It's hard to tear yourself away from a neighborhood pub that's been so reliable over the years. No matter how hard you try to visit other spots, you always end up back at "yours." Blarney Stone is, for many people, that pub.

Because of its dark-wood furnishing, the bar is always dim, but it never feels gloomy; in fact, the illuminated beer signs, blaring TV and chatty, friendly wait staff make it burst with life. During the day (it opens at 10 a.m. daily for lunch), you'll find local businessmen, construction workers and waitresses devouring a Philly beef sandwich ($6.25) or a corned beef reuben ($6.50). With over 20 kinds of sandwiches, your belly won't be growling after you're done here.

At night, you'll typically see a younger crowd. Affectionately dubbed "the high-school reunion" by the regulars, Blarney Stone teems with old classmates still living in the area. Ah, if only the cafeteria sold pizza made from scratch with fresh ingredients and ridiculously cheap pitchers of beer. Sunday through Thursday you can get domestic pitchers for $5.

There's never a cover charge except on Saturday nights when there's live entertainment. A beer garden in back hosts heated games of bags and also doubles as a smoking tent in the winter months. Blarney Stone rents out a room for parties and caters, too.

Centerstage Reviewer: Jill Kozak