Irish sentiments such as "May you live as long as you love" are meant to warm the cockles of even the darkest hearts. And then, there are the realistic ones such as, "If you drink to forget, please pay in advance." Inside
Sláinte (pronounced Slan-ch-uh), Boynton Beach's newest Irish pub, you'll find both sayings painted on the walls, with the latter signaling the bar's fun, sarcastic feel. On a recent weekend night, a young guitar–slinger pleased the crowd by singing Van Morrison's "Brown–Eyed Girl," but making it his own by crooning "pink-eyed girl" during the chorus. A large group of patrons sang along near the stage, got cozy in booths or did a jig on the dance floor.
Open since March, Sláinte is located just off I-95 in a sherbet–colored, multistory building next to an Aveda spa and a Starbucks. Unlike the typical dark and smoky Irish pub, this expansive space is smoke–free and pristine by comparison. Whiskey barrels top a warm, wooden bar and wrought–iron sculptures can be found throughout the venue. Pictures of Bono and the members of Thin Lizzy decorate the drink menu, which lists several beers, wines, mixed drinks and, of course, Irish whiskey. Mental note: Add directions to Sláinte to your hurricane-survival kit today, since the bar keeps a massive generator on–hand in case of power outages.
Stop by for: Live music nightly, and food, drinks and conversations until 2 a.m.
Load up on: Strongbow cider, Smithwick's ale and Tucher beer, all on tap
Tunes: Violent Femmes' "Blister in the Sun," Steve Miller Band's "The Joker"
Leave the house in: Whatever you like, as evident by the crowd that wears everything from fancy club wear to jean shorts and T-shirts
How to find it: 1500 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach, 561-742-4190,
Slaintepubs.com
Terra Sullivan is a freelance writer for City Link
