Bartlett's Sheep & Fiddle Irish Pub bringing in the crowds

Sheep & Fiddle owners Jeff and Sarah Staley know they can't replicate the feel of a traditional Irish pub in a Bartlett strip mall, but they're working hard at re-creating the food. Since opening in November, the spot has been bringing in big dinner crowds and has plans to add additional draws after their first St. Patrick's Day Saturday.

Motif: Located in Hull's Pub's former digs, the small space is dimly lit by overhead lamps and candles topping the tables along the sides. A large bar sits at the center, decorated with beer labels, postcards and photos, with more old photographs and beer ads on the walls. While it's no sports bar, the six flat-screen TVs have brought in crowds for football games and NASCAR races.

Crowd: Most customers at Sheep & Fiddle are in their early 30s to late 40s, though Wednesday's popular pub trivia brings in a younger crowd. Couples come in Saturday nights for dates, and families enjoy the newly added weekend brunch. Fridays are massively popular, with up to 45-minute waits, even with the bar bringing in extra tables and chairs.

Service: It was quiet when we came by Sunday night, but the manager was working to make things fun by encouraging everyone to mingle and play a party game. He was affable, and quick to offer drinks and chat.

Food: Sarah is a native of Cork, Ireland, and she's teamed up with chef Simon Kearney, who hails from Northern Ireland and worked at McNally's Irish Pub in St. Charles. Everything except for some of the breads is made in-house, and the menu features a mix of traditional Irish fare, American bar food and a fusion of the two.

Corned beef is hugely popular, whether it's in Reuben sandwiches, corned beef and cabbage or the deep-fried Reuben bites. The beef and Guinness stew and shepherd's pie are also big sellers, and the bar can go through 50 to 75 pounds of fried fish on Fridays. If you're looking for brunch with an Irish twist, come from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for homemade Irish soda bread French toast or a Reuben omelet.

Liquid consumption: Most drinkers at Sheep & Fiddle order a Harp, Smithwick's or Guinness on draft, but the owners are working on a signature cocktail menu with Irish-influenced martinis and a green, white and gold drink that looks like the Irish flag in a shot glass. March's drink specials include $3.50 well drinks Wednesday and $5 Jameson drinks Friday.

Music: Sheep & Fiddle is currently applying for a live music permit, which they hope to have by May. The goal is to bring in traditional Irish musicians once a week, ranging from a guy with an acoustic guitar to five-member bands with accordion and fiddle players.

Parking: There are plenty of free spots in the strip-mall lot.

Overall: While it doesn't look like Ireland, Sheep & Fiddle offers the food, beer and friendliness of the Emerald Isle.

Sheep & Fiddle Irish Pub

1085 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett, (630) 372-8878, <a href="http://sheepandfiddlepub.com">sheepandfiddlepub.com</a>

<b>Hours: </b>3 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday