It’s one of the biggest party days of the year when we celebrate Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick. And luckily, it looks like Mr. Patrick liked to party because on March 17 people will celebrate by going out to bars and having a drink, or two, or three.
For many, the only and best way to celebrate is at an authentic Irish pub. So to help you get in the green spirit, here are seven Irish bars to honor the country’s patron saint.
Auld Dubliner
Where: 71 S. Pine Ave, Long Beach. 562-437-8300 or aulddubliner.com
With live music that often includes traditional Irish tunes, plus a selection of more than 100 Irish whiskeys and authentic dishes on the menu like corned beef and cabbage and Guinness beef stew, everyday can feel like St. Patrick’s Day here. And to add to its Irish cred the co-owner of this classic pub was born and raised in Limerick, Ireland, so things here are legit.
Gallagher’s Pub & Grill
Where: 2751 E. Broadway, Long Beach. 562-856-8000 or gallagherslongbeach.com
The bar was opened by Irish immigrant and third-generation restaurateur Ciaran Gallagher in 2006 and goes all out with Irish drinks like the Belfast Bomber, the Dublin Ice Tea and of course Irish Car Bombs. The pub also goes all out with decorations for St. Patrick’s Day so this is always a popular place to celebrate. On March 17 people can expect live music, Irish dancers and food specials.
The Liberties of Dublin
Where: 1111 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 213-663-1969 or thelibertiesofdublin.com
With its contemporary modern look, The Liberties of Dublin doesn’t have the feel of a classic Irish pub, but it does have an Irish soul. It was co-founded by Dublin native Raymond Lucey with the purpose of reflecting what modern pubs found in Ireland actually look like now rather than how people imagine older pubs. This is a place for whiskey lovers too, since it has more than 100 styles on the menu. Expect whiskey and Irish coffee specials as well as live music starting at 11 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day.
Molly Malone’s
Where: 575 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles. 323- 935-1577 or mollymalonesla.com
Originally established as a place for Irish musicians performing drinking songs and traditional music, Molly Malone’s has evolved into one of the best known Irish pubs in the city and it gets packed on St. Patrick’s Day — like really packed. Doors open at 8 a.m. and live music starts at 6 p.m., but get there early. The festivities this year includebands such as The Vigils, Sanglorians, Rudy Nuno, Molly Gunner and the Hounds of Belfast.
Muldoon’s Irish Pub
Where: 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949-640-4110 or muldoonspub.com
Located in an ivy-covered brick building, Muldoon’s Irish Pub includes two bars. The original is the Dublin Bar, which was built in 1974 and is made of oak, brick and brass and includes a stained glass rendering of their bulldog mascot. The other bar is the more modern looking Celtic Bar, which is just across the patio and was built in 2000. The whole place will be partying it up on St. Patrick’s Day starting at 9 a.m. with an Irish breakfast plus a live bagpiper and a fiddler.
The Shamrock Irish Pub and Eatery
Where: 39252 Winchester Road, Murrieta. 951-696-5252 or theshamrockirishpubandeatery.com
According to its website, the Shamrock once made Yelp’s list of best Irish pubs that make you feel like you’re in Ireland. That feeling comes from the pub’s busy live music schedule that includes tons of Celtic bands and memorabilia from Ireland that decorates the place. So it’s no surprise that St. Patrick’s Day is very important here and on March 17 they’re throwing a big party that includes Irish band The Caseys, food and drink specials and even a bagpiper performing throughout the day.
Tom Bergin’s
Where: 840 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. 323-452-2716 or tombergins.com
This famous pub opened in 1936 and it claims the title of the oldest Irish tavern in LA., and you’ll know it’s an authentic Irish spot as soon as you see the neon green shamrock sign outside. Inside you’ll see paper shamrocks on the ceiling too with the names of some of the old regulars written on the shamrocks, adding to the old school charm. According to the pub’s Instagram page the festivities on March 17 will start early with a 6 a.m. Irish breakfast, music and of course, drinks.