Dropkick Murphys’ James Lynch talks pubs

From The Sillhouette Lounge in Allston to The Cellar in Cambridge, check out Dropkick Murphys’ guitarist James Lynch’s favorite spots to grab a pint in Boston.

Editor’s note: This list originally ran on Boston.com in 2008.

Pictured clockwise from bottom left: Matt Kelly, Marc Orrell, Tim Brennan, and James Lynch.

1. O’Malley’s

A bar in Allston’s Union Square (no longer in business)

Prior to the bar’s closing, Lynch would stop into O’Malley’s for a pint and a chat with the owner, Red Bentley.

“R.I.P. The perfect bar as far as I was concerned. Once you spent enough time at O’Malley’s it kind of became a part of you. There was very much a family thing that went on there: from people’s birthdays to arguing about the Christmas decorations. I miss it more than I probably should. Not to mention, barely any natural light made it through the bars on those tiny windows.’’

2. The Silhouette Lounge

200 Brighton Ave., Allston

Brian Furente of Allston swings by the Sill for a smoke and a drink.

‘‘After being eighty-sixed for a short period of time,’’ says Lynch, meaning he was banned from the place for a spell, ‘‘the Sill has found its way back into my life, and I couldn’t be happier.’’

3. Joey’s

416 Market St., Brighton

Jim O’Halloran of Brighton works the bar in Joey’s, with just barely a week left before the big day. Considering his love for the now-defunct O’Malley’s, Lynch has high praise for the pub.

“Amazing neighborhood bar. Closest thing I’ve found to a new O’Malley’s.’’

4. O’Brien’s Pub

3 Harvard Ave., Allston

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Maybe it was better before. O.B.’s re-opened in 2007 after a face lift in which they ripped out carpeting and put in new bathrooms. Prior to the renovations Lynch said, “I can only hope it remains on my list when the doors open again.’’

5. TC’s Lounge

1 Haviland St., Boston (recently closed due to a fire)

Across the street from Berklee, “I like to huddle around the fake fire and tell stories with friends,’’ Lynch said.

6. Common Ground

85 Harvard Ave., Allston

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Bartender Wally Furlong of West Roxbury makes sure his customers are taken care of. “Kind of an ‘eatin’ and drinkin’ place, but it’s usually empty in the afternoons,’’ Lynch said.

7. The Cellar

991 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

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“You’ve probably walked by this bar in Cambridge and had no idea it was even there — very low key. That’s why I go there. Go and see Debbie who bartends on Sundays for some of the best over the bar banter in town.’’

224 Market St., Brighton

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Ireland native and Brighton resident Brendan Kelly runs the bar at the Irish Village, which originally put Lynch off, but which he eventually came to appreciate.

“Years ago, when I first moved into the neighborhood, I headed to this little corner bar to spend my last five bucks. ‘Meet the neighbors!’ I thought. ‘Break in my new locale!’ I was denied service immediately (to this day I do not know why, but God knows, right?), which started a five-year grudge that ended only recently when it was the only place I could get to before last call. I was served, and had a great time,’’ Lynch said. “Very cozy little place, on a corner where there shouldn’t be a bar.’’

9. P.J. Kilroy’s Pub

822 Beacon St., Boston

A Fenway bar, it is now deceased. Tough loss for Sox fans; how could the jukebox go silent?

10. C.J.’s Saloon

29 Newton St., Brighton

Don’t be fooled. From the outside C.J.’s appears to be a residence, but it holds a special place in Lynch’s heart.

“When even the lousiest dive is packed out, I can always get a seat at C.J.’s. Unless, of course, there’s more than three people inside already.’’