Contests

LISTEN LIVE

The DeBella Show Reacts to Non-Alcoholic Irish Pub News

John DeBella and Steve Vassalotti reacted to an unusual story on Friday, March 31 in about the same way you would expect them to react. The Virgin Mary on Capel…

Irish Pub
Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Guinness

John DeBella and Steve Vassalotti reacted to an unusual story on Friday, March 31 in about the same way you would expect them to react.

The Virgin Mary on Capel Street in Dublin, Ireland has closed its doors for the final time. It’s not surprising that an Irish pub would struggle to keep up with the global economy at a difficult time in the bar and restaurant industry.

The surprising part? The Irish Times labeled the Virgin Mary’s brand as “Dublin’s only bar that doesn’t serve alcohol." They specialized in alcohol-free cocktails after opening in 2019.

Steve pointed out a seemingly simple missing element of the brand at a non-alcoholic Irish pub.

“You shouldn’t be able to call it a cocktail if there’s nothing in it.”

A Non-Alcohol Irish Pub

Give some respect to the idea and to the people who enjoyed their mocktails for four years, but they faced some major obstacles with the concept of a non-alcoholic Irish pub.

Even though the Virgin Mary has permanently closed, they made an announcement on their Instagram account about ‘TVM On The Road,’ which will take their mocktails to “events, festivals, pop-up venues, and much more around the island of Ireland!”

John wrapped up the segment pretty appropriately by bringing up the likeliest outcome.

“So they can be ignored by the rest of the country just like they were in Dublin...”

Tell your smart speaker to play 102.9 MGK to listen to The John DeBella Show on weekday mornings from 5:30am-9am.

You Might Also Like:

The excellent selection of bars and restaurants in the city of Philadelphia includes its fair share of great Irish pubs.

According to lawnstarter.com via the US Census Bureau, Philadelphia has the second-highest percentage of Irish Americans of any major US city. Behind only Boston, Massachusetts. 

Some Bars

McGillin’s Olde Ale House never fails to deliver a good party atmosphere. Especially when the Center City bar hosts big crowds on the days of major events in Philadelphia. Ask any local person in their 20s who's ever been out in Center City. You're bound to get the same response I did when I asked friends about their favorite Irish pubs.

The Black Taxi in Fairmount offers the perfect atmosphere with live music right by the bar. Its beautiful interior offers the right blend of a local Philly flavor and an Irish twist. I've never found a better place in Philadelphia to enjoy an intimate atmosphere with friends.

If you’re looking for a more quaint experience, Murph’s Bar is always trustworthy to save a comfortable seat at the bar and a cold drink in your hand right in the heart of Fishtown.

Paddy Whack's has locations on South Street and in the Northeast, while Tir na nÓg and Con Murphy's sit in the heart of Center City by the Ben Franklin Parkway.

Some Philadelphians prefer a spot where it’s always sunny like Mac’s Tavern on Market Street in Old City.

My friends and family in the Irish Catholic neighborhoods of Delaware County always know how to make St. Patrick's Day a party at local pubs like the Crossbar and McSorley’s in Havertown, Sligo in Media, or Cawley’s in Upper Darby. Molly Maguire’s in Phoenixville and Kildare’s in West Chester are two of the best Chester County has to offer.

Local pubs deliver particularly exciting live music, Irish dancing, and other special events every year leading up to St. Patrick's Day on March 17.

The city of Philadelphia boasts 7 of the best Irish pubs you’ll find in the United States.

Enjoy all of them on St. Paddy's Day and any day throughout the year.

Con Murphy's Irish Pub

Con Murphy's is located in the heart of Center City on the Ben Franklin Parkway attached to the Windsor Suites.

1700 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Tir na nÓg Irish Bar & Grill

Tir na nÓg is another Center City favorite on the Ben Franklin Parkway. It's become a regular gathering spot on Thanksgiving Eve for people returning home to celebrate the holiday.

1600 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Fadó Irish Pub

Fadó is one of the most popular Irish pubs in the city. They draw especially big crowds for important soccer matches.

1500 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102

McGillin's Olde Ale House

McGillin's has a reputation as one of the most popular gathering spots for all types of crowds, especially for major events like Eagles games, the Mummers Parade, and of course St. Patrick's Day.

1310 Drury St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Moriarty's Restaurant

Moriarity's serves some delicious food to enjoy with your beverage of choice.

1116 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Mac's Tavern

Check out that incredible art work at Rob McElhenney's bar in Old City. The interior features some festive decor from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

226 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Black Sheep Pub

Enjoy the beauty and luxury of Rittenhouse at the Black Sheep on 17th Street.

247 S 17th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Colin Newby is a contributor for 97.5 The Fanatic who transitions Beasley Media's radio content onto digital platforms. His work includes on-site coverage of the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Phillies.