St. Patrick’s Day is on the way, but you don’t have to save up for a vacation to Ireland to enjoy the holiday in style. The Irish pubs in Las Vegas compete with the very best around the country —and we’re pretty sure you’ll find a shot of Jameson at one of them.
McMullan’s
Founded by Brian McMullan, whose grandfather ran his own pub in Ireland, this neighborhood hangout overflows with not just Guinness, but authenticity. Located a few blocks west of the Strip near the Orleans casino, McMullan’s attracts both locals and tourists —ready to accommodate them all with five dining rooms, several bars and an outdoor patio with bistro lights. The TV screens are usually tuned to soccer, rugby or cricket, but the pub is especially loyal to the Vegas Golden Knights and organizes bus trips to home games at the T-Mobile Arena. Try the Fish n’ Chips, which were named among the best in the country by Old Speckled Hen, an English ale used in the recipe. However, McMullan’s biggest accomplishment is raising half-a-million each year to fight cancer with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Try to beat that!
Twitter: @McMullansPubLV, @TMobileArena, @StBaldricks
O’Sheas
O’Sheas used to be its own casino, but got downsized to a pub and had its parking garage imploded to become part of The LINQ promenade. It’s all for the best as the spot remains a lively centerpiece for the outdoor dining and entertainment district with live music, beer pong and two bars along opposite walls. And who needs happy hour when you have Lucky Hour? It runs twice a day, from 10am-2pm and 2am-6am, featuring drink deals like the $7 light beer and shot combo.
Twitter: @osheaslasvegas
Ri Ra
Nestled inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Place on the Strip, Ri Ra is a tourist magnet but carries an authentic Irish spirit. The front bar was refurbished and imported from an old pub in the village of Timoleague and sells candy, snacks and other items in the manner of a classic tuck shop. Even the breakfast meats are imported from Ireland, but don’t overlook the Deviled Scotch Eggs on the food menu. Every room in the pub has its own unique character, from one modeled after the Olympia Theater in Dublin to another decorated with the kitschiness of a 70s-era living room. You’ll also come across one of only two Kilkenny limestone bar tops in the world and the largest Irish Whiskey collection in Las Vegas. Staff and musicians routinely rotate in from Ireland while the sister Guinness retail shop next door offers classes in how to pour a perfect pint. And yes, there’s a special way to do it.
Twitter: @RiRaVegas
McFadden’s
This Irish pub is the kind of party spot the kids can get excited about —or at least millennials in club gear who might be wandering in and out of Blue Martini next door. Sitting on the second floor of Town Square, an outdoor retail district south of the Strip, McFadden’s is eager to welcome a rowdy crowd that isn’t shy about dancing on countertops and doing shots of Irish whiskey on the outdoor patio. Spend at least $20 during a Golden Knights or Raiders game and get a drink on the house.
Twitter: @McFaddensLV
Three Angry Wives
Three Angry Wives is a bar that takes its Boston-Irish roots seriously, hosting what is believed to be the largest gathering of Patriots fans in Las Vegas fans during the NFL season. The customers are fiercely loyal and keep their eyes glued to the action on dozens of televisions that line the walls. The establishment was founded by three brothers —although we’re told the wives weren’t angry— and has been a fixture of the Boca Park shopping center for about 14 years. It’s the only Irish pub in the Summerlin area and serves corned beef and cabbage, Shepherds Pie and other traditional favorites. One of those places where spirits are high but you can feel comfortable bringing the kids.
Twitter: @threeangrywives, @BocaPark
[tweetthis]March Means St. Patrick’s Day! Here Are The Best Pubs Where You Can Grab A Pint To Drink In #Vegas[/tweetthis]
Nine Fine Irishmen
Walk through the lobby of the New York-New York casino, turn left at Hershey’s Chocolate Bar and you’ll find Nine Fine Irishmen. Named in honor of nine nationalists who campaigned for Irish independence in the late 19th century, it’s got two dining room levels, self-serve beer taps and an impressive Irish Whiskey selection. But we absolutely love the vibrant outdoor patio by the Strip that sits near a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s the best of Ireland and New York rolled up in one. Nine Fine Irishmen is also a raucous location for the annual multi-day Celtic Feis celebration each March.
Twitter: @NYNYVegas
Of course, you’ll find plenty of deals on green beer if you just wander down the Strip on St. Patrick’s Day. Just remember to get a designated driver —and find a way to burn off those liquid calories when you wake up the next morning.