Every Friday six years ago, there was a ritual.
I used to get off work, take the subway home and grab fish and chips and a large orange soda from an over-the-counter restaurant.
Worth mentioning is that I was living in Glasgow, Scotland.
After moving to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona, I made several unsuccessful attempts to keep up my Friday routine, but fish tacos ain't fish and chips.
It may be worth starting up again as the Auld Dubliner pub has opened on University Boulevard.
The location is curious — the spot has been a revolving door of failed attempts like Fat Tuesday and Sharky's Sports Bar, but co-owner Victor Martinez is as confident as Axl Rose in the song "Patience" that he's got what it takes to make it.
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He points to the "wow factor" when you walk in the door. "From the ground up, that's what we stand on," he said, surrounded by brick and rich wood.
The interior, with lantern lighting fixtures and vintage metal signs, was imported from the Ireland-based Ol Irish Pub Company, at olirishpubs.com. And thanks to the craftsmanship, you can forget you're still in the desert while gawking inside.
Auld Dubliner is a growing chain that is part of what Guinness has branded the "Irish Pub Concept," which is all about creating the authentic feeling of an Irish pub outside of Ireland. This is the fourth Auld Dubliner in the United States, and the company's first in the state of Arizona.
The pub is divided into two segments. The section that faces University Boulevard uses lots of dark wood, brick, etched glass and Guinness barrels as tables. The back room is brighter with green-painted wood paneling and stencil designs on the ceiling.
"It's pretty tight," said Allan Valentin, 25, enjoying a pint on the bar's opening day, Aug. 28. Along with Valentin was Dave Sklarz, 25, who enjoyed perusing the Dubliner's 16 or so types of Irish whiskey.
"We'll be coming back," said Valentin, who later stepped outside on the front patio to smoke a cigarette.
The bar allows smoking outdoors only, which can tip the bar's ambience to more of a restaurant than pub.
The Dubliner offers a full menu, including traditional Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage. The prices are steep for the UA area: A cheeseburger goes for $9.50.
Martinez promised that patrons won't leave hungry and that there will be food and drink specials.
Of course, I ordered the fish and chips ($11.95) and was greeted with a large plate containing two pieces of beer-battered Atlantic cod, each about as big as my hand, resting on a pillow of seasoned, golden fries. Along with the fish and fries came ketchup, two lemon wedges, tarter sauce and British vinegar, which you must drench the entire dish in.
It was by far the best fish and chips I've had this side of the Atlantic, and I've tried several other so-called British pubs.
The waitstaff was fast, friendly and quick to refill glasses.
Martinez said the waitstaff was hired with an emphasis on personality and he wants customers and staff to build a rapport — so patrons will feel they always have a friend inside.
"It's a neighborhood place," Martinez said, "in the tradition of an Irish pub."
800 E. University Blvd.
206-0323
Hours: 11 to 2 a.m. daily
What: Irish pub and restaurant
Mood: Light and airy
Cover: None
Parking: Finding a spot around University Boulevard is easy — if you don't mind shelling out for a parking garage. Otherwise, depending on the day, good luck.
Snootiness: Nay
Bathrooms: Auld Dubliner shares its bathrooms with the lobby of an office building — it's kind of odd and you can't bring alcohol into the bathroom area. The men's bathroom on a recent visit was less stellar than the Dubliner and broke the British pub illusion like a punch to the face.
Food: Full menu
Waitstaff: Courteous
Music: Mostly piped-in Irish folk music, but co-owner Martinez said there will be live traditional Irish music three to six nights a week.
