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Boston's Best Irish Bars

Boston has no shortage of Irish bars, as many Celtic-inspired taverns line the city streets in many of Boston's various neighborhoods. Whether it's elevated Irish comfort food in a modernly decorated gastro-pub, or an old school Irish bar filled with the charm and memories of a storied past, it's virtually guaranteed that the city of Boston has just the right Irish bar to fit anyone's particular criteria.
Black Rose
(Image Credit: The Black Rose)


The Black Rose
160 State St
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-2286
www.blackroseboston.com

The Black Rose is one of Boston's most iconic Irish bars within city limits, located on State Street in between McKinley Square and Commercial Street near Aquarium Station. The outdoor filigree of that classic "Rosin Dubh" black rose of Ireland invites customers into the bar's welcoming entryway and into a place where ice cold beer is the standard, and classic Irish comfort food is a must order from the menu. The Black Rose rarely disappoints, and it stands as a must-visit spot in Boston when it comes to Irish bars.

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Mr. Dooleys
(Image Credit: Mr. Dooley's)

Mr. Dooley's
77 Broad St
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 338-5656
www.mrdooleys.com

Located in the Boston Financial District in between Batterymarch Arm and Milk Street over on Broad Street, Mr. Dooley's encapsulates everything one might expect from a typical Irish bar, from the classic themed Celtic cuisine to the overflowing pints of Guinness being served by the bar staff. Mr. Dooley's also features traditional Irish music played live by the city's most talented folk and rock musicians. It's an atmosphere which comes across as legit and welcoming, making a trip to Mr. Dooley's a recommended one, indeed.

MJ O'Connors
(Image Credit: M.J. O'Connor's)

M.J. O'Connor's Irish Pub
27 Columbus Ave
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-2255
www.mjoconnors.com

The staff and owners behind M.J. O'Connor's Irish Pub, located on Columbus Avenue in between Eliot Street and Church Street in Boston's Back Back district, realize that a metropolitan Irish pub doesn't always have to represent only tradition in order to serve its clientele in a proper way. As a result, the menu here at M.J. O'Connor's is a proper one, featuring both American classics like lobster rolls and chicken tenders along with the traditional Irish comfort foods such a Shepherd's Pie, ensuring that all will be welcome and all satisfied with their visit to this warm and friendly Irish pub.

Related: Boston's Best Irish Pub

Lir
(Image Credit: Lir)

Lir Irish Pub & Restaurant
903 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 778-0089
www.lironboylston.com

Also centered in the Back Bay district of Boston, in between Hereford Street and Gloucester Street near the Hynes Convention Center, is the Lir Irish Pub & Restaurant, an Irish bar which is similar in a way to M. J. O'Connor's, in that Lir presents a no-nonsense, welcoming atmosphere for all who desire a little taste of Ireland with their drink or meal. Lir Irish Pub & Restaurant presents that unassuming dive bar feeling right from the beginning, as both locals and visitors alike are rubbing elbows and engaging in spirited conversation, while the menu here at Lir features both typical dinner fare such as steak tips, along with the sort of Irish comfort food that everyone knows and loves. Check it out!

Emmets
(Image Credit: Emmets)

Emmet's Irish Pub & Restaurant
6B Beacon St
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 742-8565
www.emmetsirishpubandrestaurant.com

Heading downtown for our final Boston Irish bar, we encounter Emmet's Irish Pub & Restaurant, a Beacon Street spot located in between Tremont Place and Somerset Street near the Park Street station. Emmet's is an Americanized take on the classic Irish bar oeuvre; a joint which serves up pub grub cuisine a la fish and chips and shepherd's pie alongside fan favorite fare such as buffalo mac 'n cheese. Pints of Guinness and plenty of boisterous conversation are expected here at Emmet's, while the convenient downtown location makes this a popular destination for many in the city.

George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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