Top 10 Irish Pubs in Boston

Looking for an authentic Irish pub near you in Boston? In fact, there are many Irish pubs in Boston, but how many of them are just run-of-the-mill bars with an Irish theme? Here are 10 of the best Irish pubs in Boston  offering authentic Irish food, live music, and a chance to root for your favorite team! Plus: several Irish pubs in Brighton, Cambridge, Charlestown, and Somerville.

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The Irish celebrate St Patrick’s Day on 17 March every year, and in many American cities, that calls for the wearing of the green.

There are big St Patrick’s Day Parades in cities and towns across the country. And one of the biggest parades marches proudly through South Boston, an area with a long history of Irish immigration. Even today, South Boston has a large number of self-identified Irish-American residents.

Needless to say, business booms at Irish pubs, bars, restaurants, and taverns as celebrants gather to guzzle Guinness, savor fine Irish whiskey, and scarf down a mouthwatering Irish Beef Stew.

And the celebration often lasts all week.  But you don’t have to wait until St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy appetizing Irish fare in Beantown. You can savor it at an Irish pub near you 365 days a year!

RECOMMENDED: 30+ BEST THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS>>

Irish Pubs in Boston – Best for Irish Food

Many of the self-proclaimed Irish pubs in Boston are Irish in name only. How how many of them actually serve Irish grub?

To be honest, they are more like Irish “theme bars,” with an Irish name and Irish flags displayed on their walls. In fact, most of them serve up some very good food, but few of them serve authentic dishes from the Emerald Isle.

Irish-Americans, homesick Irishmen, and other fans of Irish food can find comfort with some down-home comfort food at most of the Irish pubs, taverns, bars, and restaurants listed below.

You will find all the classics such as Bangers and Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Chicken Pot Pie, and Irish Stew. Plus, of course, a few “house specialties”.

But don’t worry. If there’s someone in your party wanting a hamburger, pizza, nachos, or a steak, most of the establishments on this list will be able to accommodate them. But in this post, I will concentrate on the Irish dishes on their menus.

Irish Pubs in Boston – Best for Sports 

Boston is renowned as one of the top sports towns in the United States. And many fans of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, and New England Free Jacks  gather at Irish pubs to watch their teams play.

By the way, if you haven’t heard of the New England Free Jacks, they are a member of Major League Rugby, which started play  in 2018 with seven teams. There are now 12 teams, and further expansion is anticipated.

But fans of teams in other cities also watch games at Irish pubs in Boston. And that doesn’t just mean teams in other American or Canadian cities. Many fans of European sports such as soccer and rugby also watch games at Boston’s many Irish pubs.

Plus, there is Formula 1, tennis, boxing – the list goes on. Always make sure to check to make sure the event you want to watch will be shown on TV, and ask if the sound will be turned on.

BTW, if you’re looking for a sports bar to watch any of these Boston teams play, check out the following links with lists of sports bars not only in Boston, but in other American cities, as well:

• Boston Red Sox – Major League Baseball
• Boston Celtics – National  Basketball Association
• Boston Bruins – National Hockey League
• New England Patriots – National Football League

Irish Pubs in Boston – Best for Live Music

Boston has a vibrant scene for Irish music, with many Irish pubs in Boston – and other venues – hosting traditional Irish music.

Many of the Irish pubs listed below have live music, and a few of them have live music seven days a week. In addition to Irish, they also feature various other musical genres.

Keep in mind that many of the pubs offering live music don’t serve food. But some allow you to bring your own food or have food delivered. Check websites for details.

In addition to lived music, these Irish pubs in Boston also frequently have trivia nights, open mics, comedy nights, and karaoke. Many of them also have darts, pool tables, been pong, and other amusements.

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Top 10 Irish Pubs in Boston

Looking for an Irish pub in Boston? Click on the links above the photos for direct access to websites for menus, hours, details on live music, if they show live sporting events, and phone numbers if you want to make a reservation.

1. The Black Rose

Located near Faneuil Hall, the Black Rose offers the best of all worlds. First, it features an innovative mix of traditional Irish fare and New England classics. For an interesting twist, try the Corned Beef & Cabbage Spring Rolls. They are served with spicy mustard. Then check out the Jameson Wings – chicken wings with a Jameson Irish Whisky Glaze, Sesame Seeds, and Blue Cheese Dip. Plus: live Irish music seven nights a week, 365 days a year. And live sporting events are shown on flat-screen TVs.

The Black Rose – 160 State St., Boston, MA

2. The Banshee

If you’re a sports fan, you can’t go wrong at The Banshee. As long as it’s showing in the United States or Canada, it’s bound to be showing on one of the 14 flat screen TVs on the pub’s two floors. Plus: European soccer and rugby! The Banshee also offers several Irish dishes, including Irish Smoked Salmon, Chicken Pot Pie, Guinness Beef Stew, Fish n Chips, Traditional Irish Meat Loaf, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Bangers and Mash, and a Traditional Irish Breakfast.

The Banshee – 934 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA

3. The Bebop

Opened by two musicians, this relative newcomer serves traditional Irish favorites including  Guinness Beef Stew, Beer-Battered Fish & Chips, Traditional Shepherds Pie, and Vegetarian Shepherds Pie. Located near Berklee College of Music, it attracts students and faculty and offers  live music seven days a week.

The Bebop – 1116 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

4. Emmets Irish Pub & Restaurant

Located on Beacon Hill and close some of Boston’s most important historic sites, this Irish pub serves an interesting take on traditional Irish favorites. For starters, try the Irish Potato Skins, which are loaded with homemade Shepherd’s Pie and topped with Mozzarella Cheese and served with Sour Cream. For sandwiches, try the Grilled Corn Beef, which is served with tomato soup. Other house specialties: Shepherd’s Pie, Beef and Guinness Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, Fish n’ Chips, and Guinness Beef Stew. If you can’t make up your mind, opt for the Taste of Ireland, a trio of house favorites: Beef & Guinness Pie, Chicken  Pot Pie, and Shepherd’s Pie.

Emmets Irish Pub – 6 Beacon Street, Beacon Hill, Boston, MA

5. The Dubliner 

Start the day with a full Irish breakfast. Appetizers run from Scotch Eggs to Irish Seafood Chowder. Later in the day, classic Irish dishes include Guinness Beef Stew, Day Boat Fish and Chips, and a full range of Irish Pies. Think: Atlantic Fish Pie, Beef and Guinness Pie, Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie, and Donegal Hill Mountain Shepherd’s Pie. Plus: live bands nightly in the pub and the lounge, including live Irish music. A relative newcomer, The Dubliner opened in 2022.

The Dubliner – 2 Center Plaza, Boston, MA

6. The Green Dragon Tavern

Boston is a city dripping with history, and this historic pub offers one of the most fascinating pub-going experiences in America’s most walkable city.  History buffs should not give it a miss!

Established in 1654, The Green Dragon played a small – but very important! – role in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). In fact, it was in this  very tavern that Paul Revere  (1735 – 1818) overheard plans for the invasion of Lexington and Concord, which led to his historic ride to warn the Minutemen that, “The British are coming!”

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Not surprisingly, many of the typical Irish dishes served at the pub carry revolutionary names. Dishes include Ale Battered Fish and Chips, Boston  Bangers and Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, and Irish Curry. For a yummy snack try the Irish Curry Cheese Fries. If you want to wrap your hands around something, try the Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich. Comedy nights are every Monday, and 40’s cover bands play Tuesday through Sunday. Plus: the Green Dragon is an official partner of the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby.

The Green Dragon Tavern – 11 Marshall Street, Boston, MA

7. Hennessy’s of Boston

Irish favorites include Shepherds Pie, Hennessy’s Mac & Cheese, and Ale Battered Fish & Chips. If you’re hankering for something you can eat with your hands, try the Irish Pub Wrap or the Jameson BBQ Chicken Sandwich! Plus:  Hennessy’s is an official partner of the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby.

Hennessy’s of Boston – 25 Union Street, Boston, MA

8. Sullivan’s Tap

Dating back to 1933, this Irish pub is Boston’s oldest sports bar! There are numerous bar games such as  pool and  pop-a-shot hoops. Plus: lots of giant TVs. It’s just a few steps away from TD Garden, home of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League and the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association.

Sullivan’s Tap – 168 Canal Street, Boston, MA

9. Mr. Dooleys Boston Tavern

Established in 1991, this atmospheric Irish pub is favored by fiddlers and whistlers alike. There is entertainment seven nights a week, with bands and musicians from both Boston and  Ireland. Located in downtown Boston, Mr. Dooley’s is an official partner of the New England Free Jacks of Major League Rugby. And you can always count on a perfectly pulled Guinness! 

Mr. Dooley’s Boston Tavern – 77 Broad Street, Boston, , MA

10. J.J. Foley’s Cafe

Established in 1909, J.J. Foley’s Cafe claims to be the oldest family-run Irish pub in Boston.  And it’s still in the family! Located in Boston’s South End, it shows sporting events, and you can play your favorite songs on Touch Tunes!

J.J. Foley’s Cafe – 117 East Berkeley Street, Boston, MA

Brighton

Looking for an authentic Irish pub near me in Brighton?

Irish Village

This cozy neighborhood pub has a history spanning half a century. There’s music every Friday and Saturday from 9 pm to 1 am. Plus:  weekly pub trivia, open mic, and karaoke.

Irish Village – 224 Market Street, Brighton, MA

Cambridge

Looking for an authentic Irish pub near me  in Cambridge?

The Druid

Located in the heart of Inman Square, this popular Irish pub serves Irish dishes such as Druid Beef Stew, Irish Seafood Stew, Sausage, Beans & Macs, Shepherd’s Pie, and Druid Fish & Chips. Hankering for a steak? The Sirloin Angus Steak served here comes with a Signature Guinness Sauce! Plus: traditional Irish music three times a week.

The Druid – 1357 Cambridge Street, Inman Square, Cambridge, MA

The Plough & Stars

Live music on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 4 pm to 6 pm and Monday through Saturday nights from 10.30 pm. There’s an extensive and wide-ranging menu of dishes. Irish specialities include Irish Lamb Stew and Fish and Chips.

Plough & Stars  – 912 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA

Charlestown

Looking for an authentic Irish pub near me in Charlestown?

Tavern at the End of the World

Traditional Irish favourites include Fish and Chips, Shepherds Pie, and Curry. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday. There are full and half Irish Breakfasts, Corned Beef Eggs Benedict, and American Irish Skillet. Plus: more than 50 beers, live music, and traditional Irish seisiun.

Tavern at the End of the World – 108 Cambridge Street, Charlestown, MA

Somerville

Looking for an authentic Irish pub near me in Somerville?

The Burren

Founded a quarter of a century ago by two Irish musicians, this is your go-to spot for live music in Somerville. It’s seven nights a week! Plus: comedy nights and trivia nights. On the menu, Irish classics include Guinness Beef Stew, Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers & Mash, Vegan Guinness Stew

The Burren – 247 Elm Street, Davis Square, Somerville, MA

Olde Magoun’s Saloon

Start your day with Corned Beef Hash and Jameson French Toast –  Jameson Whiskey soaked brioche bread, hard cider apples, Bailey’s whipped cream, and Vermont maple syrup. WOW! For the rest of the day, try such Irish favorites as  Bangers & Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, and Fish & Chips. Plus: small batch bourbon, rye whiskey, Scotch,  28 taps of local and imported craft beers, and a weekly rotating cask of local ale.

Olde Magoun’s Saloon – 518 Medford Street, Magoun Square, Somerville, MA

Read More on Boston Irish History!

The first comprehensive photographic record of Boston’s most conspicuous immigrant group – the Irish.

A Journey through Boston Irish History is the fruit of years of tireless research by prize-winning author Dennis P. Ryan.

Within these pages are rare and handsome images unearthed from innumerable local libraries, historical societies, and other sources, including the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Beginning with the horrifying famine of the 1840s in Ireland and concluding four generations later with the election of John F. Kennedy as president, A Journey through Boston Irish History is a sweeping, poignant portrait of the children of the Gael and the city they transformed politically, socially, and culturally. Source: Amazon.com

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