Get Thee to O'Brien's!

O'Brien's Pub at rest after another festive Friday night

I love a great beer bar and am lucky enough to live within walking distance of one of San Diego's finest, the legendary O'Brien's in Kearny Mesa. The selection is always top notch, the atmosphere inviting, and the staff friendly and knowledgeable. It's one of those places where I have no problem asking whoever is behind the bar what their favorite beer currently on tap is and ordering it. I don't usually do that, but it's nice to know I can if the mood strikes me.

The food is standard pub faire: sandwiches, burgers, fries. There's nothing fancy, but everything is well executed and pairs well with beer (go figure). A personal favorite is the garlic Parmesan fries. I could eat those morsels of tastiness all day. Pub faire isn't your jam? No problem, there are a ridiculous number of excellent alternatives on Convoy, home to the best Asian cuisine in San Diego. Pick a place at random and you're likely to get an excellent meal at a reasonable price.

Inside there are several tables and a few TVs in the corners, usually broadcasting a sporting event (soccer is big here). A dartboard in the back gets plenty of use. Outside there are more tables and TVs. The patio is dog and smoker friendly, if you like dogs and/or smoke.

O'Brien's is easy to get to, but parking sucks. Seriously, don't even bother with the lot. Your best bet is to find something on Opportunity Rd., just to the north, probably a block or two away.

Another option is something people in other parts of the world rely on called public transportation. The 44 bus goes between Clairemont Square and Old Town. Coming from either direction, it's a five-minute walk from the stop to paradise. And if you get a day pass, you can easily catch the next bus to Common Theory or Council Brewing. Or hop on the 27 and visit Societe Brewing. With so many choices, you can't lose!

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