Boston’s Irish roots run deep, and we believe there is nowhere better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, whether you’re looking for a pint of Guinness, a hearty Irish breakfast, or a dose of some traditional fiddling. Lucky for you, the Irish holiday falls on a Sunday this year and you’ll have all weekend to celebrate. Here are some places around town to check out while you're planning your festivities. Sláinte!
The Black Rose, Faneuil Hall
Not much has changed at The Black Rose in 40 years — with live Irish music every night on both of its floors, it has long been a destination for both locals and tourists to enjoy the best of Boston’s Celtic charm. Their proud display of Gaelic flags will be enough to put you in a festive mood, but you’ll also be able to feast on Irish staples like the Irish breakfast with black and white pudding, a corned beef benny (Benedict), or the Guinness beef stew. They’ll have live music all weekend, including Boston-based acts Celtic Clan and Jinty McGrath.
160 State St., Boston, 617-742-2286, blackroseboston.com
The Druid, Cambridge
The Druid is one of the most intimate spots in Cambridge to revel in traditional Irish music. Step inside this small but mighty establishment, and you’ll feel like you’ve been be whisked away to the Irish countryside, where nothing matters aside from the pint in front of you.
On St. Patrick’s Day this year, The Druid will have plenty of live traditional music playing all day. Come hungry, because the food is stellar. They’re known for their delicious fish and chips, and they’ll also be serving Shepard’s pie and Irish beef stew all weekend.
1357 Cambridge St., Cambridge, 617-497-0965, druidpub.com
Mr. Dooley’s, Financial District
Among the office buildings and towers of the Financial District sits Mr. Dooley’s, in our view the coziest place to enjoy a Guinness downtown. The inviting space will make you feel like you’ve discovered a local neighborhood bar in Dublin. And like any good Irish pub, Mr. Dooley’s is an excellent spot for live music.
On St. Patrick’s Day, they’ll be hosting local bands Devri and Boxty, and serving a menu chock full of Guinness-flavored items. We recommend snacking on the Guinness-marinated steak tips and the Guinness cheese dip, which comes with freshly baked warm pretzel bites.
77 Broad St., Boston, 617-338-5656, mrdooleys.com
Doyle’s Café, Jamaica Plain
Doyle's has been charming generations of Jamaica Plain residents and tourists since 1882. And with its long wooden bar, antique booths, and floor to ceiling political memorabilia, it's a time capsule of Boston's connection with the Emerald Isle. They even have a whole room dedicated to John F. Fitzgerald, the grandfather of Ted, Bobby, and John F. Kennedy.
It's a fine place for imbibing, if that's your way to celebrate the day. This landmark pub was the first home of Samuel Adams beer, and has cemented its place in Boston's beer history. On St. Patrick's Day, they'll be hosting local rock band The Fenian Sons.
3484 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-2345, doylescafeboston.com
The Burren, Somerville
The Burren has been a staple in Somerville’s Davis Square for some time, known for its rambunctious nights of live music. On St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish bar is hosting a variety show, showcasing some of the best Irish music and dance around.
A ticket gets you entertainment and a traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage, or Guinness beef stew, with Irish soda bread and a Burren Shamrock Cake. If you're an early bird, you can start the celebration at the 9am show, or any of the other five shows throughout the day.
247 Elm St., Somerville, 617-776-6896, burren.com
JJ Foley’s, Downtown Boston
JJ Foley’s is an institution. The family-run bar has been serving pints since 1909, and they know what they’re doing when it comes to celebrating the biggest drinking day of the year. They’ve even made it easy to decide what to drink — Guinness is the first beer listed on the menu.
This is a distinctly Boston Irish-American establishment and experience, decorated with a mix of Red Sox and Bruins memorabilia, political campaign posters from the city’s past, and a few photos of fair Ireland. Whether it’s the original South End location or the newer downtown location, you’re sure to have a good time on St. Patrick's Day.
117 East Berkeley St., Boston, 617 728-9101; 21 Kingston St., Boston, 617-695-2529, jjfoleyscafe.com
L Street Tavern, South Boston
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston is one of the most celebrated traditions in the city, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Boston’s most Irish neighborhood. And the parade actually falls on the holiday this year, so we had to include a Southie location on this list.
L Street Tavern may look familiar to you because it made its film debut in Good Will Hunting as the local hangout for Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. These days, it’s a causal neighborhood bar, only a few blocks away from the parade route, giving you ample time to hydrate and enjoy Irish music before fighting the crowds to secure a good spot.
658 E 8th St., Boston, 617-268-4335, facebook.com/L-Street-Tavern
Dunn-Gaherin's, Newton
There’s plenty of Irish spirit in Boston’s suburbs, and the luck of the Irish will definitely be with you at Dunn-Gaherin's in Newton. With an inviting slogan, “We Would Like To Know Your Name!” there’s nowhere friendlier to enjoy a pint. The menu delivers up familiar comfort food that is satisfying as well as friendly to your wallet.
Over the weekend, they’ll have a special holiday menu featuring Kerrygold chicken wings, corned beef ravioli, and homemade Jameson Irish whiskey bread pudding and a Guinness ice cream float for dessert. To round out the celebration, Dunn-Gaherin’s is hosting an Irish step dancing performance from the Sullivan School of Irish Dance.
344 Elliot St., Newton, 617-527-6271, dunngaherins.com
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The Luck Of The Irish Be With You At Dunn-Gaherin's In Newton
