Waxy O'Connor's Irish Pub and Eatery

Boy, if those folks who have been hanging out at Fort Lauderdale's Waxy O'Connors for years got a glimpse of Miami's mint riverfront version, they would definitely make the schlep on a regular basis. (Most of them would probably do so by boat, too, which would be totally cool because this riverfront spot has free boat slips. Alas, Lauderdale's does not.) The sexier, sassier young sister not only boasts a gorgeous view of the Miami River, but also somehow pulls off authenticity despite its pristine sheen. Cutout dark-wood trim and stained-glass partitions, substantially spongy booths, a pool table with a red-felt surface, gobs of flat-screens, and glass-enclosed cases displaying artifacts assist the effort, while the sticky tabletops remind you that even new places can display signs of frequent lovin'. Chances are, most folks here probably come after work to down a few pints of Guinness, some Irish whiskey, or single-malt Scotch outside at the tables with barrel-shaped pedestals and to listen to live music three nights a week. (And no, not all performances are U2 tributes.) Sop up the sounds with a few forkfuls of shepherd's pie ($11.95), corned beef and cabbage ($12.95), or bangers and mash ($12.95) if you're full-on hungry. Or try a rustic flatbread (the $11.95 Irish bacon and three mushroom is killer) or a bowl of potato-leek soup for a pittance ($4.50). Die-hard Miamians can also go the less adventurous route, with items such as ceviche, mahi-mahi tropical salad, skirt steak, and key lime gelato. The only downfall to this hot spot is that it is relatively tough to find, because the only visible sign from the street is a glowing red moniker. You'll have to meander to the back of the Neo Vertika building to find this pot of gold, but you can bet your leprechaun ass it's well worth the hunting.