15 Best Irish Pubs in Boston

The Druid is a compact, warm Irish pub in Boston where comfort food, well-poured beer and a genuinely homey atmosphere share equal billing. Fish and chips are a standout, while Irish breakfast specials, Irish omelets, Druid Chips and other hearty dishes make it suitable for more than a drink.

The Plough and Stars has the feel of a classic Cambridge neighborhood pub: welcoming, lively and equally comfortable for a pint, a casual dinner or an evening of music. The kitchen covers pub favorites and small plates, with fried Chesapeake oysters, crispy chicken wings, burgers, brunch dishes and seasonal options adding variety beyond the bar.

Grainne O’Malley’s Tavern presents a warm Irish pub setting in Brookline, with comforting food, beer, cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere. Bangers and mash, fish and chips, Irish nachos and generously portioned mains make it a satisfying destination for lunch, dinner or a relaxed drink.

The Burren is a traditional Irish pub and restaurant in Davis Square with a strong live-music identity. Bands play across styles including traditional, rock, bluegrass, Americana, indie and jazz, creating a lively backdrop for drinks, dancing and casual meals.

Galway House is a long-established Jamaica Plain Irish-American pub and family restaurant with a cosy, nostalgic feel. Its menu covers steaks, seafood, sandwiches, fish and chips, homemade soups, clam chowder and generous comfort-food plates, alongside a broad selection of beers, cocktails and wine.

The Dooliner is a neighborhood Irish pub with a friendly, welcoming character and a menu built around hearty classics. Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, baked cod, substantial sandwiches and espresso martinis give the pub a broad appeal from lunch through dinner.

Corrib Pub is a friendly neighborhood Irish pub in Boston with a warm, casual atmosphere and a full food menu. Seafood, appetizers, burgers, veggie options, jumbo tots and hearty pub plates make it suitable for a complete meal rather than just a drink, while a broad draft-beer selection rounds out the bar offering.

Irish Village is a casual pub centered on drinks, live music and a friendly late-evening atmosphere. Beer, cocktails, spirits and wine make up the main draw, while dancing and live performances add energy for guests looking to continue the night after a concert or meet friends in a lively setting.

McGonagle’s Pub & Restaurant brings Irish hospitality, comfort food and live music together in a spacious Dorchester setting. The menu includes Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, burgers, brunch dishes and pizza, while Guinness and other beers anchor the drinks offering.

Porter Belly's Pub brings a lively Irish pub atmosphere to Boston, with a menu built for casual meals, bar dining, takeaway, and brunch. Comfort-food favorites sit alongside beer, cocktails, coffee, and other drinks, making it easy to drop in for lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a drink with friends.

Cheers brings a famous television setting into a compact Boston pub experience on Beacon Hill. The bar that inspired the setting of the Cheers sitcom gives visitors a chance to sit at the counter, order a drink, and take in the recognizable atmosphere, while the restaurant side adds food for a fuller visit.

JJ's Irish Pub & Grille has the feel of a low-key neighborhood bar: casual, cozy, and suited to an unhurried drink or a straightforward meal at the bar. Beer, cocktails, spirits, wine, and food cover the essentials, with a relaxed setting that works for solo stops as well as informal evenings with friends.

Eugene O'Neill's keeps the neighborhood-pub spirit relaxed, with a comfortable setting for lunch, dinner, drinks, or a quick meal at the bar. Wings, burgers, brunch dishes, and other comfort-food staples suit an easygoing visit, while beer and well-made cocktails give the drinks menu enough range for a longer evening.

Shamrock Pub is a South Boston neighborhood hangout with a casual Irish-pub setting, local brews, beer, and a food menu built for an easygoing visit. Its traditional bar character is paired with Boston sports on television and local music on the stereo, giving the room a distinctly Southie feel.

JJ Foley's Bar & Grille is a Boston bar and grill with a distinctly local, unpretentious character. It is geared toward straightforward drinks, beer, cocktails, comfort food, and quick bites, with food available at the bar and late-night options for an easygoing stop.