The Daily Gamecock

Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: The Mix

Media Credit: Alan Tauber, The Daily Gamecock Delaney's Irish Pub offers flavorful entrees like the Irish whiskey steak.

My girlfriend and I were walking through Five Points on Saturday with the intention of getting lunch. We walked past Delaney's to head to another eatery when I saw a patron eating a hamburger with a side of alfredo pasta. I was sold.

We were quickly seated in the smoking section. If you've never had the chance to experience Delaney's, I highly recommend it. The bar/restaurant is a resolutely Irish joint, with '50s-era Guinness ads peppering the walls. The atmosphere is inviting, complete with dim lighting and an ever-present Irish soundtrack in the background.

If you decide to visit for dinner, Delaney's has live music Tuesday through Saturday every week - an impressive feat for a Columbia pub. And for the folks not still in college, there is no need to worry about being harassed ad nauseam by drunken college students. Tuesday nights are bluegrass nights, and the Delaney's Web site states that the average age of those in attendance is about 45. So if you're looking for a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy, Tuesday night at Delaney's could be just what you're looking for.

And if you're indifferent toward live music and are just interested in getting a cheap meal, head down on Monday nights when Delaney's offers 2-for-1 entrees.

When we visited on Saturday, the service was not spectacular. The waitress forgot some of our sauces and I even had to negotiate the price of my check because it was incorrect. However, as it was a Saturday afternoon in Five Points and she was the only server in the restaurant, mistakes were to be expected. Despite a lack of speed and attention, our server was polite and obliging.

The half-pound cheeseburger, which was cooked to perfection, was topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo. The alfredo was slightly disappointing, as it was barely mixed in with the pasta, which was not warm enough. But considering the fact that a Monday trip to Delaney's would earn customers such a meal was comforting.

Late at night is when the pub scene really heats up, however. Delaney's features 25 draft beers from eight different countries, as well as 26 different bottled beers including Red Stripe, Moosehead and Abita Turbo Dog. Not a beer person? Well, fear not. Delaney's is a full bar with plenty of liquors to choose from.

Delaney's is also the official headquarters for the annual Five Points St. Patty's Day, taking place March 15, so at least stop by for some Irish cheer if you'll be in town.

With good food, decent service and, most importantly, a killer atmosphere, Delaney's is certainly deserving of a visit.

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