The Ten Best Irish Bars In San Diego
Eat + Drink We've never met an Irish bar we didn't like, but if we have to pick ten...
by Abby Walker Get ready to experience the luck of the Irish with a pint of Guinness and a bite of traditional Irish grub at any one of the best Irish bars in San Diego – we’ve got ten of them picked out for you!
The Field Irish Pub – Gaslamp
For a truly authentic Irish experience where you’ll hear an accent from everyone on staff, visit The Field in the Gaslamp. Each piece of their decor has been shipped directly from Ireland to recreate a turn-of-the-century Irish pub. For a taste of Ireland, try the Irish sampler, which includes Guinness stew, Shepherd’s pie, corned beef & cabbage, or give the whiskey chicken boxty (a homemade potato pancake) a whirl.
Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub – Gaslamp
Patrick’s opened shortly after Prohibition ended in the 1930s and has proudly served as an Irish bar for more than 75 years. Add this historical landmark to your list of Irish bars to visit and be sure to try one of their Irish drinks, like the Irish Car Bomb or the Shamrock Shot. No food is served here, but happy hour goes until 8pm daily.
Dublin Square Irish Pub & Grill – Gaslamp
Modeled after the pubs of Ireland, Dublin Square is about as close to an actual Irish pub as you can get without a trip overseas. It even has a sister pub in Ireland! If you’re a fan of either the English Premier League or the UEFA Champions League, you’ll want to head here to watch a game too! Stop by for happy hour Monday to Friday from 2pm to 7pm for a $6 Irish coffee.
The Ould Sod – Normal Heights
The Adams Avenue pub has been serving Irish beer and whiskey since 1989 and has captured the essence of a true Irish bar. Stop by to partake in an Irish whiskey for just $4.50 on Saturdays until 6pm or all day on Sundays. Want the really good stuff? You can also get $2 off premium Irish whiskey! If Irish music is more to your liking, visit between 7pm and 11pm on Tuesday nights for a traditional Irish jam session.
Blarney Stone Pub – Clairemont
While the Blarney Stone’s strip mall location may not look like your standard Irish pub, the flowing pints of Guinness and a live band that is known to play rowdy Irish drinking songs will quickly have you singing its praises. Be sure to eat beforehand as you won’t find any food on the menu at this pub.
O’Sullivan’s – Carlsbad and Escondido
O’Sullivan’s is the go-to option for the North County Irish pub scene, with locations in both Carlsbad and Escondido. Founded by Dennis O’Sullivan, a practicing lawyer that is also the ‘Publican’ of both locations, and has been honored as the ‘Publican of the Year’ by the Irish Pubs Global Association.
Hooley’s Irish Pub – El Cajon and La Mesa
With two locations in San Diego, Hooley’s Irish Pub doubles the fun! Both pubs feature authentic decor from Ireland, including polished brass whiskey stills and old church pews that have been repurposed to create the bar. Celebrate Irish Thursdays at Hooley’s with $5 Irish beers and $5 off boxty plates or visit on the weekend to experience a traditional Irish breakfast.
Oscar Wilde’s Irish Gastropub – Hillcrest
Owned by two Irishmen, it should come as no surprise that this Irish pub is one of the best in San Diego. Although it’s only been around for a couple of years, it’s already making a name for itself. Try the Shepherd’s pie, either the traditional beef variety or the vegetarian version with lentils, kale and mushrooms, or indulge in a scoop of Guinness ice cream!
Stout Public House – Downtown
Not only is Stout Public House known for being a go-to Irish bar downtown, but it’s also at the top of the list of places to watch hockey games in the city. With a daily happy hour from 4pm to 8pm that features select $4 pints and a menu with traditional Irish food, you’ll feel like you’re practically in Ireland!
McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon – Gaslamp
Ok, it may not be the most authentic Irish bar in town, but it may qualify as the rowdiest. A franchise of the New York City original, it’s known as ‘The Wildest Irish Pub on Earth’. A perfect fit for those looking for a Gaslamp party destination.
Stop in any one of these bars for a pint of Guinness and enjoy the hospitality of the Irish!
See you there!