With St. Patrick's Day on the way, what could be a better subject than Irish pub fare, and beer and sandwiches? Public houses (or pubs) and taverns are known for serving great beer and sandwiches, and for providing a place to get out of the weather and exchange valuable views and opinions with your mates.

Lynagh's Irish Pub & Grill, on the corner of Woodland Avenue and Euclid Avenue, is for many people that type of neighborhood tavern. Blue-collar, white-collar, and nouveau hippie no-collar merge together to form a very comfortable atmosphere where not only is there much talk, but also reading, watching sports, eating, and of course, imbibing. Guinness Stout is a staple here, but there are 15 different draft beers and an average of 70, depending on availability, of bottled beer (always cold).

This is my neighborhood, so I have met friends here many times and one thing that I really like about sitting in Lynagh's is that there is so much to look at. Hung from the ceiling are many great, old bicycles along with a beautiful wooden johnboat, a push mower, a sculpture, and various other bizarre, atypical ceiling fixtures. Many of these items have been donated or are on loan. Some were bought and a few were given as birthday gifts. Practically every inch of wall is covered with old signs, neon, mirrors, and knickknacks-literally, there is always something new to look at.

The owners of this visual jungle of gewgaws are John and Gina Lynaugh. He is one generation removed from Ireland, she is a Woodford County girl, and both of them are thespians, which leads to lively conversations and really hearty, frequent belly laughs.

In 1981, John started his pub business where The Walrus and The Carpenter had previously been located on Euclid Avenue, just across the street from Lynagh's current location, which was opened in 1986. In the beginning, his main objective was high quality burgers and beer, which he certainly has accomplished. In 1985, the Lexington Herald-Leader named their grilled, ground sirloin burger, The O'Round, "the best burger in the Bluegrass" (Ace readers agreed in subsequent Best of Lex polls in the 90s).

Sales have since skyrocketed and today, around 120 burgers a day (or 43,600 a year) are sold, in addition to the other menu items.

There are sandwiches galore on their menu and they are not, in any way, skimpy. If the normal O'Round with all of its toppings is not enough, then the Guido 'Round (10 ounces of meat with provolone, bacon, and sautéed mushrooms and onions) may be just right for you. The Club and BLT are, I am not kidding, close to four inches tall and the Turkey and Bacon or Turkey and Avocado are not much smaller. If you are having the O'Meatball Sandwich with marinara or an O'Roast Beef O'Jus, you may need to unhinge your jaw. Be sure to have napkins close by.

For the vegetarian, The Vegwich, which is sliced mushrooms, avocado, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers and sprouts on wheat, and The NO'Round, a black bean burger, are available. There are also a variety of salads and usually a daily soup.

St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, in Lynagh's is always a mobbed venue, but with it landing on Sunday this year, it may be one of the few Irish eateries/pubs open, so expect a crowd.

They are opening at 11:00 (no alcohol until 1:00 pm as the law dictates) with food, festivities, and a roaming bagpipe player. It is an all day affair decorated in green, orange, and white and they are serving a special menu including Irish favorites such as corned beef, cabbage, colcannon (mashed potatoes with spinach or kale), potato salad, and soda bread.

The day prior there will be a corned beef hot plate special following the St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown.