Sometimes the best drinks, food, and entertainment aren’t at those big, bustling bars that everyone knows about. Under-the-radar pubs are hidden gems that offer welcoming atmospheres, intimate entertainment, and delicious food and drink that you may not find at larger establishments. If you’re looking for a place to grab a quiet pint or enjoy a meal with friends and live music, you may want to check out some of these charming Irish, English, and American-style pubs.
New York
McSorley’s Old Ale House opened in 1854, and women weren’t served in the bar until 1970. While women are now welcome, the Irish pub still holds onto some of its historic traditions, including accepting only cash and not taking reservations. Reviewers praise the service, food, and atmosphere, complete with sawdust on the floor and oak tables that still contain carvings left by patrons who have visited during the pub’s 160-year history.
Related: The Oldest Bar in Every State
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Since House of Guinness opened in 2000, it has focused on delivering great food and drink paired with Irish hospitality. The pub offers an extensive selection of whiskeys, as well as handcrafted bitters and syrups made on-premises. Whiskey enthusiasts can join the Whiskey Club, drinking and rating 40 whiskeys and earning a shirt for their efforts. The pub also offers a selection of events, including weekly live music and trivia nights.
Related: Drinking Pilgrimages Worth Taking
Somerville, Massachusetts
The Burren opened in 1996 and, thanks to its proximity to Tufts University, quickly became a gathering place for students and locals. The pub offers a fantastic music lineup, showcasing traditional Irish and rock musicians throughout its multiple rooms. It also features an outdoor dining space, and the pub serves brunch, lunch, and dinner.
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Marion, Virginia
Wooden Pickle Food and Spirits is an American pub housed in a tiny brick building. The pub features a large drink menu that includes house wines, bottled beer, and bourbon and whiskey, while the dining menu includes a variety of paninis, flatbreads, tacos, and more. The space is cozy and lit by wine bottles that have been transformed into light fixtures.
San Francisco, CA
When you step into the Black Horse London Pub, you won’t have to walk far to find a seat. Regarded as the smallest pub in San Francisco, the pub measures 19 feet long and seven feet wide. Fire code limits it to 22 occupants, but the result is a highly intimate gathering space that’s frequented by locals. The pub has become a local fixture and is known for its cheese plate.
Beaufort, North Carolina
Friendly and funky, the Backstreet Pub is located in a 100-year-old building that was formerly a bakery. The pub is a popular spot for sailors, and you’ll find plenty of nautical memorabilia throughout the space. On many nights, musicians take to the pub’s brick-walled courtyard, making it a popular spot to enjoy rock, funk, and blues music.
Annapolis, Maryland
Galway Bay opened in 1998 and offers the authentic feel of a real Irish pub. In fact, the pub and restaurant contain no TVs, a strategic choice designed to foster conversation. The pub is known for dishes including its corned beef Reuben and fish and chips. Consider a selection from the pub’s offering of rare and exclusive whiskeys with your meal.
Weston, Missouri
Many pubs boast a distinctive atmosphere, but O’Malley’s Pub’s unique location makes every visit a truly special experience — it’s located 55 feet underground. To find the pub entrance, you’ll walk down ramps and travel through a series of limestone cellars that predate the Civil War. Despite being underground, a high arched ceiling gives the pub a spacious feel. Live music is a highlight, and you can choose from a menu of pub food, hot and frozen drinks, and plenty of whiskeys.
Portland, Oregon
Modern British pub The Moon & Sixpence is full of old-world charm. The pub is TV-free and offers a full menu that includes favorites like fish and chips, cottage pie, bangers and mash, and bread pudding. Diners can also choose from 20 beers on tap, enjoy a game of darts, or relax on the patio.
Webster, New York
Started by Jessica and Danny Barry just over 11 years ago, Barry’s Old School Irish Pub offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere paired with delicious bites like sticky toffee pudding, corned beef Reuben fritters, potato and herb soup, and hot pretzels. The pub hosts its own annual Irish festival with music, craft vendors, Irish dance, and beer and food trucks. Barry’s may be a small, relatively new pub, but The Irish Post named it one of the best Irish pubs in the United States.
Washington, D.C.
The quaint Kelly’s Irish Times is a local favorite. The pub is known for its famous wall complete with decor including 1930s Dublin Police patches, galvanized Glasgow ice buckets, unopened beer bottles from the 19th century, and more. Reviewers note that the pub has great food, drinks, and music, and many mention the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.
San Francisco
Located in its own lane right in downtown San Francisco, The Irish Bank oozes authenticity starting with its whitewashed exterior and 19th-century water pump. Step inside and you’ll enjoy an atmosphere enhanced by antique mirrors, church pews, barrels, and farm implements. While the pub itself is intimate, stop by for the annual St. Patrick’s weekend block party and you’ll enjoy traditional Irish music and Celtic rock. The block party is known for drawing a crowd.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Touted as the closest Irish pub to Ireland in the United States, Leary’s Landing is a cozy pub that has been voted as one of the 10 best bars in Maine by Best Things Maine. Outside seating is available, and well-behaved dogs are welcome outside. The pub is open for lunch and dinner, and Thursday trivia nights draw a crowd. Many reviewers praise the pub’s fish and chips, as well as the large drink menu.
Galena, Illinois
When it comes to an Irish atmosphere, you won’t find a pub much more authentic than Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub & Grill. The pub is full of elements that are handcrafted right in Ireland. Accents of rich oaks, etched glass, and even hand-painted murals create a charming ambiance. Entertainment is available most Fridays and Saturdays, and the pub menu reflects Gaelic traditions and modern flavors. The drink collection includes nearly 50 whiskeys and a 16-line draught beer system.
Ames, Iowa
The Mucky Duck Pub offers a broad selection of foods from Great Britain, Ireland, and the United States. Known for its fish and chips, this British pub also offers a great selection of beers and specialty cocktails. Tea lovers can join the pub’s Tea of the Month club and receive different teas delivered to their homes, while beer lovers can join the Mug Club and receive a personalized mug and special discounts.
Philadelphia, PA
Fergie’s Pub is a TV-free Irish pub that’s been in business since 1994. Diners can enjoy a wide assortment of events, from comedy nights to poetry readings to karaoke and, of course, traditional Irish music. Menu highlights include an 11-inch soft pretzel, pickle chips, a hot roast beef sandwich, an all-day Irish breakfast, and bangers & mash.
Houston, TX
Known as the “living room of Montrose,” Rudyard’s has offered great food and drink for 41 years. This British pub features wood panel windows that overlook Waugh Drive, a second-story music room, dartboards, and more. Reviewers enjoy the draft beef and cocktail selection, as well as foods including pizzas, a spaghetti grilled cheese sandwich, and fish and chips.
Dublin, Ohio
Located in the aptly named town of Dublin, the Dublin Village Tavern boasts an affordable yet delicious Irish menu. The pub opened in 2000 and features a full bar complete with Irish imports on tap, craft beers, and wine selection. There’s plenty of charm within the pub, as it’s located in a building estimated to have been built in 1889, initially serving as one of the town’s earliest post offices. Today, the pub features hand-cut oak studs and beams, rustic wood floors, and brick accents.
Philadelphia, PA
Standard Tap opened in 1999 with a focus on offering “great beer and wholesome food.” Today, the pub offers only draft beers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware breweries. The menu also reflects seasonal ingredients and local produce. With its welcoming atmosphere, the pub is a local favorite.
Seattle, WA
Formerly The Owl, the Conor Byrne Pub has operated since 1992. It’s located on Ballard Avenue and is a cozy space known for its comfortable bar seating. Interior decor like brick walls and a century-old back bar make the space welcoming and comfortable. The pub is known for live music showcasing country and bluegrass artists, as well as its selection of 57 whiskeys and 22 beers.
