The Best Irish Pub in Every State
There's not much better than cozying up in a proper Irish pub with a pint of Guinness or Irish coffee on a chilly day. The best Irish pubs offer a civilized noise level, show local sports (but aren't sports bars), serve a nice bit of pub food, and are the kind of place you could take your parents or meet your friend—or meet new friends—on a Saturday night.
A tall order, yes, but we've applied these standards to our exhaustive search for the best Irish pub in every state. We scoured reviews, talked to locals, and looked back on our travels around the country to put together a definitive list of our favorite Irish pub in every state. Slánte!
(P.S. if you're looking for something healthy to cook tonight try our 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022.)
ALABAMA: Irish Bred Pub in Opelika
With a menu of pub classics like Guinness stew and corned beef hash, as well as an Irish Bred Bloody and plenty of Jameson, this bar also serves up live music and good times.
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ALASKA: Reilly's Irish Pub in Juneau
Locals praise this classic no-frills pub for "Good beer and kind staff that make great conversation and advice for out-of-towners." They also serve a bracing Irish coffee, which could make braving the Alaskan cold a bit more tolerable.
ARIZONA: Mulloy's Public House in Nutrioso
Travelers—especially those on motorcycles—rave about this off-the-beaten-path pub, with one writing, "An authentic Irish pub in the middle of nowhere. This place offers Guinness on tap, and a wide selection of other beers and spirits." Check out their Facebook page for daily food and drink specials.
ARKANSAS: Dugan's Pub in Little Rock
Located in Little Rock's popular River Market, this classic pub has everything you'd expect from a proper Irish—dark wood, cozy seating, and even homemade Irish brown bread. They're known for throwing a great St. Pat's party as well!
CALIFORNIA: The Auld Dubliner in Long Beach
Serving traditional plates of cured ham and cabbage, Guinness beef stew, and five-dollar pints during happy hour, this old-school spot will take you away from the sunny beach and straight to the old country.
COLORADO: The Irish Rover in Denver
This comfortable, welcoming pub pours a solid Guinness and offers something unique – a gorgeous roof deck. They serve hearty Irish and American fare and offer an expansive whiskey selection.
CONNECTICUT: The Harp and the Hound in Mystic
The kind of bar where they'll know your face after a few visits, this is the spot to tuck away for a perfectly poured Guinness. With an owner that hails from Limerick, live music, and strong Irish coffees, you can't miss at the Harp.
DELAWARE: Catherine Rooney's in Wilmington
Located in Trolley Square, this Wilmington pub aims to make you feel like family and serves excellent fish and chips. Don't skip the Celtic burger, which is served with Irish cheddar and rashers.
FLORIDA: Stout Bar and Grill in Oakland Park
With authentic Irish food, all the Premier League games, and a dark interior, brick walls, with a copper-edged bar, Stout will make you forget you're in Florida before you've even had a wee sip of whiskey.
GEORGIA: Olde Blind Dog in Brookhaven
With a deep craft beer list and one of the best Guinness pours in town, it's not surprising this bar won "International Irish Pub of the Year" a few years back. Keep the booze at the bar with Ale and Cheddar Dip and Stout Onion Soup.
HAWAII: Murphy's Bar and Grill in Honolulu
The perfect spot to pass a few hours out of the sun with a cold pint, Murphy's has everything from lamb burgers to mahi-mahi tacos, plus brews local to the islands.
IDAHO: O'Michael's Pub and Grill in Boise
One of the oldest pubs in the area, this old-fashioned, family-friendly pub has a fireplace to cozy up next to with your whiskey. Try tasty fare like the Reuben or finger steaks (that's deep-fried steak with dipping sauce).
ILLINOIS: The Kerryman in Chicago
This sprawling space (formerly a punk club) serves elevated takes on Irish favorites like Irish breakfast and beef and Guinness pie. Wash down your shot of Jeppson's Malort, an odd whiskey native to Chicago, with a perfect pour of Guinness.
INDIANA: Nine Irish Brothers in Indianapolis
A pub that's well worth a visit, Nine Irish has been named by Guinness (twice!) as the best pour in the states. With a menu filled with Irish classics like soda bread, smoked salmon, and an Irish breakfast served all day, you'll be raising your glass to say slánte!
IOWA: Sully's Irish Pub in Des Moines
Family-friendly until 8 pm, and dog-friendly all the time, Sully's is "Best bar, and best bar food around. Nice clean fun place to get together with friends, or make some new ones," according to one reviewer.
KANSAS: Conroy's Public House Overland Park, Kansas
This pub menu is packed with traditional and creative Irish and American pub food. You can get a Steak and Guinness Pie or an out-of-the-box Reuben Pizza. They also have a wide variety of beers, wines, teas, and whiskeys. REviews rave about the food and atmosphere, one says, "Fantastic fish pie! Delicious Guinness and the best part… they serve Scotch eggs!"
KENTUCKY: The Irish Rover in Louisville
"The best fish and chips anywhere hands down," was what popped up on every review of this classic watering hole, that also leads tours of Ireland for locals. You can also get your Guinness, a cottage pie, and Benedictine, a classic Louisville cream cheese spread.
LOUISIANA: Erin Rose in New Orleans
This great little neighborhood bar just steps off Bourbon Street is a local favorite, primarily for their iconic frozen Irish coffee, which is the perfect drink on a hot NOLA afternoon. And, because it's New Orleans, you get po boys instead of shepherd's pie, and they're excellent.
MAINE: Rí Rá in Portland
For an authentic experience, that feels like "walking through a door that leads you back in time to… a traditional pub 100 hundred years ago in Ireland" head to Rí Rá. They serve fish & chips, corned beef and cabbage, and Guinness pie alongside healthier eats like a quinoa and cauliflower burger and lentil salad. Insider tip: If you want a great view, ask to sit upstairs.
MARYLAND: Mahaffey's Pub in Baltimore
Located in the Canton neighborhood, this bar is the perfect chill local hang. Offering killer wings and fish and chips, Mahaffey's also has a brew club offering specials for regulars.
MASSACHUSETTS: JJ Foley's Cafe in Boston
This was a tough call, because you can't throw a shillelagh in the Commonwealth without hitting a good Irish pub, but Foley's (the one in the South End) is a history rich location that's been pouring stout since 1909. With a standing room-only bar on one side, and a proper restaurant for dinner, you'll feel like family as you tuck into your curry chips.
MICHIGAN: Nancy Whiskey in Detroit
Between Detroit, Traverse City, and Ann Arbor it's hard to pick the best pub in Michigan, but this Corktown haunt is a favorite. One of the oldest bars in town, Nancy Whiskey has been serving up classic pub fare and cold drinks since 1902, and they have live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
MINNESOTA: O'Donovan's in Minneapolis
The menu of this cozy bar—entirely built in Ireland and then reassembled in Minneapolis—prominently features corned beef, salt 'n malt chips, and comfort food like shepherd's pie. You can also pair Irish breakfast with your whiskey all night long.
MISSISSIPPI: Mahogany Bar in Hattiesburg
This pub proudly carries all the brews made in Mississippi on tap (plus dozens more) and locals love getting these brews for a bargain during happy hour. The menu features local faves like Gulf Shrimp Wontons and Debris Fries.
MISSOURI: McGurks in St. Louis
Established in 1978, this local fave has been pouring Guinness for over 40 years, so they clearly know what they're doing. With a killer heated patio serving up potato soup, Irish Crisps, and other pub favorites, you're sure to toast the old country from the middle of the US.
MONTANA: The Stone of Accord in Missoula
"Irish fare with Montana flare" is what The Stone promises, and according to locals, they deliver. The cozy wood pub serves Irish egg rolls, cod & chips, and their own house pasties filled with shredded beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots. Plus, they have over 15 Irish whiskeys ready to pour.
NEBRASKA: Brazen Head Irish Pub in Omaha
Bangers and mashed and corned beef are on the menu, along with good craic (i.e. a good time) at the Brazen Head, a homey hangout with couches and plenty of seating to spread out on. Share a beer and make a new friend!
NEVADA: Three Angry Wives in Las Vegas
Head off the strip to Boca Park for corned beef sandwiches, fish & chips, and shepherd's pie—sure to fuel any late-night shenanigans in the city of sin.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Kathleen's Irish Pub in Bristol
The Northeast has no shortage of great Irish pubs, and this one really feels like you're being welcomed into someone's home. Try a basket of bangers with your stout, and enjoy the live Irish music.
NEW JERSEY: The Shannon Rose in Ramsey
With furniture and decor shipped directly from Ireland, you'll step into another world at this Irish pub. The chef-driver menu includes all the traditional favorites with an expert touch and local-infused flavor. Plus, with over 30 beers on tap and over 40 whiskies, bourbon, and scotches, there's a tipple for everyone.
NEW MEXICO: Two Fools Tavern in Albuquerque
You'll find a traditional a dark wood tavern and roaring fireplace in this cozy spot, with one reviewer noting, "This place has solid pub food, affordable pints, and an extensive whiskey list. Which is pretty much everything you need in an Irish pub." Truth!
NEW YORK: Donovan's Pub in Queens
This welcoming, sometimes boisterous tavern has sat on a corner in Woodside as far back as locals can remember, and it has been known as Donovan's since 1966. With a bar up front and a maze of dark-wood booths, stained-glass windows, and fireplaces, an amazing menu of Irish faves, and perfect burgers, everyone feels at home here.
NORTH CAROLINA: Tyber Creek Pub in Charlotte
This is the kind of bar you wander into for a beer—and their perfectly poured Guinness is worth wandering in for—and staying all night. Try a game of cornhole after snacking on a shepherd's pie empanada.
NORTH DAKOTA: Blarney Stone Pub in Bismarck
Billed as "the area's only authentic Irish pub" the Blarney Stone delivers on that promise with a killer Irish breakfast every weekend until noon—billed as "Dinner in Dublin"—with bangers, eggs, and much more.
OHIO: The Harp in Cleveland
You don't always get a lake view at an Irish pub, but the Harp is an exceptionally good pub that happens to be perched on Lake Erie. Enjoy traditional Irish favorites, a strong whiskey selection, and stout while taking in the view.
OKLAHOMA: Sean Cummings' Irish Pub in Oklahoma City
This cozy pub receives raves online, with one reviewer writing, "Service and friendly staff are great. The only true authentic Irish food I've had since being in Europe. Bangers and Mash are the best!" We'll drink to that!
OREGON: T.C. O'Leary's in Portland
This traditional-style Irish pub has a dark wood minimalist vibe that's the perfect setting for bowls of seafood chowder with soda bread, followed by Guinness brownies. Northwest Red Sox fans meet there to root on Boston's favorite team during baseball season, need we say more?
PENNSYLVANIA: Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle in Pittsburgh
This quaint pub is where Pittsburgh's St. Pat's day festivities kick-off, and in this bustling pub you'll find an ample whiskey selection and top-notch pub grub.
RHODE ISLAND: O'Rourke's Bar and Grill in Bristol
Find all the traditional eats on the menu, like Guinness beef stew, a corned beef Reuben, and shepherd's pie. Some Rhode Island classics dot the menu too, such as calamari and clam chowder. Enjoy it all while taking in the view of Pawtuxet Cove.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Seanachai Whiskey and Cocktail Bar on John's Island
This veteran-owned spot has zero TVs and the best patio in Charleston, and you'll feel instantly comfortable. Choose from their Beef and Boursin Croquettes, Shepherd's Pie, and Fish and Chips.
SOUTH DAKOTA: McNally's in Sioux Falls
This warm, wood-filled pub will make you feel like you're seated in a pub outside of Dublin, with one reviewer writing, "Best Reuben is town. Leek soup is great. Nice selection of boutique beer and Irish whiskey. Service has been upbeat and prompt."
TENNESSEE: McNamara's Irish Pub in Nashville
While this pub has a great Guinness pour and whiskey menu, the traditonal food is the real star. Try the warming corned beef and cabbage, hearty Scotch eggs, or a rich shepherd's pie.
TEXAS: Trinity Hall Irish Pub & Restaurant in Dallas
You'll be ready to belly up to the bar for a Guinness when you head into this traditional public house, with lots of dark wood paneling and half-walls that create cozy booths and nooks to settle in and grab a pint. Favorite dishes like shepherd's pie, Irish stew, and bangers and mash make an appearance on the menu.
UTAH: Piper Down Pub in Salt Lake City
Promising a "true old-world experience" the Piper is counting down to St. Pat's every day of the year, with a diverse menu of pub grub, import drafts, cocktails, and live music.
VERMONT: McGrath's Irish Pub in Killington
This funky pub, located at the Inn at Long Trail, pours some of the best pints of Guinness in the U.S. Try the Brunswick stew or shepherd's pie for a filling meal before hitting the slopes.
VIRGINIA: Ireland's Four Courts in Arlington
A quintessential classic Irish pub, Four Courts has three rooms for celebrating, a heated patio with rugby, soccer, and other sports on TV, live music, and more!
WASHINGTON: Murphy's Pub in Seattle
While Seattle isn't exactly known for a large Irish population, there's no shortage of Irish pubs and Murphy's is the most classic. Pop in for daily happy hour deals on the usual Irish drinks, and pair them with solid old country eats like stout beef stew and smoked pork chops.
WEST VIRGINIA: Meagher's Irish Pub in Bridgeport
With an Irish-American gastro-pub menu—including fish and chips, bangers & mash, and the usual suspects—you're sure to enjoy the craic at Meagher's while they pour your pint of Guinness or other Irish ale.
WISCONSIN: O'Donoghue's Irish Pub in Elm Grove
Open 359 days a year, the O'Donoghue family have been pub owners and operators in Wisconsin since the 60s. You'll find Irish pub grub, great drinks and good conversation in this classic spot.
WYOMING: O'Dwyer's Public House in Laramie
Not only does O'Dwyers offer Irish favorites like colcannon and corned beef dinner every Thursday, but the locally owned spot also offers a drive-up liquor store, in addition to serving drinks in the bar.
