Flanagan's Pub. Blacklick, Ohio

3001 New Albany Road

Guinness Tag: $7.00 | Overall Rating: 7.20

Today's Dedicated Pint: K-OSS at the Oche

I traveled up to Columbus in the middle of winter to compete in a darts tournament near the airport. It was a cold weekend with temperatures as low as 4 degrees and snowfall. Darts tournaments are typically time consuming, consisting of throwing for hours on end, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you know me by the slightest, then you know damn well I had to sneak out for a Pub or two at some point.

I had 2 hours until I my next scheduled match, so I said, "The hell with practice," and decided to hop in the car and find the closest Pub that had its door unlocked. Flanagan's was the one I picked, and it was a perfect break from all of the darts commotion. It's been family ran for over 70 years and running, and it provides the area with a comfy place to listen to live music, watch the big game, nestle by a fireplace, and eat some Pub grub. It looks like they're pretty well known for their pizza.

They have a monster of a parking lot, and the curb appeal isn't too bad. They offer a ginormous patio during the summer nights with a big stage for bands and dancing. As you enter the building, you'll notice the true charm of the place, concerning the ceiling beams, cushioned elbow rests, and worn-in furniture.

There are a handful of things that don't necessarily scratch the itch when comparing Flanagan's to Pubs rated above a 9. For one, the Guinness pour isn't what you want to see, and on top of the pour, it comes served in a 16oz glass rather than a traditional sized pint. The bar counter has that really cheap vinyl/laminate feel and look to it, and the cabinetry/counters behind the bar are pretty dated and gross. As you put your head on a swivel, you'll notice some spots with good patina and coziness, and others with a sense of, "oh, that could probably be cleaned or even replaced." Sure, it's an old building, but I've been in much older buildings, such as McSorley's Ale House up in NYC (built in 1854) that don't give you the chance to ever say, "Oh, that's pretty gross."

I don't like being negative, but I must throw out that the draft beer selection is

rather boring, and the whiskey selection isn't much better. I can say, however, that the tap station where they pour their drafts is pretty neat! They offer a good list of wines, and they have plenty of TVs for watching all of the games.

They have extra space/rooms for events, although I failed to snag a photo of it. They also provide a functioning toiletry for the light beer drinkers. You'll find many tables in the dining room as well as the patio. It's definitely a great gathering hole for the locals to revisit one another. Every neighborhood should have a Pub like this, as it holds an ample number of barstools that allow patrons to eat, drink, and converse for hours on end. You're surely going to encounter the Craic here on a nightly basis. It would certainly be a nice spot to throw some steel tip darts in (if they ever hung up a board, that is). There's an interesting NASCAR display behind the bar area, and you'll see some local sports decor on the other walls throughout the place.

The staff here obviously cares about your experience. Just because it may not be on my "Highest Rated Pubs List," it doesn't mean you wouldn't find me here on a weekly basis had I lived nearby. Flanagan's hits the spot, despite not scratching every Irish itch. I'll most definitely be back if I compete in this tournament again.

Thanks for the pour, Flanagan's. I wish you all the luck, although I don't think you'll need any as you clearly have a great/well deserved following. Slainte!