The red clapboard building with the wraparound deck that dominates the corner of Hawleyville and Mt Pleasant Roads is McGuire's Ale House, a restaurant and tavern operated by partners Shaun Fuller and Michael Higgins since January 2012.

McGuire's Ale House is known for its casual dining, featuring American and Irish comfort food, as well as for the 15 beers on draught, including Guinness Stout. At least 20 varieties of bottled beer are on hand, as well, to quench any thirst. A full bar and wine list make this tavern a popular place.

The bar in McGuire's boasts a gleaming oak bar with 18 seats, where Celtic stained-glass plates on the back wall announce the Irish theme. Booths and tables in the separate dining room seat up to 100 customers, and a dozen HD flat screen television sets throughout the space ensure no one misses out on programming. Two fireplaces, one just off the bar area and the other in the dining space, create a homey ambiance. Wall sconces and drop lighting supplement the natural light that flows through large windows at either end of the restaurant space. Dark wood wainscoting lines the entire 3,000-square-foot-plus space, offset by cream-colored walls that stretch up to the beam-studded ceiling.

Outside seating for 75 is provided in warmer weather on the wraparound deck.

McGuire's Ale House is popular with a mix of clientele, from families to young adults to business people. The spacious interior makes it an attractive venue for end-of-the-year parties for sports teams, from Little League to adult organizations.

"I think kids really enjoy this place, so it makes it easier when mom and dad want to go out," said Mr Fuller. "Kids feel comfortable here and that makes me happy."

A Sample Of The Menu

Soup: All soups are made onsite, including the creamy seafood bisque, a medley of fresh seafood simmered with Amontillado sherry and spices.

Appetizers: Irish nachos, cottage cut fries topped with cheddar-jack cheese, bacon, scallions, hot peppers, diced tomatoes, and sour cream are a popular way to start a meal.

Burgers: The McGuire burger deluxe is an 8-ounce, hand-formed patty of 83/17 ground sirloin, then offered with numerous variations, or build your own burger. The burger deluxe and fries sells for just $8.95, Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 3 pm, and all day on Tuesday. The Smoke House BBQ burger is a big seller. Enjoy the burger basted with hickory smoked BBQ sauce, and topped with caramelized onions, bacon, and cheddar cheese. The grilled salmon sandwich is served with pesto mayonnaise on a hard roll. Sweet potato fries or onion rings can be added to any sandwich or burger order for an additional $2, or add some Irish bacon for $2.

Salads: The Caesar salad at McGuire's Ale House can be topped with grilled salmon, chicken, or steak, and dressed with the classic Caesar dressing. Or go wild and choose the roasted red pepper vinaigrette made in the Ale House kitchen.

Entrees: Shepherd's pie is a comforting meal of meat, vegetables, and gravy buried beneath a mashed potato crust. The Irish roasted salmon is an 8-ounce filet marinated in thyme, honey, lemon, and Jameson Irish whiskey, then served with a whiskey peppercorn sauce.

Prices: Dinner entrees range from $15.95 for meals like the classic bangers and mash, or the baked saloon mac & cheese, to $22.95 for the 12-ounce New York strip steak.

Kids' Menu: A children's menu features small fry favorites and a mini-version of the burger deluxe.

Bar: $1 off of all drinks all day Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday; Wednesday through Saturday, enjoy Happy Hour for 11 am to 7 pm.

McGuire's Ale House, 130 Mt Pleasant Road (Route 6), is open Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 1 am; Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 2 am; and Sunday, noon to 1 am. The kitchen is open from noon to 10 pm. McGuire's is Wi-Fi capable. McGuire's Ale House frequently runs coupons in The Newtown Bee. Daily specials and special events can be found at mcguiresalehouse.com, or call 203-270-3999.

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