A few pubs and bars still remain in the United States where things are done right. Where: 1. Beer is on tap 2. Drinks are made with care (not dramatics) 3. Smoking is condoned 4. The music comes from a jukebox 5. Television is either absent or relegated to a high corner with the sound turned down 6. Food is served till 10 pm 7. Pool tables and dart boards are located in a back room 8. Live music is encouraged 9. Strangers strike up conversations and old friends meet 10. The bartender greets you upon entering and wishes you well as you leave Consider these the Ten Commandments of good tavern hospitality. While it is a rare that a pub or bar would hit all ten, 8 out of 10 should be the standard. If there is a bar or pub in your town that fills this tall order, email us a description along with the address (and a digital photo if available) to be considered for the fiftythings list of bars and pubs for the next millennium. Following are a few bars where you can enjoy a relaxing drink -- slainte, skol and cheers!   SAN FRANCISCO The Bitter End -- Clement and Sixth Street There are many bars named "The Bitter End" -- a famous one in Greenwich Village has been a part of the Bohemian culture of New York City for decades. The Bitter End in San Francisco has a decidedly Irish flavor. Guinness on tap, the occasional "sesiun," and free copies of the local Irish newspapers make this a meeting ground for transplants from Dublin and Irish Americans from the surrounding Richmond neighborhood. The best feature of The Bitter End is the dark haired, dark eyed, bespectacled bartender Maeve -- like the fabled Irish Queen, she is lovely, witty and enchanting. Pool tables and darts upstairs lure the competitive sorts up near the rafters, leaving the conversationalists to gravitate to the fireplace near the front of the bar. Satisfying fish & chips, curry and chips and hamburgers, may not rate stars in the Michelin guide, but they are a welcome complement to a pint of Guinness or lager. Be sure to walk the neighborhood along Clement Street, which is known as "new Chinatown." There you'll find dozens of fascinating shops including bakeries, gift shops, markets and Chinese herbalists. Kate O'Brien's -- Howard Avenue and Second Street This pub could have been airlifted from Dublin and dropped in the old building South of Market. Guinness, Harp, Murphy's and many local beers make this a well-stocked and charming pub. The crowd is urban, but hardly chic. There are working folks who have seen the bottom of a pack of Marlboros and have hurried to catch a city bus in the rain. The chief bartender from Cork, Ireland, was recently named the most eligible bachelor in S.F. When asked about his chances in the contest (which raised funds for a local charity), he declared in typical south Ireland fashion, "Fantastic -- just look at the competition." Live music fills Kate's on weekends and an occasional live reading of Irish drama takes place during weeknights.   ROME, NEW YORK The Snubbing Post -- Rt.46 N. Delta Dam Road An old time country bar, where you"ll find bikers and golfers fraternizing comfortably in the summer, and skiers and snowmobilers in the winter. Known for the "coldest beer in town," it also sports dart boards, a foosball table, and the only 25 cent pool table in the area. The house specialty is prime rib of beef and the 1/2lb. burgers are reknowned statewide. A varied menu of full dinners to finger foods rounds things out and casual dining is encouraged. The TVs are turned down and the jukebox is on, and a cordial atmosphere is the standard. A great place to kick back and relax. Great bartenders and waitresses on all the shifts. The Snubbing Post is located on Rt. 46N. halfway to the Delta Lake State Park & Recreation Area, (about 2 miles). They feature good food, cold beer, and good music. You can eat in or take out. A good supply of bagged ice & firewood is always on hand. Their web address is http://members.tripod.com/Corigliano/Post.html. This pub suggestion was submitted by Terry Corigliano, terryc@borg.com.   | Home | Cultural | Environmental | Musical | Ordinary | | Contact Us | About the Authors | © Copyright 2007 fiftythings