From attending festive parades to cooking up corned beef and cabbage, there are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boston. If you’re looking to spend the day by grabbing a pint (or two) at a local pub we know a few spots to explore.
Pull up a stool and take a seat — here are 17 local bars and traditional pubs where you can raise a glass of Guinness and snack on Irish fare.
The Bebop, 1116 Boylston St.
The sister venue to The Burren, this neighborhood hangout is a prime destination for musicians and live music fans. After all, it’s right by Berklee College of Music.
The Black Rose, 16 State St.
The Faneuil Hall landmark has been serving up Guinness and traditional Irish fare daily since 1976 — no wonder it’s dubbed the “Fenway Park of Irish Pubs.”
The Dubliner, 2 Center Plz.
Come for the beer, stay for the food by Chef Aidan McGee of Ireland’s county Donegal. Pro tip: Don’t skip the Irish seafood chowder and homemade soda bread.
The Banshee, 934 Dorchester Ave.
This Irish bar is the perfect place to cheer on your favorite soccer team with a Guinness in hand.
Brendan Behan Pub, 378 Center St., Jamaica Plain
While this pub doesn’t offer a food menu, it has a variety of craft beers and cocktails + live Irish music every Saturday.
The Burren, 247 Elm St., Somerville
Steps from the Red Line and Tufts University, this Davis Square staple is on Thrillist’s list of “The 21 Best Irish Pubs in America.” Visit for nightly live music performances + a delicious Guinness beef stew.
Mr. Dooley’s, 77 Broad St.
With down to earth hospitality in the heart of the Financial District, Dooley’s opened its doors in 1991 and has since become the place to meet for a pint and a chat. This cozy pub has no TVs, so you can fully immerse yourself in the live music + hearty pub food.
Eire Pub, 795 Adams St., Dorchester
Since opening 50+ years ago, the Eire has been visited by past presidents, sports legends, and political figures. Try one of their 11 beers on tap — you might just run into a local celebrity while you’re at it.
Galway House, 710 Centre St., Jamaica Plain
For the last 61 years, this family-owned joint has provided quality food and a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails + five big-screen TVs.
Irish Village, 224 Market St., Brighton
Order a drink and toasty (a toasted ham and cheese sandwich) and make yourself right at home at this decades-old Brighton establishment.
The Druid, 1357 Cambridge St., Cambridge
This Inman Square staple is known for the Irish seafood stew + the fish and chips, with a side of Irish whiskey.
J.J. Foley’s Cafe, 117 East Berkley St.
Family-owned and operated since 1909, the Foley family offers a wide range of food, beer, wine + spirits. It’s known as the oldest Irish pub in our city.
L Street Tavern, 658 East 8th St., South Boston
There aren’t many places that can say “Good Will Hunting” filmed inside their doors — but L Street Tavern can. While the interior is certainly different now, it’s worth a visit for the neighborhood charm.
Lansdowne Pub, 9 Lansdowne St.
Betcha can’t guess where to find this pub? Located across from a famous baseball stadium on Lansdowne Street — this Irish pub is a Fenway staple that offers live music every night. Bonus: It’s the perfect pregame spot if you plan to see Dropkick Murphy’s during St. Pat’s weekend.
Olde Magoun’s Saloon, 518 Medford St., Somerville
This craft beer and spirits bar is offering a full St. Patrick’s Day special menu, featuring an Irish breakfast + Guinness beef stew. Pro trip: Try their local ale while you’re there.
Sólás Irish Pub, 710 Bolyston St.
The modern Back Bay pub offers local craft beer and tasty bites from executive chef Sean MacAlpine. Pro tip: order the Irish dinner, bangers and mash, or one of the other St. Patrick’s Day specials.
The Thirsty Scholar, 70 Beacon St., Somerville
It doesn’t get much cozier than The Thirsty Scholar — after all, the tagline is “Come, Feel Comfortable, Everyone’s A Friend.” After you sip your Guinness, peruse the shelves filled with books and old magazines.
Looking to take your celebrations to the next level? Use this map to plan a pub crawl with your buddies.
