In a world where every corner of the globe carries a piece of hidden wonder, Irish pubs stand out as beacons of culture with St. Patrick’s Day tradition and community. Explore some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations from the bustling streets of New York to the vibrant spirit of Portland. Each pub weaves a tapestry of history and heritage, bringing the essence of Ireland to life. These cherished landmarks embody a shared love for Irish culture, creating spaces where memories are made and communities come together in celebration.

Join me on a journey across America to see what pub is best for you this St Patrick’s Day!

“St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time—a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.” — Adrienne Cook

Kells Irish Pub: A Portland Tradition

Founded in 1990 by Gerard and Lucy McAleese, Kells Irish Pub has become a beloved institution in Portland, Oregon. Serving as the cornerstone of the city’s vibrant Irish community. Situated in the heart of Portland’s historic Chinatown district, Kells offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where visitors can enjoy traditional Irish food, drinks, and live entertainment. The pub’s rich history traces back to the McAleese family’s deep Irish roots and commitment to creating an authentic Irish experience in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2012, the McAleese family expanded their legacy by opening Kells Brewery, which quickly gained a reputation for producing locally crafted beers. Today, Kells Brewery is led by their son Garrett, who specializes in brewing a variety of craft beers inspired by the rich brewing traditions of Ireland while also incorporating local ingredients.

Each year, Kells hosts the Kells Portland Irish Festival, which runs from March 1517 and is one of the city’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The festival spans across Kells Irish Pub, Kells Brewery, and Tom McCall Waterfront Park, offering visitors three days of Irish music, food, dance, and culture. Whether you’re enjoying a pint of traditional Irish ale or savouring a delicious Irish dish, the Kells Irish Festival offers an experience that connects Portland’s diverse community with the spirit of Ireland.

Check out Kells Irish Pub for more information.

The Dubliner: Boston’s Irish Gem

Boston, a city with deep Irish roots, is a premier destination for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The Dubliner provides the perfect setting to celebrate the holiday. Established in 2022 by Owner and Head Chef Aidan McGee, The Dubliner brings authentic Irish culture to the heart of Boston. After relocating from Ireland, McGee poured his experience from Michelin-starred kitchens into redefining what Irish food means to Bostonians. The Dubliner serves traditional Irish fare with a modern twist, offering a menu that includes hearty beef roasts, Scotch eggs, and seasonal desserts like Yorkshire pudding. Paired with a perfect pint of Guinness, each dish reflects McGee’s dedication to preserving Irish culinary traditions while infusing his own style.

The Dubliner’s warm ambiance, complete with classic Irish pub decor, transports patrons straight to the heart of Dublin. Since opening, it has garnered recognition, including the 2023 OpenTable’s Dinner Choice Award. For St. Patrick’s Day, The Dubliner hosts an all-month celebration filled with live Irish music and standup comedy performances. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy meal or immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere, The Dubliner captures the essence of Irish hospitality.

Take a look at The Dubliner on LinkedIn.

The Dearborn: Chicago’s Irish-American Fusion

Chicago, a city renowned for its St. Patrick’s Day festivities, is home to The Dearborn, a unique urban American tavern offering a modern yet deeply traditional Irish experience. Established in 2016 by sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless, The Dearborn combines their Irish heritage with a passion for midwestern seasonal dishes. The restaurant’s focus on fresh, local ingredients and thoughtful seasonal menus has earned it recognition as one of Chicago’s finest dining experiences.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, The Dearborn offers a special menu that includes classic Irish dishes such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef reuben. Executive Chef Aaron Cuschieri’s creations elevate the traditional Irish pub menu with a refined touch. The restaurant also partners with Teeling Irish Whiskey to create a specialty Irish cocktail for the occasion, while Guinness hosts interactive “face in pint” beer painting sessions, along with exciting giveaways.

The Dearborn’s commitment to Irish culture is seen not only in its food but in its ambiance as well. The sisters have carefully crafted an atmosphere that transports guests to Galway, bringing a little piece of Ireland to the heart of Chicago. Whether you’re there for the holiday or just for a taste of their seasonal offerings, The Dearborn delivers a remarkable Irish-American dining experience.

Check out The Dearborn on LinkedIn.

The Dead Rabbit: New York’s Iconic Irish Pub

The Dead Rabbit, located in the heart of New York City, is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Irish pub experience in the Big Apple. Established in 2013 by Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, the bar has earned global recognition, winning the “World’s Best Bar” title twice. The Dead Rabbit draws from its owners’ deep Irish roots in Belfast, where they first found success with a cocktail bar before bringing their expertise to New York. The bar combines American culture with Irish heritage, creating a unique atmosphere that celebrates both the history of Ireland and the vibrant energy of New York.

The Dead Rabbit is renowned for its extensive cocktail menu and dedication to the art of bartending, offering a carefully curated selection of Irish and American drinks. But for St. Patrick’s Day, the pub goes all out with live music, performances, and special events. In 2023, The Dead Rabbit streamed Ireland’s Six Nations Rugby Championship games and partnered with Sean Choiche, a Dublin-based storytelling platform, to offer patrons spoken word performances and Irish anecdotes.

With its warm, welcoming environment and focus on Irish culture, The Dead Rabbit is one of New York City’s most iconic pubs and an unforgettable destination for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Check out The Dead Rabbit on LinkedIn.

“There is no such thing as bad whiskey. Some whiskeys just happen to be better than others.” — Irish proverb

McSorley’s Old Ale House: A New York Legend

Founded in 1854 by John McSorley, McSorley’s Old Ale House is a landmark in New York City’s East Village, making it the city’s oldest continuously operating bar. Over the years, McSorley’s has built a rich history, reflecting the immigrant culture that helped shape New York. As one of the few remaining pre-Prohibition bars, McSorley’s is a time capsule, complete with original wooden floors, historic signage, and an atmosphere that has remained unchanged for generations.

Known for its tradition of offering just two types of ale—light and dark—McSorley’s has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The pub’s walls are covered in historical memorabilia, including its storied past during Prohibition when it remained open by serving “near beer.” McSorley’s is especially lively during St. Patrick’s Day, when patrons come together to celebrate with hearty food, live Irish music, and, of course, pints of ale.

The pub’s longstanding legacy continues to this day, with McSorley’s offering a memorable St. Patrick’s Day celebration every year. In 2023, the pub hosted its annual bash, featuring traditional Irish food, lively music, and plenty of McSorley’s ale. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet pint or joining the crowd in a raucous toast to Ireland, McSorley’s Old Ale House remains one of New York City’s most beloved and historic pubs.

Visit McSorley’s Old Ale House for more information.

Conclusion

The pubs highlighted each offer a unique and authentic Irish experience, capturing the spirit of Ireland across the United States. From Kells’ legacy in Portland to The Dead Rabbit’s global acclaim, these establishments bring together Irish culture and hospitality. They also expand upon culinary traditions in a way that resonates with both locals and visitors. Whether through lively festivals or exceptional food, these pubs celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of community.

To get even more inspiration, check out 7 Small Businesses in NYC Revolutionizing Sustainable Fashion with Zero Waste and 5 Local Boutiques in Montreal Bringing Unique Home Decor Designs to Life.

 

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