McCann’s Pub & Grill is everything a neighborhood Irish Pub ought to be and more. It’s got a great neighborhood location on Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria, a friendly staff and clientele, a great selection of draught beers and cocktails, a rockin' jukebox, pool tables and dart board. What’s more, McCann’s has a nice menu with honest, freshly made food to satisfy the tastes of the hungry 20- and 30-something crowd that assembles nightly to watch favorite sports events on one of the 15 screens, or strike up conversations with friends and neighbors. The young, amiable owner, Paul Fogarty, is always on hand to oversee things and chat with the regulars.

The barman mixes up green apple, chocolate or cosmopolitan martinis that are in vogue these days. I enjoyed his ice blue martini creation. Frozen margaritas and frozen fruity daiquiris are also available. What could be better than a frozen watermelon daiquiri on a hot summer night? Twelve domestic and imported beers on tap will please beer connoisseurs. In fact, McCann’s offers drink specials every night that often include a pitcher of beer along with a sampler platter of appetizers for just $16. What a great way to chill out with your buddies after a day of work.

Speaking of appetizers, McCann’s chef does a fine job whipping up appetizers that can be eaten at the bar or at one of the pub tables. Potato skins full of melted cheese and bacon and served hot and crisp are just $6.50 for a large portion. They can also be filled with McCann’s famous chili or vegetables and cheese. McCann’s chili is thick and meaty and can be ordered as an appetizer too. Chicken or vegetable quesadillas are another popular choice, with their melted cheese and tender tortilla shells. We loved the jalapeno poppers, somewhat hot peppers filled with cheese and fried to give them a crunchy coating ($5.95). Fried mozzarella sticks or zucchini sticks are crisp, golden, and not greasy. McCann’s makes great chicken wings and chicken fingers too, with choice of original sauce, honey mustard, teriyaki or barbecue sauce ($5.95).

McCann’s offers a choice—munch on an assortment of appetizers, or have a full meal. Entrees run the gamut, from healthy salads and juicy burgers to chicken and pasta dishes, all of which are made on the spot and served piping hot. After indulging in so many delicious appetizers, I opted for a lighter meal of salad topped with tender, grilled chicken ($6.75). The huge portion meant lots of leftovers, which made a great lunch the next day. My dining companion loved another popular dish, the traditional shepherd’s pie, made with ground beef and spices, topped with whipped potatoes. A dab of steak sauce made it just perfect ($9.95).

A number of chicken dishes appear on the menu, all well executed. They include chicken francese, with a lemony butter and white wine sauce, chicken teriyaki or marsala, and a rib-sticking chicken cordon bleu, stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese ($10.95).

Pasta dishes include penne with a light tomato basil sauce, stuffed shells and penne alla vodka. Meat eaters will revel in a 12-ounce shell steak or hungry man steak cooked to order ($14.95). Most entrees are served with mixed vegetables and choice of mashed potatoes, steak fries or rice.

According to Kim, our friendly waitress, McCann’s burgers and wraps are quite popular. Big, juicy burgers are served with choice of cheese, including American, cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, provolone and pepper jack, and all can be topped with bacon, onions or mushrooms. Burgers are served with steak fries, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle for about $8.50. Wraps are freshly made and include grilled or Cajun style chicken, which packs a little kick, steak fajita, chunky white meat tuna or buffalo chicken. The McCann’s wrap includes grilled chicken, tomato, bacon and mushrooms. It’s one of the most popular at $8.25.

Every weekend, late breakfast and brunch is served until 4:30 p.m. The menu includes fluffy three-egg omelets, steak and eggs and breakfast wraps, as well as a full Irish breakfast, all with complimentary brunch cocktail.

The summer concert series in nearby Astoria Park begins this weekend, so stop in at McCann’s before or after the free concert for dinner, drinks or a game of pool. There’s a whole calendar of events and specials going on each and every night at McCann’s, from televised prize fights and other sporting events, to drink specials, Ladies’ Night on Wednesdays and much more. Fogarty is taking reservations for his annual fishing trip and booze cruise on July 30. The low price includes food, libation, fishing gear and round trip transportation for a full day of fun in the sun on the water. Check out their Web site for more information or stop in after work. A Fourth of July barbecue is also planned, so if you’re in town and looking for something to do, come as you are to McCann’s.

Visit McCann’s soon for lunch, dinner, happy hour, or any time you want to be around a friendly crowd. Play a game of pool or darts and just have fun. The kitchen stays open till 2 a.m. for your late night cravings and the staff is very friendly. Cheers, Paul!

McCann’s Pub & Grill 36-15 Ditmars Boulevard, Astoria

718.278.2621/2039 • Fax: 718.278.9270

www.McCannsPub.com