THU 3.17
SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PUB CRAWL!
Every year, our blood runs green and the pints flow heavy as the shamrock and shillelagh take over the pubs and bars across town in celebration of a long-ago saint. There’s absolutely no shortage of places to enjoy a beer and a shot, along with a traditional boiled dinner and authentic Irish music. But with so many amazing Irish pubs to choose from, along with hundreds of other great places also serving up a sláinte, it’s useless to pretend one list is better than another. So we picked some of our favorites, spread it out across town, and offer you an unscientific roadmap for your day-drinking pleasure. Enjoy!
Start Off With a Stout >
The Burren
You might have to get up before 10 am to get in here, but it’s well worth it. This deceivingly large Irish pub supposedly sells more Guinness than any other bar in the Boston area. It really doesn’t matter if that’s true or not, because it pours a mean fucking pint.
The Burren. 247 Elm St., Somerville. burren.com
R.F. O’Sullivan and Son
Tucked in between triple deckers on a residential corner street and just a short walk from Porter Square, this unassuming pub is best known for its outrageously good burgers—but don’t be fooled into thinking it doesn’t know how to deliver a perfect stout as well.
R.F. O’Sullivan and Son. 282 Beacon St., Somerville. rfosullivans.com
Enjoy a Shot and a Beer >
The Phoenix Landing
Central Square has changed a lot over the last decade; thankfully, the Landing hasn’t. Home to serious footy fans during the day and DJs and dancing at night, you’ll feel right at home at the bar, sipping a Jameson, slamming back a cold beer, and checking out the eye candy.
The Phoenix Landing. 512 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. phoenixlandingbar.com
River Gods
Years ago, we here at the Dig created Weekly Wax, a rotating night for wannabe disc jockeys. Eventually the night moved across the river and has been cranking out a good time here ever since. The place is tiny but has a big heart and plenty of good drink to take in.
River Gods. 125 River St., Boston. rivergodsonline.com
Fuel Up Then Have Another Beer >
Emmet’s Irish Pub
One of our favorite Irish pubs anywhere, you’ll quickly see why people come back here day after day, year after year. The service is great, the atmosphere is honest and fun, and it knows how to serve the Imperial Pint properly. Grab a plate of boiled goodness and meet a new friend or 10.
Emmet’s Irish Pub. 6-6B Beacon St., Boston. emmetsirishpubandrestaurant.com
Stoddard’s Fine Food and Ale
Here’s a little curveball worth getting lost for. An amazing draught list and cask-conditioned offerings make this a must-hit along your travels, especially on this day when it proudly celebrates No Green Beer Day. Don’t be afraid to stray from the usual fare, this menu rocks!
Stoddard’s Fine Food and Ale. 48 Temple Pl., Boston. stoddardsfoodandale.com
Wash Down a Few More Pints >
McGreevy’s Boston
You might not see one of the Dropkicks here (they own it) or even get in (it will be packed), but damn it, you have to try. With large, open windows up front and a playground of sports memorabilia and cozy booths hidden in the back, drinking a few pints here is easy. Too easy.
McGreevy’s Boston. 911 Boylston St., Boston. mcgreevysboston.com
JJ Foley’s Cafe
When we’re not at home or pretending to work, you can usually find at least one Digster here, past or present, on any given day. Mr. Foley still works the stick and is a national treasure, but behave yourself while you rub elbows or you might get tossed. This is the place to be, so don’t.
JJ Foley’s Cafe. 117 E. Berkeley St., Boston. jjfoleyscafe.com
And Finally… >
House of Pain @ Royale
We couldn’t resist: With the Dropkick Murphys long sold out and a few tickets still available for this show (for now), how could you not end your day by listening to screaming bagpipes and ’90s style rap hop? You can pretend that you change the channel when it comes on, but we know you don’t, and why would you? Jump Around is a fistful of nickels just looking for a fight, even if it’s between you and the showerhead. Or your rearview mirror. Or a box of cereal in aisle nine. The point is, you can’t deny it, and seeing this lineup live and on St. Patrick’s Day is a bucket list item everyone should check off. I’m pretty sure your Guinness will come in a plastic cup and the whiskey will be watered down, but at this point in your day, you’re fucked up… so jump around!
Royale. 279 Tremont St., Boston. 8pm/21+/$29.50. royaleboston.com
Dig Staff means this article was a collaborative effort. Teamwork, as we like to call it.
