ireland.

Even before 6, the kitchen started sending plates out to waiting customers, who happily noshed on Reuben sandwiches and burgers, wings, and beautifully arranged charcuterie boards.

The bar was busy, and Toner’s well-trained employees didn’t miss a beat, serving a wide variety of beers and wines, in addition to cocktails with decidedly Irish names such as “Cameron’s Kick,” “Emerald Isle” and “Irish Manhattan.”

By 6:30, Toner’s Irish Pub was full of customers. Lively conversations filled the air and the wait staff hurried back and forth through the establishment, delivering food and drinks.

Husband Marty and I had cleared our calendars as soon as we heard about the “quiet opening” from Jim. We were not about to miss the launch of the city’s newest hotspot. We were seated at a table near the door, where we were joined by our friend and coworker Saydie Bean and her boyfriend, Landon. We had a great view of all of the action.

The soft-opening menu is anything but sparse. Iris explained as the pub gets its legs (or bar stool legs) underneath it, the menu and likely the restaurant’s hours will expand. But for now, the Toners were determined to get the opening right. Baby steps, if you will.

And they succeeded. As soon as we sat, Marty, Saydie, Landon each ordered a Guinness, and I had an espresso martini.

For dinner, Marty had the Fish and Chips. I chose the Reuben Dip appetizer as my meal. Both Saydie and Landon opted for the Shepherd’s Pie, served with a side salad.

Our drinks were delivered within a couple of minutes, and the food arrived less than 10 minutes later. Our waitress was cheerful and efficient and the team the Toners have assembled worked in unison to take care of their customers.

Iris and Jim moved through the pub, chatting with customers at the bar, checking on the kitchen, bar and wait staff, and visiting tables to ask, “Is everything ok? Is there anything you need?”

There was absolutely nothing we needed. The food was served piping hot, and it was just perfect. Marty declared the fish and chips the best he’d ever eaten, and coming from a lifelong fisherman, that’s high praise indeed.

My Reuben dip was delicious, warm and creamy, and served with toasted rye points. Saydie and Landon loved the Shepherd’s Pie, and both enjoyed their salads.

My espresso cocktail was excellent, and Marty so enjoyed his Guinness, he had a second helping. Later in the evening, Saydie tried a Cameron’s Kick and Landon tested the Emerald Isle cocktail. Both, they declared, were delicious.

Speaking of second helpings, I have to admit I indulged in a second helping of Toner’s Irish Pub on Saturday evening. A girlfriend and I traveled from Marion to see the Bee Gees tribute band “One Night Only” perform at CoMMA (an excellent show, by the way) and I took her to Toner’s for dinner before the concert. I had the Reuben sandwich on my second visit, and Leah had the smash burger. Once again, the food and service at Toner’s exceeded our expectations. I told Iris she and Jim were two for two — two visits and two superb experiences.

Jim and Iris closed their doors on Saturday night and likely took a deep breath and took a little time to celebrate. Toner’s Irish Pub officially opened last night, June 14. Marty and I, along with many others, I’m sure, will be regulars at what we hope will become “our place” in Morganton.

With Jim, Iris, and their stellar staff at the helm, I can’t imagine the couple’s dream of a little piece of Ireland in downtown Morganton won’t be a stunning success.