The Red Shoe Pub - MABOU

This pub famous for being owned by the Rankin family is worth a stop for a bowl of good seafood chowder. Expect it to be busy because of its association with the Rankins. The staff were all friendly.

This pub was recommended by friends who visited Cape Breton. It's a short walk from Duncreigan Country Inn. We were fortunate to when live Celtic music was being performed. This added greatly to our dinner enjoyment! Everyone in the pub were tapping their feet during their meal. Food was great! You gotta eat here!

We ate at the Red Shoe Pub and it was excellent. Great menu and the beer selection was good. The patio is really nice on a summer day. Wish we could have made it there for a live show. The prices were really reasonable too.

Several years ago I came to Inverness and passed the Red Shoe. I wondered at the time what it was like and now, after two dinners and three nights of music, I know. Two of the music nights were great Scottish fiddle music and one night not so great. The beer and scotch selections were good. The menu is limited but has tasty selections. My one dish, scallops and bacon in a cheese, cream sauce was too rich and thick for my taste. Mussels, chicken wings and assorted fish dishes were good, not great. The waitresses were friendly and attentive. A full house made the place noisy but that is the way a pub with music should be.

Pure Cape Breton! The music is special, energetic and foot stomping! We sat next to the piano and had appetizers and drinks, visiting with our Mabou friends. Soon after the concert began at 4PM we ordered dinner, and stayed until 7PM. (there is a cover charge for the concert)Music is by Cape Breton families-mother/father to son/daughter. This is their life, not entertainment only for tourists. Mostly traditional jigs and reels with fiddle and piano.Very inspiring !!PS. Closed in winter.