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| - The concept of an Irish bar with mostly faux old-Irish decor ("stonework", big wooden castle-y doors, as well as a nifty and I believe genuine old tin ceiling) that caters especially to soccer fans in Ohio City could easily have gone horribly wrong on so many levels. Fortunately, it didn't. The Old Angle is a real nice place to spend an afternoon.
Initially, we noted that the beer selection seemed a tad limited, but we figured with Guinness, Harp and Arrogant Bastard (Double Bastard too) you can't go too far wrong. My companion, the Guinness aficionado, was thrilled with how fresh the Guinness on tap was, as well as with the fact that it only cost five dollars a pint. We also noted a nice selection of whiskeys. Food was better than average pub grub. I recommend the lamb stew as being very fresh and aromatic, similar to bar food I've had in UK rather than the Dinty Moore type "stew" you usually get in the USA. Our stew and burger also came with very good bread.
Wait staff was super friendly and FAST with the drinks and food. A plethora of TVs were split between football game and soccer match, while an odd mix of obscure 70s album cuts (Rundgren, Ian Hunter. Steely Dan ) played rather softly in the background, allowing for conversation. I'd expected to find much more of a soccer-club atmosphere, but it was just pleasantly social for a weekend afternoon, and much less hectic/touristy than the Great Lakes brewpub restaurant can get around the same times.
The place is currently located on a slightly skeevy block at the edge of the gentrified area. Besides the Old Angle, the block contained several restaurants that currently aren't operating, and some slightly shady looking neighborhood businesses (check cashing, insurance, grocery). Fortunately, ample street and lot parking are available within a few steps of the Old Angle's entrances. It's also convenient to bus routes, especially if you're coming from points west.
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