Peggy Kinnane's brings authentic Irish pub to Arlington Heights

Pubs are immediately identified with Ireland.

That got me thinking: What type of bar is identified with America? Sports bar? I doubt it - people watch sports all over the world. Dive bars? No, dive bars are everywhere. Clubs? Again, no.

Those lucky Irish, they have set their own bar standard that we Americans try to re-create on our turf. But how can we possibly measure up to the original?

Enter Peggy Kinnane's, an Irish pub in Arlington Heights with one goal: authenticity.

Motif: Peggy Kinnane's has to be one of the largest pubs I've ever been to, and one of the nicest. It's incredible that pretty much every part of the bar's structure was crafted in Ireland. The level of detail is overwhelming.

Everywhere you look, there are shelves covered with bric-a-brac. Behind the large wood bar there's a bookcase where books share space with booze. The booths and tables are all authentic, and you had better believe there's a fireplace. I applaud Peggy Kinnane's for the small touches, The televisions even were showing soccer. Personally, I'm not the biggest soccer fan, but people do not pile into pubs in Ireland to watch baseball, basketball or American football. And, when it gets warm out one of these days, do check out Peggy Kinnane's patio, a great spot to people-watch in Arlington Heights' downtown area.

Crowd: The bar's crowd seemed to consist mainly of twentysomethings who came in groups (though I believe the couple next to me were on a first date, based on the guy asking the girl, "So what are your favorite television shows?" Good luck, man.)

Service: Peggy Kinnane's prides itself on its authenticity, including genuine Irish service. Not just anyone is going to be pouring you a pint of Guinness. On the night I visited, the bartenders all seemed straight from the Emerald Isle.

Liquid consumption: Behind Peggy Kinnane's large, full-service bar, you can find a variety of beers on tap, including Guinness (obviously), Bass, Boddingtons, Smithwick's, Harp, Blue Moon, Killian's Red, Newcastle and Woodpecker Cider. There are also plenty of Irish, Scotch and vintage whiskeys to choose from. Check Peggy Kinnane's Web site for drink specials. In March, Wednesdays will have $4 Harp drafts and each patron who orders a pint receives a Guinness pint glass (one per person).

Food: Peggy Kinnane's sticks to the failsafe pub grub with choices such as bangers and mash, fish and chips, lamb stew, shepherd's pie, corned beef and cabbage and boxty. Also, check out the sandwiches, burgers, steaks, salmon, meatloaf and chicken breast. Like the drink specials, be sure to consult Peggy Kinnane's calendar for food deals, which change monthly.

Sounds: Peggy Kinnane's has bands on most Fridays and Saturdays. The musical entertainment ranges from the U2 cover band Elevation to the more-Irish affair of the Trinity Irish Dancers and other cover bands that focus on a variety of musical decades.

Parking: Your best bet for parking at Peggy Kinnane's is going to be on the surrounding streets. Parking's tight, but it's worth the hassle.

Overall: I heartily recommend Peggy Kinnane's. The owners have really gone all out to build an authentic Irish experience. In fact, I think multiple trips are necessary to take in all the nuances of this place. Peggy Kinnane's is pub done right.

<p class="factboxheadblack">Peggy Kinnane's</p> <p class="News">8 N. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights</p> <p class="News">(847) 577-3886, <a href="http://www.peggykinnanes.com" target="new">peggykinnanes.com</a></p> <p class="News"><b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 a.m. Sunday</p>