Best Irish pub

It's a little-known fact that in Boston, there are more Irish bars than there are students. So the challenge isn't finding an Irish bar in Boston, it's finding one with authenticity. An even greater challenge is finding an authentic pub that serves decent food. Matt Murphy's in Brookline has both, bucking the stereotype that pub food can't exceed the flavor level of cardboard. The bartenders know how to pull a pint, and the chefs know how to serve up fish and chips. It's a cheery, laid-back place and a new Phoenix reader favorite.

A bunch of Boston pubs seem to come from some Irish-bar mail-order catalogue: order your very own Irish-pub kit, and you're guaranteed to have at least five baseball-cap-and-khaki-wearing customers. In the kit you'll find a couple of Irish road signs, some Guinness posters, a portrait of old James Joyce, U2's greatest hits, and voilà: you've got your very own Kavanagh's, O'Connell's, or McFaux's. Davis Square's the Burren, however, is the rare Irish pub that exudes a legitimate Irish air, and for that reason, it's been a readers' pick for years. Comfortable, casual, conversationally conducive, with frequent traditional Irish seissiúns in the front room and bands in the back, the Burren appeals to the young and old in Somerville and beyond. When Sligo is packed and you've had your fill of Redbones barbecue, the Burren's a consistent bet for a good night. Slainte.

Matt Murphy's, 14 Harvard Street, Brookline, (617) 232-0188; Burren, 247 Elm Street, Somerville, (617) 776-6896.