In the greater Woodbridge-Edison area there is a plethora of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Woodbridge's Shannon Rose combines all three under one, large, roof -- enabling customers to eat, drink, dance, and be merry. The establishment's convenient location and ample parking make Shannon Rose ideal for "that perfect night cap". The bar's ambiance is exquisite. Furthermore, the combination of live performances and DJs set the tone for a fun-filled evening out. However, the drawbacks of Shannon Rose far out weight its positive aspects; and overall it is a disappointment.
Firstly, the dress code too strict and ever-changing; prohibiting items such as hats, boots, hoods, white t-shirts, and sometimes shorts. Secondly, the bouncers are confrontational and often hit on the female patrons -- starting more fights than they break up. The poor service doesn't end here. Only a handful of waitresses serve the bar's massive upper level -- in turn -- causing drink service to be incredibly slow. It is also difficult to obtain customer checks or to close a tab -- forcing patrons whom want to leave, to linger within this pathetic pub.
Prices are also ridiculous. Shannon Rose's prices are far higher than the prices of its counterparts; particularly the prices of distilled spirits and bottled, imported, beer. The like the alcohol, the food is pricey. The menu contains numerous French and Italian dishes that are too complex for Shannon Rose's novice chefs to prepare. Brunch, lunch, dinner, and after-hours meals are available; however, only a handful of well-prepared dishes are offered in total (amongst the four menus).
On the upside, Shannon Rose hosts ladies' night every Thursday. The event is well coordinated and allows patrons to actually enjoy a night at the pub. If ladies' night is omitted, the bar's attendance is sparratic. Some weekends the bar is filled to capacity, and other weekends the bar contains a dozen people or so. However, one thing is constant. Women do not attend Shannon Rose -- creating an awkward environment for the women whom are in attendance and causing the male patrons to compete over the few females -- often creating conflicts that the bouncers can not handle.
Overall, Shannon Rose is a disappointment. The food, service, atmosphere, prices, and dress code are pitiful. With so many great restaurants located in Woodbridge township, it is hard to understand why diners would attend Shannon Rose. Furthermore, this pub is located less than four miles away from Fox and the Hound Pub and Grille (Edison), Big Shots Sports Bar (Woodbridge), and Chris Michael's (Woodbridge). With three better alternatives less than five miles away, it is certain that I will not return to Shannon Rose.
I have never been to Shannon Rose but I have had a few friends go. They always said they liked it and that it was a nice relaxed environment. I am so glad I decided not to go! Its amazing how such an establishment can still exist when the economy is so terrible, you would think they would try and make it a reasonable priced place for college students to go in order to bring in more customers.
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