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O'Donoghue's Irish Pub
13225 Watertown Plank Rd., Elm Grove
(262) 641-2730
odonoghuesirishpub.com

The sign says "O'Donoghue's," but a lot of locals like to think of it as Elm Grove's version of "Cheers" -- a classic gathering place in a building that dates to the 1800s.

Owners Jamie and Deb O'Donoghue, who purchased the former Verbrick's bar in 2002, have created a family atmosphere -- everyone is treated like family.

Though it's known for its food, particularly the Friday fish fry, O'Donoghue's carries on the tradition of the Irish pub in that people come to talk about the events of the day and strangers can quickly become friends.

Menu: There are 22 kinds of Irish whiskey and 12 different draft beers to wet your whistle, but new additions come regularly.

Price: Moderate.

When to go: Just about any time is a good time to stop at O'Donoghue's, but the period from happy hour and into the early evening on Friday is generally pretty busy and your chances of seeing someone you know -- even if you don't live or work in Elm Grove -- improve. The back room is host to many private meetings, parties and other gatherings.

Dress: Casual.

Don't miss: O'Donoghue's offers live music on many Fridays during the winter and, continuing a long tradition that began nearly 20 years ago at Nash's Irish Castle, O'Donoghue's offers Irish set dancing on Wednesday night.

Parking: The lot east of the building is tiny and fills quickly at peak times. Some guests will park behind the Silver Spur Restaurant, but that practice is frowned upon and can result in a ticket. After 5:30 p.m., there is parking available in a lot behind the Town Bank, which is located across the street, and there is usually some street parking available reasonably close to the front door.