South's Best Pubs for St. Patrick's Day

March 02, 2017
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Who doesn’t love St. Patrick’s Day? It’s the one holiday that gives us the perfect excuse to come together in our greenest duds and celebrate the culture of Ireland and the luck of Irish, amid comforting corned beef and cabbage, copious amounts of Guinness, and festive green beer and whiskey. Even if you’ve outgrown the pinching ritual the day brings, there’s still plenty of craic to be had every year on March 17, from concerts and parades to parties and bar crawls. Because if there are two things the Irish know, it’s pubs and potatoes. And you can enjoy both at these 16 Irish pubs across the South, where no one will judge you for raising a pint (or two) on the spirited day that makes us all feel a little Irish at heart. Sláinte!Related: The Cliffs of Moher in Ireland: A Bucket List Destination
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John D. McGurk’s

Photo: John D. McGurk's/Facebook

St. Louis, Missouri

This Irish pub has been pouring up spirits for libation lovers since 1978. McGurk’s hosts Irish musicians and live bands every night, plus you can order steak, fish, pasta, and traditional Irish dishes for lunch or dinner. The outdoor garden area offers a beautiful contrast to the monochromatic wood and brick décor inside.

1200 Russell Blvd, mcgurks.com or 314-776-8309

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Fadó Irish Pub

Photo: Fadó Irish Pub/Facebook

Atlanta, Georgia

You’ll find this recently-revamped Irish pub in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. It’s the best place to indulge in an authentic Irish breakfast, tasty sides such as potato fries topped with cheddar and bacon, and, of course, plenty of good wine, whiskey, and Guinness.

273 Buckhead Ave., fadoirishpub.com or 404-841-0066

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The Dubliner

Photo: The Dubliner/Facebook

Dallas, Texas

Owned and operated by a native of Dublin, Ireland, The Dubliner boasts a vast selection of imported beers, drafts, and whiskeys. Dine on typical pub grub during regular business hours, but on St. Patrick’s Day, you can order traditional fare like Guinness beef stew and shepherd’s pie.

2818 Greenville Ave., dallasdubliner.com or 214-818-0911

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The Irish Times

Photo: The Irish Times

Miami, Florida

While you’re waiting, toss a few back from this South Miami pub’s extensive selection of beer, wine, and whiskey. Best part? They offer a late-night menu up until 4 a.m., but if you have to call it in early, order their beef stew with Guinness gravy and speciality “Irish Car Bomb” shot.

5850 Sunset Dr, irishtimesmiami.com or 305-667-4114

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Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub

Photo: Kevin Barry's Irish Pub/Facebook

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah boasts the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration in the country. And the best place to get in on all the sudsy Guinness fun and people watching is at Kevin Barry’s, which received an award in 2016 for being the most authentic Irish pub outside of Ireland. Their signature cocktails are the perfect companion to the revered stew and corned beef and cabbage.

117 West River St., kevinbarrys.com or 912-233-9626

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JohnMartin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Photo: John Martin's

Coral Gables, Florida

No blarney here! JohnMartin’s is more of an everyday Irish pub and restaurant, as there’s less of a party vibe here. That being said, there’s still ample drinks for you to try, including a wide variety of ale, stout, and malt whiskey.

253 Miracle Mile, johnmartins.com or 305-445-3777

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Finn McCool’s Irish Pub

Photo: Fin McCool's/Facebook

New Orleans, Louisiana

Named after Finn McCool, the legendary giant of Irish folklore, Finn McCool’s is the perfect nightcap on St. Patrick’s Day. Savor their top-shelf brews and beer, and take part in some of their fun-filled board games, soccer action on the big screen, and trivia.

3701 Banks St., finnmccools.com or 504-486-9080

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The South's 10 Best Breweries

An incredible beer can make a long road trip to a new place completely worth it. In our region, we have some amazing craft beers that use all sorts of ingredients, like coffee, maple syrup, and fruit. Whether you're looking for a dark ale, a white ale, or an IPA, there's a brewery in almost every city that'll treat you to a crisp, fresh pour. We've found some exceptional drinking holes across the South, and the people have voted – here are ten breweries that you've got to try.

View all of the South's Best 2017 winners here.

10. Coast Brewing Co.; Charleston, SC
This family-owned spot uses local ingredients and is located on an old Navy base.

9. Cigar City Brewing; Tampa, FL
The beer here reflects Tampa’s cultural roots, like ‘Florida Cracker’ white ale and Wiregrass ‘post-Prohibition’ ale.

8. Strangeways Brewing; Richmond, VA
This taproom has a Room 237 Bière d’Hiver that took “a little less than five miserable months to contrive” inspired by The Shining.

7. Jester King Brewery; Austin, TX
Come for the 70 varieties of beer, and stay for the views of the Texas Hill Country.

6. Starr Hill Brewery; Crozet, VA
Founder Mark Thompson used his biology degree to perfect the brewing process.

5. Abita Brewing Company; Covington, LA

Abita’s seasonal Strawberry Harvest Lager can cause chaotic grocery runs when shipments arrive.

4. Good People Brewing Co.; Birmingham, AL
A local favorite, Good People offers year-round and seasonal brews as well as a “Happy Hour Yoga” class.

3. Creature Comforts Brewing Co.; Athens, GA
Founded by home brewers, Creature Comforts’ ‘Athena Berliner Weisse’ beer is the brewery’s salute to its home city.

2. Tennessee Brew Works; Nashville, TN
This brewery has one of the South’s cleanest brewing processes by using less water, raw materials, and energy than traditional methods.

1. Wicked Weed Brewing; Asheville, NC
Wicked Weed specializes in sour beers, using ingredients from fruit to coffee, with an aggressive wild yeast called ‘brettanomyces’.

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Murphy's Grand Irish Pub

Photo: Murphy's Grand Irish Pub/Facebook

Alexandria, Virginia

If a few Irish specialities, music, and Guinness is what you’re after, the buck stops here at Murphy’s. Located directly in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Murphy’s offers drink specials, live entertainment, and hearty Irish fare most revelers will appreciate.

713 King St., murphyspub.com or 703-548-1717

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McFadden’s Sports Saloon

Photo McFadden's Sports Saloon/Facebook

Kansas City, Missouri

Green beer, shamrock shooters, pint and pancakes breakfast, live music, and sports? What more could you ask for of this popular bar located in the Power and Light District?

1330 Grand Blvd, mcfaddenskc.com or 816-471-1330

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Paddy’s Hollow Restaurant & Pub

Photo: Paddy’s Hollow Restaurant & Pub

Wilmington, North Carolina

Tucked away in the Cotton Exchange area of historic Wilmington, Paddy’s Hollow is the place to come for late-night beer on tap, wine, and pub grub done right.

N. Water St. & Walnut St., paddyshollow.com or 910-762-4354

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Connolly’s on Fifth

Photo: Connolly's on Fifth/Facebook

Charlotte, North Carolina

At Connolly’s, they’re less about shamrock paraphernalia as they are about being a local authentic pub patrons can depend on for “the perfect pint of Guinness” and “good times, new friends and great beers.” Connolly’s is also part of one of the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day pub crawls: Rich & Bennett.

115 E. Fifth St., connollysirishpub.com or 704-358-9070

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McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Photo: McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Nashville, Tennessee

McNamara’s promises “great food, great music and great craic.” Oh, and did we mention live Irish entertainment, traditional food, whiskey, and beers a’plenty?

2740 Old Lebanon Rd, mcnamarasirishpub.com or 615-885-7262

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Shenanigans Restaurant & Irish Pub

Photo: Shenanigans Restaurant & Irish Pub

Dahlonega, Georgia

You’ll come for the warm Celtic atmosphere at Shenanigans, but you’ll stay for the comfort food, smooth brews, and pot of gold shots.

87 North Chestatee St., theshenaniganspub.com or 706-482-0114

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Dugan's Pub

Photo: Dugan's Pub

Little Rock, Arkansas

According to their site, owner Don Dugan’s “love of the Irish culture and the community” led him to create this safe haven that serves up pub food with a twist and also classic fare. Dugan’s brings the luck of the Irish to locals with its seasonal brews, cocktails, and bottles.

401 E 3rd St., duganspublr.com or 501-244-0542

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Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Photo: Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Louisville, Kentucky

At Molly Malone’s, the slogan is pretty simple: A pint of Guinness a day, keeps the doctor away. And with Kentucky bourbon, wine, beer, cosmos, and Molly’s Merry Leprechaun on the menu, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most authentic Irish pubs in Kentucky.

933 Baxter Ave, mollymalonesirishpub.com or 502-473-1222

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Innisfree Irish Pub

Photo: Innisfree Irish Pub/Facebook

Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama

What can we say? We can absolutely get behind a pub that has green beer and green eggs and ham on the menu.

innisfreeirishpubs.com

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