Sundays with George at KC Branaghan’s

The first thing you’ll want to do when you get to K.C. Branaghan’s for Sunday breakfast, or lunch, is to find George, the man with the champagne. At least that’s what I did this past Sunday as George just so happened to have a bottle of champagne in each hand a big smile on his face, and soon I was smiling right along (and this was not just due to the bottomless mimosas).

I checked out the pictures on the pub’s wall–some were of family, some of patrons, lots with a smiling George in them during lulls in conversation and action in the game.

The deco at K.C. Branaghan is standard Irish pub, with low ceilings, and all the servers were friendly. The walls touted the upcoming events, for instance, Tuesday night is pint night, and whatever beer you order comes with a signature glass that you get to keep (as in, take home with you to impress your friends), and all refills in theses aforementioned glass are $1 off.

George Sabbagh is the Publican of K.C. Branaghan’s, which is located on 2nd Street in the Long Beach community of Naples. KC Branaghan’s is an Irish pub with a full kitchen and a big menu with breakfast (including a traditional Irish breakfast), lunch and dinner.  On Saturdays and Sundays they offer "bottomless mimosas" and not bottomless but great Bloody Mary’s. There’s a good chance you’ll see George as he pours your drinks and stops to chat with you for a moment.

It so happens that my first trip to K.C. Branaghan’s was during the world cup (Germany vs. Australia), but there wasn’t an overbearing amount of people in to watch the game (although there were some great screens to watch it on). There was a fair amount of people in on Sunday for dining and bottomless mimosas, and an equal amount of game watchers settled in at the bar with a pint (20oz Imperial pints, 15 different brews).

The food includes traditional Irish Fayre and boxty dishes, as well as burgers, sandwiches, ribs and steak.  My french fries came scattered over a paprika sprinkled plate making for quite a nice presentation and a tasty seasoning to rub on. I had George’s favorite BTLA (delish) and fries.

Unfortunately, I forgot to flip the menu over, otherwise I would have ordered breakfast, which includes a traditional Irish breakfast.  But I figure it gives me a reason to come back.

If you find that you’re a little tipsy after one too many mimosas, then you’re in the perfect place to take an afternoon walk: check out the coastal community of Naples in Long Beach, by walking up to the canals and seeing kayakers make their way through.

The houses in the neighborhood all have private docks, and the views can be impressive, humorous, or both. Look for Captain Morgan, an alligator, and other spectacles on the boats as you’re walking by. Maybe even a friendly sheep dog in a yard will give you a moment’s attention as you meander by, and if it’s evening already, 2nd street offers multiple shops and bars with which to entertain yourself.

Definitely an enjoyable way to spend the day.