First Place: O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub

4800 Forest Hill Ave.
233-1781
otoolesrestaurant.com

Second Place (Tie): South Beach and Southbound

Third Place: Uptown Alley

There’s something to be said for running a steady business since 1966 — yes, that’s 50 years — but owner John O’Toole probably isn’t the one to boast about it. As modest as his little block of Forest Hill Avenue, O’Toole simply says, “We try to put out a good product.” With a clientele that runs from 9 to 90, O’Toole likes to say, “The grandparents come in for lunch, then their kids will have their grandkids in for dinner.” That’s a business model that any bar would emulate. We recommend grabbing a bar seat and a pint in the early afternoon and observing while the regulars roll in. There’s no shortage of characters. Tied in second are a place to party in South Beach, and a place to get a lovely drink with your fine cuisine from the owners of Roosevelt and Heritage, Southbound. In third is the nicest bowling alley combination bar in town, Uptown Alley.