Ri Ra offers five pub-style experiences

Las Vegas has its share of traditional Irish pubs but Ri Ra at Mandalay Place, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. South, stands apart in a big way: It's almost like five pubs in one, says general manager Scott Sherman.

The 7,500-square-foot restaurant, which opened earlier this year, features five separate bars, each providing guests with a distinctive ambience while adhering to the traditional Irish pub feel. Among them are the whiskey bar with more than 150 scotches and more than 40 Irish whiskeys; a parlour bar that's like walking into your grandmother's living room in the '70s; and the main room bar, reminiscent of a Dublin-style theater room, Sherman says.

What makes Ri Ra so traditional, Sherman says, is the decor. One bar features a 500-pound statue of St. Patrick while another is made of Kilkenny limestone straight from Ireland.

"Everything is salvaged materials brought from Ireland," Sherman says.

The menu features American fare with an Irish flair. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays while lunch and dinner are offered daily. The kitchen closes daily at 11 p.m., when the restaurant turns into a "Chipper," Sherman says. That's an Irish word for a place to get bar food after hours. People can order burgers, fish and chips, and other snack items.

Irish music is performed nightly by live bands starting at 8:30. The dining room seats 400. Ri Ra is open Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 a.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 a.m.; and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. The Chipper is open from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily.

Reservations are not required, but are accepted.

Specialties: Irish potato cakes, $8.95; Reuben, $13.95; pan-seared halibut with Irish cheddar and horseradish potato gratin served with creamy leeks, $22.95

Appetizers: Smoked salmon plate with pickled red onions, capers, sour cream and baked Irish soda bread, $13.95; Irish sausage rolls, $9.95; baked goat cheese with crostini, $10.95

Soups/salads: potato leek soup, $3.95 for a cup, $4.95 for a bowl; chopped salad, $12.95

Entrees: Rasher and leek chicken with sauteed asparagus, $17.95; fish and chips, $14.95 regular size or $18.95 for a large; bacon and cabbage with boiled potatoes, $15.95

Desserts: Guinness sundae with a black and tan brownie and vanilla ice cream, rice pudding, Kelly's chocolate cake, all $6.95

Information: 632-7771