Happy St.Patrick’s Day one and all!
SLAINTÈ!!
BEST IRISH BAR SF: CASEMENTS
I am giving this pronouncement to a modern Irish Bar - Casements on Mission Street in San Francisco. Guinness on tap, an extensive Irish Whisky list and killer cocktails make Casements the spot with its massive patio garden. There’s more on top of that - the authentic Irish feel, the warm staff and the food, the food, the food! Get the addictive prawn crackers, the perfect fish and chips or the warm-your-Irish-heart Beef and Guinness stew. Check their online schedule for the full list of music and more over St.Patrick’s weekend March 14 through March 17. SLAINTÊ to Casements and to owners Gillian and Sean.
BEST IRISH WHISKY
Boann Distillery emerged as a double award winner at the prestigious Icons of Whisky Ireland Awards 2025, held recently in Dublin. The family-owned Meath distillery was honored with Distiller of the Year in the Producer Category and Production Team of the Year in the People Category, cementing its reputation as a leader in the Irish whisky industry. I had a tasting recently with distiller Harry Evans and, yes, the Irish pot still whisky lives up to the hype. Cheers.
BEST EAST BAY IRISH BAR
There is so much to love about SLAINTÊ off Jack London Square in Oakland. Like Casements in San Francisco - it’s the real deal where good conversation and the smell of that full Irish breakfast fills the air. The staff are friendly and know how to pull the perfect pint of Guinness. They also boast a nice outdoor patio so you can get your Irish on, al fresco.
BEST IRISH SPORTS BAR:
DUBLINER, San Francisco is my neighborhood spot in Noe Valley, San Francisco. Owned by an Irish-American family, this Noe bar has a good vibe, and in normal times is the best spot to watch sports. There are TVs at every turn, and soon enough we shall gather and watch games there once again. The beer garden also makes the Dubliner unique and special.
MOST IRISH OF TOWNS
DUBLIN, CA - What’s in a name? Everything, and the East Bay city of Dublin has embraced its Emerald Isle connection. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a highlight on the city’s calendar. This year’s parade will be virtual. Get your green on, log on and say “SLAINTÊ!“
BEST SMALLTOWN IRISH PUB:
I have been popping into Murphy’s for a pint for twenty years and more. Located just off the main square in Sonoma, this spot is known for its really good grub and they pour a stellar pint of the black stuff - Guinness, the dark Irish stout. They have all the faves here: fish and chips, Irish stew and the house made Shepherd’s Pie. Their music nights will be back - another reason Murphy’s is so special. Cheers Murphy’s.
BEST IRISH VIBE
McTEAGUES, San Francisco - This authentic Polk Street bar attracts the younger crowd in usual times and they come for the perfect pour, the food and the special events and music.
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