How do you manage to find an Irish bar everywhere you go? Asks my mom after every trip we take. I never noticed it before, but we do tend to choose them over most venues. I had to ask myself why this is the case. I’ll tell you why. Irish pubs almost always have a cozy atmosphere, friendly bartenders, good music, comforting food and copious amounts of drink selections. Here are a few of the best Irish bars in the Midwest for when you’re thirsty, hungry, or just looking for a fun time.
1. The Blarney Stone in Bismarck, North Dakota
Added to our list of hidden gems we found in North Dakota is the craic-wielding Blarney Stone in downtown Bismarck. Cream bricks line the wall complementing the coffee-colored bar, weathered wood floors, and rustic décor. Local craft beer along with staples such as Guinness and Smithwicks make an appearance on their large draft menu.
Make sure to stop in over a weekend for their “Dinner in Dublin” brunch offered every Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Have a hangover? Order a Celtic Cure with grilled cottage bacon topped with two eggs, parmesan hashbrowns, rosemary onion gravy, sour cream, and green onion served in a skillet with a rustic roll. Or maybe you’re in the mood for a traditional Irish Breakfast, either way, Blarney has you covered.
Add Blarney Stone to your North Dakota road trip itinerary!
Address: 408 East Main Street, Bismarck, North Dakota
2. County Clare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
It’s warm. It’s cozy. And it is THE place for the finest pour of Guinness in town; in all of Wisconsin for that matter. Or at least that’s the word on the street. County Clare has been named one of the Best Irish Pubs in America by Thrillist and continually pops up on “best” listicles across the internet.
During the day, the sun shines through the twenty bright-colored stained glass windows in the dining room, each one a representation of a different town in County Clare. And at night, a Waterford wood-burning stove radiates heat as you dine on one of their acclaimed meals like shepherd’s pie or Guinness pot roast. If you’re too full to move far or have too many drinks, you can always sleep it off upstairs at the Inn.
Address: 1234 N. Astor Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3. Barney Callaghan’s in Chicago, Illinois
The city of Chicago has no shortage of Irish pubs. In some neighborhoods, it’s impossible to toss a rock and not hit one (or three). This is especially true on Western Avenue in the Beverly neighborhood on the south side.
With an array of Irish pubs to choose from, my go-to on Western is Barney Callaghan’s, says Francesca from Roots Music Rambler.
Formerly Keegan’s Pub, the interior has been updated and refreshed. But what makes it my preferred Irish pub is the relaxed atmosphere and focus on live music. Stop by to catch Irish trad music performances or pop in for an open session. Barney Callaghan’s also hosts special events celebrating Irish and Celtic heritage. One such example is Féile, a two-day festival before St. Patrick’s Day, featuring Irish musicians, music workshops, and even Celtic calligraphy lessons.
Address: 10618 South Western Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
4. The Irish Lion in Bloomington, Indiana
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Ems on the Road contributed, the Irish Lion has been a Bloomington institution since 1982 but the building has been there much longer. Originally built in 1882, the Irish Lion’s building housed the Worley Tavern and Hotel Bundy European upstairs to cater to travelers arriving at the nearby Monon Rail train station. They serve up authentic Irish pub fares like Celtic stew and corned beef and cabbage. The pub stayed true to its historic roots keeping the original bar and other details like antique booths and stained glass windows. It’s a really cozy spot, especially in the winter.
On any given day you’ll find Indiana University students, faculty, and locals enjoying unique European beers and Irish whiskey at this favorite watering hole. They even serve full and half yards of beer. A tradition dating back to the 17th century, yards of beer were served to stagecoach drivers after they off their passengers. The driver would stand for the length of the beer so they could enjoy some refreshments.
Address: 212 W. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana
5. The Harp in Cleveland, Ohio
Is there anything better than an authentic Irish experience and a skyline view? That’s what you’ll get at The Harp situated only a stone’s throw from Lake Erie.
Karen, a first-generation American, and her father Michael O’Malley created a genuine space reminiscent of the pubs back home in County Mayo. From the bar designed in Ireland to the handcrafted stained glass and murals by Irish artisans, it’s dripping in authenticity. Guests rave about the outside patio for drinks and the famous potato pancakes known as boxtys.
Address: 4408 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio
SURPRISE! CLEVELAND IS A SUPER COOL CITY
6. Katy O’Ferrell’s Publick House in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
A long way from bustling city streets, you’ll find Katy O’Ferrell’s Publick House in the charismatic river town of Cape Girardeau. A shiny emerald jewel right in the middle of the heartland manages to capture the free spirit and welcoming nature of Ireland.
A beautifully decorated pub with fabulous food to match from the basics and beyond like fish and chips to lobster rangoon. Make sure to stop by between 2 PM and 6 PM for one of the best happy hours around with half-price appetizers, 2-for-1 mixers, and $4 draughts.
Address: 300 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
7. Brazen Head in Omaha, Nebraska
It’s easy to feel transported back to Ireland once you walk through the Brazen Head doors says Kim at Oh My! Omaha blog. Named after the iconic pub in Dublin, the owners of the pub took impressive steps to make sure the Omaha bar and restaurant had an authentic look and feel to it. They had the bar designed and built in Ireland, and then shipped to Omaha. Beyond the gorgeous woodwork inside the place, the look and feel of the bar is pure Ireland, from memorabilia and antiques on display, mosaic floors, and of course, live Irish music from time to time.
Irish beers are on tap, and a few Irish specialties are on the restaurant menu, including bangers and mashed, corned beef and cabbage, and an assortment of boxtys.
Address: 319 N 78th Street, Omaha, Nebraska
8. The Local in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Susan from This Big Wild World Blog says, Minneapolis has no shortage of Irish pubs but if you’re look for the best, head to The Local in downtown. As a bit of a connoisseur of English and Irish pubs, this place is authentic as it gets without being in Ireland. I love the feel of the inside. The gorgeous hand-carved wood bar is in the center of the space, and has plenty of seating. Along both sides of the bar, are intimate nooks and crannies for more private conversations.
If you’re a football (soccer) fan like I am, The Local brings the spirit of match day to Minneapolis by streaming Premier League and other leagues’ matches from around the world nearly every night of the week. Put on your favorite teams kit, order a curry and a Guinness and tuck in for a great time at The Local.
Address: 931 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota
9. Fadó Irish Pub in Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago’s love for everything Irish and the St. Patrick’s day celebrations are legendary – so it should come as no surprise that the city has many Irish pubs. My personal favorite, says Ketki of the Dotted Globe blog, is Fado Irish Pub in River North. It is almost a Chicago institution, having been around for decades, and has great beer, whiskey, and pub food.
Fado is super crowded on St. Patrick’s Day every year as everyone wants a glass of the famous green beer. The pub is also great to catch a game of soccer or just party with your friends. Apart from Guinness and whiskeys from Ireland, they also have a great international selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. If you want to grab something off the food menu, their fish and chips are pretty famous.
Address: 100 West Grand Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
10. McNally’s Irish Pub in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Make it a night to remember. Or not, if it’s a really good night.
McNally’s Irish Pub is a festive place with great food and even better clientele. Shiny copper panels hang over the dark wood furniture making it a perfect locale for a drink and a sandwich.
Start your experience with the Guinness-soaked drunken mussels or a heaping pile of Irish nachos, and complete it with a classic Reuben.
Address: 6211 S. Old Village Place, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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11. McGurks in St. Louis, Missouri
We’ve been to our fair share of Irish pubs across the United States and John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub is one of our favorites. Between the authentic musical talent flown in from Ireland herself, the incredibly serene flower-packed outdoor patio, and the dim-lit dining rooms with squeaky wooden floors, and high-backed booths, there’s not a space you don’t want to settle into.
There’s not a night that goes by that you can’t tap your foot to a fiddle or find just the right beer being poured in this glorious establishment.
Address: 1200 Russell Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri
12. The Golden Ace Inn in Indianapolis, Indiana
Over eighty-five years ago, the Golden Ace Inn opened just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day on March 1st, 1934. Now named one of the best places in the nation to party on that day, everybody’s Irish on St. Paddy’s Day, especially at the Golden Ace!
It’s been a family affair since then and still is, run by the McGinley family the bar is a throwback to a simpler time. With a menu that reflects that sentiment, you’re not going to find your typical Irish fare here but you will discover one of the best cheeseburgers in the city.
Address: 2533 E Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana
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13. Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub and Grill in Galena, Illinois
All Irish eyes are smiling at Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub where live music and entertainment are performed every weekend. Serving up some Golden Isle classics like shepherd’s pie, corned beef sandwich, and fish ‘n chips in an authentic Irish ambiance.
Add in a long list of draught beers and a wide selection of spirits from around the world and you’ve got yourself one top-notch pub!
Address: 9853 US Hwy 20, Galena, Illinois
14. O’Malley’s Pub in Weston, Missouri
Get ready for a unique underground experience at this top-rated Irish pub in Weston, Missouri.
O’Malley’s Pub is entirely below ground level and has three vaulted limestone brewery cellars that were finished in 1842. Make your way to the bottom cellar, six stories underground, where there’s always wonderful music playing.
Where: 540 Welt Street, Weston, Missouri
Have you visited some of the best Irish bars? Or have a suggestion? Let us know in the comments below!
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Corey Baker
Jamiesons in watetloo iowa (home of the Iowa Irish Fest) is one of the best things going for irish music in iowa
Ellie
I’ve visited McGurks and Katy o’ferrells. Definitely want to try the ones in galena and Weston! Thank you you sharing!
Dang Travelers
Let’s us know if you do and how you like them! Thanks for reaching out Ellie!