I firmly believe that there’s a different kind of bar for everyone. Whether you’re the kind of person who prefers a crowded area listening to insanely loud music, or someone who prefers elbow room, we all find a bar that suits our desires. In my experience, I found that a sport connoisseur and a less rowdy person can enjoy an Irish Pub—but maybe not at the same time.

Irish Pubs are known for their good food and plenty of on-tap beers. Sport fans find comfort in the endless supply of beer and multiple TV’s at every corner, while the quiet crowd can find comfort listening to live bands. Although Irish pubs can never be imitated, many American interpretations come close to creating the same kind of atmosphere.

Lucky Irish Pub & Grill in Mobile, Alabama, is a place where people, Irish or non-Irish can come together and just enjoy the atmosphere. One might consider the location a downside of the pub, but at least you wouldn’t have to worry about parking. If the downtown scene isn’t for you, then head over to Lucky’s with all your friends for a great night.

I didn’t go to the restaurant during prime hours but the food and service was still supreme. The waitress, who was wearing a plaid green skirt and white top with knee-high socks, was very friendly upon arrival. A guests first reaction to the pub comes from the waitstaff and they definitely made us feel welcomed. It was exactly what I expected in an Irish pub after studying the cuisine for an entire semester. My brother and I sat down at a high-top table near the stage and pool table—probably the best seat in the house on a busy night. Once we were seated our waitress followed behind us and got our drink orders. I wasn’t in the mood for a beer, but my brother ordered an Angry Orchard. I got a water—however, I do have to say it did have the perfect ice-to-water ratio. While she left to get our drinks, we pulled out the menus they had stored in a silver tin located on each table.

On the top of the menu, it had the quote, “and the rest of the day to you,” the proper response to the Irish greeting of “top of the morning to you.” I thought it was a perfect touch—however, many people probably wouldn’t have caught on if they’re not fluent in Irish-lingo (or if they haven’t been studying Irish cuisine for an entire semester—wait have I said that before? Oh póg mo thóin). It might have felt more complete if that’s how guests were greeted in the door. Nevertheless, the menu was very simple. It was categorized by starters, main dishes, and desserts. Easy to follow, and in an easy-to-read Irish-inspired font. They highlighted their Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash dish. Their Shepherd’s Pie was a traditional Irish dish with a south Alabamian twist—the twist was a mystery to me. Their Bangers and Mash is made with fresh Yukon gold mashed potatoes with green beans, topped with two fat bangers. I should have ordered the Shepherd’s Pie, but I was not disappointed in my selection.

I ordered their Bama Burger, a half-pound fresh angus-beef patty, topped with bacon, cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce served on a sourdough bun. It was made to order, in which I ordered medium. It was perfectly medium. The burger was complemented with the bacon and cheese; however, I think the flavor of the beef could have stood on its own. Next, they drenched the burger in BBQ sauce. The BBQ sauce was a nice touch, however, I found myself using way too many napkins. Like I just said, the meat could have stood on its own, so I’m not sure that much BBQ sauce was needed. Also, the sourdough tasted sweeter than usual, and paired with the BBQ tasted too much of a dessert burger than meal. My brother ordered a Lucky Burger with just bacon and cheese. He said, “it was good.” Brothers are so descriptive, aren’t they?

A trip to Lucky’s would is best remembered because of the people you went with. Lucky’s had a pool table, a stage for a live band (there is one every night), dart boards, and a cornhole out back. What was most interesting was that the store was filled with signed dollars bills. They took up the space of the walls not already covered with Irish and Celtic styled art. But each dollar bill had a name that carried a story with it. I can only imagine friends coming back weeks, or even years later, and finding their dollar on the wall and having all the memories of that night rush back to their minds. The restaurant was able to embody the traditional scenes you would find in an Irish Pub, as well as embellish some Mobile flare to it. I mean, how can you have an Irish pub in Mobile and not have an amateur sketch of the Crichton Leprechaun?

While I didn’t have such a crazy experience at Lucky’s, my brother told me of his. I loved hearing him talk about his experience and having to pause because he couldn’t stop laughing. Any chance I get to spend with my brother is a treat and I’m glad we were able to enjoy the calm atmosphere of Lucky’s. After all, that is what a pub is all about—enjoying the time we have to be there. In the end, it’s not about the authenticity of the pub, but the good times shared that matters the most.