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Night out
Top o' the pourin' to ya
By STEVE SPEARS
Published March 17, 2005
For St. Patrick's Day aficionados who yearn for authentic experiences, here's a quick look at five local favorites for celebrating.
Flanagan's Irish Pub
465 Main St., Dunedin
(727) 736-4994
www.flanagansirishpub.net
Vitals: Tucked away on Dunedin's quaint Main Street shopping area is this small but authentic pub. Arrive early because parking and seats are scarce. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 11:30 a.m. to midnight on Wednesday and Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily.
The brews: Those on tap include Newcastle Brown Ale, Guinness, Harp, Bass and the always appreciated Smithwick's Ale. Special bonus: Several flavors from hometown microbrewery Dunedin Brewery are available by the bottle.
The crowd: Flanagan's draws all kinds and ages, none ashamed to sing along with the nightly entertainment, typically an Irish balladeer who fancies the traditional tunes along with his pint of Guinness.
Authenticity: Inside and out, Flanagan's re-creates the look and feel of Ireland. It's as close to the Emerald Isle as you'll find in North Pinellas.
St. Paddy's plans: Flanagan's will hold its annual party in the bar and on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Irish beer and food will be available, and entertainment is planned all day, including performances by bagpipers and Irish dancers. There's no cover charge.
Harp & Thistle
6110 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
(727) 360-4575
www.harpandthistlepub.com
Vitals: The old Harp & Thistle disappeared a few years ago, until the name and knickknacks were bought and relocated to its new location at the Howard Johnson's Inn on St. Pete Beach. The new spot is twice the size with half the atmosphere. Hours are 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. There are nightly drink and food specials but happy hour is generally from noon to 7 p.m. weekdays.
The brews: The usual suspects are on tap. The bar is tucked away in a corner, which reduces the pub feeling.
The crowd: A decidedly older crowd frequents the new joint, probably more so since this is snowbird season. Pat Packer, who owned the old Harp with her husband, Bob, is still here, working the crowd more as an "old friend" than a host.
Authenticity: The new Harp doesn't look, smell or feel like its predecessor, which was the pioneer for authentic Irish pubbery in the Tampa Bay area. This version disguises itself as a typical beach restaurant until the entertainment starts.
St. Paddy's plans: A traditional Harp & Thistle party is planned, with tents to accommodate the crowd. A food court and beer truck also will be available outside. There's a $6 cover charge for admission, which includes the Harp's traditional St. Patrick's Day button.
Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub
250 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach
(727) 363-4007
www.graceomalleysirishpub.com
Vitals: Tucked away in an aging one-story building on the beach side of the Corey Causeway, Grace O'Malley's is an emerald in the rough, frequented by locals who love Irish spirits and folk music. Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday through Monday; noon to midnight Tuesday through Friday. Closing time sometimes stretches until 2 a.m. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays.
The beer: Smithwick's, Guinness, Harp, Bass . . . the gang's all here. A shelf of Irish whiskeys beckons those who prefer a harder bite.
The crowd: A fun-loving gang of all ages. There's room for couples looking for an intimate table and space for larger groups of soccer hooligans watching their favorite teams from Europe on satellite TV.
Authenticity: Shimmering shamrocks . . . if this isn't the real thing, who cares? While other pubs may look more Irish, Grace O'Malley's just feels more like a village pub.
St. Paddy's plans: Entertainment from opening until last call. There's no cover charge, but the bar is selling meal and drink tickets for $16.
Four Green Fields
205 Platt St., Tampa
(813) 254-4444
www.fourgreenfields.com
Vitals: If the coolest bars are the ones that only the regulars can find, then welcome to the Joe O'Cool of Irish bars in Tampa Bay. With some effort and patience, the bar can be found a block off Bayshore Boulevard behind a Publix. Open 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.
The beer: Import fans won't find a better selection outside of Ireland itself. Don't think of ordering a domestic beer, lest ye get an evil look from the bartenders.
The crowd: South Tampa and Hyde Park neighbors seem to make up the bulk of the evening crowd. This is the place for the young and beautiful 20-somethings to unwind and enjoy good beer and fellowship in relative calm. But the place does heat up when Irish entertainers hit the stage. This pub gets some of the best solo performers and bands in the area.
Authenticity: On a scale of 1 to 10, give this place a 15. Why? A pet rooster guards the front entrance. Irish football jerseys hang above the bar. The restaurant features a thatched roof. And there's a Sinn Fein recruitment poster near the kitchen. Enough said.
St. Paddy's plans: An Irish lunch buffet is available until 2, after which live music begins inside and outside the bar. There's a $10 cover charge after 2 p.m. Longtime patrons know this place never disappoints on the holiest of drinking days.
James Joyce Irish Pub
1704 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City
(813) 247-1896
Vitals: It sits discreetly on top of the Green Iguana Bar and Grill. The staircase is between the two entrances to the Iguana. Hours are 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
The beer: Trust us. The beer is worth the two-story climb. Just go easy on the pints or the descent can be a challenge.
The crowd: You'd never know this was Ybor City. A decidedly eclectic but friendly crowd inhabits the dozen or so tables in this creaky but lovable establishment. A dart room away from the bar makes for nice distraction.
Authenticity: This may not be the most Irish bar in Tampa Bay. But in an area like Ybor City, where Bud Light and techno music count as high culture, it's as Irish as it needs to be.
St. Paddy's plans: Understated, like the rest of the bar. There's live music planned all day, and a $10 cover later in the evening.
[Last modified March 16, 2005, 12:33:08]
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