The well-attended Irishman Pub, Strandgata 31 (tel. 62-52-33-92), draws a lively crowd, usually in the 30- to 50-year-old bracket, to its 1930s-era precincts. The decor? Classic Irish pub, down to the pictures of famous Irishmen lining the walls. Recorded music plays in the background except on Friday, when live music is heard. On one night, the singers owed massive inspiration to both The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Of course, Guinness and Irish whiskeys rule the night. Open Monday 4 to 11pm, Tuesday to Thursday 4pm to 12:30am, Friday and Saturday noon to 2am, and Sunday noon to 11pm.
At the Nattklubben Munken, Torggata 23 (tel. 62-70-70-00), a mixture of locals in the 20-to-35 age group come together for drinks and good times. The DJs alternate frequently, but the latest recorded music from Europe and the U.S. can be heard. There's a midsize dance floor that can get very crowded on drunken Friday and Saturday nights. A cover of 80NOK ($12/£6.55) is imposed, and hours are Thursday to Saturday 10pm to 3:30am.
