An Poitin Stil   

An Poitin Stil is a great neighborhood spot that is worth traveling for. One measure local tavern, one part family restaurant and one big splash of good old pick-up bar, the "Still's" goal is to be "The Best Irish Pub Anywhere". The main room is so vast with side rooms and alcoves leading out from a wrap around bar that you feel you are in a Celtic castle. Drinkers seem to be in the majority clustering in age groups, of twenty- and thirty-somethings -- and beyond. The crowd is friendly and flirty but calm enough for the patrons at the booths around the bar to enjoy a pleasant meal. The name of this establishment at first seems a bit odd. But once you discover that Poitin (pronounced put-CHEEN) is a strong potato moonshine that has been distilled in Ireland for centuries, the reasoning becomes clear. Irish beer in days of yore was so heavily taxed that Poitin was often consumed in its place. The thirsty masses at An Poitin Stil drink in the spirit of Ireland even if beer stands in for the shine. Order from a long list of Irish beers including Caffrey's, Guinness, Harp and Murphy's or any other distilled spirit at the bar. Beyond the booze, sample from an array of appetizers such as prawn cocktail, Welsh Rabbit Shrimp Dip and Dublin Beef Sticks -- deep-fried in a batter of stout with horseradish dip. The traditional Irish menu is rounded out with specialties like Venison Au Poivre, Potato Crusted Grouper and Lamb Steak.