Kelsey's

Kelsey's is a locally owned Irish pub and restaurant that has been holding down (and expanding) its corner near the Normandy shopping center since 1994. The bar side has grown just about as big as the quieter dining room side, but both areas are welcoming and enjoyable. Kelsey's aspires to be "your neighborhood meeting place," and indeed it has a comfortable and well-worn ambiance that shows they're doing something right. With the fireplace in the dining room, plenty of TVs scattered about, free wifi, lots of fans for football or basketball games, live music some evenings in the bar, and a live jazz Sunday brunch, Kelsey's seems to have a little something for everyone.

You get the same full menu in the bar or dining room, with wealth of appetizers, sandwiches and entrees to choose from. There are a few nods to the Irish theme, like a good stew or corned beef and cabbage, and some Chesapeake area staples with crab or oysters. But mostly it's straight-ahead pub and tavern fare done well and served in hearty portions. It's not especially cutting-edge cuisine, but it feels mostly home made and satisfying. For lunch or dinner, weekday or weekend, Kelsey's is a reliable choice.