In celebration of Milwaukee Irish Fest IrishCentral presents the best Irish pubs in this Wisconsin city

Milwaukee is famous for brewing so it is no wonder that this city is home to an abundance of Irish bars. Milwaukee was once the brewing capital of the world and that tradition is still alive today. Keeping that in mind, we at IrishCentral decided to put together a list of the best Irish pubs in Milwaukee.

This is a big week for the diaspora across Milwaukee with the annual Milwaukee Irish Fest taking place in the city of Wauwatosa. IrishCentral will have a booth set up at the event so be sure to come along and check us out. While you’re in the area why not try out some of the best Irish pubs from the list below.

Mulligans Irish Pub and Grill 

Mulligan's Irish Pub, in Milwaukee.

Mulligan's Irish Pub, in Milwaukee.

This Irish bar has been part of the Milwaukee pub seen since 2009. This traditional Irish bar boasts an impressive beer and food menu that includes some classic homegrown favorites. If you're passing by be sure to check out one of the two daily happy hours which Mulligans offer seven days a week. Become a member of their Extra Stroke Club and enjoy even more benefits.

This bar has won multiple awards including best Happy Hour, Bar Food, Restaurant Service, and 'Bang for your Buck' bar. It has also made a cameo in the popular Travel Channel show "Man vs Food." If a challenge is what you’re after why not try one of Mulligans' famous eating challenges ranging from a monster shepherd's pie to a gigantic burger. Neither is for the faint of heart.

“Let's start off by saying that they have the best half-priced appetizers during their happy hour TWICE a day!”

“Nothing better than a fish fry on a Friday night in Wisconsin.”

Bubs Irish Pub 

Bubs Irish Pub, in Milwaukee.

Bubs Irish Pub, in Milwaukee.

If an Irish pub is what you’re after than why not visit the biggest in the world. Bubs Irish Pub is not snug by any means spreading out over 15,000 sq/ft. So if it’s not the world’s largest Irish pub then visitors can be sure it’s pretty close. Bubs hosts an array of events including live music and weddings. Bubs can accommodate a gathering up to 1,000 people between its bar and four party areas.

The building has been part of Milwaukee since the 1890’s and Bubs has called it home since 2003. Its menu features traditional Irish favorites along with daily specials to get people’s taste buds tingling.

“I love this place!  I live out of state but make a point to stop here every time I'm back in town.”

“Great music, DJs and bands. Personally love the location. Can't wait for the New Year's Eve bash.”

A.J. O’Brady’s Irish Pub & Grill 

A.J. O'Brady's Irish Pub, in Milwaukee.

A.J. O'Brady's Irish Pub, in Milwaukee.

This is one of the more picturesque Irish bars visitors are likely to come across outside of Ireland itself. A.J. O’Brady’s Irish Pub and Grill is located in the heart downtown Menomonee Falls overlooking a beautiful waterfall on the Menomonee River. This quaint Irish pub resides in a wonderfully kept 140-year-old building.

Visitors should make a note to call in on a Thursday evening as locals have a weekly Irish toast with Guinness or whiskey. A.J.’s offers a wonderful rewards program for all its regulars, keeping the sense of community well and truly alive. Check out their $1 burgers. Who says you can’t put a price on happiness?

“A J O'Brady's has been around in the area for as long as I can remember. We would frequent here when we wanted some good Irish style food.”

“A J O'Brady's has so many great items on the menu! Tuesday's are $1 burgers and the burgers are always cooked to perfection with so much flavor.”

County Clare Irish Pub 

County Clare Irish Pub in Milwaukee

County Clare Irish Pub in Milwaukee

One of Milwaukee’s premier Irish pubs, the County Clare Irish Inn & Pub offers both great food and drinks as well as a warm bed to sleep in if you need that. With a cozy setting and fantastic traditional Irish music every night of the week it is easy to see why locals and visitors alike rave about the County Clare.

If you are looking for the best pint of black stuff anywhere in Wisconsin then this is the place to be, provided you trust the advice of official Guinness brewmaster Fergal Murray.

“The ambiance here is so warm and welcoming. You will feel like you were transported to Ireland.”

“I never write reviews but this place is amazing! True Irish Pub and authentic Irish food. Can't recommend enough! Must stop if ever in Milwaukee.”

The Irish Pub 

The Irish Pub in Milwaukee

The Irish Pub in Milwaukee

The Irish Pub has all the features people want in their local along with a few extra treats. Nestled in the Historic Third Ward area of Milwaukee this Irish pub boasts more than just the standard Guinness, Smithwick's and Harp on tap. The Irish Pub also has an extensive craft beer menu which is becoming a must have in any bar.

The food menu has a nice selection of grub to choose from. The building was built in 1904 and had over one hundred years of history before becoming The Irish Pub, which has been adding to the building's history since 2006. The sense of community can be felt when you walk through the front doors and The Irish Pub echoes this sentiment with sponsorship of local GAA clubs in the area.

“What a wonderful find! The drinks were cheap, the food was amazing, and the atmosphere was cozy.”

“Hands down, without a doubt my favorite grilled cheese in the city. It's oooey and gooey and oh-so-good!”

House of Guinness

House of Guinness pub in Milwaukee

House of Guinness pub in Milwaukee

The House of Guinness is a 'no frills,' 'down to earth' Irish pub in the heart of the historic Downtown Waukesha. Its beautiful wooden interior is an instant treat for the eyes and fits in beautifully with the landscape in the surrounding area of the city.

The House of Guinness may not offer food, but it does offer fantastic beer at a cheap price and an impressive Irish whiskey list. And if you do fancy a bit of food a list of local restaurants can be found on their website. Locals love the atmosphere, which is perfect for a quiet drink with your friends. With various events on most nights of the week, people can rest assured of having a good night.

“A proper drinkers pub. Simple, honest and authentic. Best pint in Waukesha and a wee nugget of the old country right downtown.”

“I've been frequenting House of Guinness for the last 10 years and it has consistently remained one of my favorite pubs. The beer selection is great and it's the only place I know that carries Boddingtons on nitro.”

Mo’s Irish Pub 

Mo's Irish Pub in Milwaukee

Mo's Irish Pub in Milwaukee

If visitors to Milwaukee are looking for a nice pub for a quiet chat with a friend or loved one, then Mo’s Irish Pub is not the bar for you. Mo’s is a lively bar with a fantastic mix of music and live bands most nights of the week. A perfect place to unwind and let loose.

Mo’s has two fantastic locations in Milwaukee both of which guarantee visitors a night to remember. For all you baseball fans Mo’s Irish Pub also offers transport to and from home Brewers games, as well as showing every game live on one of their many TV’s.

“Tons of TVs, close to the highway and shopping at Mayfair – Win Win! Great place to hang after work or grab lunch.”

“Come here on your cheat day, because comfort food abounds!”

McBob’s Pub and Grill

McBob's Pub and Grill in Milwaukee

McBob's Pub and Grill in Milwaukee

McBob’s Pub and Grill has become a favorite among locals since first opening its doors in 1986. This family owned traditional Irish pub offers fantastic food with its award-winning corned beef a highlight of the menu.

McBob’s is the perfect place to bring the family as well as catering to any occasion. McBob’s has many events each month throughout the year. You can keep track of them all through their website or Facebook page. It will lure you into being a regular before you know it.

“This is now our exclusive source for a Reuben-fix. The meat is insanely tender.”

“This is definitely the best place in Milwaukee! You need to try their sandwiches and burgers and you can calmly die, 'cause you feel here like you're in heaven! Everyone is so nice to us! We love this place so much!!”

Champion's Pub 

Champion's Pub in Milwaukee

Champion's Pub in Milwaukee

This is one of those fantastic Irish bars you find away from the beaten track, full of real locals and wonderful stories. It has a great welcoming vibe which you would associate with any Irish bar, Céad Míle Fáilte! Family owned since 1956, this longstanding Irish pub is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some quality company.

Their beer garden has catered to many folks on a sunny day, while their shuffleboard and cribbage or Golden Tee 2015 and Silver Strike Bowling arcade games will take you back to a simpler time. People certainly won’t run out of fun things to do at Champion's, all the while relaxing with a cold beer.

“Just love this place. Real people, awesome vibe, not a fake Irish piece of anything.”

“What an amazing pub!! The shuffle board is awesome and the back yard is so worth the drive from Downtown. We loved our time at Champions.”

What is your favorite thing about a traditional Irish pub?