The Druid, Inman Square

I'm not sure exactly how I feel about St. Patrick's Day, even though my ancestry would say differently. Crowds start drinking at 8:00am, which can be a recipe for disaster, although this year that's been delayed a few hours because it falls on a Sunday. But, I do love the parade, celebration of Ireland's most famous Patron Saint and the idea that we are are family for a day. Oh yeah, and the excuse to drink a few extra pints of Guinness.

There are, of course, many, many, Irish pubs to choose from in the Boston area, but none is better than The Druid in Inman Square, Cambridge. It's the real deal, owned and operated by Mike(y) Crawford who originally hails from Ennis Tymon in County Claire. During the early 90's he came to the States and worked at The Burren in Davis Square, Somerville. In fact, he's always worked in pubs. "It goes by quickly, we took over The Druid in 2004," he says with a wistful smile, "great to be part of this neighborhood, this spot was once a five and dime store you know." I didn't, but the number ten still holds true- that's about how many kegs of Guiness they'll pour Sunday. Do the math, that's about 100 Imperial pints (20oz pours per keg), 1,000 total pours at the Druid alone. Multiply that by hundreds of bars and pubs, the volume is staggering- well, we can all do our part.

What makes a great pub? I say it's people like Mike, a good pint and delicious food- for what it's worth I think they have the best burger in town, although corned beef and cabbage is mandatory Sunday. Come and say hello to the great staff: Michael John, Paul, Alyssa, Colum, Celia, all hands will be on deck. As if that wasn't enough reason- Hugh McGowan and the McGowan Rovers will be playing. Irish music, Guinness, maybe a shot of Power's Irish Whiskey? Any apprehension about the day will wash away with a few pints.

I annoyingly kept asking everyone for a good Irish quote, and while Mike was nervous that many sound cheesy he kindly passed this along:

Tis better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money. Slainte!