When we visited, Toomey was joined by 11 other musicians, though the hostess told me quite a few more often show up. All were gathered around several small tables pushed together in the pub's front window, and all had brought along instruments, including a Celtic drum, several violins, and at least one accordion.
I recognized lots of tunes from my parents' collection of Irish music, but we also picked out one or two contemporary songs performed with a Gaelic lilt.
Some of the music, which typically lasts until 8:30 p.m. or beyond, was instrumental, but most included singing by the musicians and even some diners, and the applause was long and hearty. (In addition to the Irish sessions, The Snug hosts folk and acoustic-rock musicians Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from about 9 p.m. to closing.)
The entertainment never interfered with our ability to enjoy what we all agreed was a fine meal.
If you go, you would be wise to go early. The Snug - with its classic wooden bar, warm golden walls, and Celtic-themed artwork - is as cozy as its name suggests, and the place fills up fast. We arrived at nearly 7 p.m. and found the tiny dining room packed.
While we waited (the bar stools were all occupied, too), my husband and I enjoyed pints of Bass Ale and a Blue Moon lager ($5 each) drawn from The Snug's European draft system, and agreed that the place earns its self-proclaimed nickname "Home of the Perfect Pint."
With their sodas and juices in hand, our three children milled around, which didn't annoy the busy staff in the least.
We were seated within a half-hour, and served in record time. My bowl of chili, with melted cheddar cheese, diced onions, and multicolored tortilla chips on the side, was a hearty bargain at $6.50 ($5.50 without cheese and onions). For $10, we all shared the Snug Basket, which included fried shrimp, asiago cheese-stuffed olives, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, french fries, and several dipping sauces.
