Irish Times: Sterotypically Fun

So I have to say I have a history with Irish Times. It was the first pub I ever hit, I've spent countless hours there, some memorable, some memory-less, and I've memorized the tap selection.
Ok, well, they've changed some of the kegs recently, so I can't say I know what's up right now, but I used to have it down.
Styled as a stereotypical irish pub, it's over the top in "authentic" paraphenalia, but it's well done. The taps are polished brass, everything is wood, there's book shelves, fireplaces, nooks, and a stage. It's a sort of "dream pub" or something off a movie set. Despite this, it's done in a more humble, less in your face way, which keeps it from constantly being in your face.
On this particular trip we had an upstairs table (yes, there's an upstairs, it's 2 stories of Eire goodness). We overlooked the bar and central clock. The entire thing is a giant decorative structure, probably something turned into a bar. It's now got mirrors, shelves and other alcahol related gear on it.
The band wasn't playing yet, but as with every other day of the week there's someone scheduled to take stage. U2 or some other band related to the emerald isle was on the speakers.
We knew it got busy later on so we ordered pints and food promptly. Luckily it was still a slow period, so we all (Kristi, Andrew and I) all got the suds quickly.
There's a decent selection of pints, with a mixture of local micros and some big names from over sees. They do provide a couple of the crap beers, though I never knew why until I whittnessed a man actually order a Coors Lite.
Who goes to an irish pub to order flavoured water?
Anywho, Guiness and all his friends are there, as well as a reps from Driftwood, Phillips and the such. A bonus is that almost every type has it's own specific glass. The Hoegardens show up in their massive glass buckets, the Guiness in the recognizable wide, curvy glass, etc.
Unfortunately, this is one of those places that really goes with a full crowd, but when it's undercapcity it's a little underwhelming.
But, the service was friendly and since they were used to crowds, having only a few to serve kept them nearby. The kilts don't hurt either (don't worry girls, I think ALL staff members where kilts).
The food was the usual fare and while it was solid, it wasn't spectacular. They've taken some of my favourites off the menu, which disappoints. There also isn't much in the way of traditional stuff, and what is there is expensive. They do do a good job of combining west coast into the plan though, making traditional Atlantic dishes Pacific.
All in all it was a good time though I know they can do better.
Service - 4, though this is coloured on past experiences
Food - Solid, but the crab burger wasn't as crabby as possible - 3.5
Beer Quality - 4, with a decent selection of local and international. And Tours of the Taps!
Beer Price - The location draws is awesome, but you pay for it - 3
Character - Past experiences force me to give a 4.5. When this place goes, it's FUN!