Everyone has a favorite Irish pub. We've visited a few here in Rhode Island where some are Irish only in name, where the only thing there that is Irish is Guiness on tap. We have, however, found an exception in Ward's Pub.

Technically, Ward's is called Ward's Publick House, but I've never met anyone who didn't recognize it as Ward's Pub. That's fine, it's still a great place for dinner, a pint of ale, and some Irish music, no matter what you call the place.

Let's start with dinner. There are black angus steaks and hamburgers, but more importantly, you can get traditional Irish dishes. Try the mixed grille -- for $16, the mixed grill has Irish sausages, imported Irish bacon, boneless pork tenderloin, grilled tomatoes, and mashed potatoes. Grilled tomatoes? Yep, that's a traditional Irish dish -- I've been there, trust me.

Their shepherd's pie is served in a crock -- ground meat and vegetables in a dark gravy-like sauce, topped by mashed potatoes with melted butter. Or maybe bangers and mash. (That's little finger sausages and mashed potatoes.) Does it seem like there's a lot of mashed potatoes? There're Irish potatoes, of course.

The bar serves all of the favorite Irish beers. Look for Guinness, Bass, Harp, Smithwicks, Stella Artois, Double Diamond, Harpoon UFO, Speckled Hen, and Ward's Imported Lager, all on tap. Of course you can get the thin, watery, American lagers if you want. Or a soda. But not fresh-brewed iced tea in the wintertime.

On Thursdays, Irish Balladeer Mark Quinn performs. His acoustic solo act begins at 7:30 and runs to about 10PM. Then on Sunday evenings, 7-10PM, you can listen to a "Traditional Irish Music Session." These Irish folk music jam sessions are led by Pendragon's Bob Drouin and Tom McGuire on alternating Sundays.

The atmosphere is cozy, with lightly colored wood, booths lining one wall, a large bar with seating all the way around, and a nice fireplace that's always burning on chilly evenings. Just the place to relax.

Ward's opens at 4:30 each day and is busiest right after working hours. You'll find Ward's Publick House at 3854 Post Road in Warwick, just north of East Greenwich where Cowesett Road meets Post Road. You can call them at (401) 884-7008 or visit them online at www.wardspublickhouse.com

On St. Patrick's Day, Ward's opens at 9AM for a traditional Irish breakfast including Irish sausage, imported Irish bacon, both black and white pudding, Irish bread, and eggs. Live music starts at lunchtime and will continue through the entre day and night.

About the author, Paul Pence: Not a life-long Rhode Islander, Paul got to Rhode Island as fast as he could. He has 25 years of writing experience and numerous publication credits including the Providence Journal, the East Greenwich Magazine, Weissmann Travel Reports, Travel Lady Magazine, Jackhammer, Your Skin and Sun, TravelNotes, TexWoman, and many others.

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