Mick O'Shea's Irish Pub   

Mick O'Shea's is the kind of place where pouring the perfect pint is considered an art form. But that's to be expected of a place with nine beers on tap -- ranging from Guinness to Yuengling to the local Resurrection Ale -- plus an Irish cider. Dark paneling inset with family crests with names like O'Hara, Moran and Duffy, and exposed brick, keep the large open space feeling intimate. A stage right where the front room meets the back gives everyone a view of the act. Off to the side, a small room with low rough beams and a Celtic mural is the place to have a conversation. The menu is upscale tavern food with a British Isle emphasis. So yes, you'll find fish and chips, shepherds pie, corned beef and cabbage and bangers and mash (Irish sausage with potatoes and a whiskey mustard). But for a taste of what's on this side of the Atlantic there's a Porterhouse steak, chicken marsala and St. Louis ribs. While beer and food are important -- let's face it -- it's the music that makes O'Shea's stand out in the Irish pub crowd. Rocking acts like The Young Dubliners and Black 47 play here when they're in Charm City. And, of course, His Honor's Celtic rock band O'Malley's March are well acquainted with O'Shea's little stage. But it's not all rock 'n' roll; on many nights you'll find more traditional Irish music. And on open mike nights, who knows what you'll find?