The Best Irish Bars in Boston, MA | Bites of Boston Food Tours

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the Best Irish Bars in Boston

St. Patrick’s Day might as well be re-named “Boston’s Birthday” because that’s how the city treats it. We can’t believe it’s right around the corner! The booziest day of the year, the city becomes blind to every color but green and the beer is ever-flowing. If you’re really getting in the spirit, there’s even a parade. To honor this Irish drink-a-thon we’re sharing with you some of our favorite Irish bars in Boston, and there are MANY. Get your drink on with this list and may the luck of the Irish be with you. Cheers!

Ned Devine’s

Photo Credit: Ned Devine’s

Ned Devine’s is our favorite local Irish pub in Boston. They’re located in the historic Faneuil Hall and are one of our Classic Downtown Tour partners. You can enjoy their award winning New England clam chowder by day or put your dancing shoes on and get a little wild at night. They are absolutely the place to be on St. Paddy’s Day!

Murphy’s Law

Photo Credit: Heino Fecht via Google

This traditional Irish bar has an un-fusses old-school vibe and features a variety of draft and bottled beers as well as darts, video games, and live entertainment. It’s definitely a pub that you can stay a while at.

The Banshee

Photo Credit: The Banshee

The Banshee offers that familiar Irish bar feel and happens to also be the number one pub & restaurant to watch domestic and European sports in the greater Boston area. If your game is being broadcast in North America, then you can rest assured that The Banshee will be showing it on one of its 14 flat screen televisions that span two floors of entertainment.

The Black Rose

Photo Credit: The Black Rose

Located close to the popular Fanueil Hall and full of Irish tradition, The Black Rose has been open for over 40 years and has been dubbed “the Fenway Park of Irish pubs” by the Boston Globe. They offer live Irish music seven nights a week in addition to Irish fare and pints. They’re perfect for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

The Burren

Photo Credit: The Burren

This classic Irish bar has an old world feel and pays homage to its namesake, a unique and mystical rocky expanse in the County Clare region of Ireland. The Burren’s owners, two Irish musicians, have kept the tradition of music alive in the bar so head on over for some Irish jams this St. Patrick’s Day!

J.J. Foley’s

Photo Credit: J.J. Foley’s

This Irish pub has been family owned and operated since 1909. The Boston staple offers a true Irish-American experience from the food and drink to the ones serving it. Head there for some traditional Irish feels this St. Patrick’s Day.

Tavern at the End of the World

Photo Credit: Andrew Capobianco via Google

For some good old Irish shenanigans head to Tavern at the End of the World, which is actually located in Charlestown…end of the world, end of Boston, close enough! This Irish-style pub features 50+ beers and classic bar food to keep you satiated and live music and traditional Irish seisiun (Irish music) to keep you entertained.

Irish Village

Photo Credit: Irish Village

Head to this Brighton landmark and enjoy the cozy vibes vibes of a decades-old neighborhood Irish bar. You could easily lose track of time there after a few brews and the live music they have on Friday and Saturday nights. Cheers!

The Druid

Photo Credit: The Druid

This traditional Irish pub is a friendly gathering spot and true to Irish nature, encourages you to be social. They often have live Irish music and on weekends they serve Irish breakfast where you’ll find items such as Irish sausage and black & white pudding on the menu. They invite you to be part of their family so be sure to take them up on it this St. Patrick’s Day.

The Brendan Behan Pub

Photo Credit: The Behan

Named “Best Irish Bar in Boston” four times by Boston Magazine, you sure don’t want to miss this place. The Behan was named after Brendan Behan (depicted above), an Irish writer and notorious red-faced, booze-lover. They have hosted a number of literary events and been used in movie sets. This bar has a great sense of community and invites one and all to be Irish for a night.

“I only drink on two occasions—when I’m thirsty and when I’m not”

-Brendan Behan

Mr. Dooley’s

Photo Credit: Mr. Dooley’s

Arrive to Mr. Dooley’s as a customer and leave as a friend, the staff will make sure of it! This Boston tavern invites you to meet for a “pint and a chat,” while enjoying entertainment, which they have seven nights a week. Even if you are green to Irish tradition (wink), you’ll leave with all you need to know after visiting Mr. Dooley’s.

Flann O’Briens

Photo Credit: Flann O’Briens

This Irish haven honors Flann O’Brien, an Irish novelist, playwright, and satirist who was considered a major figure in twentieth century Irish literature. Say cheers with an Irish Coffee, spice things up with a Latin Leprechaun, or keep it classic with a cold pint of Guinness. Be there or be square on St. Patrick’s Day!

“When money’s tight and is hard to get
And your horse has also ran,
When all you have is a heap of debt
A pint of plain is your only man.”

– Flann O’Brien (Brian O’Nolan)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!