8 of Boston’s Absolute Best Irish Pubs ☘️
Bean Town is a pub town. Boston is known for having some of the county’s best bars and especially, Irish pubs. Did you know Boston has the highest percentage of residents with Irish ancestry in America? In a city that takes its pints as seriously as its sports teams, you can be sure that every sip will hit it out of the park. Check out the eight best Irish pubs in Boston, MA.
1. A.T. O’Keefe’s
911 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
(617) 936-3927
Come hungry when visiting this Irish pub right in the thick of things on Boston’s Boylston Street. Scotch eggs, truffle mac and cheese, Rhode Island calamari, and jaw-bending burgers all bring the crowds. While not every dish here is straight from Ireland, the flavors all feel right at home because they’re distinctly New England. The chocolate torte made with Bailey’s Irish Cream is a nice touch! Of course, locals know A.T. O’Keefe’s as the place with the largest bourbon selection in Massachusetts.
2. Biddy Early’s
141 Pearl Street, Boston, MA
(617) 654-9944
Biddy Early’s is a great place to play darts, listen to top-40 hits, and lean into an ultra-relaxed vibe. This spot is a good pick if you’re specifically looking for a “college bar” type of Irish pub in Boston. Biddy Early’s might even dip into “dive bar” territory. However, the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere keep locals coming back time after time.
3. The Dubliner
2 Center Plaza, Boston, MA
(857) 317-2695
Let’s call this one the ultra-elevated Irish pub experience in Boston. Sophistication streams through the entire experience from the moment you’re seated into a leather-lined booth. The curated menu here features day boat fish and chips, bacon and cabbage, sirloin, steamed curried mussels, and a pork roast that’s meant for sharing. The Dubliner also offers menus for brunch, lunch, and a Sunday roast. The ambiance created by the stately bar, tin ceiling, and grand brick fireplace makes this a perfect spot for celebrating a special occasion with the luck of the Irish on your side.
4. Durty Nelly’s
108 Blackstone Street, Boston, MA
(617) 742-2090
This is a great spot for out-of-town visitors to observe Bostonians in their natural habitat. This neighborhood bar is about as real as it gets. The fun part about this bar is that you’ll easily begin to think you’ve stepped foot inside a Dublin tavern while the rest of busy Boston continues to swirl outside the door beyond your consciousness. While things can get a little bit stuffy in the bar, Durty Nelly’s has a lovely back patio that provides the perfect place to have an intimate conversation.
5. The Druid
1357 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA
(617) 497-0965
Get a proper education on what an Irish pub should be at this Cambridge bar. The Druid’s hearty beef stew is the talk of the town in Cambridge. The Irish seafood stew, shepherd’s pie, and plate of sausage, beans, and mash also soothe the soul with Celtic sentiments. This is also one of the only places in Boston to see traditional Irish music played live several nights a week.
6. Eire Pub
795 Adams Street, Boston, MA
(617) 436-0088
Tucked into one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, Eire Pub has been a provider of pints to locals for more than 50 years! What was once a men’s bar has turned into a beloved, world-class establishment for drinks and dining. A favorite spot for celebrities when ducking into Bean Town, Eire has been visited by President Clinton and President Reagan. A menu full of wings, burgers, and sandwiches stays true to the “common” roots of the establishment. You can also simply come to sip up history at the establishment’s famous wraparound bar.
7. Emmet’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
6 Beacon Street, Boston, MA
(617) 742-8565
Looking for a taste of Ireland on Beacon Hill? This popular establishment offers a flawless experience from start to finish. There’s no wondering about why Emmet’s has been around since 1995. In fact, a visit can be justified by nothing more than a craving for this bar’s perfect New England clam chowder. The shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, house-marinated steak tips, Guinness beef stew, and pan-fried cod are also notable. The wine, beer, and cocktail menu sets Emmet’s apart from other Irish pubs by offering a selection built for refined tastes.
8. Mr. Dooley’s
77 Broad Street, Boston, MA
(617) 338-5656
Mr. Dooley’s really brings patrons back to the old country by providing an environment that’s totally free of televisions. Entertainment is brought to you by live DJs, great conversations, and amazing homemade food! You’re also likely to hear Irish music playing when a DJ isn’t in the house. The sausages, bread, fries, wings, onion rings, burgers, and other traditional bar foods deliver pure comfort to the soul. The cottage pie and shepherd’s pie are amazing if you want to really keep things authentic.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Boston, MA city page!
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