If you can't bear the thought of enduring a seven-hour flight to Dublin to experience a real Irish pub, Sam Maguire's in Orland Park is the next best thing.

From the outside, you'd hardly guess this was an Irish pub. The exterior closely resembles a Dutch-style cottage—or even a Six-Flags gift shop, with its blue and red shingles and white signs. But walk inside, and you'll find a roomy (literally, multiple rooms!) area decked out Irish-style. Among other things, you'll see a stone-wall fire place, beer barrels, ancient field-work tools and a large Irish flag.

The real fun happens out back, in a spacious beer garden that's large enough to host live bands and a substantial crowd comfortably. There's plenty of deck-furniture seating and a few TVs behind the bar to catch the game. The beer garden is surrounded by a black steel gate and neighboring trees, so you almost forget you're in the 'burbs.

Sam Maguire's is open for lunch and dinner. Besides typical bar grub like burgers and potato skins, this pub boasts fare like a traditional Irish breakfast (eggs, bangers (sausages), rashers (of bacon) and white pudding), corned beef and cabbage, and Shepherd's pie. There's nothing quite like washing down a hearty meal with a beer, and this pub has over 20 of them on tap.

Come in during the week to hear live music and down some of the plentiful daily drink specials like a true Irish lad.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Jill Kozak