Fab Five Friday
Well, here it is: my list of the five best Irish pubs around town.
This is a subject I was a little leery of touching, because people are pretty opinionated about it.
It's the nightlife equivalent of Elizabeth Large's Top Ten Tuesday on crab cakes.
1. Liam's Pint-Size Pub, below Kumari, 911 N. Charles St. (pictured)
The best pub in Mount Vernon, hands down. Most nights, Liam himself is there at the bar -- drinking, not serving.
2. Patrick's of Pratt Street, 934 W. Pratt St.
Take your hat of to a legend, son.
3. J. Patrick's Irish Pub, 1371 Andre St.
From MS contributor Rob Hiaasen: The people are friendly, the beer is cold and reasonably priced ... and no TV competes against the music or conversation.
4. Mick O'Shea's, 328 N. Charles St.
Every bar should be welcoming, and the unassuming Mick O'Shea's is just that.
5. Slainte, 1700 Thames St.Slainte is a Saturday morning go-to for European football.
Honorable mention: Mike McGovern's, 1129 S. Clinton St.
Love how low key this place is. It would have made the list, but it's only open three days a week.
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
You can't be an Irish Bar (Slainte) if you serve a "black and tan".
Posted by: Missy | November 9, 2007 9:09 PM
Missy comment of 11 / 9 / 07 is so right. If you have no idea who the Bloody Tans were and what they were sent to Ireland to do! The you are no Son or Daughtter of Eire, Boyo !
Posted by: Gregory Michael Patrick Cashen | March 8, 2008 3:57 PM
Sam,
Just thought the readers should know about the Band that is playing St. Patricks Day at Mick O'Shea's is pretty good. The band, Donegal Xpress (www.dxplive.com) has been playing in the B-more area for the better part of a decade, and really cranks it up for St Paddy's day. They will be there for both the post-parade party sunday and for the festivities on Monday. Worth checking out-pass the word.
Mather
Posted by: Mather | March 12, 2008 3:53 AM
that's funny. just about a month ago i saw a show on one of my new hd channels where the difference between an american black and tan and an irish black and tan were explained. one is half guinness and the other just has enough on top for a creamy head. how is it that there can be an irish style black and tan but an irish pub stateside doesn't have any cred if it serves one? have a shot of bushmill's and don't worry about it.
Posted by: rick | March 12, 2008 11:47 AM
I always enjoyed the feel of the crowd at Kislings on South Chester @ Boston St Canton..
Posted by: Mike da rookie | March 15, 2008 5:19 PM