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

St. Patrick’s Day 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!

The Black Rose

Photo Credit: The Black Rose

Located near the popular Fanueil Hall and full of Irish tradition, The Black Rose has been open for over 40 years and had 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.

Address: 160 State St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-742-2286

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!

Address: 247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
Phone: 617-776-6896

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.

Address: 117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-728-9101

Phoenix Landing

Photo Credit: Phoenix Landing

For some good old Irish shenanigans head to Phoenix Landing in Cambridge this St. Patrick’s Day. They have live DJs and trivia night as well as happy hour every day. We’re in! Are you?

Address: 512 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-576-6260

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.

Address: 1357 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-497-0965

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

Address: 378 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Phone: 617-522-5386

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.

Address: 77 Broad St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-338-5656

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)

Address: 1619 Tremont St, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120
Phone: 617-566-7744

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!