The Irish Pub: Where Spirits Get Lucky

When you are a stranger in a new city you learn fairly quickly that it helps to find a place, that go-to-spot, “where everyone knows your name.” If you are searching for a hearty meal, stiff drink and some genuine company keep your eyes open for a four leafed clover. Chances are it will lead you to the closest Irish Pub which will be brimming with town locals on any given day of the week. Call it what you will, bar or tavern, here is where you will be greeted with warmth and hospitality no matter where you come from or what your story may be.

With St. Patrick’s Day upon us, now is the perfect time to scope out a lucky spot and make it your own. Below are some of city classics, all well worth the visit, if not for the beer and rugby, for the people you might encounter:

1.      Guinness Storehouse (Dublin, Ireland) – Visitors to Dublin this St Paddy's Day, must pay this pub a visit. Stop in for famous beer and the festival at The Guinness Storehouse where there will be live music, dance troupes, complimentary local seafood and plenty of Guinness tastings.. 

2.      Galway Arms (Chicago, Illinois) – One part tradition, two parts Gaelic cheer is the recipe du jour on March 17th at the The Galway Arms in Chicago. Be sure to taste test the claissic Smithwicks braised corned beef and wash is down with a pint of the best Guinness in town! If you cannot make it there this Holiday, stop in on any given Wednesday for trivia night and a special menu that includes Chicken Pot Pie, 3 Floyds Beer Bottles for $4.50  or wine at  $4 a glass.


3.      McGees Restaurant and Pub (New York City, New York) – This friendly neighborhood joint is centrally located, making it a hot stop for locals and tourists. And in case you didn’t know it’s the inspiration for McLaren’s Pub on the hit TV series How I Met Your Mother. There are happy hour specials Monday through Friday, as well as a beer of the month $4.00 beer every day of the week. Did we mention that Vodka (Stoli and Absolut) is $4.00 on Fridays?

4.      Ye Olde Irish Pub (Montreal, Canada) – If you want a rowdy hideaway that’s off the beaten path, be sure to check out the Ye Olde Irish Pub in Montreal’s NDG districts, otherwise you can head Downtown or to the Plateau and stop into either of their other locations. Along with Hockey Nights in Canada revelry, the menu of Irish inspired plates with a Canadian twist make this a go-to-place among local patrons, or could it be that they keep St. Ambroise beer on tap?

5.      The Snug (Boston, Massachusetts) – When the largest ethnic group in Boston is the Irish, how can you go wrong on St Patrick's Day? Known as “the home of the perfect pint” The Snug , located in Hingham Square, will be dishing out classic corned beef boiled dinners to celebrate the holiday, plus Guinness will be poured all day along with 13 additional draft beers from around the world. If you can’t make it there this time, Monday nights are a good time to pick up some live local music.

6.    Fado Irish Pub (Multiple Locations) – From St. Louis to Maryland, the Fado Irish Pub has outposts across the country, each of which will be hosting a week of special festivities leading up to St. Patty’s Day including rugby, music and a little Irish dancing and lots of Whisky.

7. Everywhere ---    Let’s be frank about it, there are Irish pubs in nearly every city in the world, and it isn’t too hard to find them, and you’ll be welcome whether you go alone or with friends.  Just listen for the lively music, loud people and constant good cheer, and soon enough you’ll be eating well, drinking heartily and having a wonderful time!