More than just a bar
By Evan Wechman
A pub is more than just a bar . In addition to liquor , it serves great food . This article describes seven great pubs around the U . S . to wet your whistle and whet your appetite . They all take good care of their customers , and have interesting stories . They ’ re terrific hangouts if you ’ re drinking , but charming for the designated driver , too .
MacFarlane ’ s Celtic Pub , Lake Charles , LA
If you ’ re in the neighborhood , visit this great pub brimming with Southern hospitality . Lake Charles is in southwestern Louisiana , more than 200 miles from New Orleans and less than 40 miles from Texas . It offers about 150 beers , as well as Irish whiskey and Scotch . A few years back , its Voodoo Bloody Mary was voted the best Bloody Mary in Lake Charles .
Roland Gaudet , the manager , says MacFarlane ’ s ambience packs people into its establishment . His customers , he says , are more like friends . “ We have top-notch food , but we also have fun ,” he declares .
Gaudet is especially proud of MacFarlane ’ s large food portions . Notable are the cheese fries , which you can even try with corned beef .
On the web : macfarlanescelticpub . com
Oven and Shaker , Portland , OR
If you love pizza and cocktails , look no further than this great pub in Portland , OR . Oven and Shaker has been here for about 10 years , and it keeps getting busier . According to manager Nick Morrell , “ People come in for our unique wood-fired pizzas and fun , whimsical cocktails .” His customers love the atmosphere , too . “ We create a warm , cozy environment that is
welcoming and has great energy ,” he says .
Also cool is watching a female chef design the pizzas . Cathy Whim is recognized in the area as a culinary artist who knows just what toppings to add .
On the web : www . ovenandshaker . com
Sloppy Joe ’ s , Key West , FL
Though it ’ s been here for decades under different names , Sloppy Joe ’ s is a Key West tradition for several reasons . The thought of hanging out at a famous pub that Ernest Hemingway once frequented would be enough to attract many guests , but combine that with Key West ’ s distinctive sea-girt scenery and the nightly sunset happening just down the street , and you have a great venue .
Brand Manager Donna Edwards says , “ Sloppy Joes is a great place to hang out ,