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Harp & Thistle Pub & Grill
Vitals: 6110 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727 360-4575. Live Celtic music 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. No cover charge. Restaurant hours: 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. Check www.harpandthistlepub.com for updates on entertainers.
Decor: New owners have carefully retained the spirit and many of the decorations from the old location and obviously respect the history created by the previous owners, Pat Packer and family, who still play host at the new location and whose personal photos hang alongside those of entertainers scattered amid the typical Irish pub decor. Having experienced the close and intimate quarters of the old location, we feared the much larger space couldn't offer the same experience. Butwe were pleasantly surprised when Pat made her rounds to each table and told us that they still use the famous old pub stools on crowded nights. A large side room handles the overflow crowd, or, as we saw on a Friday night, a wedding rehearsal dinner.
Vibe: Pat and daughter Jennifer greet all patrons as long-lost friends. As our server, a college student, told us, "It's like they're all one big family." Servers are helpful, attentive and friendly. As with most Irish bands, this one provided plenty of audience participation, and we were pleasantly surprised when one band member shared his break (and his pint of Guinness) at our table. The atmosphere is comfortable for all ages. On our visit, a big table of 20-somethings looked to be having as much fun as the table of seniors seated next to them.
Food: The Irish and American cuisine includes appetizers such as codfish cakes and Guinness beer-battered onion rings, an impressive selection of seafood dishes and lighter fare, and a delicious Irish Apple Crisp. I enjoyed the freshest pint of Guinness here since visiting Ireland. Bass, Harp and Kelly's are also served on tap. Happy hour is noon until 7 p.m. weekdays, with $1 domestic drafts and $2 wells and house wines.
Bottom line: If you're seeking a friendly pub with good food, drink and live music that doesn't overwhelm conversation, the Harp & Thistle is well worth a visit.