The Harp: Cheer and Crackers

I’LL SECOND THAT EMOTION: You may recall Kirk Gibson’s historic homer in that Dodger World Series game. In this place, virtually no one even noticed. Bantering and earnest conversation are the watchwords at this Celtic saloon. There’s weekend Caledonian music and athletic teams and a healthy share of mating rituals, but mostly the place is about the lift of the gab.

Of course, that sort of thing can get pretty old in most Orange County watering holes, unless you have a burning desire to discuss “Roseanne” or real estate prices. But the Harp attracts an educated, reading clientele, more interested in spending quality time in an Irish hootchery than in how their hair looks.

Extra foam: Those accents.

Dart: Parking’s a bit dicey.

The Harp Inn, 130 E. 17th St. (at the corner of Newport Boulevard), Costa Mesa. Open Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fridays from 2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from noon. Live music Thursdays through Sundays. (714) 646-8855.