Squarely in the Mac camp
MacDinton's Irish Pub and Restaurant
405 S Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 251-8999; macdintons.com
MacDinton's is the "mac" daddy of Irish bars. It's got more square footage, a better alcohol selection and elaborate, handmade rustic decor. Heck, a fishing boat even hangs from the ceiling.
The excellence of MacDinton's comes at a price. In a literal sense, food and beverages cost more, but there's a net loss of grungy charm too. So, if you like to chill with the codgers and participate in sing-alongs, then McD's might not be your cup of Guinness.
It instead attracts an all-American upwardly mobile clientele, people who can afford to fly to Ireland itself to drink beer. Techies, salesmen, consultants and other miscellaneous achiever types flock to its Friday happy hour.
But don't hate MacDinton's because of its beautiful people. MacDinton's lives up to the hype with impressive quality and authenticity. An Irish craftsman designed the establishment to look like an old Dublin bar (even used bricks and wood imported from Ireland).
Grab one of the expected Guinness, Harp, Bass, or try a Boddingtons, Magners Irish Cider, or venture to other lands with Stella or Hoegaarden. The menu also goes beyond the Emerald Isle, with salads and grilled items competing with fish and chips. Friday, from 4 p.m., is a parking headache. Plan ahead. - Julie Garisto jgaristo@tampabay.com
Four Green Fields
205 W Platt St., Tampa; (813) 254-4444, www.fourgreenfields.com
The thatched house on Platt has been a Tampa favorite for years, and is one of the most authentic bars around. The space is indeed very similar to any pub you'd find in Kerry or Dublin, with a bar the size of the eating area, everyone drinking Guinness and a stage that's propped acts ranging from local troubadours to Sinead O'Connor. Out front and back, you can dine and drink at picnic benches, but you don't have to smoke outdoors. Smoking is permitted inside, where yellowed Sinn Fein and rebellion clippings match with the odd anti-Brit poster. At the huge hexagonal bar, they've got Smithwick's, Guinness and Paddy's Irish Whiskey. The grub is not as varied a selection of Irish eats as O'Brien's or MacDinton's, but the Fields excels in what it serves: great fish and chips, sandwiches, corned beef, Guinness-braised beef and an unbelievable vegetable soup.
The Dubliner Irish Pub
2307 W Azeele St., Tampa; (813) 258-2257
At the north end of SoHo, just off Howard Avenue, is the third of South Tampa's trinity of Irish pubs. It achieves the ultimate dichotomy of all great Irish bars: an uncanny ability to be both boisterous and relaxing. Dubliner's yellow walls show off game trophies. Aged wood trim lends a homey, cozy feel, and Guinness and Boddingtons mirrors that remind you why you look like that after a few rounds. The side patio for drinking and live music provides more elbow room for the bar indoors, with two bars serving up heavy doses of Irish-meets-American-casual atmosphere. Smithwick's, Stella Artois, Woodchuck, Carlsberg and many more of your best friends from far away make up a great brew selection - a li'l pricey, but worth it. The Dubliner offers traditional Anglo-Celtic food favorites, with some funky American options, like waffle fries with nacho toppings.
Fox and Hounds Irish Pub
229 E Brandon Blvd., Brandon; (813) 685-8151, www.irishfoxandhounds.com
A spot for serious dart competition, with the trappings of the traditional Irish pub; dark wood and yellow-painted dart rooms (so you know where to throw those pointy things) and black floor planks leading to an L-shaped bar, with tables east of the bar. One look down the bar reveals spouts popping up in all different directions. Boddingtons and Kronenburg ease the pain of no liquor. Irish and sports pub fare is fairly low frills and cheaper than most places. The Scotch egg, Guinness gravy and wings are the highlights here, and are all under less than $7.
The James Joyce Irish Pub
1704 E Seventh Ave., Tampa; (813) 247-1896
Gaelic grittiness and old word comfort resonate with Catholic messages and paintings, authentic crests and flags, and all the Emerald Isle patron saints of the brewing world. Actually closer to true Irish atmosphere than a few of the other area pubs, dark woods, decrepit wallpaper and romantically poetic sitting areas, and the view above Seventh Avenue makes it all the more special. Take your pick: Whether it's the all-star Irish booze selection or simply the musty but memorable mood of the place, James Joyce is a gem.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen
4115 S MacDill Ave., Tampa; (813) 832-3037
Both a nighttime hangout and a daytime cafe, Mad Dogs offers family-friendly and adult fun, and contrasting worlds atmosphere-wise: Out front, it's pure Florida, with umbrella tables and potted palms. Inside, it's all UK, with dark wooden tables and rustic accents. A dozen beers are on tap, the majority of them imports, and an extensive wine list accommodates vino drinkers. Hungry? Try the healthy and huge Mad Dog salad or a grilled chicken Caesar wrap. Heartier appetites will appreciate MD's award-winning burgers and Brit staples. Daily specials are more on the cuisine side, with items such as sesame-crusted salmon and chutney, and tuna Caprese. A Sunday brunch is also featured.
Limey's Pub
1492 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 895-2049
London Underground and train station signs and multicolored benches enhance the legit Brit pub. Inside, a live band setup sits to the right, and an old-fashioned English bar to the left. A huge wooden porch wraps around three-quarters of the place with pool tables and lots of open-air seating. A star-studded tap set includes the famous Tetley's, Strongbow and Boddington's, along with an array of other Irish and British mainstays. Don't pass up on the true Guinness snakebite, either. The menu appeals to Old World and New World appetites, with traditional pub staples, like bangers and mash, and shepherd's and Guinness beef pies.
