You definitely don’t need to be of Irish descent to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It’s often said that everyone with a connection to Boston is Irish by association. So join in the fun, my fellow Bostonians, and try out these pubs and bars to start your St. Patrick’s Day festivities on the right foot.
Allston/Brighton Area
O’Brien’s Pub
13 Harvard Ave., Allston
In the center of “Rock City,” O’Brien’s is a platform for artists. It regularly attracts national acts and provides a venue for local bands. Although most events are 21+, the tickets to these bar-concerts only range between $6 and $10. For St. Patrick’s Day, the bar is hosting Waylon Speed, Whiskey Kill, Victor Villarreal, and Night Fruit.
How to get there: Take the B line to the Harvard Ave. stop. Go left on Harvard Ave. until you reach #13.
Common Ground Cafe
85 Harvard Ave., Allston
With Guinness on tap and an extensive menu of local dishes, this bar/restaurant is the perfect mix for a dinner and a night out. The Common Ground welcomes all sorts of crowds, from college students to regulars, as well as newbies. The bar features weekly events such as Trivia Night, Geeks Who Drink, and 90’s night.
How to get there: Take the B line to the Harvard Ave. stop. Go left on Harvard Ave. Cross Brighton Ave. and continue to #85.
The Draft
34 Harvard Ave., Allston
This bar is a dream-come-true for any college student on a tight budget. It offers 25 cent wings on Mondays and a combo meal of beer, a burger and fries for only $6 on Tuesdays. Thursday night is college night. And there’s a DJ all weekend long. Check it out!
How to get there: Take the B line to the Harvard Ave. stop. Go left on Harvard Ave. Cross Brighton Ave. and continue to #34.
Green Briar
306 Washington Street, Brighton
With Sam Adams, Guinness, and some Harpoon IPA, you can never go wrong. This neat Irish pub is perfect for lunch, dinner, and drinks. Take a look at their menu for more enticing drinks and food for when you have the munchies! It’s not too expensive either, a meal averages about $8-10. If you’re a fan of Irish sports (rugby, soccer, and hurling), there are wide-screen TVs and a projection screen.
How to get there: Take the B line to the Washington Street stop. Go left up Washington Street to #306. It’s about a 10 minute walk. You may be better off taking a $15 cab.
Irish Village
224 Market Street, Brighton
Voted by Boston Herald readers as the best Irish pub in Boston, this pub is a true gem representing the Irish and has strong ties to the Irish community of Boston. The Irish Village serves primarily beer and wine. Don’t miss Saturday’s event: Irish Bagpipers from 7-8 PM.
How to get there: Take the B line to the Warren St. stop. From there, either take a cab to #224 Market Street or enjoy a 20 minute walk (take a left down Warren St. Continue down Sparhawk St. and then turn right on Market St.).
Downtown Boston
An Tain
31 India Street, Boston
Typically described as a dive bar in the Financial District by Yelp.com reviewers, it does have certain advantages. On the forefront it sells $1 Miller Lite Draft and generally has cheap alcohol. The downside is that there is a $5 cover charge on some nights. It’s a fairly casual bar and perfect for college students wanting to kick back and relax with a few friends.
How to get there: Take any Green line to Government Center. From there, pass the Boston City Hall towards Faneuil Hall. Take a right just before Faneuil Hall on Congress St. and then take a left down State St. India St. will be on your right. Take it and find your way to #31. It’s about an 8 minute walk.
An Tua Nua
835 Beacon Street, Boston
This bar serves mainly college students. Along with a large selection of beer, the bar also offers American and Irish food. Beware though, it is located near Boston University and encounters with these students could be frequent. Just something to keep in mind while you’re drinking!
How to get there: Take the D line to Fenway. Once you get off the T, rather than heading towards the parking lot, keep walking along the tracks until you hit Miner St. Take a left on Miner St. and then a right on Beacon St.
The Grand Canal
57 Canal Street, Boston
An all-Irish day is awaiting you on St. Patrick’s Day. Start with a full Irish breakfast/brunch and win prizes and giveaways all day long while enjoying the live Irish music. Overall, it’s not too pricey for a good time!
How to get there: Take the any Green line to Government Center. Pass the Boston City Hall towards Faneuil Hall. Take a left on Congress Street before crossing to Faneuil Hall. Take a right on Market St. and a left onto Canal St.
Hennessy’s
25 Union Street, Boston
A mix between traditional Ireland and downtown Boston, Hennessy’s has the night lined up for you on St. Patty’s day. Go on Thursday or Friday for the pre-partyand then hit it up Saturday for Kevin Byrne and the Prodigals (Irish musicians) and DJ Sharp from 10 PM onwards. Still not convinced? Take this virtual tour of the bar. Another perk: this bar is right next door to The Purple Shamrock, Paddy O’s, and the Green Dragon Tavern.
How to get there: Take any Green line to Government Center. Walk towards Faneuil Hall and take a left on Congress Street followed by a right on North Street. Then take left on Union Street.
Coogan’s Bluff
173 Milk Street, Boston
Come any day to enjoy $1 Bud and Bud Light Draft! Need I say more? Well unfortunately, reviewers on Yelp.com don’t quite enjoy the food offered… although many argue that there’s no reason you’d be going for the food anyway.
How to get there: Take any Green line to Government Center. Head towards Faneuil Hall and take a right on Congress Street. Take a left on State Street and then a right on India St. You’ll find Coogan’s at the intersection of India St. and Milk St. It’s about a 7 minute walk.
The Black Rose
160 State Street, Boston
There’s live entertainment by Irish artists every evening and Guinness on tap. Because it’s right by Quincy Market, you can enjoy the area and then head over to the bar for the real festivities to begin!
How to get there: Take any Green line to Government Center. Head towards Faneuil Hall and take a right on Congress Street. With a left on State Street, you’ll be just a few paces away from The Black Rose.
The Littlest Bar
102 Broad Street, Boston
Guinness, Smithwick’s, and Magner’s on tap. This neat place even has a self-service: go ahead pour yourself a pint! Saturdays are reserved for Irish Traditional Sessions from 6-9 PM… and then it’s ladies night!
How to get there: Take any Green line to Government Center. Head towards Faneuil Hall and take a right on Congress Street. Take a left on State Street, you’ll hit Broad Street on your right. Take it and follow it until #102.
For a more complete list (including Newton, Brookline, and Cambridge) check out these websites:
http://www.bostonirishpubs.com/irishpubs.html
http://www.irishconnection.com/
http://www.somerspubs.com/index.php
Photo Sources:
http://boston-ma.cityseekr.com/draft-the/restaurants/venue/27637
http://boston.citysearch.com/profile/4718555/boston_ma/coogan_s_bluff_restaurant.html