Claddagh Irish Pub, Livonia

The clink of whiskey glasses, the upbeat strains of fiddles, and the mouthwatering aroma of braised lamb shank: these are the sights, sounds, and smells that envelop the senses at Claddagh Irish Pub. The lively eatery sates stomachs with a menu of traditional dishes, such as shepherd’s pie, and those with modern twists, such as the fish accompanied by fresh mango salsa or cilantro-lime rice. The chefs try to use seasonal ingredients and keep tongues from getting bored by changing their offerings twice a year and hiding firecrackers in the desserts.

Diners swig a variety of Irish beer and whiskey and sip more than a dozen wines surrounded by dark wood accents and stone walls that evoke the Emerald Isle. A slew of events entertain ears, including traditional Irish music jams on Sunday evenings and trivia on Wednesday nights.