Brendan's Bar and Grill

Great for Lunch or Drinks!: Right in the heart of NYC at 34th & Broadway, near all the neon and glitz, down a block that looks like an alley (and, in fact, serves AS the alley for a few businesses), is Brendan's.

Upon entering, you'll notice the mosaic tile floor and huge fireplace in the back, behind the bar area. This used to be a hotel, and the grandeur of the interior architecture isn't lost, as a pub.

I went on a corporate lunch, but would have been equally pleased as a casual imbiber after 5. Had the Penne Jambalaya, which I was curious about (since this is an Irish pub...), and it was pleasantly serviceable, as was the Corned Beef sandwiches and Caesar salad my cohorts enjoyed.

Service was fast and "just right", without too much or too little involvement from the waitstaff. I felt good, leaving a $20 tip on a $70 lunch, and I will certainly make this my Midtown hangout, at least on those days when I find myself there with either a hunger for good food or a thirst for a cold pint o' Guinness.

Locals, Tourists, and I even saw George Will talking with Tip O'Neill outside. Not too bad, for a hot Thursday afternoon in the city............May The Road Rise to Meet You!