McMurphy's Tavern
72 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA
626-666-1445

From 4 in the afternoon to 10 or 11 at night, you'll be able to order Irish classics like shepherd's pie, corned beef and cabbage, and juicy porterhouse steaks. You can wash it all down with with what they claim are "the strongest drinks at the lowest prices."

On Sunday afternoons a live band croons traditional Irish tunes. Other nights of the week, the music consists of top 40 and '80s cover tunes, and there's always the jukebox. There isn't a formal dance floor, but people do get up and dance when the mood hits -- it's not the kind of place where anyone feels shy.

With its eager-to-please staff and relaxed atmosphere, this hometown bar has the easy feel of a place where everybody knows your name.