The Irish Pub You Need To Visit In Every State

The Irish Pub You Need To Visit In Every State

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  The Irish Pub You Need To Visit In Every State

  Hearty beer, hearty fare, and hearty conversation—an Irish pub is so much more than a bar. Pubs are places of community that offer fun for the whole family during the day and for adults at night, and they do it all with an Irish smile. Since your local Irish pub can become your instant go-to hangout, we’ve rounded up the best in every state. These are the spots to hit not just on March 17, but any time you’d like…because when the Guinness is flowing and the music is playing, it’s St. Patrick’s Day every day.

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  Alabama: Brennan’s Irish Pub

  Brennan’s really nails the whole community vibe that is so crucial for a proper Irish pub. Owner Danny Winter previously ran a spot called Buck Mulligan’s in Birmingham’s Five Points South neighborhood until his landlord decided to renovate the building instead of renewing the restaurant’s lease. Buck Mulligan’s regulars missed the pub so much that when Winter announced he was opening a new one just a block away named Brennan’s for his Irish grandmother, they came out to help set up tables, paint walls and scrub floors. It’s safe to say Brennan’s patrons earned their pints, and now the pub is one of the most welcoming in town.

  Where to find it: 1108 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35205

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  Alaska: McGinley’s Pub

  McGinley’s Pub is unique because it serves a very important purpose: It is the only Irish pub in downtown Anchorage, and the only place in all of Alaska to get a pint of some authentic Murphy’s Irish stout. In other words, if you’re looking to have the craic in Anchorage, you’re heading to McGinley’s. It’s so quintessential Alaska-plus-Ireland that one of its owners is former Anchorage mayor Dan Sullivan. Stop by for live music, rugby on the big screens, and corned beef and cabbage made fresh every day.

  Where to find it: 645 G Street, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK, 99501

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  Arizona: Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant

  Tempe’s Rula Bula is a trip back in time. It’s housed in a Victorian-era building in a circa-1880 saddle shop. The pub doesn’t just look like a blast from the past, it also incorporates history into its decor and its menu with dishes named for famous Irish figures and fun facts about the origins of staple Irish dishes. Its name means “uproar and commotion,” so you can expect a good time as well as great bar food, Guinness, and Smithwick’s.

  Where to find it: 401 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ, 82581

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  Arkansas: Cregeen’s Irish Pub

  Irish pubs don’t get much more Irish than Cregeen’s: This spot is literally from Ireland. One of the pub’s two locations was built in Dublin and shipped to the Argenta neighborhood of North Little Rock where it now plays host to families by day and revelers by night. Its Jonesboro location has decor straight from its name twin Jonesborough, a village in Northern Ireland. Cregeen’s embraces the traditional while keeping up with the times, though, too. They’ve got 50 different beers on tap and in addition to classic dishes like fish and chips, you can treat yourself to pretzel fondue.

  Where to find it: 301 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR, 72114; 201 South Main Street, Jonesboro, AR, 72401

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  California: Molly Malone’s

  Molly Malone’s is a standout Irish pub in Los Angeles thanks to the fact that it is also a prominent music venue. Popular Irish band Flogging Molly’s name comes from playing there so often, and the pub also hosts acts like Lenny Kravitz and Lucinda Williams. This spot also gets extra Irish cred from its own name, an homage to the woman sung about in what many consider Dublin’s unofficial anthem. Enjoy corned beef or “Tipperary tacos” by day and live music by night.

  Where to find it: 575 South Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90036

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  Colorado: Clancy’s Irish Pub

  Clancy’s opened in 1973, meaning that despite one closure due to a fire and one move, it’s Colorado’s oldest and longest-running Irish pub. It’s no wonder this Gaelic gathering spot has endured. Visitors love its homey vibe and its quintessential mix of memorabilia and antiques that seems to make a pub a pub. In addition to lots of live music every week and a raucous St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Clancy’s also has a Celtic festival in the summer.

  Where to find it: 10117 West 37th Place, Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033

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  Connecticut: The Harp and Hound

  On its website, The Harp & Hound claims that stepping inside will transport you to a small country pub in Ireland, and that’s not an empty promise. The bar sits in one of Mystic’s oldest buildings, an 18-century structure in one of the country’s prettiest and quaintest harbor towns. The Harp & Hound’s owner Leo Roche hails from Limerick and designed the bar to reflect the homes and pubs of his home country. Until you can make the trip to Ireland, The Harp & Hound is definitely a worthwhile mini vacation.

  Where to find it: 4 Pearl Street, Mystic, CT, 06355

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  Delaware: Catherine Rooney’s

  Catherine Rooney’s places conversation, one of the most important elements of pub life in Ireland, at the forefront of its business model. The McCoy family named the pub for their mothers and grandmothers, Catherine and Gerry, who prioritized making guests feel welcome in their homes. Following suit, the McCoys arranged the tables at Catherine Rooney’s to inspire pub patrons to get to know each other and chat over their pints, just like hanging out in a cozy living room but with better beer options.

  Where to find it: 1616 Delaware Avenue, Trolley Square, Wilmington, DE, 19806

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  Florida: McGuire’s Irish Pub

  McGuire’s is a famous headquarters for a rollicking good time in Pensacola. It’s got live music and different rooms for different themes of decor, all Ireland-inspired. Perhaps the biggest draw for this pub, however, is its ceiling. Beginning with the pub’s first tip getting pinned to the wall, the ceiling of McGuire’s is now covered in dollars, most signed by patrons and even visiting celebrities. There’s rumored to be over $1 million dollars up there. As if that wasn’t enough, McGuire’s is known for its steaks and brews its own beer.

  Where to find it: 600 East Gregory Street, Pensacola, FL, 32502

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  Georgia: Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub

  The Olde Blind Dog has the distinction of winning Irish Pub of the Year in 2015, wooing voters of the Irish Pubs Global Federation to honor it despite its geographic positioning firmly outside of Ireland. This is thanks to the pub’s two locations stunning with their beautiful, old-world design and wowing with their customer service. The Old Blind Dog is also a favorite for its beer selection and its fare, with a well-loved Sunday brunch.

  Where to find it: 12650 Crabapple Road, Milton, GA, 30004; 705 Town Boulevard Northeast, Atlanta, GA, 30319

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  Hawaii: Ferguson’s Pub

  It’s hard to imagine wanting to channel the chilly, oft-gray weather of Ireland when you’re in paradise, but a good Irish pub like Ferguson’s is cozy enough to warrant a lazy afternoon over pints of Guinness. Ferguson’s is known for its beauty, being located in Honolulu’s historic Dillingham Transportation Building. The pub skews a bit upscale, welcoming but refined, and offers some fresh twists on classic Irish bar options like an elevated cocktail list and tacos.

  Where to find it: 729 Bishop Street, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, 96813

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  Idaho: Ha’Penny Bridge Pub

  The Ha’Penny Bridge Pub injects a bit of authentic Irish history into Boise’s bar scene with its very name. The Ha’Penny Bridge was built over the River Liffey in the center of Dublin in 1816, and earned its moniker because of its original half-penny toll. Today, it’s the subject of song lyrics and a popular image on postcards. At Boise’s Ha’Penny Bridge, patrons can enjoy traditional fare like Scotch eggs and corned beef as well as updates like sliders in Guinness sauce.

  Where to find it: 855 West Broad Street, Boise, ID, 83702

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  Illinois: Emmit’s Irish Pub

  Emmit’s location is steeped in history, the seedier kind of history that pub patrons love gossiping about over pours of Jameson. In the 1920s, the building was used by gangsters and in 1985, it was the scene of a botched armed robbery. Opened as Emmit’s in 1996, this pub also has claims to fame on the silver screen, having been the setting for scenes in Ocean’s Eleven, Uncle Buck, and Backdraft. Today, a friendly staff serves up fried bar snacks and shepherd’s pie, and nights typically turn out to be a bit unruly.

  Where to find it: 495 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60654

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  Indiana: Brockway Irish Pub

  Not every pub can say that its pints of Guinness are certified perfect, but Carmel’s Brockway Irish Pub was awarded by Guinness themselves in 2009, 2010, and 2011 for its bartenders’ ability to pour the stout. As if that wasn’t enough, husband and wife owners Kevin and Lainie Paul enlisted a Dublin-based architecture firm to build their pub with a genuine, straight-from-Ireland look. There’s patio seating, bangers and mash, a great beer selection—what more could you want?

  Where to find it: 12525 Old Meridian Street, Suite 150, Carmel, IN, 46032

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  Iowa: Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill

  Why is Ames’s Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill the best pub in Iowa? Two words: Cheese. Balls. Believe it or not, Dublin Bay has even more delicious fare on the menu, with lots of authentic Irish cuisine and updated bar snacks like soda bread, Irish nachos, a Guinness BBQ burger, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and a dish called “boxty,” or an Irish potato pancake served with corned beef, bangers, or Guinness beef. Plus, Dublin Bay boasts what some call the “best Saint Patrick’s Day party in Iowa.”

  Where to find it: 320 South 16th Street, Ames, IA, 50010

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  Kansas: O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar

  Thanks to its neighborhood feel since it opened in 2000, O’Neill’s in Leawood is a frequent member of “best pub” round-ups. There’s an authentic Irish pub interior with warm wood and even warmer conversation, there’s outdoor seating for nice-weather days, there’s a food menu that mingles Irish fare with pizza, seafood and more, and, of course, there’s plenty of beer for your perfect pint.

  Where to find it: 9417 Mission Road, Leawood, KS, 66206

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  Kentucky: The Irish Rover

  The married couple that owns Louisville’s Irish Rover are kind of like Irish culture ambassadors to Kentucky. Not only do they run a pub full of traditional Irish pub charm, but they also run tours to Ireland, helping guide tourists through some of the country’s best destinations. These experts have been running one of the city’s most beautiful pubs for over 26 years, and their kitchen cooks up such tasty food that it’s been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.

  Where to find it: 2319 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40206

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  Louisiana: Finn McCool’s Irish Pub

  In a cute and cozy house painted luck-o’-the-Irish green, Finn McCool’s has a reputation for fusing quintessential Irish pub community and quintessential New Orleans fun. Perhaps it’s that elusive combo that helped earn this gathering place the designation of one of the top 10 Irish bars in the world from the Irish Times. There’s great music, friendly bartenders, Irish beer, Irish whiskey, delicious bar fare, and, hey, because this is New Orleans, there are margaritas, to boot.

  Where to find it: 3701 Banks Street, New Orleans, LA, 70119

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  Maine: Finn’s Irish Pub

  There’s a nugget of architectural intrigue inside Finn’s Irish Pub in Ellsworth, ME. The bar actually sits inside an original 1930’s bar car. It’s a Jerry O’Mahony bar car, to be specific, and one of only about a dozen left in the country. You can enjoy a pint inside the car, or you can also sit at a table outside of it—either way, make sure to dig into a Scotch egg or sticky toffee cake.

  Where to find it: 156 Main Street, Ellsworth, ME, 04605

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  Maryland: James Joyce Irish Pub

  The theme at Baltimore’s James Joyce Irish Pub, in case you didn’t guess by the name, is all things to do with one of Ireland’s most famous writers. Instead of more well-trodden territory like leprechauns and shamrocks, it’s this literary great who’s honored in everything from photos around the bar to a sandwich named for him. The James Joyce also happens to be quite pretty, perfect for any event you might be planning.

  Where to find it: 616 President Street, Baltimore, MD, 21202

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  Massachusetts: L Street Tavern

  Irish pubs are pretty much the official bar of Boston, and Good Will Hunting is pretty much the official movie of Boston. That means it doesn’t get more officially Boston than the L Street Tavern, where a scene from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s beloved movie was filmed. The bar had a big party when the movie was nominated for a slew of Oscars, and people still come in from all over the world to shout quotes from the film. You might think this movie magic would make this pub touristy, but somehow, L Street holds onto all of its neighborhood charm with low-key fun and devoted regulars.

  Where to find it: 658 East 8th Street, #A, Boston, MA, 02127

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  Michigan: Conor O’Neill’s

  General manager of Conor O’Neill’s in Ann Arbor Caroline Kaganov told Michigan Homes that the pub was borne out of necessity and built with authenticity. Owners Tom Murray and Colm O’Neill played Gaelic football together and wanted an after-game spot for beers, but found only college hangouts in town. The friends knew Ann Arbor needed the haven of an Irish pub: “More than a place for drinking, they are a social experience, part theatre, part debating chamber and part living room,” according to their website. O’Neill is from County Cork in Ireland and Murray’s father owned a pub in County Sligo, so the partners decided to take a truly Irish route and had their pub built in Ireland before shipping it to Ann Arbor.

  Where to find it: 318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104

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  Minnesota: Charlie’s Irish Pub

  Stillwater’s lovely Victorian-decorated Charlie’s Irish Pub is one of the oldest bars in Minnesota, named for Charlie Ludwig who first opened the pub in 1890. Although ownership has changed hands, Charlie’s has held onto its timeless sense of community and was voted “best Irish pub in Minnesota” by locals in 2019. Charlie’s is also home to the Irish Whiskey Club, for those who would like to discover some of the best that Ireland has to offer.

  Where to find it: 101 Water Street South, Stillwater, MN, 55082

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  Mississippi: Fenian’s Pub

  When an Irish pub is executed properly, the effect is that it makes you want to stay all day. You can do just that at Fenian’s in Jackson, thanks not only to the welcoming atmosphere but also to the locally renowned food menu. Steel your stomach for all that stout and whiskey with an Irish take on poutine, a pub burger, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, beef and Guinness stew, bangers and mash, and whiskey bread pudding.

  Where to find it: 901 East Fortification Street, Jackson, MS, 39202

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  Missouri: Katy O’Ferrell’s Publick House

  Owner Mark Dirnberger opened Katy O’Ferrell’s, named for his Irish great-grandmother, right in time for St. Patrick’s Day in 2014. He soon added a full food menu to the pub, and Katy O’Ferrell’s became the only Irish eatery in Cape Girardeau. Today, the bar is known for its friendly service, perfect pints and a delectable take on boxty.

  Where to find it: 300 Broadway Street, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701

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  Montana: The Celtic Cowboy Pub and Restaurant

  The Celtic Cowboy is located inside one of Great Falls’ oldest buildings. The pub’s name honors the structure’s original owner, a man who emigrated to Great Falls from Wales and built it as a livery stable in 1890, earning the “Celtic Cowboy” nickname in town. Today, the pub is an area favorite and has won awards for its design and its sports experience, meaning it’s the best place around for catching the game.

  Where to find it: 116 First Avenue South, Arvon Hotel, Great Falls, MT, 59401

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  Nebraska: Brazen Head Irish Pub

  Omaha’s Brazen Head was dreamed up to be an American version of one of Dublin’s most famous pubs, its namesake, The Brazen Head. In order to make sure this Nebraskan answer to such a famous Irish landmark was legit, Brazen Head was designed in Dublin, built in Wexford, Ireland, and then shipped to its new home in the States. Having a pint inside is like an afternoon getaway to the Emerald Isle.

  Where to find it: 319 North 78th Street, Omaha, NE, 68114

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  Nevada: Rock & Reilly’s

  How do you make an Irish pub truly Vegas? Keep it open around the clock, naturally. Themed for a rock-and-roll take on Irish conviviality, Rock & Reilly’s also slings stout and whiskey on the Sunset Strip in L.A., but the Vegas strip location’s 24/7 feature makes this spot the most unique, most rockin’, most convenient pub we can think of. Where else can you get bangers and mash, Irish nachos or a chocolate chip cookie sundae at 4 a.m. after hitting the slots?

  Where to find it: 3743 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV, 89109

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  New Hampshire: Kathleen’s Irish Pub

  Thanks to a pretty, cottage-y setting, authentic Irish tipples and fare, and live Irish music, locals have voted Kathleen’s in Bristol the number one “Best Irish Pub” in New Hampshire more than once. The name pays tribute to one of the owner’s grandmothers, who was from Ireland, and some menu items are straight from that Irish grandma’s recipe book, like a bread pudding with butterscotch sauce. Keep an eye on the bar’s calendar so you can catch a traditional Irish band while you enjoy your pints of Guinness.

  Where to find it: 90 Lake Street, Bristol, NH, 03222

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  New Jersey: Johnny Mac House of Spirits

  It’s hard to beat an Irish pub that’s within walking distance of the beach. Johnny Mac’s has even more going for it than pints by the shore, though. There’s a huge outdoor area for sunny-day hangs, and both the interior and exterior are covered—like, every square inch—with quirky decor, memorabilia, and sayings. There are games, events, and, we saved the best for last: free pizza.

  Where to find it: 208 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ, 07712

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  New Mexico: Two Fools Tavern

  The Two Fools Tavern stands out for being a pop of authentic Irishness in Albuquerque. On the inside and out, this pub is decorated to look just like a watering hole in Ireland, and there’s a food and drink menu to match. Just like a pub abroad, the priority at Two Fools is community, and this bar encourages fun chatter among its guests.

  Where to find it: 3211 Central Avenue Northeast, Albuquerque, NM, 87106

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  New York: McSorley’s Old Ale House

  Established in 1854, McSorley’s is New York City’s oldest Irish pub, and it has hosted some of the most famous personalities in the city’s—even the country’s—history, including Abraham Lincoln. It did not host women, however, until 1970—another piece of its lore. You’d think such a storied establishment in the Big Apple would be quite touristy, and it does welcome plenty of sightseers. However, McSorley’s maintains its “Irish working man’s saloon” grit, thanks in no small part to its refreshingly humble options. There are cheeses and crackers to snack on, and the star of the show is the beer: Choose between light and dark, and “one beer” gets you two smallish mugs with a healthy foam. You can double-fist among the cluttered-decor walls, sawdust tables, travelers, and longtime regulars.

  Where to find it: 15 East 7th Street, New York, NY, 10003

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  North Carolina: Belfast Mill Irish Pub

  The Belfast Mill has a “hole-in-the-wall” vibe that it owns, keeping things low-key, laid back and welcoming in an authentic Irish pub way. Its name comes from an Irish song about a mill that closed during the Depression, because, as the owners explain on their website, they opened their bar during another depression. Things are decidedly less depressing inside this pub, thanks to a big beer and whiskey selection, darts and TVs showing the game, and lots of fun events.

  Where to find it: 144 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC, 28202

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  North Dakota: The Blarney Stone Irish Pub

  In 2016, BuzzFeed turned to the people who matter most in determining the country’s best Irish bars: the customers. Yelpers picked The Blarney Stone Pub for North Dakota—it conveniently has two locations, one in Bismarck that’s for adults over 21 only for a bit of a rowdier time, and a family-friendly one in West Fargo. Fans of the Bismarck spot cited the ambiance, the crowd, the music, and the vintage look of the bar. The Blarney Stone also offers a decadent brunch, cleverly called “Dinner in Dublin” since brunch time in North Dakota is dinnertime in Dublin.

  Where to find it: 408 East Main Avenue, Bismarck, ND, 58501; 1910 9th Street East, West Fargo, ND, 58078

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  Ohio: P.J. McIntyre’s Irish Pub

  According to P.J. McIntyre’s website, the bar successfully strives to capture Irish pubs’ statuses as more than just “places for drinking, they are social experiences, part theater, part debating chamber and part living room.” This Cleveland pub makes that happen with Irish beers, Irish food, and lots of community-fostering events. Owner Patrick Campbell is a professional Irish dancer, so live music is often on tap and the pub even offers adult Irish step-dancing classes.

  Where to find it: 17119 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44111

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  Oklahoma: Kilkenny’s Irish Pub

  Kilkenny’s Irish Pub is literally covered in genuine Irishness: owner Brett Rehorn is an avid collector of antiques and memorabilia from the bar’s namesake town in Ireland, Kilkenny, and his treasures are displayed on the pub’s walls. Sit down and stay awhile in the lovely interior, where you can enjoy Irish beer and whiskey along with a famously huge menu of truly Irish fare. The entire experience has earned Kilkenny’s the distinction of being a “top 10 best Irish pub in America.”

  Where to find it: 1413 East 15th Street, Tulsa, OK, 74120

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  Oregon: Paddy’s Bar & Grill

  Paddy’s in Portland has a lot going for it that sets it apart from other pubs. For one, it’s the oldest Irish pub in the downtown area, and is housed in the historic Powers Building, built in 1878. For another, they stock 600—count ‘em—600 different spirits. Paddy’s has such a faithful following that it was two fans who saved it from closing in 2009: The pub is now owned by Josh Johnston and James Hall. As if Paddy’s didn’t have enough of a legacy, the bar throws one heck of a St. Patrick’s Day party. They shut down their block so everyone can enjoy their food and drink along with live music, raising money for The Children’s Cancer Association. Their celebration made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 when the Paddy’s crew made the world’s biggest Irish coffee (159 gallons!).

  Where to find it: 65 Southwest Yamhill Street, Portland, OR, 97204

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  Pennsylvania: Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle

  Owners Anne Mullaney, Brian Mullaney, and Sean Patrick Murphy were drinking beer in a German bar in Pittsburgh when they decided the city deserved an authentic Irish pub, too. They opened the Harp & Fiddle in 1992. Anne Mullaney sadly died of cancer in 2011, but her legacy lives on thanks to her active work for the community. Scrolling through the pub’s Facebook page and events calendar, it’s clear to see that the Harp & Fiddle carries on that mission and stays connected to its hometown crowd.

  Where to find it: 2329 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

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  Rhode Island: McBride’s Pub

  McBride’s Pub in Providence was built out of a kooky coincidence. Brothers Bob and Mark Russell were looking for something to do with the huge garage attached to their funeral home after they didn’t need it anymore. In the meantime, they visited Ballyjamesduff, Ireland, and ended up at McBride’s Pub, owned by two brothers who just so happened to also own—get this—a funeral home. The Russells returned to Providence and turned their garage into a pub, where they’ve even found a way to work their other business into the lively, communal fun. Every night at 10 p.m., they do “last call,” where they have everyone toast someone who has passed.

  Where to find it: 161 Wayland Avenue, Providence, RI 02906

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  South Carolina: St. James Gate

  You can be sure to get a perfect pint of Guinness at this Folly Beach pub: It’s named after the home of the Guinness brewery in Dublin. On top of good old-fashioned Irish charm, you get the ocean breeze and proximity to the sand and sea here. An added bonus? St. James Gate has a garden out back that’s pet-friendly.

  Where to find it: 11 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC, 29439

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  South Dakota: Dempsey’s Brewery Restaurant & Pub

  Dempsey’s is the quintessential Irish pub with a twist; it also brews its own beer. It opened in 1999, making it the second oldest brewery in South Dakota. In addition to plenty of house-made beer choices (as well as root beer and cream soda) and other craft beer selections, Dempsey’s is also well known for its creative pizzas, plus they have a roomy deck for pleasant-weather days.

  Where to find it: 127 North Broadway, Watertown, South Dakota, 57201

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  Tennessee: McNamara’s Irish Pub

  McNamara’s has a sweet origin story that weaves together music—how appropriate for Nashville!—Irishness, and love. Sean McNamara landed in Nashville to pursue a music career. He met his wife Paula when she was visiting from her native Ireland and saw him singing traditional Irish music in a bar. In 2010, they opened their own place where they could bring Irish music, Irish fare, and Irish drinks to their community. It was a hit, even once voted the number-one Irish pub in the world by the magazine Ireland of the Welcomes.

  Where to find it: 2740 Old Lebanon Road, Nashville, TN, 37214

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  Texas: B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub

  B.D. Riley’s strikes the perfect balance between cozy and spacious. This pub’s two locations were built in Ireland and the decor smacks of traditional Irish flair, and it’s got lots of seating for family crowds by day and grown-up crowds by night. Because this is Austin, after all, there’s a big emphasis on music at B.D. Riley’s, with live Irish tunes multiple times a week.

  Where to find it: 204 East 6th Street, Austin, TX, 78701; 1905 Aldrich Street, Austin, TX, 78723

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  Utah: Piper Down Public House

  This Salt Lake City spot is such an oasis of Irish pub conviviality that its owners originally sought to name it after Dublin’s most famous pub, Temple Bar. However, being in Salt Lake City with actual temples being sacred spaces of religion, their request was denied by state officials. The name Piper Down was chosen and Temple Bar is still honored with a “Temple Bar” room of seating inside.

  Where to find it: 1492 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT, 84115

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  Vermont: McGrath’s Irish Pub at the Inn at Long Trail

  Location, location, location. McGrath’s scores instant points because of its setting. In the winter, it’s the warm and homey Irish-themed haven of one of the country’s favorite skiing destinations. Throughout the rest of the year, it sits among 360 views of lush greenery and majestic mountains. It’s hard to think of a prettier spot to sip a stout.

  Where to find it: 709 Route 4, Sherburne Pass, Killington, VT, 05751

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  Virginia: The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant

  Between the owners of The Celtic House in Arlington, there are 100 years of experience in hospitality in the United States and Ireland. In other words, these folks know what they’re doing, and that’s reflected in this pub’s welcoming atmosphere, drink selection, and Irish fare. This spot is so well-loved that patrons have voted it their favorite pub in the state and one of the best pubs in 19 big U.S. cities.

  Where to find it: 2500 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA, 22204

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  Washington: T.S. McHugh’s Irish Pub

  With pool, shuffleboard, darts, games and frequent live music, T.S. McHugh’s in Seattle has something for everyone and makes for a stay-all-day hangout. The food is true-blue Irish, too: Owner Don Tremblay went to cooking school in Ireland before opening the pub. One thing you must eat: fresh, warm soda bread, a genuine Irish treat.

  Where to find it: 21 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA, 98109

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  West Virginia: Paddy’s

  Paddy’s has it all: great booze, delicious food, community and conversation, and outdoor seating. Even more than that, it has history. Paddy’s is in the Tiffin House. Built in 1787, it’s the oldest building within the original confines of Charles Town. Paddy’s still boasts the structure’s beautiful Georgian look inside and out. It might even have its own ghost—this pub has been featured in the book A Guide to Haunted West Virginia. So steel your nerves with a pint and get a little spooky.

  Where to find it: 210 East Liberty Street, Charles Town, WV, 25414

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  Wisconsin: County Clare Irish Inn & Pub

  County Clare is the place for a good Guinness in Wisconsin. Apparently, this pub pours the most of the iconic stout in the whole state, and the Guinness brewmaster has said that it happens to also pour the best pint in the state, too. Between that, its friendly atmosphere, and its great food, County Clare is frequently picked by fans as Wisconsin’s favorite pub.

  Where to find it: 1234 North Astor Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202

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  Wyoming: The Keg & Cork

  The Keg & Cork in Casper has a big eclectic drink selection and lots of food you can’t turn down, like Irish nachos (cheesy tater tots, yes, please!). What’s especially unique is this pub’s very pleasant space in which you can enjoy all that food and drink. While there’s plenty of room inside, the main attraction is a lush outdoor area, complete with a waterfall.

  Where to find it: 5371 Blackmore Road, Casper, WY, 82609