A Classic Joint, Good People, Good Food, Good Ambience

Lake Oswego is not known for its "hangouts." In fact, the culture there is rather lacking and dry (and often discouraged) and until now there hasn't been much in terms of a fun place to meet with ones peeps and share really good food and beer. Maher's is in a new location, inside of a home, like the true Irish pubs of old. They have wide screen TV's, both in the main bar and in the billiard room downstairs in the basement. In what used to be the backyard, there are large wood tables made from cable spools. These have sunbrellas above them to keep the sun and/or rain off your beer, and in the cool evening they run propane heaters for those that would rather sit in the fresh air. There is one spool that actually has a gas operated fireplace in the center. Even the outside is cozy, and in the weekends they usually have live music.

The inside has a fireplace surrounded by couches, really nice tables, Irish flags and memorabilia and a big framed picture of one of my personal heroes, JFK. They have a full bar with plenty of stools.

Their happy-hour menu features Sheppard's pie, fish and chips, bangers, and curry - all of them reasonably priced. I go there at least once a week, maybe twice - and would come more often than that just because the place and staff are so inviting. But I'll warn you now, if you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy a pint, as I often do, better come during work hours on a weekday, because the place is totally packed evenings and weekends.

Maher's is a great place to enjoy people's company. If you have kids, bring them during the day as they are not allowed after 8 pm.