| Craic (pronounced "crack"), a Gaelic word that translates loosely as "congenial fun," is abundant at this Irish pub. The Irish owners take their traditional enjoyment seriously, as is clear to anyone who's been to the place's over-the-top St. Patrick's Day celebration. But that's also made obvious from a menu packed with numerous national classics that are generally well-executed. Among the best: smoked salmon with brown bread and garnishes of onion, capers and chopped egg; a bold beef stew with Guinness gravy; and battered fish ‘n’ chips (actually thick-cut fries). Admittedly, some items, like the Brian Boru steak salad, are just named to sound Irish, but the latter's tasty enough to forgive the hokeyness. A more serious fault is service, which is all too frequently slow as sludge. The pub's extensive stock of Irish beers and whiskeys does take the edge off impatience, though. And for those who over-indulge, there's an extensive late-night menu, including some of the place's best bites, that's served till 4 a.m. |
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