Best Irish Pubs & Restaurants in the U.S. for St. Patrick’s Day 2025

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday celebrated by millions worldwide. Dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, the day is a tribute to Irish culture, traditions, and festive spirit. In the United States, where the Irish diaspora is one of the largest, the holiday is celebrated with grand parades, music, dancing, and, of course, visits to Irish pubs and restaurants.

We’ve curated a list of the best themed venues in the U.S. where you can experience the true spirit of this holiday.

Located in Manhattan’s Financial District, The Dead Rabbit is often ranked among the world’s best bars. With three floors, it features a traditional pub, a cocktail bar, and a private event space. The place exudes authentic Irish charm with vintage decor and furniture. The menu offers classic Irish dishes with a modern twist, and the whiskey selection has over 150 varieties. On St. Patrick’s Day, expect live music, a special menu, and a truly festive Irish atmosphere.

Highlights:

    Signature Cocktails: Irish Coffee with premium Jameson whiskey and homemade cream.
    Traditional Dishes: All Day Irish Breakfast with black and white pudding, eggs, and bacon.
    Desserts: Guinness Chocolate Cake with caramel sauce (subject to availability).
    Drinks: Over 150 types of Irish whiskey, including rare selections like Redbreast and Midleton.

Special St. Patrick's Day Events: Live music by Irish folk bands, cocktail-making masterclasses, and tastings of rare Irish whiskey varieties.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/thedeadrabbitpub/

Operating since 1974 near Capitol Hill, The Dubliner is a favorite among politicians, diplomats, and locals. Most of its furniture and decor were imported from Ireland, ensuring an authentic experience. It boasts the largest Irish whiskey collection in Washington, D.C., and even has its own house beer, "Dubliner Lager." The pub hosts daily live Irish music performances and celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with traditional dancing, music, and a festive menu.

Highlights:

    Traditional Dishes: Corned Beef & Cabbage, Irish Beef Stew with homemade bread.
    Signature Appetizers: Irish Cheese Board featuring a selection of Irish cheeses.
    Breakfasts: Full Irish Breakfast with black and white pudding, eggs, and bacon.
    Drinks: Exclusive Dubliner Irish Lager, along with a wide selection of Irish whiskeys and liqueurs.

Special St. Patrick's Day Events: Annual live music festival featuring traditional Irish bands and a Guinness pint-drinking competition.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/thedeadrabbitpub/

McSorley’s has been a staple of New York City since 1854, making it one of the city’s oldest bars. Founded by Irish immigrant John McSorley, the pub maintains its historic charm with sawdust-covered floors, vintage photos, and an old-school fireplace. The menu remains unchanged, offering just two types of beer (light and dark) and a few simple Irish snacks. On St. Patrick’s Day, crowds gather here to experience the historic New York Irish pub ambiance.

Highlights:

    Signature Drinks: Only two types of beer – McSorley's Light and McSorley's Dark, brewed following old recipes.
    Traditional Appetizers: Liverwurst Sandwich on rye bread, Cheese Plate with onions and crackers.
    Hot Dishes: Corned Beef and Cabbage served with mustard.
    Specialties: McSorley's Chili with beef and beans.

Special St. Patrick's Day Events: Opening at 8 AM with a traditional Irish breakfast, followed by poetry readings and live music performances throughout the day.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/mcsorleysoldalehouse/

Named after a famous Irish play, The Plough and the Stars has been a Boston favorite for over 40 years. The interior reflects a traditional Irish pub with wooden paneling and stained glass. Live performances by Irish musicians and Celtic bands are a regular feature. The menu offers classic Irish fare with an emphasis on seafood. For St. Patrick’s Day, the pub hosts special music performances, poetry readings, and a holiday-themed menu.

Highlights:

    Signature Dishes: Fish and Chips with Atlantic cod.
    Appetizers: Curry Chips with homemade sauce.
    Desserts: Bread Pudding with Irish whiskey and caramel sauce (subject to availability).
    Drinks: Rotating tap featuring Irish and local craft beers, along with Irish whiskey-based cocktails.

Special St. Patrick's Day Events: Annual Irish Session with musicians from Ireland and a contest for the best Irish costume.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/ploughandstars/

Located in Universal CityWalk, The Auld Dubliner was established by Irish immigrants and features furniture and decor imported from Ireland. The menu blends traditional Irish cuisine with Californian ingredients. The venue frequently hosts live performances by both Irish and local musicians. On St. Patrick’s Day, The Auld Dubliner throws a 24-hour celebration with music, dancing, and special menu items.

Highlights:

    Fusion Dishes: California Irish Tacos with corned beef and avocado (subject to availability).
    Traditional Dishes: Bangers and Mash with homemade mashed potatoes and onion gravy.
    Signature Burgers: Dubliner Burger with Irish cheese and Guinness BBQ sauce (subject to availability).
    Drinks: Black and Tan (a blend of Guinness and Bass Ale), Irish Mule cocktail with Irish whiskey.

Special St. Patrick's Day Events: 24-hour celebration featuring live music, Irish dancing, and a special holiday menu.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/aulddubline/

Situated in a historic former firehouse, Kells has been a hub for Irish culture in Portland since 1983. The pub operates its own microbrewery, producing authentic Irish-style beers. The menu features classic Irish dishes made with fresh local ingredients. In the lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day, Kells hosts an annual Irish music and culture festival.

Highlights:

    Signature Dishes: Irish Beef Stew with homemade bread (subject to availability).
    Traditional Appetizers: Scotch Eggs with house-made sausage (subject to availability).
    Desserts: Bailey's Cheesecake with chocolate crumble (subject to availability).
    Drinks: Signature Kells Irish Red beer, cocktails featuring local spirits and Irish liqueurs.

Special St. Patrick's Day Events: A week-long festival celebrating Irish music and culture, plus the annual charity run Kells Green Run.

Photo Credit: google.com

Founded in 1996 by Irish musicians Tommy McCarthy and Louise Costello, The Burren has become a major center for Irish music on the East Coast. The venue has two sections: a traditional pub and a live music space. The menu includes classic Irish dishes along with vegetarian and vegan options. On St. Patrick’s Day, The Burren hosts a 24-hour music marathon.

Highlights:

    Signature Dishes: Guinness Beef Stew with homemade bread (subject to availability).
    Breakfast & Brunch: Irish Breakfast Sandwich with black pudding and egg (subject to availability).
    Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian Irish Stew with mushrooms and dark beer (subject to availability).
    Drinks: Celtic Cider (apple cider with Irish spices), a wide selection of Irish and Scottish whiskeys.

Special St. Patrick's Day Events: Annual Irish Session featuring musicians from Ireland and a contest for the best Irish costume.

Photo Credit: facebook.com/Burrenpub/

Reserve a table in advance – St. Patrick’s Day is extremely popular, and venues often fill up weeks ahead. Book early to secure your spot.

Wear green – It’s a St. Patrick’s Day tradition! Some pubs even offer discounts for guests dressed in green.

Learn a few Irish toasts – Try saying “Sláinte!” (Cheers!) to impress your friends.

Explore different Irish drinks – Besides Guinness, try other Irish beers like Smithwick’s, Kilkenny, or an authentic Irish cider.

Enjoy the atmosphere – Take your time, savor the music, food, and company, and embrace the Irish spirit.

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion to experience Irish culture, even if you're miles away from Ireland. Visit one of these top themed venues in the U.S. to make your celebration unforgettable!