Anyone that is Irish knows it does not have to be St. Patrick’s Day for one to have an excuse to frequent local pubs and breweries in their city.
Philadelphia is home to many Irish pubs and restaurants, however not all are similar in style, price or beer selection.
Below is a list of the top five Irish Pubs in Philadelphia for those who like to savor not only the beer and food, but the atmosphere and experience as well.
1. McGillin’s Olde Ale House
1310 Drury Street
In existence since 1860, McGillin’s Olde Ale House remains the longest running tavern in Philadelphia.
Often compared to the TV show “Cheers,” McGillin’s is known for its friendly atmosphere, great beer selection and reasonable prices.
They have a diverse selection of microbrews like Yards and Stoudt’s, as well as their house specialties; McGillin’s Real Ale and McGillin’s Genuine Lager. They also have a wide selection of bottled beer, wine and seasonal drinks like “McGillin’s Red White & Blue Cocktail,” in lieu of holidays like the Fourth of July.
They have drink and food specials every night of the week, along with karaoke and the option of having a private party. McGillin’s even offers a 7-day trip to Ireland with all the works planned out for you.
Many celebrities have been spotted here over the years, such as Robin Williams, Will Ferrell and Ty Pennington. However, McGillin’s is a favorite place for many local residents so you’re guaranteed to see a familiar face, as well.
2. The Irish Pub
20th & Walnut Street / 12th & Walnut Street</i>
The Irish Pub has two locations in Center City Philadelphia, along with a location in Atlantic City.
Opening in 1980 across the street from the Forrest Theatre, the 12th & Walnut location has entertained many famous faces over the years, such as Anthony Quinn, Jim Belushi and Martha Raye.
The 20th & Walnut location opened in 1983, a block from Rittenhouse Square. Today it’s still a popular hangout for professional athletes, grad students and local neighbors alike.
The Pub is open Monday through Saturday from 11AM-2AM and Sunday from 10AM-2AM.
The Irish Pub offers a wide array of food and alcohol. Along with appetizers and salads, they offer a long list of cold and hot sandwiches, as well as burger and chicken sandwiches. Entrees include the Crab Cake Platter, Buttermilk Ale Fish & Chips, the Chicken Thumb Platter and their infamous Chili, all under $8.
They offer draught and bottled beers, along with cocktails and great non-alcoholic mixers.
The Irish Pub also accommodates for private parties and group events, and they support many charities.
Although this isn’t the most original pub in the city, this is a great place to go when you want to be surrounded by lots of people for good food and drink.
3. Moriarty’s Restaurant / Irish Pub
1116 Walnut Street
Moriarty’s is a great place to go whether you want drinks at happy hour after a day at the office, or you want to get a bite to eat after the theater.
The scenery is a brass and timber bar, hand-made by the owner, surrounded by antique fixtures and vintage photos from shows that took place at the Forrest Theatre next door. Some of the actors from the theatre tend to frequent the upstairs bar, which tends to get pretty crowded daily.
Moriarty’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11AM-2AM and Sunday from 12PM-2AM.
They have over forty beers on draft and fifty bottled beers, including local breweries like Yards and Victory. A happy hour takes place everyday from 5PM-7PM, consisting of over 25 draft beers for only $3 each.
Moriarty’s also serves delicious and reasonably priced food for lunch or a late night meal; their hot wings are infamous and come in portions big enough for two.
Make it there by 6PM to get a decent meal before it gets crowded, or head in later if you’re looking for a lively bar scene.
4. Black Sheep Pub
247 S. 17th Street
Since 1999, the Black Sheep Pub has been renowned for its authentic and homey atmosphere.
The three story colonial townhouse contains a fireplace, an antique bar and six TV’s, including a plasma screen on the main floor.
Located in Rittenhouse Square, the Black Sheep Pub is open everyday from 11:30AM-2AM, offering plenty of drinks from around the world, including ten import and domestic brews and red and white wine.
The Pub also serves delicious food until 10PM, including house specialties such as the Shepard’s Pie or the Guinness Irish Stew, while smaller appetizers and starters can be ordered until closing. A delicious Sunday brunch from 11AM-5PM consists of baked tomatoes, fried eggs and puddings; all standard eats for the typical Irishman.
If the main floor feels too crowded, head upstairs for a quiet, smoke-free refuge or downstairs for a relaxing game of darts. Monday through Friday enjoy a happy hour from 4PM-6PM.
5. Cavanaugh’s Restaurant
119 S. 39th Street
Cavanaugh’s is a great place to go for those of all ages, however expect a mostly college-aged crowd at night.
The bar is known for having everything a twenty-something needs, from an undying supply of good food and take-out beer, to TV’s, video games and a wide selection of hard liquor behind the bar.
If you are picky and selective with what you drink, this bar is sure to have whatever fits your taste. Enjoy the weekday pitcher specials after 4PM, with your choice of a different two beers each night from $6.25-$8.25 a pitcher.
Cavanaugh’s carries the standard pub food, such as burgers, wings and cheese steaks, while they also have a nice selection of salads and sandwiches if you’re trying to eat on the lighter side.
They have food and drink specials everyday, which can be discovered ahead of time on their website, www.cavanaughsrestaurant.com
The bar is open from 11AM-2AM. Come during the day to get a quiet, clean and peaceful meal, or head to the bar later if you want to have a more wild experience.
