Best Irish Restaurant
First
Place: The Playwright Pub & Restaurant, 488 Summer St., Stamford
(203) 353-1120 
St. Patrick's Day seems to bring out the Irish in just about
everyone -- at least those who think that sporting shamrocks and
buttons that say "Kiss Me! I'm Irish!" is akin to an ancestry
hailing from the Emerald Isle. For those of us who appreciate
shepherd's pie and a pint of dark, foamy Guinness the other 364 days
of the year, the Playwright Pub is a beacon in a sea of funny green
hats and green beer.
For six years now, the Playwright has been lighting up Summer
Street in Stamford with great food and music. Yes, they are an Irish
restaurant with all your traditional favorites, but the menu rounds
itself out with good-sized, well-presented portions of victuals both
Irish and not. If a hearty lamb stew isn't quite up your alley, feel
free to check out the pasta or fish of the day. And as if the food
alone isn't enough, the Playwright's friendly and enthusiastic staff
-- most of whom have been at the Playwright from day one -- are sure
to keep you coming back for more. "I get such a high when I see
people enjoying themselves," says owner Richard Guilfoyle. And
people do enjoy themselves, he says. Like the time Irish tenor
Anthony Kerns stopped in, sat at the bar and just started singing
with the boys. "It was thrilling," says Guilfoyle.
OK, so you may not find an Irish tenor every time you visit, but
the Playwright does play host to live music every Sunday, not to
mention a festival or two throughout the year, including their
annual St. Patrick's Day gala with great food, Irish music and
dancers!
But just like it doesn't have to be March 17 to have a great time
at the Playwright, you don't even have to stay in Stamford. There's
another equally charming Playwright Pub up in Hamden (1232 Whitney
Ave.). Or if you're in the mood for a night out in the city, be sure
to check out Paddy Reilly's (29th & 2nd, New York City) for great
Irish music seven nights a week. And just when you think it can't
get any better, in June you'll be able to fly to Miami and enjoy
5,000 square feet of Irish bliss, as Guilfoyle and the Playwright
gang open up yet another cool Irish pub to satisfy our growing
fascination with the Emerald Isle.
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