First Bite: McNamara's Irish Pub and Restaurant

If you've ever spent a Sunday night in Dan McGuiness Pub, well ... you might not remember it. But if you did have a hazy recollection, the soundtrack to your dream was probably the dulcet tones of singer-songwriter Sean McNamara.

Now Sean has gone and spun off his own Irish pub with an eponymous location in the former site of the Plantation House Restaurant on Old Lebanon Road near Donelson Pike. A few coats of paint have actually made the place look appropriately older, and the various Irish appointments throughout the building offer an immediate warmth to the space. With rooms named "The Snug Bar," "The History Room" and "The Writer's Room," McNamara's looks to be a great place to tip back a pint or two.

Future plans include converting the upstairs into an Irish sports bar, although I don't know if that means you can drink a Smithwick's while watching the Vols play or if instead, it will be all-hurling, all the time on the televisions. (That's one messed up sport, BTW.)

Expect live music in the Cabaret Room Thursday through Sunday nights and a full menu of Irish specialties. The Sligo Salmon Patties I had on my visit were an excellent way to start out my Lenten pescatarianism.

McNamara's will also serve lunch every day except for Mondays. Sean promises a big opening party weekend March 5 and 6, but don't wait until then if you want to check it out. They're ready for you now. Sláinte!

McNamara's Irish Pub and Restaurant

2740 Old Lebanon Rd

Nashville

885-7262