St. Patrick’s Day comes once a year, but for some Milwaukee bars, every day is reason enough to celebrate your Irish roots.
So whether you’re looking to toast with a stranger, attempt to split the G, devour a Reuben, or dance a little Irish jig, these eight Irish pubs throughout the Milwaukee area are ones you have to check out.
Paddy’s has been locals go-to Irish pub on the East Side for more than 30 years, and after we stepped past the lion statues and walked through the gardens, we know why. From floor to ceiling (including the bathrooms!) historic treasures and quirky curios greet you along with greenery and old pictures, remnants of an eclectic Irish past.
But, it gets even better. Take the stairs up to the second floor to find a room with beautiful stained glass, an antique bar imported from across the Atlantic, old wooden kegs, a sword, and even a beautifully engraved throne chair.
You can find your beloved Guinness or Smithwick’s, grab a neat pour of the finest Scotch, or a sip on a classic Old Fashioned, here. From the outside, the quaint stone building is unassuming, but inside hides the uniqueness that you can only find at Paddy’s.
Ahhh, County Clare; one of Milwaukee’s most well-known and well-loved Irish pubs. County Clare is notorious for its pink exterior, classic Irish-pub-vibes inside, and its inn operation as well. We guess you could also say they’re a little bit like a travel agency, too.
In addition to serving up classic Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd’s pie, and Reubens, they’re hosting visitors from all over with their 29-room inn. So, if you’re looking for a piece of Irish hospitality or just want a unique staycation, it’s the perfect spot.
And, if you’ve been looking to book that trip to Ireland with your friends, there’s no better people to do it through than the folks at County Clare. They’ve got the perfect itinerary and accommodations lined up for you, all you have to do is sign up.
Mo’s Irish Pub is the Milwaukee area’s quintessential pub for year round Irish ambience. With locations in downtown Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, you don’t have to travel far to split the G. When you visit Mo’s, you’ll be touching a piece of The Emerald Isles first hand. After the owner was invited to travel around Ireland, he brought back the first pub’s bar from the homeland itself!
At Mo’s, you can watch your favorite sports games, choose from a selection of domestic and imported brews, and dive into a menu full of Irish flare.
What can we say, we love The Harp. It’s reputation as a ‘college bar’ should not scare you from going if you’ve never been before or you don’t love crowds. As long as you don’t go past 7pm on a weekend, or the first 75 degree day of summer, it truly is enjoyable!
While it may not be as traditional as some of the other bars on this list, it does have a forever place in Milwaukeean’s hearts and in the Irish intersection.
The atmosphere, with its Guinness flags and photos on the wall, is inviting, the waterfront patio out back is amazing, their Reuben rolls and chicken tenders are delicious, and the beer is always cold. How many more reasons do you need to check it out this St. Patrick’s Day?
McKiernan’s is a lively West Allis pub that make you feel as if you were transported to an Irish dive bar (in the best way possible) in the northwoods. From the wood tables and the wood paneling to the knick knacks adorning the wall and the neon signs in the window, it gives good vibes not only on St. Paddy’s Day but all year long.
Besides the beer, they’ve got a few bites to eat on their menu. So, go for a Guinness and Reuben and stay for a good time this St. Patrick’s Day.
Irish nachos, Reuben quesadillas, Kilkenny Chicken, our mouths are watering thinking about Mulligan’s menu. This Irish pub in Franklin has made a name for itself as the go-to spot for sports, pours of Jameson, and award-winning food. From the bottles lining the walls and the Irish flags displayed proudly, you know they mean business here.
They have 16 beers on tap, local craft brews, and all your Irish favorites. Mulligan’s is a great spot to hang out on St. Paddy’s Day.
O’Brien’s said ‘hold my beer’ when it comes to debates about the most authentic pubs in Milwaukee. It’s the kind of place where you proudly brag to everyone about your 10% Irish ancestry and where your non-Irish friends have FOMO.
This Irish American Pub on Vliet street has all the markers of a great pub: exceptional menu with everyone’s favorite bar foods (including Reuben rolls), the burnt orange paint color and dim lighting, the Guinness flags and classic posters hanging on the walls, and a cozy fireplace. We’ll definitely be coming back here for those Irish vibes.
O’ Donaghue’s on Elm Grove’s main drag looks like it was plucked from the streets of a medieval Irish village and plopped down in the heart of suburbia. It sits in an old stone and wood beam cottage with vines crawling up its sides. It’s the kind of place you stumble upon and wish you found sooner.
O’Donaghue’s has a warm and inviting atmosphere that embraces its Irish roots to help build local camaraderie. From fish fries to Shepherd’s pies, there’s a delicious array of foods to choose from, and on the weekends, you can catch live Irish music. What’s better than sippin’ a beer and tappin’ your foot to some festive Irish tunes?
It’s a true hidden gem and one you’ve got to experience for yourself.