Firkin and Phoenix

For a moment, The Firkin & Phoenix Pub's weathered brick and solid-black panels make the street corner look like a London intersection—but then a motorist drives by on the right side of the street, and the impression fades. No matter, since the decor inside continues the evocation of Englishness, with black booths backed with plush red cushions, a bar built from dark hardwoods, and carpet patterns recalling the Victorian era. The menu includes classic British dishes from scotch eggs to cottage pie along with burgers and other American pub food, including a Meatless Mondays vegetarian menu. The drink menu features popular English and American beers, with barkeeps pouring (512) Brewing Company IPA and Newcastle.

In true pub fashion, The Firkin & Phoenix keeps guests entertained in addition to well-fed. Eight LCD-screen televisions surround patrons with sports, and the staff sets up three projectors for highly anticipated events, such as Saturday-morning cartoons. More diversions include free WiFi, pub games such as darts, billiards, and ping-pong, and video games on a Nintendo Wii or Xbox 360 Kinect. The Firkin & Phoenix Pub also hosts trivia and bingo nights, plus charity events such as dog washes to benefit local animal shelters.