It’s time to break out the green clothes and shamrock swag — St. Patrick’s Day is near.
From attending festive parades to cooking up corned beef and cabbage, there are many ways to celebrate. If you’re looking to spend St. Patrick’s Day the Irish way, grab a pint (or two, or three) at a local Irish pub.
We’ve rounded up cozy bars and traditional pubs where you can raise a glass of Guinness, snack on Irish fare, and have great craic. 🍻
🍀 The Field Irish Pub | 544 5th Ave.
This downtown San Diego bar + restaurant has been around for 25 years and is known for its traditional Irish fare — from shepherd’s pie and Guinness beef stew, to fish and chips and corned beef + cabbage. The Irish draft brew selection is gold here: Guinness, Harp lager, Smithwicks Ale, Kilkenny Irish Ale and many more. Ask for the beer mixers, too.
Everything’s coming up Rosie’s at this Normal Heights hangout. | Photo via @drink_sandiego
🍀 Rosie O’Grady’s | 3402 Adams Ave.
This Normal Heights watering hole has been going strong since 1983. The menu features Irish cocktails + food — but it’s the vibrant atmosphere + live music for us.
🍀 The Ould Sod | 3372 Adams Ave.
Another Normal Heights staple, this is one of those comfortable neighborhood spots that just feels like home. It’s been around since 1989 under its current name (and since 1940 in other iterations), and bills itself as “San Diego’s most authentic Irish pub.” Naturally, this means the beer + whiskey lists are epic.
Inside O’Brien’s in Kearny Mesa. | Photo via @obrienspubsd
🍀 O’Brien’s Pub | 4646 Convoy St.
Established in 1994, this Kearny Mesa bar + restaurant prides itself on its pub grub and 28-tap craft beer list — with new tappings weekly.
🍀 O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub | 118 E. Grand Ave.
Friendly service, Irish fayre (we see you, Guinness Banger) + live music add to the ambience at this Escondido pub in San Diego’s North County.
The glow of The Ould Sod on Adams Avenue. | Photo via @mrfatfacephotography
🍀 McP’s Irish Pub | 1107 Orange Ave.
Founded in 1982, this Coronado Island pub features a cozy indoor set-up (with a stage for live music) and dog-friendly patio. With 19 big screen TVs, it’s a great place to catch sporting events. The menu features Guinness mixer favorites (Black and Tan, anyone?) and Irish coffee, as well as lots of traditional Irish fare in “wee” size + sharable options.
☘️ Blarney Stone Pub | 5617 Balboa Ave.
This Clairemont pub has been around since 1978, and offers live music Wednesday-Sunday.
☘️ Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub | 428 F St.
This downtown San Diego pub is beloved for its drinks — including its Irish Whiskey Flight of Favorites — and its live music scene.
📍 Looking to take your St. Paddy’s celebrations to the next level? Use this map to plan a pub crawl with your buddies.
