Liz BiscevicEven when it's not St. Patrick’s Day, sometimes you're still in the mood for a whiskey-fueled rager, some Irish folk tunes, or just a well-poured pint of Guinness. Here are the 10 best Irish bars in Los Angeles for all those occasions and more.
Casey's Irish Pub; Credit: Flickr/Victoria Bernal
Casey’s Irish Pub: For the Biggest Party
Known for their pickle back shots and homemade pickle juice, Casey’s is always a party. Their St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival attracts thousands and takes up over two city blocks. Green beer, music, giveaways, Irish eats, drinks and games offer something for everyone. The festivities begin at 6 a.m. (seriously) and go until 2 a.m. the next day on Thursday, March 17. 613 S. Grand Ave., Downtown, (213) 629-2353.
Auld Dubliner: For People Who Are Just in It for the Food
If you’re idea of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is grubbing down some good old-fashioned Irish comfort food, look no further than the Auld Dubliner. The menu captures the essence of a real Dublin establishment. Serving Irish ham and cabbage, the Boxty, bangers and champ, corned beef and cabbage, and full Irish breakfasts, this place is sure to surpass the normal expectations. The Dubliner is also known for their amazing Guinness draughts, a wide range of whiskeys, and their ciders on tap. The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, 71 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, (562) 437-8300.
Finn McCool’s: For the Best Authentic Irish Music
Named after mythical Irish warrior Fionn mac Cumhail, Finn McCool’s takes you right back to the homeland. Celtic carvings, dark wood and traditional Irish music makes this spot a must-go for anyone looking for a real Irish party this St. Patrick’s Day. The decor, menu, regulars and staff are as Irish as can be, so check it out if you want an honest Irish good time. 2702 Main St., Santa Monica, (310) 452-1734.
Ireland’s 32: For the Best Dive Bar
Though it doesn’t look like much on the outside, Ireland’s 32 attracts one of the best crowds in L.A. Ireland’s 32 opened over 50 years ago and boasts the same jovial hospitality, a large selection of Irish beers and ciders, and live music five nights a week. On most days, this dive bar is full of regulars and locals, but on St. Patrick’s Day Ireland’s 32 celebrates with “a gusto worth of Ireland,” so be sure to get there early if you’re partaking in this year’s festivities. 13721 Burbank Blvd., Van Nuys, (818) 785-4031.
Rock & Reilly's Pub; Credit: Rock & Reilly's
Rock & Reilly’s: For People Looking for a Good Reason to Spend Money
Tucked away in the heart of West Hollywood, Rock and Reilly’s is a secret spot for locals and celebrities. The vintage decor is much more hipster than Irish, but they make up for it with their famous St. Patrick’s Day block party, held in the lot behind the pub. Expect lots of green beer, a huge crowd and lots of Irish nachos. (Note: This year's party took place on March 12, so if you're just now reading this, you missed it.) 8911 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, (310) 360-1400.
O’Brien’s Irish Pub: For True Irish Company
Of all the Irish pubs on the Westside, it’s hard to beat the authenticity at O’Brien’s. Despite the ever-changing trends and scene, O’Brien’s stays true to the traditional pub culture with their laid-back atmosphere, well-stocked bar, and Irish bands playing in the back lot. Doors open at 6:00 a.m. this St. Patrick’s Day and O’Brien’s will have green beer on tap and a special menu with all the traditional Irish eats, like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and Irish pie. 2941 Main St., Santa Monica, (310) 396-4725.
Tom Bergin's Tavern; Credit: Tom Bergin's Tavern
Tom Bergin’s Tavern: For the Guinness Ice Cream
The historic Tom Bergin’s Tavern is the oldest Irish pub in L.A., with a famous horseshoe bar that attracts locals and tourists alike. This year, Tom Bergin’s is hosting its annual St. Patty’s Day celebration starting with a traditional Irish breakfast. Decorated with shamrocks and dark wood, you’ll feel like you’ve just been taken back to the motherland. Whether you’re starting the day with their famous Irish coffee, or coming in for the whiskeys and Guinness ice cream, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. 840 S. Fairfax Ave., Mid-Wilshire, (323) 936-7151.
The Irish Times: For a Real, Properly Poured Guinness
A proper Guinness pour takes around five minutes and requires a particular angling of glass to tap, along with a specific technique to top the glass so the beer has the right ratio of brew, air and head. Needless to say, a properly poured Guinness is hard to come by. You don’t want to miss one of these perfect pours. 3267 Motor Ave., Palms, (310) 559-9648.
Jameson's Irish Pub; Credit: Jameson's Irish Pub
Jameson’s Irish Pub: For the Partiers Who Prefer American Culture
If St. Patrick’s Day is just a day to drink beer, or if you’re just looking for a good old-fashioned American party, Jameson’s Irish Pub is the place for you. This Americanized Irish pub has beer pong tables on the side, loud music playing everything from country to R&B, and serves Jameson whiskey on tap — a fun blend of Irish and American tradition. 6681 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 798-5360.
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub: For the Best Live Music
This L.A. landmark has been bringing some of the best local and Irish music to the city for over 40 years and can boast some genuine Irish vibes. Crowds flock to Molly Malone’s stage, The Snug, which attracts Irish troubadours, up-and-coming artists and famous guests alike. Regarded as one of L.A.’s traditional Irish pubs, this spot stays true to its roots with Irish coffees, darts and low prices. 575 S. Fairfax Ave., Miracle Mile, (323) 935-1577.
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