Ian Morrison--son of owners Ray and Joie Morrison, and a trained chef--is carrying on the family tradition of haggis and Scotch eggs at this convivial eatery. The place has charm, from the tiny sidewalk cafe with potted petunias to the dark-wood interior with a fireplace. Another draw is the list of microbrews and imports. Even more awe-inspiring is the single-malt Scotch roster--it runs several dozen strong with entries from the Lowlands, the north, and Speyside.

Those draughts and drams demand rib-sticking fare, and the Royal Mile delivers with solid pub classics--beef-and-Guinness pie, beer-batter fried cod and chips, and Welsh rarebit. The kitchen has winning modern moments, too: crisply fried chicken breast with cream gravy, rich three-cheese penne with pancetta and Parmesan bread crumbs, and strip steak grilled on a cedar plank with mustard aïoli.

Royal Mile Pub, 2407 Price Ave.; 301-946-4511. Atmosphere: Quirkily romantic. Entrées: $7.15 to $17.95. Bottom line: One of the most inviting addresses in town for drinks and dinner. Open Friday through Sunday for lunch, daily for dinner.