Burren   

In a region where a fair share of "Irish" bars get away with neon shamrocks in the windows and Guinness flowing from the taps, the Burren turns on its Celtic charm with ease. The exterior facade alone pulls most window shoppers in with its black wood paneling and hanging greenery. You might even think you're back in Ireland's County Clare, the bar's namesake, were it not for Davis Square's bohemian students bumping elbows with you to get inside. Chow down with an Irish breakfast on Sundays, a ploughman's lunch during the week and shepherd's pie anytime. There's also a good selection of draft beer and cider behind the bar. Live music seven nights a week ranges from the traditional Irish sessuin to full-tilt rock. Sit down for a spell with Celtic musicians, who take over a few seats in the front room, or journey into the back room, where local bands like the Tarbox Ramblers regularly get boots stomping. Weekends, however, can be a true test of one's patience and claustrophobia. Gaining entry can often be a half-hour ordeal -- and fighting your way through a sea of boozy college students to get a drink may require more than a little Irish luck.