Two for one, or "what's in a name?"

I visited two pubs this week.  Or possibly none, depending on how you count them. 

Liam Maguire's, on St Laurent Blvd in Ottawa, doesn't call itself a pub, or a sports bar, but is
somewhere in between.  It looks and feels a a lot like a pub, though it has a ridiculous amount
of TVs for a bar its size.  All tuned to TSN.  I went there on a Tuesday with the Little Wooden
Boy.  It was quiet, almost serene.  A haven of perfect dark-wood panelling, and comfy seats.

Liam's sports 17 beers on tap.  Sadly, nothing worth noting.  I was considering a Stella
when my friend pointed out that the bottled beer list included Czechvar.  Have you ever had
Czechvar, or do you even know what I am talking about?  it's an awesome Czech beer from a little town called Budweiss.  They're not allowed to call it by it's original name in North America. 
Another lesser beer uses that name.

Food is pretty good.  Much better than  ten years ago when this was a Hooters.  I had a tasty
sausage and penne pasta, and the Little Wooden Boy had a beef au jus sandwich.  From previous
vists I can also vouch for the chicken wings and club sandwiches.  The service was a bit less
than desired, though.  And seriously, should you really hire only  pony-tailed blonde
waitresses?   In plain black uniforms, with sunglasses (they shared the patio)  it was
impossible to identify our server when I wanted a second beer.

- - -

Is a 'bar and grill' a pub?  I'm inclined to say Yes, especially if it is a neighbourhood place.

 On Thursday I stopped for supper at Smiler's Grille and Bar in Dickson City, PA.  Beers on tap?  Check.  Pub food?  Check (and more).  Friendly atmosphere, prominent bar, obvious regulars?  Check, check and check.  It was even in an old house, and divided into several specialised spaces ( front bar, dining and games rooms).  Nice original tin ceiling.   Smilers came highly recommended by the internet, for food, service and beer selection.  My first thoughts?  Wow this place is small; Holy crap what a huge menu; What a stupidly tiny and prehistoric bathroom; And geez, this kitsch is authentic! Photos  of a sponsored local stock car, and hometown boys serving overseas in the army. 

The beer list was not impressive, and we all had the Saranac Summer Ale.   It was perfect for
the season and weather, by all accounts.  There were only six things on tap, and one of them was a non alcoholic birch beer!  Not a bad one, though.  The bottled list was no more impressive,
with only beer I would cross the street to try: Yards IPA.  The Yards was tasty, hoppy with a
hint of citrus, but the 7% alocohol also came through in the taste.  For me, it was a beer I could only drink one of at a session.

The menu was impressive, but my steak and shrimp was pretty bland.  Bobobobob had perogies and calamari.  The latter was generous but swimming in butter.  Uncle Al's prime rib was overcooked.   Mr Chris had no complaints about his steak, but only because he ordered well-done.  The veggies were overcooked.

The service was impressive.  Our friendly unnamed waitress gave us all numbers (1, 2, 3 & 4... "Don't change seats"), and kept it all straight.  She was always there when we needed her attention.  We all agreed we would look for an excuse to add this place our regular road trips. 
But maybe not for food.