When you think of St. Patrick’s Day and Irish pubs, Florida is probably not the first place that comes to mind. However, we did some searching and found a few of the best Irish pubs across the Sunshine State.
J.G. McGuinness Irish Pub & Restaurant – Weston
McGuinness Irish Pub & Restaurant has served the local population of hot moms and whiskey-sipping men since early 2011. The bar’s interior was designed by Bar None, a specialty firm that helps non-Irish establishments replicate that trademark Dublin façade, so expect tons of dark, polished wood, and textured fabrics. The beer’s the thing, though, and J.G. McGuinness has enlisted the experts on that front as well. The draft system was designed by a former Dublin-based Guinness brewer who also supervised the installation. It’s not St. James Gate, but it could be the closest you’ll find in western Broward.
Paddy Mac’s — Palm Beach Gardens
Paddy Mac’s is one of the few Irish spots in South Florida that goes out of its way to emphasize its edible fare over the liquid variety. This isn’t to say you can’t score a well-poured pint—the bartenders do a fine job of supplying Irish beers to the masses—but the kitchen staff at Paddy Mac’s prides itself on traditional dishes like Irish cottage pie and salmon boxty. There’s a warm, neighborhood vibe to the restaurant and bar, and a variety of outdoor and indoor seating options available to cozy up into as you chow down on Scotch eggs and fish ‘n’ chips.
Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub Restaurant — Hollywood
Mickey Byrne’s in downtown Hollywood not surprisingly specializes in pints of Guinness, but the pub isn’t above showing a little local love to the fine brews made on this side of the pond. In fact, its rotating list of 18 taps includes American craft beer, even some made right here in Florida, are served right alongside Irish favorites like Harp Lager and England’s Newcastle Brown Ale. Sip that pint while taking in a game of footy on one of the big-screen HDTVs, and don’t worry about tripping over shamrock paraphernalia as you navigate your way to your seat: this bar, which opened in November 2008, has casual Irish tone.
O’Shea’s Irish Pub — West Palm Beach
O’Shea’s on Clematis is a solid choice in West Palm Beach where the tending-to-trendy may come and go with the tides. A neighborhood favorite since 1994, O’Shea’s is totally Irish with a space that’s decked out in festive décor no matter the time of year. Two other things to know about O’Shea’s: It’s puppy-friendly, and it gives you the power to grab your own beer. Tuesday nights, the spot hosts a “yappy hour” with a free drink for anyone who brings a pooch to the patio. Meanwhile, a Draft Master allows guests to pour their own priced-by-the-ounce Guinness or Harp.
The Dubliner — Boca Raton
The Dubliner Irish Pub, located in beautiful Mizner Park, Boca Raton is open 7 days a week for dinner and Sunday for brunch. The Dubliner features an Irish Inspired menu including award winning Shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, in-house cured corn-beef, fresh seafood, and much more. They have a full bar with an extensive list of whiskey, bourbon, and specialty beers. The Dubliner shows all major football, soccer, baseball and any other televised sporting events. They also have live music and entertainment 7 nights a week.
Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub — Delray Beach
Tucked away in an unassuming plaza south of Delray Beach’s thriving downtown restaurant scene rests a little piece of the Emerald Isle. The pub’s namesake is a character from Finnegan’s Wake, a novel by Irish writer James Joyce. A ballad of Finnegan’s Wake arose in the 1850s in the music-hall tradition of comical Irish songs. Tim Finnegan’s is a good, honest bar. Friendly staff, live Celtic music, and fair prices: It’s like a little pot of gold at the end of Delray’s rainbow.
