O'Connell's, Alexandria

Irish-style pubs and taverns abound in Old Town. However, O'Connell's wins the prize for best atmosphere, hands down. The front room, referred to as "Brennan's bar," is all rich, dark wood and worn leather. The dapper decor is convincing: you don't have to guzzle stouts to imagine Dublin gents of yesteryear taking off their top hats around the antiqued barstools. The hints of history are further inculcated by actual antique furniture; for instance, the cabinetry that holds the liquor bottles used to house medicines in an old Irish pharmacy. Brennan's bar is also one of the only remaining Old Town bars with a smoking area, much to the joy of Marlboro Men and the dismay of health-freaks.

O'Connell's is packed with young, dynamic professionals on a Friday night. They pass easily from room to room in this labyrinth-like building of over 8,000 square feet. If you're in the mood for food while you're sauntering in and out of the dimly lit halls, you can ask one of the exceedingly friendly and conversational waitstaff for a bar menu, which includes Shepherd's Pie and guinness-braised ribs. No doubt you'll be sluggish in church on Sunday, wondering why in Jesus, Mary and Joseph you had so many Magner's Irish Ciders.