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Ten top Irish pubs across America - craic, music and tradition

Perfect places for the irish tribe to gather

ANTOINETTE KELLY,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Saturday, April 28, 2012, 7:17 AM

Updated Saturday, April 28, 2012, 7:17 AM

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Sessuin breaks out at the local pub - Irish pubs...know for their "craic"

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NEW YORK CITY

The Empire City has more Irish bars and restaurants than any other city in the world, the legacy of how immigration and love of tradition created a strong and vibrant Irish-American community. It also benefits from hundreds of thousands of tourists and students from Ireland, and other stars in the global Irish universe.

Every borough in the city has at least one Irish stronghold with terrific Irish pubs and restaurants. But it's a safe bet that there are great bars dotted all over the city map, from cozy neighborhoods to Times Square. The sign of a shamrock in a pub's window is just about a sure sign that a proper pint and a great time is waiting inside for you!

If you are looking a landmark Irish establishment in the city, then why not try McSorleys, the legendary Irish bar that first opened its doors in 1854. Women were not allowed in until 1970!

McSorley's Old Ale House is located at 15 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003. Ph: 212 474 9148

CHICAGO

It's where they dye the river green. If you're in town, a visit to Fado Irish bar is a must. They have a week of events planned this St. Patrick's season and they don't disappoint.

Events include, a charity head shave, music every night, rugby and soccer matches on big screens, a Guinness night, and platters of Irish food.

Fado in Chicago (which has 10 other bars across the U.S.) is located at 100 W Grand Avenue, Chicago. 312-836-0066

BOSTON

Kitty O'Shea's is one of Boston's finest Irish bars. It caters to thousands of people every week and St.Patrick's Day it plans to have a party like no other.

To be included in Boston's greatest party call to Kitty O'Shea's the week of St. Patrick's and indulge in the celebrations.

Kitty O'Sheas is located at 131 State Street in Boston. 617-725-0100

PHILADELPHIA

The beer taps at McGillin's Olde Ale House have been flowing since the 1860's and this St. Patrick's Day will be on exception. Although the Philadelphia parade will take place on Sunday, March 14, McGillin's will be celebrating the Irish saint throughout the week with beer specials and a heck of a party.

McGillins is located at 1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia. 215-735-5562

Visit our pubs section and rate your favorite Irish pubs.

SAN FRANCISCO

If it's an authentic Irish bar you're looking for in the Bay area to celebrate your St. Patrick's Day then a trip to O'Reilly's Irish Bar is a must. Friendly staff, great food and beer is what will be on offer on St. Patrick's Day as well as lots of fun to go around.

To have a sunny St. Patrick's Day visit O'Reilly's at 622 Green Street, San Francisco. 415-989-6222

FLORIDA

If it's sunshine, good food and a nice cold beer your seeking then may we recommend, Waxy O'Connors - described by locals as a truly authentic Irish pub with great grub. The bar is having a three-day Patty's bash and welcomes everyone to come in and join the fun.

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BrianO | May 02, 2012, 11:48 AM EDT

Most Americans are not of Irish descent, many Americans of Irish descent have never been to Ireland, So "Irish" pubs in America cater to the most people possible and have an Irish look, My guess is twinkle twinkle sstar that you didn't use good pub etiquette, sometimes you Irish can be so rude when in a real American bar.

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IrelandNorth | May 01, 2012, 06:08 AM EDT

STEVENSTAR (SS) and CiaraDexy (CD) still insisting on speaking for the Irish-Irish in censored and revisionist Ireland. Neither of whose names I have witnessed on any ballot paper in any local or state election for an Irish Government in either state. At the height of the Troubles, drinking in a pub of the opposite religious affiliation in Ulster/Northern Ireland could've prematurely terminated your alcoholic career. Still - trumps AA! Though probably safer in designer Dublin 4 where CD guzzles her G&T's? The West-Brit Lounge and the Free-State Tavern being cases in point.

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ciaradexy | Apr 30, 2012, 02:35 PM EDT

If its not in Ireland than its not a proper pub. Carrickcourt, We Irish dont ask people their religion because We dont care. Why do you keep bring religion up?

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edmundburke | Apr 30, 2012, 10:59 AM EDT

I too was a little disappointed in this re-published (or belatedly published) article, which could have used some better editing. I agree with mfinucane regarding Chicago. In a major US city with a strong Irish American tradition, to come up with the corporate Fado as the top Irish bar is disappointing. To be fair, Fado does draw something of an authentic Irish crowd, has Irish bartenders, and pours a very good Guinness. But there are many other non-corporate Irish bars throughout metro Chicago that merit attention. Mfinacune is spot on with O'Hagans in Wrigleyville, but I would offer The Abbey Pub (owned by the Looney's), Chief O'Neill's, Cork and Kerry, Vaughn's, Celtic Crossing, and Emerald Loop as a sampling of authentic Chicago Irish bars owned by Irish or Irish Americans and frequented by both as well.

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boydshield | Apr 29, 2012, 05:52 PM EDT

A little late, or a re-published article?

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STEVENSTAR | Apr 29, 2012, 02:25 PM EDT

AND YOU PROBABLY WONT FIND 1 IRISH MAN IN ANY OF THEM ONLY AMERICANS I ONCE WENT INTO AN IRISH BAR IN NEW YORK ON HOLIDAY AND RAN OUT OF IT... TOTALLY NOT THE KIND OF BARS WE HAVE IN IRELAND ..

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lukekeefe | Apr 29, 2012, 10:25 AM EDT

McGillins in Philly?? Its a college bar where they dish out wings & pitchers of miller lite. Why don't you visit these places before you suggest them? I wonder how many of the pubs on your list have donated to their local GAA clubs?

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mfinucane | Apr 29, 2012, 05:29 AM EDT

fado in chicago is a big fake irish pub. i live in chicago & have been to several places that are better & not near as expensive.try johnny o'hagan at clark & roscoe much better.

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tundish45 | Apr 28, 2012, 09:46 PM EDT

Don't know about the other cities, but a chain outlet, FADO, in Chicago? Must be aimed at the expense account big-bellies. Even a half serious tourist book can do a lot better than that. What s**t. Mairain67 at 2:34PM offers the start of a real list...which -- to give you a feel for how lame FADO as the choice is -- so far is confined to just some in the North West wedge of the city.

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ellenred | Apr 28, 2012, 05:45 PM EDT

I have to say my favorite Irish pubs ere in Dingle Ireland. But at home, I have to rave about Culhane's Irish Pub in Atlantic Beach Florida. Owned and operated by 4 sisters from Limerick, who brought people over from Ireland to build out the inside, and who serve fantastic food, and know what it should taste like, and who bring over Irish musicians to entertain us. Great fun, great atmosphere, and great food

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carrickcourt | Apr 28, 2012, 04:21 PM EDT

Been to two of the above, The Dubliner in DC and McSorleys in NYC on St. Patrick's Day. It took my friend Tom McQ and myself about an hour and half wait to get into McSorleys on St. Patrick's Day but it was worth the wait. As I recall my friend Tom McQ of NYC also introduced me to The Dubliner in DC. We made real pair at the time with Tom, the Jesuit educated Catholic lad, and myself, a lad of Irish Protestant heritage but with no religious upbringing to speak of.

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failteroibeard | Apr 28, 2012, 04:10 PM EDT

It is obvious Antoinette Kelly's experiences with Irish Pub's is limited to her wide association with places like McDonald's and their ilk. Her report is total rubbish and she has zero credibility in the world of craic! Typical of Irish Central and Niall's staff. Sad sad sad!!

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adrienrain | Apr 28, 2012, 02:53 PM EDT

I think you missed LA. Ireland's 32 in the San Fernando Valley, for instance.

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Mairin67 | Apr 28, 2012, 02:34 PM EDT

Did the author just copy out of a tourist book? Not one real Irish pub in Chicago listed here...Fado's is downtown and for the tourists. How about the neighborhood pubs that actual Irish folks go to..Three Counties, The Thatch, The Six Penny Bit, Galvins, The Fifth Province...to name a very few..

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edmoran | Apr 28, 2012, 01:22 PM EDT

Not very well researched. Not very well travelled.

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