Best local pubs
Posted by admin on September 21, 2008
Finding an Irish pub in your neighborhood in this day and age is about as complicated as finding the toes on the end of your foot. Every neighborhood has a bar that calls itself an Irish pub - but it doesn’t necessarily make it authentic, good, or okay to stop at when you’re dying of thirst and a pint is the only thing that will save your life.
Where are the best local pubs to visit for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations? You’ll have to do a little of your own research, but we are going to try to give you an idea of where to go in the big cities for a good time on St. Patrick’s Day - or on a day you’re feeling like a dose of Irish charm would do your heart a bit of good.
What makes a great pub? The decor, the beer selections, the staff or the regulars? Its all of that and more, including the menu. Food from snacks and finger food to a full meal on a brisk march day are as important as a good Irish whiskey and a pint of Ireland’s finest to the reputation of an Irish pub. Here are some that come pretty darned close to Irish perfection.
PHILADELPHIA
O’Neal’s Pub
611 South 3rd Street
O’Neal’s seems to epitomize the spirit of a real Irish pub. It’s in a neighborhood that makes it very conducive to bringing in a team of “regulars” a la Cheers. Televisions playing just about any game you could want to watch make this not only a good pub, but a great sports bar. The food is typical pub fare, good, but about what you might expect. There are a few of Ireland’s favorites on the menu - fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and beef stew - along with a lengthy list of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more. O’Neal’s boasts 19 beers on draught, along with a selection of Irish whiskey’s and single malt scotches. If you wanna go where everybody knows your name in Philly, O’Neal’s might be your kind of place.
Dark Horse Pub
421 South 2nd Street
Just a short walk from the Independence Hall area, the Dark Horse Pub is styled after the true Irish and English pubs. Comprised of several cozy bar areas and a nice sized dining room, you will find all of the traditional Irish favorites here - including shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash; plus you’ll be able to feed your American pub food cravings. With televisions showing “football” (soccer) games pretty consistently, you’ll feel you’ve stepped off the streets of Philly and into a pub in Dublin. With 11 beers on draught and even more bottled varieties, no one will leave the Dark Horse thirsty.
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