Plough & Stars   

There's no shortage of Irish watering holes in San Francisco, especially out in the foggy reaches of the Richmond and Sunset districts that so many Emerald Isle immigrants call home. But as the many Irish old-timers that are regulars here can attest, few pubs can claim the warmth and low-key authenticity of the Plough and Stars. There's little on the inside to differentiate the Plough from many similar pubs in the neighborhood. But where most bars hang an orange, white and green tri-color and take a little extra time pouring their Guinness to impart "Irishness," the Plough and Stars is decidedly committed to the culture and traditions of the homeland. The most obvious manifestation of the Plough's old-world ways is the pub's musical fare, which features the finest and most seasoned practitioners of Irish song serving up folk, jigs and reels every week. And while the jukebox makes concessions to contemporary Irish contributions from U2, Van Morrison and Them, selections are principally collected from an impressive library of Irish folk singers belting hymns, lilting waltzes and rollicking drinking tunes for the late-night crowd. -- Chico Szabo