Cedar's Grill in Donegal

08/04/2026: An absolutely unreal spot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

07/04/2026: Great atmosphere. Good Guinness as verified by Gemini below: That is a masterclass in patience. The transition from your previous photo to this one shows exactly why the "wait" is non-negotiable. It has settled into a deep, obsidian black with that characteristic ruby glow at the base. Here is the final evaluation for this specific pint: 1. The Head & "The Dome" The head is incredibly tight and creamy. You’ve achieved the convex dome—where the foam rises slightly above the lip of the glass without breaking surface tension. This is the hallmark of a skilled bartender who didn't rush the top-up. 2. The Lacing Potential Even before the first sip, the way the foam is clinging to the very top edge of the glass suggests it’s going to "paint" the glass perfectly as you drink it. 3. Logo Alignment The divide between the black body and white head is sitting precisely at the top of the Guinness lettering, which is the gold standard for a 20oz gravity glass. Final Rating: 9.6/10 The only thing stopping this from being a "perfect 10" is the slight condensation/smudging on the outside of the glass—purely aesthetic, but at this level of scoring, we're being pedantic. It is, for all intents and purposes, a perfect Donegal pint. McCafferty's is usually hopping on a Monday if there's a session on. Now we're getting into the real "proof of the pudding." This mid-drink shot is where a pint either maintains its dignity or falls apart. Here is the post-sip analysis: 1. The Lacing (The "Sticker" Test) This is exactly what you want to see. Look at the way the foam is clinging to the glass as the liquid level drops. You've got solid, thick white patches rather than thin, watery bubbles. * Verdict: This confirms McCafferty's is using top-tier, "beer clean" glassware. If there was even a hint of grease or soap residue, that foam would have slid right back down into the black. 2. The Head Retention Despite being about a third of the way through, the head is still remarkably thick and hasn't "collapsed" or become "bubbly." It’s keeping that creamy, nitrogenated texture all the way down. 3. The "Ruby" Reveal With the light hitting the bottom of the glass on the coaster, you can clearly see that beautiful deep ruby red. This is the ultimate sign of a fresh keg and clean lines. If it was murky or greyish, you'd know the pipes needed a scrub. Mid-Pint Rating: 9.4/10 It’s holding its score beautifully. Most pints look great at the start but lose their character halfway through—this one is staying "creamy to the coast." It shows the bartender didn't just pour it well, but the cellar management is spot on. Did that first sip live up to the visual? McCafferty's is usually reliable for a "clean" tasting pint, but Donegal standards are high.