The Pub

There are a lot of ersatz “Irish” places out there. This one’s for real. Run by a couple from County Sligo, this place has the look and, more importantly, the feel, of real Ireland. It’s been in business since 2001.

Hard to describe the decor: sort of House On The Rock meets Sligo. There is Irish memorabilia, a lot of it family heirlooms from the owners' personal history, scattered all over the place, from musical instruments to a “No Irish Need Apply” sign by the bar. The restaurant features four “snugs,” private dining areas built inside of replicas of old Sligo storefronts. There’s a curragh (leather rowboat) on a second-floor landing. Quite a sight!

Dinner only. They tried lunch a few years back and couldn’t get enough steady business. Opens at four, and the crowd pretty much determines how late they go.

The food has many of the usual suspects...Irish stew, shepherd’s pie...but the focus is more on contemporary cuisine. This is similar to what’s going on now in Ireland, as well. So there are steak, lamb and seafood to go with the pub fare of sandwiches and pizzas. They handle fish quite well, and cooking overall is done with a light touch. The fish fry is well regarded (in Wisconsin, that means something!), and Friday is generally packed.

One specialty is cheeses: they have a wide selection of Irish cheeses (with home-baked brown bread and fruit) as appetizers. Unusual, and a great starter.

Bar has the usual beers, including Guinness poured by people who know how to do it right. There’s also an unexpectedly sophisticate wine list, and what is purported to be the best selection of Irish Whiskeys in the state. If you like single-malts, the Irish variation is a bit smoother and cleaner, without the peat smoke. Very nice sipping, either before or after the meal.

Prices are moderate.

Thursday night has a “session,” and informal mix of local musicians playing traditional Irish tunes. Rest of the time the music is kept low.

Service can be a bit spotty at times. Younger staff can sometimes be a bit off the mark. This is a quibble, however.

Oconomowoc is doing a major reconstruction in 2008, so the downtown is a bit of a mess. They have maps posted on their site showing how to find parking and navigate. Check that before heading there.