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.
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, and 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, and 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 19 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.