A true Irish bar among many posers, Galway Arms will not disappoint customers looking for a good pint of Guinness and some music they can jig to. Weekends feature live bands, with traditional Irish tunes on Sunday nights, and soccer (sorry, "football") games on the big screens in addition to American sports. Daily specials also channel the U.K., with quiz night on Wednesdays and all-you-can-eat fish 'n' chips on Tuesdays.

The exposed brick, fireplace, large booths and dark wood tables give the place a cozy feel, and the stained-glass windows and chandeliers are a nice touch. As is the case in many Irish pubs, the walls are a seemingly random assortment of soccer jerseys and other sports memorabilia, Smithwicks and Jameson paraphernalia and old-time photographs. But the big draw at Galway Arms is the outdoor patio, which opens around St. Patrick's Day (weather permitting) and offers prime people-watching space on this bustling stretch of Clark Street. The patio has heaters and flat-screen TVs and fills up fast on nice days, so get there early if you intend to occupy one of the 70 available seats.

The bar calls its menu "Celtic Fusion," a combination of pub staples like wings and quesadillas mixed in with more authentic Irish offerings. Pretend you're across the pond and dive into some Irish-style curried chips, shepherd's pie and Guinness creme brulee. Beer in the dessert? This must be an Irish pub. Brunch and kids' menus are also available.

Centerstage Reviewer: Erica Walkup