Opened in 1992, O’Lanagan’s has the vibe of a much older place: the kind of place where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you ... anyway, you get the idea. There’s a pool table, a few dart boards and some video slots. With the numerous – and I do mean numerous – pool and dart trophies lining the shelves that circle the entire bar, along with the decidedly un-PC bumper stickers, the place almost feels more like your neighbor’s party basement than a business establishment.

The shiny newfangled jukebox hanging by the entryway is the exception here, not the rule, as everything else has the look of being well worn. But with all its newness, the music player still features plenty of Alan Jackson and other country favorites to fit in. As far as dive bars go, O’Lanagan’s is impressively clean and orderly. The friendly female bartenders are easy to talk to and seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs. None of the regulars here are what could be described as youthful, but they’re not sulking quietly over a brew either.

The specials are far better than most, and depending on the night you can get a different beer for $2.25 or a rum and coke for $3. With O’Lanagan’s friendly atmosphere and laid-back vibe, it's actually surprising that there aren’t more people filling up the place. It’s not like the bar is in the middle of no-man’s land - it’s right across the street from Welles Park (at Montrose and Western).

Oh, and if you’re looking for lighters, beef jerky, peanuts, hot fries, Tylenol or cigarettes when you hit the bar, O’Lanagan’s is your one-stop shop with quite a behind-the-bar assortment.

Centerstage Reviewer: Zach Freeman