As the first weeks of March roll in, so do the shamrock décor and leprechaun Snapchat filters. To experience the very best of what Los Angeles has to offer on March 17th, we have compiled a list of the best Irish pubs to visit this St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or beer enthusiast, our list has a variety of pubs to fit your agenda.
Celebrate Irish Heritage This St. Patrick’s Day
Take in a little culture with your imported ale this year by exploring Neue Focus’ favorite Irish restaurants and pubs. Chosen for their mixture of American and Irish culture, each of these venues offer visitors a glimpse into Irish heritage through their unique décor, architecture and history. Read below for a full list of the best places in Los Angeles to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
1. Tom Bergin’s Public House
840 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Located on the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax, Tom Bergin’s Public House is one of the city’s historic Irish pubs. It is named after the lawyer that founded it in 1935 when Bergin himself
“walked in and tacked the liquor license to the wall.” The pub has the unusual distinction of having the second oldest liquor license in Los Angeles county. Its iconic horseshoe bar is also one of the pub’s most recognizable attributes. If you’re a fan of Irish Coffee, Tom Bergin’s is a must for St. Patty’s. The bar is known as “The Home of Irish Coffee” after San Francisco columnist Stanton Deplane brought the recipe straight from Ireland shortly after its invention. But the pub isn’t only known for its drinks – it’s also popular for its authentic Irish cuisine. The pub features an Irish breakfast consisting of eggs and bacon or bangers, grilled tomato, Irish beans, and toasted sourdough bread. Dinner specials include corned beef, grilled cheese, and fried chicken with cabbage slaw.
2. Rock & Reilly’s Irish Pub
8911 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
If you’re looking for a more intimate pub, Rock and Reilly’s Irish Pub in West Hollywood fits the bill. This Irish bar features a prohibition-era speakeasy theme and has the largest stock of Irish whiskey in Los Angeles. It is also the first pub in the neighborhood to offer a collection of over 45 exclusive, hand-selected Irish whiskeys. The food at Rock and Reilly’s is a fusion of traditional Irish “grub hub” with an American twist. Some foodie-favorites include The Classic Reilly Burger, Irish Nachos, and Corned Beef Sliders. Rock and Reilly’s also has another location in Downtown L.A. if you happen to be near Flower Street.
3. Molly Malone’s
575 S. Fairfax, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Come to Molly Malone’s on Fairfax if you’re searching for a musical hotspot for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. The venue is known for headlining major acts like Flogging Molly, Joan Osborne, Lenny Kravitz, Lucinda Williams, Jeff Healey and more. Molly Malone’s has also been featured in a variety of films such as “Leaving Las Vegas,” “Patriot Games,” and “Life Without Dick.” The pub has a rustic Irish aesthetic as 70 paintings by renowned Irish portrait painter Neil Boyle cover the iconic pub’s walls. Despite its fame, the pub has been owned and operated for 43 years by the same family and continues to be one of the most successful Irish bars in the area. Molly Malone’s features traditional Irish pub food such as fish and chips, corned beef sandwiches, and grilled cheese.
4. Timmy Nolan’s Tavern and Grill
10111 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake, CA 91602
Timmy’s Nolan’s Tavern and Grill in Toluca Lake is another option for those looking for a hearty Irish meal to go with their authentic imported ale. Upon entering, patrons are transported to the Irish countryside as the restaurant’s atmosphere is quaint, cozy, and inviting. With 27 draught beers and ciders on tap (17 of which rotate) and a menu of traditional and modern favorites, Timmy Nolan’s is perfect for visitors who want to celebrate in a warm and charming environment. Traditional items on its menu include the usual bangers and mash, fish and chips, and corned beef stew. The restaurant’s modern take on old Irish favorites include Timmy’s Celtic Burger or Irish nachos. On St. Patrick’s Day, the restaurant will pitch its famous beer tent on the premises and offer a wide variety of activities.
5. The Irish Times
3267 Motor Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90034
Named after the Irish newspaper, this L.A. pub has been family owned and operated since 1994. The allure of The Irish Times, however, is not in their beer alone—it’s in their cuisine. The pub goes beyond pub grub; it serves some of the most authentic Irish food in the city. Local favorites include bangers and mash or beef, Guinness pie, and bread and butter pudding. Their Strongbox cider is also not to be missed
6. Finn McCool’s Irish Pub
3702 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
If you want to step into a real Irish bar this St. Patrick’s Day, visiting Finn McCool’s Irish Pub in Santa Monica will allow you to do just that. In 2001, famous author and chef Geraldine Gilliand decided to gather up the remnants of her step father’s bar in Ireland and ship them through the Panama Canal to Santa Monica. The bar was opened on Saint Patrick’s Day in 2002 and has remained a favorite among neighborhood locals ever since. The pub features 18 draught beers, over 200 international whiskeys, a full bar, and an impressive cocktail and wine list. On the food side of things, Finn McCool “runs the gamut” with everything from Traditional Irish Boxty’s and Irish potato skins, to fresh salmon and homemade gravlax. Vegetarian and vegan menus are also available. If you have a major sweet-tooth, the pub’s milkshakes are a must.
7. Casey’s Irish Pub
613 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90017
Casey’s Irish Pub is easily one of Downtown LA’s oldest and most popular bars to date. Opened in 1969, the bar is underground and reminiscent of the historic pubs in Europe. The Irish bar features a dart room, billiards, ping pong, and multiple TVs. On St. Patrick’s Day, Casey’s will throw its annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival replete with 400 kegs of beer, 1,200 bottles of Jameson, Irish food, and music from local DJs. On the day of the festival, Casey’s will open at 6 AM and festival admissions will begin at 11 AM.
Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day Responsibly
Whether you’re planning a quiet Irish dinner with friends or a huge party at the local pub, Neue Focus urges everyone to celebrate responsibly. Use public transportation or taxis to transport you to your destination safely. Let the celebrations commence!