by Zach Bigalke

Created on: March 14, 2007   Last Updated: May 04, 2007

The greatest Irish-American drinking establishment cannot be found among the rabid Irish communities of Boston, New York or Chicago. Far from any of the bustling metropolitan areas in which one might suspect to find America's best Irish pubs sits the pinnacle of Gaelic class and charm. Located on the east side of Galena, Illinois along U.S. Highway 20, the Irish Cottage is a spectacularly-recreated boutique hotel catering to the Irish spark residing in its patrons. The resort, itself a landmark to behold, is festooned with authentic Irish decor and fixtures. But, as exciting as the resort itself can seem, the Irish Cottage is the home of the greatest Irish pub in the United States.

Painstakingly hand-crafted in Ireland, shipped across the Atlantic, and reassembled in this tiny hamlet in northwestern Illinois, Frank O'Dowd's Pub is the benchmark for what an Irish pub can truly offer. Reflecting several period construction styles throughout its space, one literally steps onto the shores of Ireland when stepping through the dark-wood doors and into the pub. Cigarette smoke curls eternally into the dark-stained panels, setting a realistic ambience for the multitudes thronging to slake their collective thirst. As the patrons arrive at the bar, the reality that no detail has been ignored becomes ever more evident. From the Irish signage strewn about the walls, to the abundance of snifters from which to sip refined Irish whiskies, to the Guinness tap brought over from Dublin to provide the most-authentic taste possible, the pub ensures that one has been whisked to the Emerald Isle every time they come back.

To heighten and magnify the experience, the employees are recruited from Ireland to guarantee an authentic sound and brogue to compliment the atmosphere. Irish dancing girls regularly appear to spark emotion and excitement, and the pub is the epicenter for live Gaelic and modern musical performances. Whether for St. Patrick's Day (get a seat as soon as the place opens!) or any other of the 364 days of the year, Frank O'Dowd's Pub at the Irish Cottage will transform its patrons to another era and continent. After experiencing this true Irish-built, Irish-run pub, the weekly trip to your neighborhood Irish pub will always seem to be lacking that extra panache that separates the stereotypical Irish-American pub from true pinnacles of public-house comfort.

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