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Assuming you're not a complete drowning-in-dyed-booze masochist, you're probably skipping the chaotic Erin Express on March 17. But that doesn't mean you can't throw on your best kelly green top and suck down at Smithwick's or six while belting out your best "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" — St. Paddy's Day fun without the amateur-hour idiocy. Check out just a few of the Irish pubs Philly has to offer. Sláinte!
When I hear people cheekingly talking about a "proper pint," I immediately think of Bards. The beer's cold, the Irish-born owners are warm and welcoming and the food on the underrated end, too — check the "Full Irish" breakfast, which'll fill you up all day.
All beers are available in half pours, if you wanna delay the inevitable a little bit. Always some great live art here too: music, theater, open mic, etc.
Far enough off South Street to avoid (most of) the dummies, O'Neal's is a super-friendly, down-to-earth neighborhood pub that flies its tricolour proudly.
While it's close enough to wind-sprint to Rittenhouse Square, Black Sheep has the unique distinction of seeming far removed from the Center City bustle. It has plenty to do with the warm, slightly creaky but altogether charming environs, overseen by smiling staffers quick with a tap handle.
If you're itching to Irish up your evening in the odd tweener blocks separating Center City and University City, look no further than Slainte. Belly up to the pretty polished-wood bar to boozily escape to the UK, well-represented both on tap and in bottles.
Named after an infamous Limerickman with a penchant for outlandish betting, Con Murphy's centralized Parkway location makes it popular with visitors. But anyone, locals included, can take advantage of the multi-floor pub's many hidden nooks/crannies, plus its unorthodox, more-than-just-shepherd's pie menu.
The name might scream Emerald Isle, but there is actually plenty of diversity as far as the food and beer at this Reading Terminal rest stop. Great place to kick off a day-drinking marathon.
