There’s nothing quite like the jovial, spirited vibes of a classic ol’ Irish pub—especially come March 17. Forget trekking into the city in order to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, and instead check out these OTP Irish pubs for your St. Paddy’s shenanigans. Brimming with classic pub fare, Guinness by the gallon (okay, and maybe some green beer, too), these pubs will make you want to bust out your best green digs and shout “Erin go Braugh!”
- Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub An authentic Irish pub experience awaits you at Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub in Milton, where old world charm and a warm ambience welcome you to sit down and enjoy a brew and some grub. Their authentic vibes even won them Irish Pub of the Year by the Irish Pubs Global Federation in 2015 (it was actually the first year an American pub took home the honor). On St. Patrick's Day, March 17, head there to celebrate with an indoor/outdoor bash that includes live music throughout the day—everything from traditional Irish bands to local rock n' roll—food, libations and plenty of Guinness. (You may want to make a note that this event is cash-only, although ATMs will be on site.) Get Old Dog's recipe for Guinness Onion soup here 12650 Crabapple Rd., Milton, 678-624-1090, oldeblinddog.com.
2. Mac McGee Irish Pub
Credit: Jessie Dowd
Credit: Jessie Dowd
A vibrant red exterior and upstairs porch mark the entrance to the cheery and cozy Mac McGee Irish Pub in downtown historic Roswell. You can nosh on Irish pub favorites cooked up in their from-scratch kitchen like shepherd's pie or corned beef hash, then wash them down with a craft cocktail, beer or a selection from their robust whiskey list (they offer more than 150 bottles from around the globe). Join them this Saturday, March 11, for their 2nd Annual MacFestivus and 1/2k Road Race around Heart of Roswell Park. Their ShamROCK in the Park festivities include food and beer trucks, family-friendly activities, Irish dances, live bands, bagpipes and more from noon-6 p.m. in the park, and carrying on through the evening inside the pub. The event is free to the public. For more info, visit macmcgeepubs.com/event/macfestivus.
936 Canton St., Roswell, 770-518- 2866, macmcgeepubs.com.
3. Keegan's Public House
With locations in Kennesaw, Roswell, Vinings and Woodstock, Keegan’s Public House offers a laid-back, friendly atmosphere to celebrate the luck of the Irish. A selection of 20-oz. drafts and bottled beers is available, plus plenty of Irish pub fare, like Banger’s and Mash, a Guinness beer pot pie and even Irish spring rolls stuffed with corned beef, cabbage and Swiss cheese. Keegan’s kicked off the month with drink specials starting on March 1, and will be hosting St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17 at each of its locations, complete with live music (bands vary by location) and $6 Guinness, $5 Smithwicks and $4 Harp.
Various locations, keegansirishpub.net.
4. Johnnie MacCrackens Celtic Firehouse Pub
Located off Marietta Square in an old fire station from the late-1800s, Johnnie MacCrackens Celtic Firehouse Pub is an intimate neighborhood bar with a dimly lit interior and plenty of Irish paraphernalia adorning its walls. They offer more than 70 rotating taps—not to mention the most Belgiums on tap than any bar in the Southeast—and a large menu of pub eats with a special section devoted to “Celtic fare.” Enjoy live music on many nights and their “Irish Happy Hour” from 11 a.m.-3 a.m. (just ask your bartender for any specials that day).
15 Atlanta St. SE, Marietta, 678-290-6641, johnniemaccrackens.com.
5. The Harp Irish Pub
Low-key vibes are the name of the game at The Harp Irish Pub in Roswell, where you can sit back and polish off a pint or two with your friends. Hearty classics like beef and Guinness pie, fish and chips, and corned beef and cabbage are served up alongside beers, whiskey and Guinness Mixes (try the Black Moon, which combines Guinness and Blue Moon). Bonus: this pub is non-smoking!
1425 Market Blvd. #1330, Roswell, 770-645-0118, harpirishpub.com.
- Meehan's Public House With several locations across the city, including an OTP outpost in Sandy Springs, Meehan's Public House is an Irish eatery cooking up a full menu of classic Irish dishes (staples include bangers & mash, shepherd's pie, fish & chips and a corned beef Reuben) for brunch, lunch and dinner. A good selection of beer and live music on weekends make this watering hole worthy of a pit stop on your St. Paddy's Day bar crawl. 227 Sandy Springs Pl., Atlanta, 404-843-8058, meehanspublichouse.com.
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