McCarthy's Irish Bar. Lexington, KY

117 South Upper Street

Guinness Tag: $6.00 | Overall Rating: 8.25

Today's Dedicated Pint: The 21st Amendment

Life is way too beautiful once you go against the grain of society's expectations. When everyone wants you to take a left, you should probably veer to the right. It makes me sad to see the bulk of society here in America spending so much time working for people they hate, just to get home, eat something, watch mindless crap on Netflix, take a shower, and go to sleep. Rinse and repeat. Our ancestors spent decades (centuries, even) building the best country in the world. It should be considered a sin not to cherish what they've given us. I promise you this: you'll regret every waking moment you spend watching reels and dumb tiktoks as you look back at life on your deathbed. You don't want to spend your time on this earth being on a cozy couch with the best screen money can buy. You want to be out in the cold with cuts on your hands, sore knees, and a noggin full of real memories. Don't waste your precious time on this earth doing what you're "supposed to." Kiss a lover, hug a loved one, and go out and do something worth writing about.

I walked to McCarthy's after enjoying a pint a few blocks away at Molly Brooke's. Once my eyes laid upon this Pub's beautiful curb appeal, I said to myself, "Thank God I made it a point to make a pit stop in Lexington, KY along my way to the Carolinas." Downtown Lexington didn't necessarily scratch my itch with anything in particular, but McCarthy's Irish Bar certainly gave me the feel goods. There's one hell of a scenic, green patio attached to it, and they even have a little gift shop full of Irish novelties! I think I'm going to have to ask them to put my book on their shelf here soon... The nice lady behind the counter of the gift shop used to work on the other side of the wall, but now she found her calling and does a great job at it.

McCarthy's poured its first Guinness in 1996. They pour them the right way, and they only ask for a $6 bill in exchange. Behind the bar, you'll find an above average whiskey and beer selection from across the pond, and you'll have no problem finding some local options, especially when it comes to bourbon. You'll also have the pleasure of interacting with their bartenders, who might be the best thing about McCarthy's. The one I had today had a brogue, he dished out a lot of jokes with everyone at the bar, he threw a handful of F-Bombs, and he was everything you'd want in a bartender. Word has it, the other bartenders may be even better than this guy.

The Pub has established a great base of regulars who care about each other. It's a great neighborhood bar inside a downtown area. It's themed heavily with horse racing decor, and there are some very interesting objects hanging from the walls and ceilings. It has a very, very rustic feel to it. This is an old school spot with old school traditions, like having a trough in the men's room! They have a couple of bars, a fireplace, and nicely worn in furniture throughout the place. You'll find a few TVs for watching the ponies, so don't worry. Apparently, the Lexington area is full of Irish immigrants due to the horse breeding that has been going on for so long around here.

I'm going to let the pictures do most of the describing on the rest of the Pub's cosmetics. Before I down this Guinness and head to the Paddy Wagon over in Richmond, I want to remind you that I'm just an email or Facebook message away from a quick chat. Sometimes we all need someone outside of our circle to chat to. Tell me about a goal you want to accomplish. I've tackled a few in my life so far, but there are many more to go. Who knows, maybe we can learn something from one another. Here's to you, the 21st Amendment, and to McCarthy's Irish Bar in Lexington, KY.

I'm off to another barstool. Slainte!