Houlihan’s is a well-known American casual dining restaurant chain offering a diverse menu to satisfy a variety of tastes. The lunch menu at Houlihan’s is particularly popular, featuring a wide range of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees that cater to both light and hearty appetites.
The atmosphere at Houlihan’s is inviting and contemporary, making it an excellent choice for business lunches, casual meetings, or a meal with family and friends. This article explores the lunch offerings in detail, highlighting key dishes, nutritional information, and tips for ordering.
Overview of Houlihan’s Lunch Menu
The lunch menu is designed to provide a balance between classic American comfort food and modern culinary twists. Many items are crafted with fresh ingredients and can be customized to suit different dietary preferences.
Lunch at Houlihan’s typically includes options such as starters, salads, sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, and signature entrées. Additionally, they offer a selection of beverages and desserts to complete your meal.
“Houlihan’s lunch menu is the perfect blend of familiar favorites and innovative dishes, ideal for any midday craving.”
Starters and Appetizers
Starting your meal with an appetizer at Houlihan’s can set the tone for a satisfying lunch. Popular choices include their crispy calamari, spinach and artichoke dip, and chicken quesadilla.
These starters are crafted to share or enjoy solo and provide a flavorful introduction without overpowering your main course.
| Starter | Description | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Calamari | Lightly breaded calamari served with a tangy marinara sauce and a side of lemon aioli. | 550 |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | Creamy blend of spinach, artichokes, and cheeses served with toasted pita chips. | 620 |
| Chicken Quesadilla | Grilled chicken, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, served with salsa and sour cream. | 700 |
| House Made Potato Chips & Dip | Thinly sliced potato chips served with a rich onion dip. | 480 |
Salads: Fresh and Flavorful
Houlihan’s salad selection is vibrant and diverse, perfect for those seeking a lighter lunch option. Their salads often feature fresh greens, premium toppings, and house-made dressings.
Signature salads like the Asian Ginger Salad and Classic Caesar are staples. Many salads can be enhanced by adding grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for additional protein.
| Salad | Ingredients | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Ginger Salad | Mixed greens, shredded cabbage, almonds, wonton strips, ginger dressing. | 430 |
| Classic Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, Caesar dressing. | 410 |
| Harvest Salad | Mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, cranberries, candied pecans, apple cider vinaigrette. | 460 |
| House Salad | Mixed organic greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, choice of dressing. | 280 |
Sandwiches and Burgers
Houlihan’s sandwiches and burgers are a popular choice for lunch. They serve everything from classic cheeseburgers to more inventive creations like the Blackened Chicken Sandwich and the Turkey Avocado Club.
Each sandwich is served with house-made potato chips or fresh fruit, and customers can often substitute fries or a side salad for an additional charge.
| Item | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheeseburger | Half-pound beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, toasted bun. | 900 |
| Blackened Chicken Sandwich | Spicy blackened chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo, toasted bun. | 830 |
| Turkey Avocado Club | Oven-roasted turkey, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo on toasted multigrain bread. | 760 |
| Veggie Burger | House-made black bean patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, chipotle mayo, toasted bun. | 720 |
Signature Entrées
For those seeking a more substantial lunch, Houlihan’s offers signature entrées that blend hearty portions with creative flavors. These dishes often feature fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat, or vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
Some standout entrées include the Grilled Salmon, Steak Frites, and the Roasted Chicken. Each entrée is typically paired with seasonal vegetables or a choice of side.
| Entrée | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Salmon | Fresh Atlantic salmon grilled to perfection, served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. | 850 |
| Steak Frites | Grilled sirloin steak with herb butter, served with crispy French fries and a side salad. | 1,100 |
| Roasted Half Chicken | Herb-roasted chicken, served with wild rice pilaf and sautéed greens. | 780 |
| Vegetable Flatbread | Thin crust flatbread topped with roasted vegetables, mozzarella, and basil pesto. | 670 |
Lunch Combos and Specials
Houlihan’s occasionally offers lunch combos or specials that pair select sandwiches or salads with a cup of soup or a small side. These combos provide good value and variety for those who want to try multiple dishes in one meal.
Examples include a Half Sandwich with Soup or Salad and Soup Combo, perfect for a balanced yet satisfying lunch.
Tip: Check with your local Houlihan’s for daily lunch specials, which often include seasonal ingredients and limited-time offers.
Beverages and Desserts
Completing your lunch experience at Houlihan’s means choosing from a variety of beverages ranging from freshly brewed coffee and iced tea to craft cocktails and local beers.
For dessert, Houlihan’s menu includes indulgent options such as Chocolate Cake, Key Lime Pie, and Seasonal Fruit Crisp. These sweet treats are perfect for a midday pick-me-up or to share with companions.
| Category | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Beverage | Freshly Brewed Coffee | Regular or decaffeinated, served hot. |
| Beverage | Iced Tea | Freshly brewed and lightly sweetened, served over ice with lemon. |
| Beverage | Craft Beer | Selection varies by location, typically including local and national brands. |
| Dessert | Chocolate Cake | Rich, moist chocolate cake layered with creamy frosting. |
| Dessert | Key Lime Pie | Tart and sweet lime custard with a graham cracker crust. |
| Dessert | Seasonal Fruit Crisp | Warm baked fruit with a crunchy oat topping, served with vanilla ice cream. |
Nutrition and Dietary Options
Houlihan’s is attentive to dietary needs and offers several gluten-free, vegetarian, and lighter fare options. The menu often highlights these dishes with clear icons or notes for easy identification.
If you have specific dietary restrictions, it is always recommended to inform your server. Many dishes can be modified to meet your preferences, such as substituting sides or removing certain ingredients.
Note: Nutritional information is available upon request at most locations, helping guests make informed choices.
Ordering Tips for Lunch at Houlihan’s
To make the most of your lunch experience at Houlihan’s, consider the following tips:
- Timing: Lunch hours tend to be busy, so arriving early or making a reservation can help avoid wait times.
- Combos: Opt for lunch combos to enjoy a variety of flavors at a reasonable price.
- Customization: Don’t hesitate to ask for ingredient modifications to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Sharing: Starters and appetizers are great for sharing if dining with others, allowing you to sample multiple dishes.
Conclusion
Houlihan’s lunch menu offers a comprehensive range of dishes that cater to diverse palates and preferences. Whether you want a quick sandwich, a fresh salad, or a hearty entrée, the restaurant delivers quality and flavor in a welcoming atmosphere.
With attentive service and a commitment to fresh ingredients, Houlihan’s remains a favorite destination for midday meals across the country.
Experience the delicious variety of Houlihan’s lunch menu and make your next lunch outing a memorable one!
