Being Irish and a fan of whiskey, it was destiny that steered me to the Irish Whiskey Public House – the newest bar creation by Mighty Pint owners Reese Gardner, Mike Knapp and Sam Harper. Located in the building that used to house Porter’s Dining Saloon, the restaurant/bar has three floors that boast more than 50 whiskey varietals, several whiskey cocktails and 14 beers on tap – plenty of libations to tickle your taste buds. And the fun doesn’t stop there. A members-only whiskey club is available for serious whiskey drinkers and if you make it through all 50, your name will be forever engraved on the bar’s walls and you will be entered in a drawing for an Ireland getaway.

But don’t go just for the drinks as the food is incredible. After sampling the pan seared filet mignon with Irish cheddar potato cake and Jameson Irish Whiskey cream sauce (my mouth waters as I write this), I tracked down Chef Sean McIntosh to appropriately give him a high five and hear more about the menu that includes a Guinness shepard’s pie. Oh my. Add in double dipped chips and a lamb pastitsio with a thyme demi-glaze and rosemary aioli and I was close to moving in.

My favorite part of Irish Whiskey is the third floor Dublin Room, which has a fireplace, cozy bar and inviting spirit. Upon entering the room, I immediately thought it was the perfect “hooky” destination on that day you need a mental break from work, when it snows and the city shuts down, or better yet, when you need that unpretentious inviting spot to host your next soiree.

Irish Whiskey Public House officially opened this weekend and my money is on it being a huge success. Stop in for drinks, dinner or brunch! Happy whiskey sampling!

Slainte!