In a metropolis so dominated by Irish pubs that theymade a show about it , it ’s not always comfortable to play favorites – or to keep your best-loved Irish taphouse from turning into a free - for - all every weekend . Your gang might not be as rowdy asTheGang , and you might not have a Frank and Charlie passing - out - on - the - same - pullout - couch type of bromance , but there are plenty ofreal lifethings to hold onto , like these Irish bars worth go to no matter the chaos spirit level .
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
McGillin ’s is quick to remind you that it ’s one of the oldest bars in the country , open its doors in 1860 , the same year Abraham Lincoln was elect . You may be hard - pressed to find any breathable standing / walking / sitting space on a weekend night , but it ’s also one of the only places in the US where you may get an O’Hara ’s Irish Stout , brew in Ireland . Even on karaoke Nox , cue yourself that if this position survived ban , you could come through tone - deaf renditions of the Spice Girls .
Fergie’s Pub
Fergie ’s chip off a number of quintessential things you desire from your neighborhood Irish dive : gin mill fare , local beer , unrecorded medicine , and twice - a - workweek quizzo . The live medicine can either entail locals stepping up on open mic Nox , or traditional Irish medicine performed every Saturday . Fergie ’s also manages to volunteer a handful of vegan options ( hello , seitan fender ) , which is not something you often chance in pubs like these .
The Irish Pol
The Irish Pōl latterly moved emplacement to make elbow room for a new 40 - pat arrangement and a downstairs Bourbon dynasty and spirits area . All the other things that make this pothouse one of the best – such as live mustard wings – also come along for the ride . Though the newfangled space is still readapting to get hold the character that regulars associated with the original , it does n’t injure that $ 5 flight - and - bite night are now part of the equation .
Hilltown Tavern
Formerly the Brickhouse before it was torn down to make path for the quaint Irish tavern it is today , Hilltown is a prissy break from the thickly settled bars on Main St or Ridge . maneuver over when the warm weather is in full golf shot to snag some clutch outdoor seating room and Hilltown ’s rendering of Cancer fries .
McCloskey’s Tavern
One of the Main Line ’s honest-to-goodness establishment is the family - hunt down McCloskey ’s , which opened when Irishman Pat McCloskey bought it in 1934 . Alternating beers on tap are heavy on Irish , German , and Belgian brewage , and the menu does not disappoint , with pan - crust tomato , burgers , and traditional transportation like shepherd ’s pie and fish & crisp .
McNally’s Tavern
McNally ’s opened in the ' 20s as a pit stop for travelers and operator on the Route 23 trolley , eventually give the world its signature , now - legendary Schmitter , a steak & grill salami sandwich , in the mid ' sixty . All the other things you want and need in a tavern – tons of plump sandwiches , and tons of beers on rap – are also rich here .
For Pete’s Sake
Pete ’s is heralded by local anaesthetic for its dedicated servers and surprisingly packed menu for such a little kitchen . Whether you cool down at the bar to watch a biz or sit outside and people look on , please , please , please stress not to say “ For Pete ’s Sake ! ” more than one or two metre .
Moriarty’s
Here are some things you should know about Moriarty ’s : one , on more than one occasion , you might notice yourself place upright outside waiting for a table . Two , if you order the wings , on zero social function will the wait not be worth it . attend around for the Guinness beef stew and 30 beer on tap .
The Bards
The Bards stress to capture the same camaraderie and friendliness for which Ireland ’s pothouse are so admired . This rule helps produce one of the region ’s safe watering holes . An ambience that ’s casual but not muddy , lively but not so garish you ca n’t have a conversation , make it a go - to on your taphouse crawl .
O’Neals Pub
There are few things the folks at O’Neals love more than the regular and the Phillies . Even for first - time visitant , though , it ’s hard not to find at home drink a beer order from the protracted bottle list on the back porch . you could also test the seasonal Irish beef fret if you ’re craving a traditional bite .
St. Stephen’s Green
The Bishop ’s Collar , The Black Sheep Pub , and ( the now - defunct ) Dark Horse Pub are all Philly pubs not to be overlooked , but think of St. Stephen ’s Green as the ultra - Irish culmination of them all . The owners of those pubs join force , putting beer at the forefront in 12 tap and more than 50 bottles ranging from microbrews to imports to local darling . The seven - high mallow Irish Sir Francis Bacon grill cheese is worth a try , and brunch alerting : There is brunch . You make out brunch .
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The Irish Pol
Hilltown Tavern
McNally’s Tavern Chestnut Hill
Moriarty’s Restaurant/Irish Pub
The Bards
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