The Irish Bank

10 Mark Lane (off Bush Street between Grant & Kearny)

Tel: (415)567-6565

There's nothing quite like leaving the office a little early on a Friday afternoon and heading on over to the Irish Bank to enjoy a Let's Kick Off The Weekend drinkie. Definitely a place to enjoy a pint or two, watch the game, read the paper (truly), recover from a long night at the Clift with a stiff Bloody Mary, recover from a harrowing Union Square shopping expedition, whinge about work, and if you're peckish order some fish and chips. The burgers are good too. The service is either brilliant or downright surly but definitely not off-putting.

On those balmy autumn days, you can sit out on Mark Lane and catch some fresh alley air. The inside I love; it's dark (not so dark you can't see to whom you're speaking nor can you hide) and cosy and perhaps a little loud. The crowd is a mixture of Financial District folks and Eurokids.

This week's favorite. For sure.

Susan MacTavish Best (2004)