We all know that Maxwell's is the venue to see live rock 'n' roll and Scotland Yard is the spot to check out the blues. Unfortunately, few places advertise as "the quirky corner bar where everyone knows your name." So, as part of a summer series, we're combing the county in search of some authentic local hangouts. (Editor's note: By "local hangout" we mean a back-to-basics, endearingly rough-around-the-edges, unpretentious watering hole that is brimming with character and characters.) Kelly's Pub 1314 Washington St., Hoboken (653-9861) At 3 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon, Kelly's Pub is lined with white-haired men drinking drafts and smoking cigarettes. A soccer match, a baseball game and dirt bike racing emanate from three TVs dispersed throughout the bar. A sign above the oversized bottles of liquor reads "Under 41, ID will be required." With a tiled floor, tin ceiling, comfortable plush leather barstools and dozens of baseball portraits lining the pallid walls, Kelly's Pub, which has been the uptown hangout for festive firemen, chipper cops and regular residents for the past 30 years, is the quintessential local bar. "I love this joint," said Harry Korman, a fireman from Little Ferry who has been coming to Kelly's two times a week since it opened. "The owners are good people and your friends are always here." "Everyone knows everyone by name," added Gus Kischig, who is also a fireman and happens to conveniently live above the pub. "It's a family place. Just don't bring your wife. But seriously, we're probably the happiest bar in town." And the management plans to keep it that way. Pat Kelly, the day bartender and daughter of the original owner, Frank Kelly, who recently passed away, promised that there would be no significant alterations any time soon. "We haven't changed in 30 years," she said. "My father would never want us to change anything, so we plan to keep it this way." Sullivan's Tavern 600 Washington St., Hoboken (420-9849) In the evening, Sullivan's fills up with "yuppies" and "Stevens students," explained Trudy Devries, who has been tending bar at the small saloon for 29 years. During the afternoon, however, the 85-year-old establishment epitomizes old Hoboken. "We get a local crowd," said Devries "Especially during the day." Sullivan's also attracts stars. According to Devries, Danny Aiello and Joe Pantoliano are both frequent visitors. Perhaps that's because former soap opera actor George Palermo Jr., who starred in ABC's Loving and The City, owns the establishment. Palermo Jr. can currently be seen saying "She thinks you're handsome" in an Olive Garden commercial. Like Kelly's, Sullivan's is fashioned with tin ceilings, plush bar stools and several televisions dedicated to sports. George Palermo Sr., the original owner, was found sipping a beer at the bar last Thursday afternoon. "[Palermo Jr.] has made a few changes, like adding a stereo," said Palermo Sr., clearly brimming with pride over his son's success. "But it still has the same local crowd, especially during the day." Downtown Pub 9 Paterson Ave., Hoboken (798-9316) Located on the island off of Paterson Avenue and Observer Highway, Downtown Pub is a must-visit for fans of the neighborhood bar. With maroon painted walls, a slick black bar topped with baskets of pretzels and potato chips and a large tank furnished with tropical fish, the tiny establishment screams local hangout. And that's exactly what it is for John Kelly and Tom Hannagan who were found enjoying $1.25 drafts and a rerun of M*A*S*H* last Thursday afternoon. "I come here everyday," said Hannagan. "And you're sitting in my seat." "I like to stop in and say hello to the boys," added Kelly. "A lot of the boys hang out here." Apparently "the boys" consist of other locals who frequent the spot. Securing its status as the quintessential local hangout, every Sunday night the regulars gather at the pub for a potluck dinner and a couple of games of pool. "Of course, outsiders are always welcome," said Kelly. So whip up some mac and cheese, chalk up your cue stick and head downtown. Blarney Pub 1135 Summit Ave., Jersey City (659-9879) Blarney Pub is to Jersey City what Downtown Pub is to Hoboken. With dollar mugs of domestic beers - and only $1.50 for an import - Blarney Pub, which has been a Jersey City staple for over 70 years, also screams local hangout. "We definitely have our regulars and a lot of old timers," said day bartender Wendy Escalante. "We don't get many new people." Arlene Celenza, a born-and-raised-in-Jersey-City-resident, is one of Blarney Pub's more avid and vociferous supporters. "The owners are fantastic people," Celenza said with unbridled enthusiasm while sipping a glass of white wine. "They bring in a DJ every once in a while. People dance. We do the limbo and rock. You name it, we do it. We have a ball here." Last Friday afternoon was no exception. Regulars lined the long wooden bar, The Cosby Show aired on TV, and everyone, including Escalante, seemed to be having a ball. McSwiggans 110 First St., Hoboken(798-6700) Conveniently located across from City Hall, rumors are that McSwiggans, the mile-square-city's newest Irish bar, has the best pint of Guinness in town. "We've developed a reputation around town for having the best pint of Guinness," McSwiggans bartender Steven Diskin said with a sweet Irish lilt. "We cool it properly, clean the lines regularly, keep the gas at the right pressure and we pour it properly." The pouring of the Guinness seems to be the key to a tasty pint. Like Heinz ketchup, the process can't be rushed. According to Diskin, one should fill the pint glass half way and then wait while the frothy Guinness settles before topping it off. Because McSwiggans opened only last February, it doesn't have the same old-timer cachet as a Kelly's or Sullivan's. But with seven televisions, exposed brick walls, a wooden bar, a working fireplace and a futon for lounging, McSwiggans is on the right track. "Everyone's welcome," said the owner, Aiden Boyle, who also spoke with a sweet Irish lilt. "And we're looking to create a neighborhood feel." Keep your eyes open for future profiles.