Harp And Crown - A Local Gathering Spot
For folks living in Cornelius and the wider Lake Norman area, there's a place that has really become a fixture for good times and tasty bites since two thousand seventeen. It's a spot that brings a little piece of England and Ireland right to North Carolina, a welcoming place where you can just feel at home. This particular establishment, you know, has built up a steady following over the years, becoming a go-to for anyone looking for a comfortable atmosphere and some classic pub fare.
It's that kind of place, too it's almost, where stories are shared and laughter rings out, often over a proper pint. Think about it, a consistent presence in the community for quite some time now, offering a dependable spot for catching up with friends or just enjoying a quiet meal. People seem to appreciate its long-standing commitment to providing a friendly space for everyone who walks through the doors.
This particular establishment, which is that, has managed to create a special kind of feeling, a blend of traditional comfort and a lively spirit. It's where you might find yourself settling in for a football match, or just grabbing something nice to eat after a long day. It truly aims to be a spot for anyone and everyone, a place that just feels right for a bit of relaxation and good company.
Table of Contents
- A Taste of the Harp and Crown Kitchen
- Beyond the Plate - What Else Does the Harp and Crown Offer?
- The People Behind the Harp and Crown
- Joining the Community at the Harp and Crown
A Taste of the Harp and Crown Kitchen
When it comes to the food at this place, you know, there's quite a selection. On one visit, for example, we tried a few different things that really showed off the variety. We got some fries with a rich gravy, which is a comforting kind of dish, something that just feels good to eat. Then there were the Irish bangers and mash, a traditional choice that many people look for in a pub setting. We also sampled Scottish salmon, which suggests a lighter, perhaps more refined option. For something a bit different, there was Creole pasta, offering a surprising twist of flavors, and then, of course, the potato puffs, which apparently were a real hit.
The potato puffs, you see, were a definite highlight. Everyone really took to them, and the sauce that came with them was, well, especially good. It had a taste that just made the whole dish sing, creating a memorable part of the meal. It’s funny how sometimes a simple side dish can really capture your attention and become a favorite. This was certainly the case with those puffs, and that sauce just made them shine.
Now, about the Irish bangers, I have to say, I wasn't quite as keen on them myself. Sometimes, you know, certain tastes just don't quite connect with everyone, and that's perfectly fine. But on the other hand, the pasta dish, that Creole pasta, was truly something special. It was very, very delicious, with flavors that really popped and made a strong impression. It goes to show that even within a menu that leans traditional, there can be some wonderful surprises waiting for you.
What Makes the Harp and Crown Dishes Stand Out?
The menu at the Harp and Crown, in Cornelius, North Carolina, offers a good look at what's available, and you can even order online if you like. This makes it pretty convenient to see the prices and read what other people have to say about their experiences. It's nice, too it's almost, to have all that information right at your fingertips, making it easier to decide what you might want to try. You can check out the various options, see how much things cost, find the place on a map, and even look at photos and ratings from other visitors. This kind of access really helps you get a sense of the place before you even step inside.
When you consider the food, there's a clear effort to bring together different tastes. Take, for instance, the Saturday and Sunday brunch offerings. Chef Michael Schulson's menu for brunch includes things like mimosa, which is a classic brunch drink, and gourmet pastries, which sound like a lovely way to start the day. There are also charcuterie and cheese plates, offering a nice spread for sharing, and various sandwiches. It's a collection of items that suggests a thoughtful approach to morning dining, providing a range of choices for different appetites.
Beyond brunch, the main menu has some other interesting items. Someone mentioned trying jerk seitan wings and tostadas as starters, which points to some global flavors coming into play. Then there's the beef brisket, which is quite a feature. It's braised in Guinness au jus, which sounds like it would give it a really deep, rich flavor, and it comes with mashed potatoes, onions, and seasonal vegetables. This particular dish, priced at eighteen dollars and ninety-five cents, sounds like a hearty, comforting meal, very much in line with what you might expect from a place that celebrates English and Irish cooking, yet with a bit of a twist.
Beyond the Plate - What Else Does the Harp and Crown Offer?
Stepping inside the Harp and Crown, you're greeted by what's described as an elegant dining room. This suggests a comfortable, perhaps slightly refined, setting where you can enjoy your meal. But that's not all there is to it, not by a long shot. There's also a hidden speakeasy bowling alley, which is quite a surprise, isn't it? This adds a whole other layer of fun and entertainment to the place, making it more than just somewhere to eat. It's a spot where you can have a meal, and then perhaps try your hand at a few frames, creating a more complete outing.
This establishment, you know, brings together a variety of experiences. It's not just about traditional English and Irish dishes and drinks, though those are certainly a big part of it. It also offers global flavors, which means you might find something on the menu that you weren't expecting, something from a different part of the world. And then there are the craft cocktails, which suggests a careful approach to making drinks, with interesting ingredients and creative mixes. All of this, combined with a sense of warm hospitality, aims to make every visit a pleasant one. It’s a place that truly tries to offer something for everyone, whether you're there for a meal, a drink, or a bit of fun.
The atmosphere here is also shaped by live music. For instance, there was a mention of live acoustic music happening on a Friday, June twentieth, at seven in the evening, with artists named Therese and Dave. This kind of event really adds to the feel of the place, making it a spot where you can enjoy not just food and drink, but also some good tunes. It creates a lively, engaging environment, perfect for unwinding after a week or just enjoying a night out. It just seems like a really nice way to spend some time, with good company and pleasant sounds filling the air.
How Does the Harp and Crown Create Its Special Atmosphere?
The Harp and Crown in Cornelius, North Carolina, is a spot that seems to draw people in, and a lot of that has to do with how it feels when you're there. It's the kind of place that, well, welcomes you to join for something like a football match. This simple invitation speaks volumes about the kind of community spirit they aim for. Imagine gathering with others, all focused on the game, cheering and chatting. It’s a very communal experience, something that builds connections among people who might otherwise be strangers. That sense of shared enjoyment, you know, is pretty important for a pub.
Then there's the design of the place itself. The Harp and Crown, as part of the Schulson Collective, manages to blend what you might call old-world touches of charm and luxury with a more modern sensibility and practical approach. This means it probably feels both classic and current at the same time. Restaurateur Michael Schulson, it appears, put a lot of thought into how the space looks and functions. It's not just about putting tables and chairs somewhere; it's about creating an environment that feels both inviting and a bit special. This attention to detail, too it's almost, helps to set the mood for your visit.
The overall approach to cooking also plays a big part in the atmosphere. The Harp and Crown's way of doing things highlights seasonal ingredients and global cuisines. This means the menu likely changes a bit with the seasons, offering fresh options, and also brings in flavors from all over the world. This variety keeps things interesting and can make each visit a new experience. It’s a way of showing that while they honor tradition, they are also looking to bring new and exciting tastes to their patrons, which is that, pretty cool.
The People Behind the Harp and Crown
For some of the people involved, running an Irish and English pub was a bit of a fresh start. For Marks and her husband, Tony, it was a new adventure they recently took on when they became the owners of the Harp and Crown in Cornelius. This is a pretty big step, taking on a business like a pub, and it shows a certain kind of spirit. It suggests they have a real passion for this type of establishment, and they're putting their personal touch on the place. It's not just a business for them, it's something they've chosen to build together, which is that, quite nice to hear.
The mention of Chef Michael Schulson also gives us a glimpse into the culinary side of things. He's the one who designed the menu, bringing his ideas to the table for the various dishes offered. His involvement suggests a certain level of quality and thought goes into the food preparation. It’s like having a guiding hand in the kitchen, making sure that what comes out is something special. This kind of dedication from the people at the helm, you know, really shapes the experience for everyone who visits.
When you think about it, the success of a place often comes down to the people who are running it. Marks and Tony taking ownership, and Chef Schulson crafting the food, these are the individuals who are pouring their efforts into making the Harp and Crown what it is. Their commitment to providing a good experience, from the food to the atmosphere, is what keeps people coming back. It’s a very personal kind of venture, and that personal touch often makes all the difference for a neighborhood spot.
Who Are the Folks Making the Harp and Crown a Reality?
The Harp and Crown in Cornelius, North Carolina, has a physical spot at 19930 W Catawba Ave #130. This is the actual address where you can find the place, and it’s good to know exactly where it is if you're planning a visit. Knowing the location, you know, helps you picture where this community hub sits within Cornelius. It’s a real place, with real people working there and real patrons enjoying themselves.
The establishment also has a presence online, which is that, pretty common these days. On social media, specifically, the Harp and Crown LKN page in Cornelius, North Carolina, has gathered quite a following. It shows three thousand nine hundred thirty-nine likes, with four hundred fifteen people talking about it, and eleven thousand sixty-nine recorded as having been there. These numbers, you see, suggest a pretty active and engaged community around the place. It’s a good way to stay connected with what’s happening, and to see what others are saying about their experiences.
Beyond just the social media numbers, there are also reviews from various platforms. On Restaurant Guru, for example, the Harp and Crown in Cornelius is rated 4.1 out of 5, based on three hundred thirty-six visitor reviews and one hundred fifty-four photos. On TripAdvisor, it holds a rating of 4.2 out of 5 from one hundred sixty-four unbiased reviews, placing it quite well among restaurants in Philadelphia, where there seems to be another location. These ratings and reviews, you know, offer a collective voice from people who have visited, giving potential new guests a sense of what to expect from the place and the people who run it.
Joining the Community at the Harp and Crown
The Harp and Crown is really the kind of place that many people feel every neighborhood could use. It's that spot that just feels right, a comfortable gathering point where you can relax and be yourself. There's something about it, you know, that makes it feel like a genuine part of the community, a place where people can truly connect. It’s more than just a place to eat and drink; it's a social hub, a place where memories are made and friendships are strengthened. That feeling of belonging, you see, is something quite special.
One of the ways they encourage this community feel is by inviting people to enjoy a proper pint. This phrase, "proper pint," suggests a certain quality and tradition, a nod to the roots of English and Irish pubs. It’s about savoring the moment, enjoying a well-poured drink in good company. This simple act, you know, can be the foundation for many pleasant evenings and lively conversations. It’s a way of saying, "Come in, settle down, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life with us."
Keeping up with what's happening at the Harp and Crown is also pretty easy. You can stay up to date with all the latest news and events. This might include special offers, like the happy hour cocktail, burger, and mac and cheese deal for twenty dollars before tax and tip, which was mentioned for the new French location. Or it could be news about live music performances, like the one with Therese and Dave. Being able to keep informed, you know, helps people feel more connected to the place and encourages them to visit more often. It’s about being part of something ongoing, something that always has something new to offer.
Why Is the Harp and Crown Such a Beloved Spot?
People often talk about their experiences at the Harp and Crown, and these stories really help paint a picture of why it's so well-liked. For instance, someone recently went to try it out and found it to be a lovely pub with a great menu. This simple statement, you know, carries a lot of weight because it comes from a direct experience. It’s not just about the food or the drinks; it’s about the overall feeling of the place, how it makes you feel when you are there. A "lovely pub" suggests a warm and inviting atmosphere, a place that feels good to be in.
The positive feedback extends to specific items, too. The mention of the jerk seitan wings and tostadas as good starters shows that even the beginning of a meal can leave a lasting impression. It's these little details, you see, that add up to a truly enjoyable experience. When someone remembers a specific dish fondly, it speaks to the quality and thoughtfulness of the cooking. It’s about more than just filling your stomach; it’s about enjoying each bite and each flavor, which is that, pretty important for a restaurant.
Ultimately, the consistent positive reviews and the strong community presence are pretty good indicators of why the Harp and Crown holds a special place for many. Whether it's the high ratings on review sites, the thousands of likes and check-ins on social media, or just the simple statement that it's "the kind of place I love," these all point to a spot that has managed to capture the hearts of its patrons. It's a place where people feel comfortable, enjoy good food and drink, and can be part of a friendly atmosphere. It seems to have created a real sense of belonging, a place that people genuinely appreciate having in their neighborhood.
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