Focus isn't always good, unless of course it's a Ford, cause those things are pretty damn pimp if you get the spoiler and throw a sick box in the back. Defocusing instead to provide you with grub and a social life, Symphony 8, opening next Tuesday.

From a first-time owner (but current partner in McGreevy's) who cut his bar teeth back in Ireland, S8's an ambitious three-themed resto/lounge/Irish pub-hybrid in the old Tiger Lily space, serving two menus of upscale comfort and pub fare (and a thick selection of beers and high-end cocktails) in a two-floor, 300-capacity spot that includes a multi-roomed dining area w/ red walls and black leather booths/suede banquettes; an exposed brick-heavy downstairs w/ stage and private VIP room; and a green-painted pub (named Siánsa 8) with a black lacquered oak/pine bar, and light fixtures that look like old kerosene lanterns, just like you've never seen before in your life. Hearty entrees include a pan seared duck breast in a three citrus sauce; a sliced Dijon molasses-glazed pork tenderloin w/ sautéed spinach; and boneless beef short ribs that're braised in Guinness for six hours, three of which were spent singing songs by The Clancy Brothers featuring Tommy Makem. To satisfy its three bars, S8 boasts 55 beers (Gritty McDuff's, Victory HopDevil, Hennepin), an extensive wine list, scorpion bowls for posterity sake (one fittingly named, "Ode to Tiger Lily"), and a solid selection of handcrafted cocktails like the B-Sharp (bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a float of Fernet); the Symphony 8 Sidecar (cranberry vodka, cider, and a pinch of nutmeg); and the white rum, lime, maraschino, and grapefruit-mixed Hemingway -- drink too many, and it'll be a farewell to (the usage of your) arms.

They've also got quick pub grub like a cheddar/bacon topped (and stuffed!!) burger w/ fontina and mozzarella, and deep-fried bone-in pork shanks (hog wings) w/ waffle fries and chipotle ranch, and are planning to feature a DJ'd blues/jazz vibe downstairs, possibly with a secret back entrance, just like the one on your Focus, because girls never seem to be getting in.

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There's even a full Irish breakfast! See all the dishes we couldn't include at Symphony8Boston.com.