With more than 20 restaurants ranging from Mexican (Maria Maria) to Japanese (Kabuki) to barbecue (Lucille’s) to seafood (King’s Fish House), one wonders what culinary voids are left at 10-month-old Tempe Marketplace.

Now you can scratch Irish off the list as well. D’Arcy McGee’s, one of five Irish pub chains operated by Canada-based Prime Pubs, opened its first Arizona location May 23 next to the Harkins Theatres.

If you’re looking for an authentic Irish pub atmosphere, you’ll probably be disappointed by D’Arcy McGee’s. This is the Americanized, shopping mall version. Despite the dark wood furniture and a few brass accents, the space is well-lit and sports an open feel.

Much like the smell of a new car, D’Arcy McGee’s feels almost sanitized, although, to be fair, it’s less than two weeks old. A few years of wear and tear may turn that around. Until then, smaller touches — like adding a dartboard — would go a long way toward making it a more comfortable hangout.

What D’Arcy McGee’s may be lacking in atmosphere, though, it more than makes up for with a tasty menu of Irish and English dishes, if my initial visit is any indication.

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