Stall the ball and wise up — St. Patrick’s Day is nearly upon us. While an impromptu trip to Ireland may be tough to pull off, there are a number of Irish pubs throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area that deliver their own version of patriotic charm. Whether you’re buzzing for an oversized meal, craving a whiskey, or simply want to saunter about from location to location, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 Irish pubs with tasty food and refreshing drinks.
The Crafty Irishman
Nestled at the base of the Mercantile Building, The Crafty Irishman offers an authentic experience owned and operated by Alan Kearney, a Dublin native turned Texan. The Gaelic Mac and Cheese includes bangers, bacon, and Guinness Stout cheese, while Uncle Jack’s Shepherd’s Pie provides a hearty helping of meat and veggies to keep your belly full. With more than 50 beers on tap and over 200 whiskeys behind the bar — and a generous weekday happy hour from 2-7 p.m. — you’ll be saying “sláinte!” with the regulars in no time.
The Celt
The pubs in Ireland have a rich history, though The Celt’s storied past is impressive in its own right. The location began as a brothel in the late 1800s and appears on the Legends of McKinney Ghost Walk through Chestnut Square. Even if you don’t share a beer with any spirits, you’ll have a grand time during nightly events ranging from live music to trivia. The menu is standard pub fare with a few unique twists on Irish classics, such as Corned Beef and Cabbage Eggrolls, and a Scotch Egg with Curry Mayo. Whiskey enthusiasts can snag a spot on the regular whiskey tastings.
The Old Monk
With a St. Patrick’s celebration lasting from Friday to Sunday, The Old Monk will give you all the chances to celebrate. Guinness is available on tap, or indulge in combinations like the Black and Tan (Smithwicks and Guinness) or the Priests Collar (cider with a Guinness float). Weekend brunch lasts until 3 pm for late risers; save room for the bread pudding, served with whiskey sauce, maple syrup, berries, and whipped cream.
Photo courtesy of The Old Monk via Instagram.
Abbey Pub
Do you wish you had a go-to pub like the characters of Cheers or How I Met Your Mother? As one of the oldest pubs in Fort Worth, the Abbey Pub has plenty of experience creating a warm, welcoming environment for both newcomers and regulars. Sample more than 60 beers, from Guinness to Magner’s Cider, and catch a game on one of several TVs or take a spin on the pool table, dartboards, and pinball machines.
Delaney’s
If you simply want to dip your toes into Irish cuisine, Delaney’s in McKinney puts more of a “Texish” spin on things. While offerings like the Guinness Stew and the Lost Irishman burger give glimpses across the ocean, the Philly Steak Rolls and Loaded Cheese Fries align more with Texas traditions. The pub even admits there’s “nothing really Irish about” their chili dog, but that doesn’t stop it from being delicious. Delaney’s has an excellent happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every weekday and daily bar specials (including the weekend), so you’ll find something for everyone in your group, whether you’re feeling more Irish or Texan that day.
Blackfriar Pub
Sporting a bustling beer garden out front, Blackfriar Pub is an excellent stop for a quick drink or an all-night soiree. The Fish & Chips are a staple, though if you’re in more of a meaty mood, the Corned Beef Poutine and Meat & Cheese Board won’t steer you wrong. As a bonus, the woodwork of the McKinney Avenue location was shipped to Dallas in 1982 from an English castle owned by The Who’s Pete Townshend. You don’t have to do Townshend’s classic windmill arm move while sipping on a pint, though it certainly wouldn’t hurt.
Photo courtesy of Blackfriar Pub via Instagram.
The Playwright
At The Playwright in Dallas’s Arts District, everyone is on a first-name basis while they indulge in various beers and Irish whiskeys. As a sister location of The Crafty Irishman, you’ll spot several similarities between the two, including the happy hour and traditional fare like Galway mussels and bangers and mash.
Skellig
Brunch fans, rejoice: Skellig’s weekend offerings are awfully good. The Pub Breakfast is a hearty helping of eggs, bacon, bangers, and potatoes, which pairs quite nicely with the cold brew Irish coffee. Skellig also serves up half-priced cocktails every Thursday, though the real highlight is the extensive variety of whiskeys. Enjoy 16 Irish varieties and more than 50 overall, including the opportunity to indulge in a trio whiskey flight.
Photo courtesy of Skellig via Instagram.
McSwiggan’s Irish Pub
Grab your New England Patriots gear and crank up the Dropkick Murphys — McSwiggan’s is a Boston Irish pub in the heart of The Colony. Dogs and kids (before 9 p.m.) are welcome, and with a full menu available all day, your troubles will be less, and your blessings will be more. Try the Irish Breakfast with a Lynchburg Lemonade, a mix of Jack Daniel’s, Jameson orange whiskey, and lemonade.
The Dubliner
The Dubliner might be the top spot for Guinness in the entire city. Native Dubliner Peter Kenny owns the oldest continually operating Irish pub in Dallas. Should a frosty pint make your hands too cold, grab a seat by the cozy fireplace to warm up. For St. Patrick’s Day, the pub hosts a block party complete with traditional Irish pub songs, bagpipers, and dancers. You might even learn a move or two for the next time you’re on the dance floor!
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
