We first told you about Buckley’s in November 2006. The former Lakeside Inn and Dish Bistro, 801 N. Cass St., is now comfortably Buckley's Kiskeam Inn -- owned by Michael V. Buckley, a friendly Irish guy who, back in the day, owned a place with the same name in Riverwest. Now, he's running this place with his sons and is perched in the hottest 'hood in the city, Downtown, at the corner of Wells and Cass Streets.  And, even though I miss the breakfasts at Lakeside and Dish, I love the transformation inside Buckley's.

It's warm, not too classy but very nice.  It's a great place for a pint or lunch or dinner.  The menu, crafted by Chef Joe Sandretti, is simple.  Paninis (my turkey panini at a recent lunch had a tasty cranberry mustard and was served with garlic mashed potatoes), a corned beef, BBQ pork, ribs, an Irish Stew and soups are the staples.  For an appetizer try the mini Kobe burgers and/or the lobster bisque.  

Kiskeam, for those that don't know, is in northwest County Cork, Ireland.  And, even though Buckley's Kiskeam Inn isn't just an Irish Pub, it's a great new addition to Downtown.  

And, for you value conscious diners and drinkers.  Get this.  $2 Miller Lites and MGDs on Sundays and a big $12 BBQ special (ribs, chicken and shrimp) and Mondays are "Meatloaf Mondays' with, well, meatloaf and 1/2 priced pints of Guinness. Mmmmm.