When you are in the mood to relax with friends and a good pint of beer, an Irish pub is where you need to be. Even in a big city like Atlanta, each neighborhood has its own Irish pub that will become your local haunt. Every pub is different, with personalities ranging from cozy and dark to rowdy and sports-focused. No matter which neighborhood you call home, or what you are looking for in a pub, Atlanta has you covered. Here are some of the best:
Virginia Highlands
Limerick Junction Irish Pub
822 N. Highland Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30306
404-874-7147
Known as Atlanta’s oldest Irish pub, Limerick Junction is tucked away in the beautiful Virginia Highlands neighborhood, just minutes from Midtown Atlanta. The dark wood interior and Irish mementos pull you right into Ireland, and while you sip away on your beer you’ll probably be entertained by the comedians or musicians that frequent the stage most nights (check their calendar for the schedule).
The beers on draught range from Irish favorites to local brews. Limerick Junction is also known for having the best deal in town on the Irish favorite, Smithwicks: $3 a pint every night of the week! With three rotating taps, no matter how many times you frequent Limerick, you’re sure to have a new brew to try. Cheers!
Twitter: @LimerickPub
Buckhead, Atlantic Station, Downtown, Sandy Springs, and Vinings
Meehan’s Public House
404-214-9821
With locations in 5 different hot neighborhoods in Atlanta, you are never far from a Meehan’s. This Irish pub is definitely catered towards the sports-watching crowd, with a large bar and multiple big-screen TVs for catching all of the action. With the World Cup just around the corner, this is a place that you’ll definitely want to be for the games. Looking for a good spot with yummy bar food as well? Grab some of Meehan’s crisp homemade potato chips to accompany that ice-cold brew. Want something more? Meehan’s also has extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menus.
Twitter: @MeehansPubHouse
Decatur
The Marlay House
426 West Ponce De Leon Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
404-270-9950
The Marlay House calls itself a “a bit of Dublin in Decatur”, and we think it’s true. The owners of this pub are actually Irish, and it’s no surprise when you walk in and find yourself seated in high-walled wooden booths or at the ornate bar. Treat yourself to some authentic fish & chips, scrumptious orzo balls, crispy citrus-glazed brussel sprouts, or a variety of other Irish dishes. The great atmosphere is suited for intimate friend gatherings and family dinners, and don’t forget that on Sundays they cook a delicious roast (available until it’s all gone, that is). With a large open front patio, Marlay is also a great place to hang out on those long summer evenings.
Twitter: @TheMarlay
More Irish pubs to try out include:
Midtown Atlanta
Fado Irish Pub
933 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309
Buckhead
The Shops Buckhead
273 Buckhead Ave, Buckhead, Atlanta, GA 30305
Midtown Atlanta
Rí Rá Irish Pub
1080 Peachtree St NW #1, Atlanta, GA 30309
[tweetthis]These Are The Best #Irish Pubs In #Atlanta That You Need To Check Out! Test Out A Good Pint Of Beer![/tweetthis]
What to do for St. Patrick’s Day, you ask?
Many of the Irish pubs in Atlanta have special festivities for the big day. Limerick Junction opens at noon on St. Patty’s Day and has a block party that starts behind the pub at 2pm. The Marlay House has festivities including dancers and singers. If you want an early start to the fun, Meehan’s has a “Kegs and Eggs” breakfast, followed by bands playing from 2pm – midnight (ticketed event). Fado Irish Pub in Midtown Atlanta will shut down the block at 8th Street for a parade, and Ri Ra Irish Pub usually hosts a block party as well. Grab your greenest shirt, your goofiest smile, and a bunch of friends and enjoy acting like you’re Irish! And remember, even when St. Patty’s Day has passed, the Irish fun has not. Enjoy trying out all the Irish pubs in Atlanta and finding which one will be your favorite spot!
Looking to move closer to all the action? Check out these apartments in Midtown Atlanta, close to Irish pubs like Fado and Ri Ra.