Sullivan's Irish Pub and Restaurant: I've been to this restaurant in Lakewood twice, and it has been both delicious and quaint each time. And each time, there have just not been that many people in there! Why not, is the question I'd like for you to ask yourself after you read my little restaurant review.

First: The furniture is comfy and well-made. Nice, sturdy, well-made wooden tables and chairs, with a great solid looking bar. It frankly does look very like an Irish pub in that sense (having been in an authentic one, I can verify it). The front of the restaurant facing Madison looks very Irish, with bright blue paint and a charming Sullivan's sign on the front. The decorating is great, with lots of old books on the walls and white mugs hanging from the ceiling. Very low-key, and a much smaller number of Guinness signs than most Irish-themed restaurants. And no big ugly bright green neon shamrocks - whew!

Second: The music is fabulous! A great mix of the more common Irish music with modern tunes - when I came in this past weekend, the Cranberries were playing. It makes for a pleasant change from the super-typical Celtic bagpipes. Maybe the next time I go in, it'll be Flogging Molly or the Proclaimers.

Third: The drinks are both delicious and traditional, with a fun twist. My dad got the classic Black-and-Tan, I got a gin and tonic (more English than Irish, but they made it well), and my stepmom got an Irish Wake, which came with its own little St. Patrick's themed garter! They've got an extensive whiskey and Scotch collection, and the next time I go in, I'm planning on getting a Snakebite (a mixture of cider and lager).

Fourth: This to me is the most important: the food is just stellar. It's a mix of American and Irish, which means practically everything has potatoes with it, and that is just fine with me. Here's a sample of what I think is the best there: for an appetizer, the hot Irish cheddar dip, which comes with hot boxty (potato) wedges. Delicious! Cheese! Irish cheese! It's hot and it comes with potatoes - I mean, essentially, it's a fancier cheese fry tray, but it's so good... As a main course, I suggest to whoever I am with that they try the corned beef and cabbage, which comes with colcannon potatoes. Traditional, and a little corny (ha ha), but so good. So worth it. My stepmom took my advice and got it, while my dad got the shrimp and scallop boxty when we were there this past weekend, and that was awesome too. I actually got a salad, and the chicken and sausage gumbo (which I guess is an example of "American" food), and it was really tasty, although a little too spicy. I honestly have never had their desserts, but the turtle cheesecake was really good-looking. I mean, it was so good-looking, I almost asked it out. But having potatoes with everything means that you're really full by the time dessert comes around, unfortunately.

Overall, it's great food, lovely atmosphere and just a nice night. I've made plans to head over there one night and quietly drink with my roommate while we read or watch TV. It'll be almost as comfortable as doing it at home! And the prices, which so many people need to think about these days, are really quite reasonable. The menu is no more expensive than your usual Applebee's or TGI Fridays, and the food is so much better. Please, people: go to Sullivan's.