Two Drinks At: Mickey Finn's

The Scooby Snack and Captain Smoothy are two featured drinks at Mickey Finn's. (Credit: Eric Rowley/Juice)

THE LOOK

If the Blarney Stone outside the front door doesn't tip you off, maybe the green bar top and green ceilings will let you in on the Irish-ness happening at Mickey Finn's. Tucked into a retail strip, Mickey Finn's is an unexciting exterior with a roomy, comfortable hangout space inside. The interior has a clean, uncluttered look to it, with pool tales, big-screen TVs, TVs in the booths, video games and a pull tab machine (we won 50 cents).

THE CROWD

On an early Friday night the crowd was mostly middle-aged, but ranged from college-aged students playing pool up to retirees hanging out at the bar. Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. and goes until close on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights, though we left before it kicked off.

THE TWO DRINKS

Both drinks selected by bartender Marlene Higdon were shots. The first, a Scooby Snack, was a $3 milky green concoction. "I don't do shots, but I'll do these," Higdon told us. With a slight hint of coconut, the shot was a definite pleaser. Next, Higdon brought over a couple of Captain Smoothies ($4), made of Captain Morgan, Amaretto and Bailey's. The shot was delivered filled to the brim (like all shots I saw poured) and chilled with small chunks of ice still floating inside. The alcohols canceled each other out and gave the drink an overall neutral flavor.

THE GRUB

The only food available at Mickey Finn's is frozen pizza. We were hungry, but not for frozen pizza. Higdon recommended delivery to the bar from Pavato's across the street. We called in an order of toasted ravioli and cheese sticks, which arrived in less than 20 minutes, piping hot.

THE VERDICT

More than just a St. Patty's Day stop (though it is fun for that too), Mickey Finn's has a great neighborhood hangout atmosphere. Our visit was busy, but not packed, with just the right mix of people. The drinks are good and reasonably priced, the crowd and bartenders friendly. With entertainment options and karaoke, Mickey Finn's can be an early night stop or an all-night hangout.