Be transported to a land of Irish whiskey at these Boston bars
We got together with Jameson Irish whiskey, Ireland’s most famous distiller, to help round up some of our favorite bars to sip on a glass of the best brown stuff. From live music at Druid to indoor food trucks at Coppersmith, we're pretty sure you’ll have the type of night where strangers become friends, and friends become family.
And if you don't feel like barhopping, click here to get a bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey delivered to your doorstep.
In a 19th-century warehouse just a stone’s throw from the Broadway T stop, Coppersmith pairs an industrial-chic aesthetic with approachable, diverse comfort food. And a roof deck. And indoor food trucks. Should we go on? 40 W 3rd St, Boston (212-219-2688, coppersmithboston.com)
It’s friendly, it’s lively and the walls are a monument to Boston’s love affair with baseball. While the story of the property dates to an Irishman’s 1894 saloon, it was the leader of the Dropkick Murphys who resurrected it in 2008. Yup, that’s right—you’re in Irish Boston nirvana right now. 911 Boylston St, Boston (617-262-0911, mcgreevysboston.com)
Tucked away in the heart of Inman Square, the intimate Druid is an all-day gathering spot for locals, with the added quirk of ghostly Halloween decorations that just never came down. It’s hard to get closer to Éire this side of the ocean than tucked up sipping a Jameson during their twice-weekly authentic Irish sessions. 1357 Cambridge St, Cambridge (617-497-0965, druidpub.com)
With the coziness and colonial decor that comes with being American’s oldest tavern (since 1795!) coupled with a modernized interior, it’s no wonder the Bell in Hand is one of Boston’s most well-loved bars. Though there’s music most evenings, the ingenious layout (it’s somehow bigger on the inside) means you can generally find a quiet spot to linger over your Jameson. 45 Union St, Boston (617-227-2098, bellinhand.com)
Devotees of this South Boston eatery swear by the wood-fired pizza, though that fire is put to good use elsewhere on the menu too (wood-grilled pork chop, anyone?). Between the industrial exposed-brick aesthetic and seriously long bar, you don’t even need to be hungry to enjoy yourself. 425 West Broadway, South Boston (617-765-8636, lincolnsouthboston.com)
This Park Plaza establishment is a big space but feels quite cozy, thanks to thoughtfully divided rooms and the liberal use of wood and golden lighting. The broad menu offers hearty options to refuel you if it turns out you can’t make do on Jameson alone. 27 Columbus Ave, Boston (617-482-2255, mjoconnors.com)
This charming Haymarket stalwart is liberal with Gaelic decor and maintains an authentic feel even in the middle of tourist season. Also, they do a proper fry-up if you crawled to a few too many pubs the night before. 160 State St, Boston (617-742-2286, blackroseboston.com)
Fun fact: This pub was literally built in Ireland before being dismantled and put back together in Boston. How’s that for an authentic Irish spot? The warm welcome and enthusiastically attended soccer screenings are an added touch—just the right kind of ambiance to sip on Jameson Caskmates, the famed whiskey finished in stout-seasoned barrels. 2 Center Plaza, Boston (617-742-5577, classicirish.com)
Located in an 1887 police station, this Back Bay spot feels anchored in history while appealing to a modern crowd with its updated take on hearty comfort food classics (Reuben egg rolls, anyone?) that pair well with the hints of cocoa in Jameson Caskmates. Between the inviting, open layout and seasonal patio, Dillon’s is clearly best enjoyed with a group of friends. 955 Boylston St, Boston (617-421-1818, dillonsboston.com)
A wee amber-lit space greets you when you walk in to Lir. While the upstairs can accommodate large groups, sipping your Jameson by the lively and well-stocked bar is the best way to enjoy this authentic Irish pub. 903 Boylston St, Boston (617-778-0089, lironboylston.com)