When you first step into Rí Rá at The Shoppes At Mandalay Place between Mandalay Bay and Luxor, you may think you are seeing the longest bar top in the world. In reality, though, the restaurant’s composition consists of several rooms, and therefore, several bars. Each room resembles a different type of pub, from the intimate shop pub to the theater room, with elements imported from Ireland. And there’s history, here, as well. Those bar tops and the décor are rescued from real pubs, restored and brought to Rí Rá restaurants on this continent. A near life-size statue of St. Patrick’s, hundreds of years old, is supposed to have been found in a farmer’s field.

But history and ambience only go so far (admittedly, here, really far!) and then the food kicks in. Rí Rá pulls in flavors and dishes from across the ocean, and it’s all served with Irish attitude and an Irish accent. Most of the servers and staff actually come from Ireland. The restaurant participates in a program in which staff applies in Ireland, and then works for a year in the U.S., being trained in our style of hospitality. It makes for a very friendly environment, where a little conversation between guests and staff is encouraged.

Have a drink or two while you’re perusing the menu: the classic Guinness comes served in a satisfying pint glass, and Foyne’s Original Irish coffee blends whiskey, brown sugar and coffee topped with whipped cream. Some folks might prefer it after dinner, but others of us like to start strong.

The usual pub fare gets a nice update here, including the deviled Scotch egg, kind of an unholy, but wholly delicious, combination of the two types of boiled egg. The sausage-wrapped egg’s center has a mousse-like, deviled egg quality. Potato cakes, fried a crisp golden brown, are highlighted with a little sour cream and a balsamic reduction.

Every pub in Ireland carries a version of curry; here, McDonnell’s Irish curry combines chicken, onions and colorful bell peppers in a rich sauce. You can get it over rice or chips (hearty fries), or both. The Irish cheddar mac brings pasta together with a vintage cheddar and mushrooms; after you break the crispy topping, the mushroom smell wafts out (and you have a sudden understanding of Frodo’s fondness for the fungi).

Sides are equally as rich and homelike: A savory bread pudding pops bacon inside the baked dish for a little zing, and cauliflower gratin is creamy and cheesy, with sweetness from the veggie coming through.

Desserts like the Trinity, with chocolate mousse, chocolate sauce and Jameson whipped cream, are decadent, perfectly suited to lingering over with coffee, tea or perhaps another pint. Or a craft beer or a spirit. They’ve got plenty—it is a pub, after all. While you’re lingering, listen to the live Irish bands onstage nightly. The restaurant actually recently broke the Guinness World Record for the longest stretch of continuous music (more than 15 days!), all with Irish bands.

The Shoppes at Mandalay Place 9 a.m.-3 a.m. Sun., 8 a.m.-3 a.m. Mon.-Thurs., 8 a.m.-4 a.m. Fri., 9 a.m.-4 a.m. Sat. 702.632.7771