Bridie O'Reilly's City

It takes a certain person to populate a Bridie O'Reillys. Usually, it's not a punter in search of one of the admittedly huge number of tap beers they boast, but usually more a person who figures that Bridie's is quite simply the easiest option. It's not to say that's a bad thing, it's just that it plays to, and succeeds in, drawing the perfect middle-of-the-road crowd, and does it very well. It's completely inoffensive, and when there's sport on, it's great fun. While their usual Friday or Saturday night are usually slightly older types looking for somewhere to get loose on the dance floor without being embarrassed in front of the kids.

Bridie's itself though, typical of Irish themed pubs (albeit due to the cramped nature of real estate in the city) the way it's been forced to be executed in a fairly interesting environment makes sure the stereotype doesn't jar too badly. Sure, it's a bit too brightly lit, and the bands are forced to play on the same dance floor that punters are jumping about on, but if you're after a couple of pints of the perennial Irish favourites, Guinness, Kilkenny, Harp and Bulmers, or perhaps the English Newcastle Brown Ale, then you've come to right place. It's simple and enjoyable.

Without fail the venue will be buzzing most nights, and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday they have the obligatory cover bands appeasing people who enjoy such things. The bar itself thematically is what you'd expect from an Irish-themed bar Melbourne, vaguely tacky sporting and cultural memorabilia, a thick noise dampening carpet and almost everything in polished wood. The pub grub is also normal, run-of-the-mill fare, traditional Irish dishes - which means, er, fish and chips, stew and bangers and mash - or the Chef's selection that is pleasing to those of a far broader palate. There are a surprising number of salads as well, which makes for a good summer option, as do their early week summer specials.

All in all, it's an easy option whether you're after a quiet few, or a big night. Just don't expect a cultural experience.