The Local
Photo courtesy the local
It’s March, so you know that means! Bring on the shamrocks, limericks, and all the green brew you can drink. In honor of the emerald month, we’ve outlined some under-the-radar places to cozy up with a pint and an order of fish and chips, as well as a few of the classic haunts.
The Dubliner Pub and Café
A true staple in St. Paul’s Irish bar scene, the Dubliner Pub and Café has been serving culturally-infused brew, fare and top-shelf whiskey in the University Midway neighborhood since 1983. With Irish and American music six nights a week, Irish dance lessons every Wednesday, and dessert items such as the Guinness Float and Celtic Tiger, you’ll feel like you stepped into a portal to the emerald isle itself when you walk through the doors.
Emmett’s Public House
Scotch eggs, corned beef and cabbage wontons, and shepherd’s pie. Does it get any more Irish? And this is just a sampling: Their entire menu is dedicated to the Land of Saints and Scholars. Stop by for a pint with some friends and family at this traditional Irish pub in St. Paul next to Dixie’s on Grand.
Half Time Rec
Long known for the bocce ball lanes housed in the basement, Half Time Rec prepares some of the best traditional Irish fare, including fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd’s pie this side of the Mississippi thanks to Paddy Shack, an addition to the original bar that serves more substantial food options to those who walk in the door. Irish twists on old favorites such as the Paddyshack Burger, which was the 2015 Twin Cities Burger Battle Judge’s Choice winner, can also be found here, and you’ll find they are the perfect complement to any pint of brew.
Dan Kelly’s Pub
Anchored by a 44-foot, pre-prohibition mahogany bar filled with stained glass, this spot in downtown Minneapolis is the perfect place to wrap your hands around a pint of Guinness or whiskey ginger as you munch on Irish pub fare.
Kieran’s Irish Pub
Conveniently located a stone’s throw from Target Field and the Target Center, this watering hole is a popular pit stop before or after a Twins or Timberwolves game, and not just for the location. All i takes is one bite into their corned beef reubens or fish and chips, or a sip from any of their laundry list of brews, cocktails, and wines, and you’ll be hooked, too.
Other Popular Favorites
The Local
For four years running, this whimsical pub on Minneapolis’ Nicollet Mall has poured the largest volume of Jameson Irish Whiskey in the world. Enough said.
O’Donovan’s Irish Pub
Every piece of décor found within this tavern was built entirely in Ireland and shipped here piece-by-piece. It doesn’t get any more authentic.
The Liffey Irish Pub
Found just across the street from the Xcel Energy Center, the Liffey (meaning “life” in Irish) serves pint after pint to eager hockey fans and concert goers.
