K.C. Branaghan’s traditional dishes—the Irish beef stew, the fish ‘n’ chips, the shepherds pie—all succeed (corned beef and cabbage and “bangers and champ,” or sausage and mashed potatoes, are on the menu, too). The batter on the fish (made with a black and tan mix) holds up without getting soggy; the lamb mixed in with the meat on the shepherds pie adds a tasty subtle gaminess; and the Guinness stew, served with a dollop of mashed potatoes in the middle, is chunky yet reserved in its rationing of carrots and potatoes. And if you are loathe to leave anything behind on your plate, there are the boxty dishes, serving up elements from the traditional menu (shepherds pie, stew, corned beef or a bacon and cheese dish) wrapped in a fluffy yet sturdy potato pancake, all the better for wiping the plate clean.

K.C. BRANAGHAN’S 5734 E SECOND ST | LONG BEACH 90803 | 562.434.3600 |‎ KCBRANAGHANS.COM | OPEN DAILY 11AM-MIDNIGHT | FOOD FOR TWO $20-$40

Tags: dinner, irish, Long Beach, lunch, pub