photo: courtesy of Bridget Cicenia
By 6 p.m. on any given night, the weathered, wooden bar at the Grafton Pub hosts a stable of comfortable regulars. They cozy up to the bar to chat with the friendly bartender about their families or steal a quiet moment to themselves with a book and a cold beer. Nostalgic photos, postcards and other memorabilia from the Old Country are displayed proudly below the bar's glass top while the bar's two TVs are modest-size and far from the center of attention. People frequent this pub with relaxation in mind—to grab good food, drinks and just enjoy the company. If they're lucky, they'll also enjoy one of the regular live music acts, which range from American folk to live Irish and even a Monday night open mic.
The generous food portions come straight from an Irish kitchen. Start with some beer-battered onion rings, macaroni 'n' cheese or Irish oak potato skins before moving on to hearty entrees like Molloy's meatloaf, beef and Guinness stew or classic fish 'n' chips. Appetizers range from $3.25-$6.95 and entrees from $6.95-$10.95.
More impressive than the homey food is the beer list that would make any Irishman proud: It boasts over 13 drafts, 17 imported brews and 10 domestic. Those who, heaven forbid, aren't the beer-drinking type will find a basic list of cocktails priced around $8.50. Whatever your poison, the bartender will pour it with a warm smile and a "Cheers!"
Centerstage Reviewer: Emily Browne