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Sitting down and having a pint with friends has been a tradition since Colonial times. Broadneck locals keep the history alive every day by frequenting their local pubs to catch up on the latest goings-on, enjoy a meal, watch a game or just release the stress of the day. Favorite watering holes in the area include Broadneck Cantina, O'Loughlin's pub, and Griffin's on Ritchie Highway, who are this year's nominees for Broadneck Patch's Pick – Best Bar.

Warm, inviting and bustling, Broadneck Cantina is the little sister of long-established restaurant Broadneck Grill located in the Cape St. Claire shopping center.

Donna Duran opened Broadneck Grill 17 years ago and the customers loved it so much they demanded a bar version. The cantina, which connects directly with the restaurant, opened its doors on March 26^th.

"It's been so great," exclaimed Duran. "The customers are wonderful and we have gotten to know most of them by name."

Broadneck readers are invited to go see bartender Natalie Baranyk and enjoy happy hour specials. Happy Hour runs Monday – Friday, 4 p.m  – 7 p.m. and offers margaritas, house wine, sangria, all beer and rail liquor drinks for $3 each. Visit the website for full menu listings as well as other specials: www.broadneckgrill.com.

O'Loughlin's Restaurant has been part of the Bay Hills family for 10 years and offers delicious pub food specials to go along with the adult beverage of choice. Some popular choices are the crab dip pizza and the spiced shrimp.

Manager Tom Crawford named the pub after his mother – more specifically, her maiden name, and he's been doing his best to honor that dedication ever since. He constantly makes his rounds checking on customers and chatting with regulars, making sure everyone is happy and has everything they need.

"He really is a social butterfly," said hostess Allison Goetzke. "You have to be to be a good manager though. I've been here since August and I just love it because of the great staff and all the familiar faces."

O'Loughlin's hosts a trivia event every Tuesday and their happy hour is Monday – Friday, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.  Find information about catering, special events and other services at www.oloughlinspub.com.

Griffin's Grill is a fairly recent addition to Ritchie Highway and is also a local music venue. To better accommodate patrons, Griffin's has given its bar area a full facelift and now offers a new bar and lounge. Guests are invited to play the lottery, sample pub fare (come on Tuesday for Taco Tuesday and get three beef soft tacos for $2.50, 7 p.m. -10 p.m.) or enjoy a favorite brew.

Happy Hour is every day, 4 p.m. -7 p.m. Customers can get: $2 off pub grub; a $2 Miller, Bud or Coors; and $1 off all other beer, house wine and rail liquor drinks. Each night of the week offers a different food and event special, so customers can consider skipping dinner sometime when they head over to Griffin's. As if the specials aren't enough, Griffin's also offers a $5 off coupon on their website, good for $5 off any check over $20! www.arnoldsgriffinsgrill.com

So, be off, readers!  Now you have an excuse to test out these three nominees. Remember to vote by COB Friday!