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The Shamrock Club’s ten of the best Irish pubs in the US

Exclusive: Discover the 10 best places for a pint


McSorley's, New York City

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As a Shamrock Club member, you are privy to insider information on all things Irish. This time we will let you in on our favorite Irish pubs around the country we have discovered with painstaking research. With this new found information you will now be considered the most knowledgeable publican on your block.

1. McSorleys, New York City 15 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003. 212 474 9148
This legendary pub, dating back to 1854 as the city’s oldest, stands out like a green emerald among the hundreds of Irish bars and restaurants that dot the New York City green, white, and orange landscape. The pub has served perfect pints to such luminaries as  Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Woody Guthrie and just recently to women in 1970.

2. Fado,  100 W Grand Avenue, Chicago. 312-836-0066
The windy city has a burgeoning Irish community marked by its grand St. Patrick’s day parade that swaths the whole city in Kelly green and Even its river.  Fado is a must-visit place, especially on March 17th when the pub hosts a charity head shave, rugby and soccer matches on big screen TVs as well as lively music nights. The name translates into “long ago” (pronounced “f’doe”) and was a phrase used as a preface of ancient Irish tales.

3. Kitty O’Sheas 131 State Street in Boston. 617-725-0100
In a town indisputably home to the densest population of the Irish is reflected in the number of Boston’s Irish pubs. The one that stands out is this winner of the highly-coveted award winner for best pub in Boston in 2012. Hosting two bars on two floors Kitty O’Sheas is known for great food and better craig located in the historical district of Boston, Faneuil Hall.

4. McGillins, at 1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia. 215-735-5562
Since the 1860s the taps have been pouring the finest of Irish lagers and ales for its devout patrons. McGillins acts as the nerve center during the oldest St. Patrick’s day of the year, namely the Philadelphia St. Patricks Day parade to be held on the 10th of March this year. The pub will be celebrating all that week with beer specials and the like.

5. O'Reilly's at 622 Green Street, San Francisco. 415-989-6222
This Irish pub is the go-to spot when in search of a truly authentic Irish experience with superb food as described by the locals. Make your California St. Patricks Day even sunnier with a visit to O’Reillys.

6. Waxy O'Connors 1095 SE 17th St. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 954-525-WAXY
Known for its spirited three-day St. Patricks Day parties, Waxy’s provides a warm, yet relaxed atmosphere for all its patrons whether it be a yaght crew or businessman. Imported beers and mouth-watering pub faire beckons all to come to visit this hot Irish Floridian spot.

7. Bennigan's Grrill and Tavern 501 W. George Bush Hwy. Ste. 140 Richardson, Texas 75080 469-277-6371
This busy pub caters to its Texans who take part in the all the fun and pageantry of local St. Patrick Day celebrations. It has been described as one of the best Texan bars where one can experience warm hospitality. One cannot go wrong with either of Bennigans specials: Turkey O’Toole Sandwich and Babyback ribs.


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12 Comments

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Isn't Bennigans a chain restuarant,Like Lawery's O'Shaunney's,Tam O'Shanery's and Robert Burns? And Ha! I know two of the best Irish pubs in the Los Angeles area...and I'm keeping the names to myself!
McMullan's in Las Vegas is a relatively undiscovered GEM! It's off The Strip, so most visitors don't know of its existence. The McMullan family, however, has been in the undertaking and pub business (yes, really!)for many years in Ireland. You are likely to be served by an Irish person, and the food, drink and atmosphere are authentic and first rate. No, I don't work there and I'm not part of the family, but I assure you it's one of my first and most frequent stops every time I'n in Las Vegas!
this listing seems like a lazy harvesting of low hanging fruit... high profile joints in major cities with strong Irish populations... truly the only way to make a meaningful list of best Irish pubs would be to enlist Irish American organizations in various cities to study the matter and pronounce the winner for their area. no organization, no representation. Such a list would become something worthy of followup be travelling readers of IC.
Yesterday I had lunch w/a Guinness @ McCabe's in Naples, FL: the dark stuff was cold (the way I like it) but was served too quickly (well under the prescribed 119 seconds); the reuben was skimpy and the fries were soggy . . . and the place was virtually empty. It seems since their across-the-street annex went UP, the overall scene has gone DOWN . . . obviously not a candidate for this august list.
Wide swings in the quality of this list-- The Dubliner is indeed one of the great Irish bars in America, and its great music line up isn't mentioned. However, I agree with de Moinbhiol, that Fado, a corporate manifestation, shouldn't rank so high (but in fairness, it does show Irish football and it does serve excellent Guinness on tap). Finally, Bennigan's?? This must be a joke. I don't know about "Turkey O'Toole" sandwiches, but this pick is a true turkey.
I would be happy to conduct some research on the subject for expense reimbursement only.
Only one place in NYS?
This list has no credibility. Fado at number 2 is ridiculous. I understand Fado is downtown and centrally located but, there are dozens of places better than Fado in Chicago. I should know I've been going to some of these places over the last thirty years. Fado at #2 is a joke. We are closer to St. Patricks Day than we are to April Fools Day. Coinnigh an creadamh, RdeM.
I'm curious to know where Rory Dolan's ranks among the nation's Irish pubs, even though I've never had a drink there. I've been a teetotaler all my life and never felt the need for booze or any other mind-altering drug, even during the 4 years I served in the Marine Corps.Nowadays I enjoy the camraderie of my fellow veterans at American Legion posts upstate, some of which serve corned beef and cabbage around St. Patrick's Day.
McSorley's was established in 1862. And the only thing better than picking a Bennigan's as one of the top 10 Irish Pubs in the USA, is picking a Bennigan's that isn't open anymore.
Bennigan's? Seriously?
Good Choice's, but my two favorites aren't on the list: 1)Annie Bailey's, Lancaster, PA 2) McGuire's Irish Pub, pensacola, FL
 




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