Boston's Best 2014 St. Patrick's Day Bars
Flann O'Brien's
1619 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02120
(617) 566-7744
www.flanns.com
Two words: Irish nachos. Sure, it may seem like a conundrum or oxymoron to some, but this is indeed a dish over at Flann O'Brien's, an Irish pub favorite located in the Mission Hill neighborhood in Boston. The casual atmosphere, warm fireplace and impressive food menu, featuring a popular steak tip special and the aforementioned "Irish nachos," make Flann O'Brien's a popular joint at any time of day, but especially on St. Patty's Day. An early start here is heartily recommended.
The Squealing Pig
134 Smith St.
Boston, MA 02120
(617) 566-6651
www.squealingpigboston.com
The Squealing Pig is also located in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston and also presents a comfortable, approachable atmosphere for a St. Patrick's Day pub crawl, despite the joint's wild-sounding name, which almost makes it more suitable to something out of a horror movie. The Squealing Pig is another popular spot for the Mission Hill crowd, yet this joint's expansive beer selection of both import and domestic brews makes the likely St. Patty's line worth the wait...especially for picky drinkers.
The Black Rose
160 State St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-2286
www.blackroseboston.com
The Black Rose, or the "Rosin Dubh" in ancient Gaelic, is an Irish pub of the classic tradition; a place where football is as likely on the TV as Thin Lizzy and The Pogues will be on the jukebox, and where visitors are virtually guaranteed an authentically good time this St. Patrick's Day. Traditional, comforting Irish meals, think corned beef, cabbage and all of the trimmings, meet together with stoutly poured Guinness and the presence of traditional Irish music combos to make a trip to The Black Rose as real as it gets.
McGreevy's
911 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617)-262-0911
www.mcgreevysboston.com
McGreevy's is owned by members of the famed Celtic rock band Dropkick Murphys and prides itself on serving up one of the best, and most unpredictably raucous, St. Patrick's Day parties. Indeed, McGreevy's is guaranteed to be packed to the gills on this night with tourists, townies and visitors of all sorts, indulging in green beer, rowdy conversation and boisterous action. This is a place best suited to either Boston newcomers or the insanely curious, promising a night one won't soon forget.
The Crossing
1592 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02120
(617) 487-4851
www.thecrossingbar.com
The Crossing is a sporty Boston dive that is perfectly suited for late-night St. Patrick's Day shenanigans, due primarily to this Tremont Street joint's affordability. Because let's face it: after a long time of carousing, low price and low maintenance are the names of the game to end things on a high note. The Crossing also offers a number of equally affordable comfort food options to soak up all of that green beer, including filling pizza, sandwich and burger options. This place is likely to be nicely balanced between out of towners and local alike, so why not check it out?
George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.