The best Irish pubs in Boston

Boston’s newest, and possibly most ambitious, Irish pub opened in 2022. You won’t find corned beef and cabbage here (it’s not actually a thing in Ireland), but instead a traditional Irish menu created by award-winning chef Aidan Mc Gee that’s heavy on seasonal favorites such as house-smoked salmon, Scotch eggs and hearty terrines, plus Mc Gee’s decadently savory Sunday roasts. Perfect pours of Guinness in house designed glasses along with bespoke cocktails will get the fun flowing, and the expansive space—there’s a lively pub side and a more relaxed lounge side—has quickly become a favorite for rooting on favorite football clubs and enjoying traditional Irish music.

This welcoming Brighton pub is a neighborhood staple situated on Market Street, and a home away from home for many locals. It boasts all of the basics of your favorite watering hole: a casual atmosphere crammed with convivial crowds; a central bar made of dark wood; dart boards and big-screen TVs fit for game night, whether you’re watching football or football. They pour all of the classic drinks you’ve come to love—pints of draft Guinness, whiskey-laced Irish coffee and hot toddies. Pull up a stool by the bartender or crash on one of the comfy leather chairs set up in the corner.

The newest addition to Boston’s Irish pub scene, McGonagle’s, from the same team behind The Dubliner, opened in Dorchester and is already a favorite. You’ll find a more casual take on the same classic pot pies and stews at The Dubliner, along with bar snacks and pizza. The shrimp toast with curry sauce might be the ideal pairing with several pints of stout, and the large, welcoming two level space is perfect for a night out.

Opened in 1909, this beloved South End haunt has held its ground on East Berkeley Street for over a century, and it’s not surprising as locals or out-of-towners flock to Foley’s in search of an authentic Boston bar experience. J.J. Foley’s Café was once the watering hole for the Boston Herald staff when the newspaper was headquartered nearby, in what’s now a Whole Foods. Over the years, the surrounding neighborhood may have changed, but Foley’s certainly hasn’t. At least not much. In 1909, the menu would not have included nachos, fig and goat cheese pizza or poutine, but this old school staple remains rooted in history.

People love to gather here for live music and a pint after work, as Emmet’s is located right around the corner from the State House and the Common. It’s also a good stop for brunch after a site seeing stroll. This Beacon Hill establishment is the perfect place to grab some hearty Irish fare and some equally satisfying drinks. Emmets celebrates typical Irish cuisine, and offers a selection of customary pies—shepherd’s pie, beef and Guinness pie and chicken pot pie, to be exact. In addition to expertly poured pints of Guinness, this place celebrates its Irish coffee, which can be made with its very own brand of whiskey.

A financial district mainstay, Dooley’s sees drinkers come in after work, but also on weekends for live music and classic pub fare like imported Irish cocktail franks with fries and Guinness cheese dip, They’re even open for breakfast, when you can get a full Irish. The beer list is solid, and the seasonal cocktails are creative—try the Irish Cola with Jameson, Molly’s Cream and soda over ice, if it’s on the menu

This Davis Square mainstay is probably the most popular Irish pub on the Cambridge side of the river, and has been keeping Tufts students and local residents well lubricated for years. Tuck into a bowl of beef stew, sip a pint of Guinness or any number of local brews. Wood floors and a long bar set a cozy mood for listening to informal Irish seisiúns.

The Black Rose, near Faneuil Hall, has been a beloved institution for locals and visitors since 1976. Photos of martyred patriots adorn the walls, and flags from every Irish county hang from the ceiling. Live music nightly means you’re on deck for a rowdy, Guinness-fueled sing-along with your new best friends.

Named after the Irish playwright, Behan’s is not a fancy place. Small and dimly lit, it’s a nice respite from the real world. Locals love it because it’s dog friendly, has fun food pop-ups (burritos, fresh oysters and sushi have featured recently, or you can bring in take-out), and the back patio is a perfect hang on a warm spring or summer day.

For more than 50 years, Eire Pub has been a fixture within Dorchester’s Adams Village neighborhood. While certainly a go-to amongst locals, Eire Pub has also seen its share of famous faces over the course of its history, including Presidents Reagan and Clinton, who lifted a pint with locals in hopes of winning their votes. This pub opened originally as a “men’s bar,” but these days all are welcome, and everyone should visit at least once. The kitchen serves New England style comfort food—think corned beef sandwiches, meatloaf dinners and American chop suey—while the bar offers 11 tap beers, so you can pick your pint of preference.

A true institution in the heart of Inman Square, The Druid is a tried-and-true option if you're looking for all of the hallmarks of a classic Irish hangout: friendly crowds; tasty pub fare; a gorgeous dark wood bar; live music and a strong beer list, including impeccably-poured pints of Guinness. Trivia nights pull in people each Wednesday, and there’s live, traditional Irish music during weekend afternoons.

From the same family that runs the Corrib in Brighton, the West Roxbury Corrib offers many of the same, with cozy corners—complete with a fireplace—to tuck into, hearty favorites like traditional shepherds pie and fish and chips and a perfect pour of Guinness. Stop in on Monday and Thursday evenings and show off your skills at game night and try the tasty food specials.