Shay McElroy's in the Rice Lofts building downtown takes the Irish-pub-in-America concept to a new level. Dublin native and owner John McElroy created the space around a richly detailed, 19th-century bar he had shipped from Ireland. The crowd at Shay McElroy's is an inviting collection of young professionals and not-so-young merrymakers who enjoy colorful dialogue and witty conversation.

Shay McElroy’s sits right dab in the middle of all the downtown action. A Metro Train stop is conveniently located at the corner and provides people watchers with a wealth of eye-catching and entertaining passer-by’s.

Upon entering the smallish pub, patrons can imagine being thousands of miles away on Dublin. Adding to the atmosphere are lush furnishings McElroy acquired fro the historical Rice Hotel's Old Capitol Club. He says the furniture — which he split between Shay McElroy's and one of his other establishments, McElroy's Pub on South Sandman near South Shepherd and Richmond — reminds him of what can be found in the nicer watering holes in Ireland, making for the kind of place where any visitor from the Emerald Isle would feel inclined to stop for a pint.

Encased by rich wood paneling and Irished themed etched glass, the center “snug” provides a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

McElroys Pub 3607 S. Sandman 713/524-2444 Just outside of downtown. North of US Hwy 59 (Southwest Fwy) Located a half block west of S. Shepherd at Richmond Ave.

State Bar & Lounge 909 Texas Ave @ Main, Suite 2A 713/223-2444 Downtown In the Historic Rice Lofts