Irish Coffee and a Warm Ambience

During the cold months, there may be no better place to go for warm atmosphere and a hot cup of Irish coffee than the International Pub and Platter.

The International, situated in the Plaza de Cafes at 4881 Birch St., Newport Beach, is an Irish bar wedged among several other international restaurants. The pub is usually going strong long after the other places have closed, so if it looks deserted from the front door of the plaza, peek inside anyway.

If you happen by on a weeknight, don’t be surprised if yours is the only American accent in the place--Irish expatriates are legion there.

On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, crowds enjoy live Celtic guitar and fiddle music in the tavernlike atmosphere. Beer prices range from $1.75 for domestic brands to $2.50 for imported beers, among them Irish-label Guinness as well as English and Scottish beers.

The bar also stocks O’Doul’s, a nonalcoholic beer, but manager Siobhan Donnelly points out: “We don’t sell much of that. It’s the exact opposite of what an Irish drink is.”

The house speciality is the Bailey’s coffee, more than worth the $3.50 charge. It is served in a glass decorated with green shamrocks and writing describing the proper proportions of the ingredients. And don’t miss a chance to taste the Blackthorn, a crisp clear cider in a tall glass, once you’re warmed up.

International Pub and Platter, 4881 Birch St., Newport Beach. Open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday through Sunday till 2 a.m. (714) 955-3868.