Boston is a fantastic, vibrant place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. And with the hundreds of bars scattered around the city, the only way to truly ring in the holiday is to grab a seat and a pint. For the occasion, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best and most exciting bars to head to this Tuesday, based on their events, drafts and bar food. So grab green clothes — it’s time to celebrate.
1. Deep Ellum (477 Cambridge St.)
There’s nothing better than celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at a good old gastropub. Located in the heart of Allston, Deep Ellum has created its own luck with an endless list of daily drafts and an entire menu of deliciously-crafted bar food. Balance out your fifth or sixth pint of brew with some truffled gorgonzola fries or a good old burger.
2. Lulu’s Allston (421 Cambridge St.)
This year marks Lulu’s first St. Patrick’s Day, as this experimental eatery has only been open for nine months. But don’t let the age of this bar fool you — Lulu’s knows how to celebrate. And by celebrate, I mean mimosa buckets, Bloody Mary pitchers and lucky charm doughnuts — a lucky combination, indeed.
3. The Avenue (1249 Commonwealth Ave.)
Get a head-start to your holiday by heading over to The Ave in Allston, which opens its doors at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Despite St. Patrick’s Day falling on a weekday this year, this bar is expecting the same turnout as usual — making for a vibrant, exciting atmosphere. If you’re feeling a little more daring, The Ave will have five specialty Irish whiskeys to choose from, including Tullamore Dew and, of course, Jameson. Or you can opt for some Ohara’s Irish Red or the notorious (but patriotic) Bud Light green bottle.
4. The Field Pub (20 Prospect St.)
If you’re looking for a good ol’ Irish pub, this is the place to go. The Field Pub has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for over 20 years, and it only helps that the owner Jerry Coleman is from Ireland. Even on such a huge Boston holiday, this pub doesn’t charge a cover fee — making it easy to grab a seat, order a pint of Guinness and scarf down some killer corned beef and cabbage.
5. The Asgard Irish Pub (350 Massachusetts Ave.)
The Asgard not only provides some deliciously authentic Irish food, but also an energetically authentic Celtic atmosphere. This pub concludes its annual “7 Days of St. Patrick” on Tuesday, where there will be not one but two live bands throughout the day, in addition to endless amounts of Guinness and some Irish coffee cheesecake — made with Bailey’s and Kahlua.
6. Miracle of Science Bar & Grill (321 Massachusetts Ave.)
Miracle of Science is a funky, atomically cool place to go any day of the week, but St. Patrick’s Day is a must. Grab some chips, guac and a few pints of your favorite draft, and you’re all set to celebrate.
7. Conor Larkin’s Grill & Tap (329 Huntington Ave.)
Celebrate St. Patty’s Day the college way at Conor Larkin’s, where you’ll find a large crowd of Northeastern Students, signature Guinness burgers and some to-die-for “Shamrock Shakes” — made with green creme de menthe, Bailey’s and vanilla vodka. And if you get there early enough in the afternoon, you can enjoy all of the above to the spirited sound of the live bagpipers that will be playing from 12-1 p.m.
8. Cambridge Brewing Company (1 Kendall Sq., Building #100)
As one of the oldest brewpubs in Boston, Cambridge Brewing Co. knows how to craft a good pint — making it the prime location for a good St. Patrick’s Day celebration. My suggestion: ordering the beer-battered fish and chips and an ice cold glass of any of the fresh beers they have on draft.
9. Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale (48 Temple Pl.)
If you’re looking for more of an upscale way to ring in the holiday, I’d suggest making a reservation at Stoddard’s. Located near the Boston Commons, this gastropub has an array of draft and cask ales that ranges anywhere from $4-$10 a glass. And whether you want rabbit, ribeye or pesto-encrusted striped bass, Stoddard’s has some excellent bar food to choose from.
10. Mr. Dooley’s Authentic Irish Pub (77 Broad St.)
Last (but certainly not least) on our list is the ever-so authentic Mr. Dooley’s, just a few blocks away from the waterfront. This tavern is over two decades old and is home to some of the best burgers — and Irish accents — that you will find in the entire city.
