The 10 Best Irish Bars in San Diego
Hey there, San Diego! Feeling lucky? You should be because we’ve got some seriously amazing Irish pubs right in our backyard!
Whether you’re craving a perfectly poured pint of Guinness (it’s all in the 119.5-second pour, folks), some stick-to-your-ribs Irish grub, or just want to experience that famous Irish hospitality without the transatlantic flight, we’ve scoured the city for the best spots to get your Irish on.
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 (Guinness stew, Shepherd’s pie, corned beef & cabbage), the Whiskey Chicken Boxty (potato pancake, Irish cheddar, Jameson cream sauce), or the Fish & Chips (Harp beer battered cod, tartar sauce). And don’t miss their Full Irish Breakfast on weekends!
📍 544 5th Ave, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here
The Ould Sod – Normal Heights
The Adams Avenue pub has been serving Irish beer and whiskey since 1989, and they’ve absolutely nailed the authentic Irish pub atmosphere.
Must-tries include the Snakebite (Guinness on top of pear cider) and their famous perfectly poured Guinness – regularly voted the best in San Diego. Bonus: They’ve got a fantastic outdoor patio for those classic San Diego evenings when it’s just too beautiful to be inside.
📍 3373 Adams Ave, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here
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.
When it comes to drinks, regulars swear by the perfectly poured Guinness and the Redbreast Irish Whiskey – plus classic cocktails like a Manhattan if you’re in the mood for something different!
📍 5617 Balboa Ave, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here
O’Sullivan’s – Escondido
North County folks, this one’s for you! O’Sullivan’s is the Irish jewel of Escondido, founded by Dennis O’Sullivan – a lawyer by day, legendary “Publican” by night. He’s so good at running this pub that he’s been crowned “Publican of the Year” by the Irish Pubs Global Association.
Fan favorites include the Seafood Boxty (salmon, cod & scallops in a potato pancake with cream sauce), Corned Beef Mac & Cheese, and Fish & Chips. To wash it down, choose from 14 beers on tap or their impressive selection of 18 single malt Scotches and 16 Irish whiskies – the largest in North San Diego County!
📍 118 E Grand Ave, Escondido
ℹ️ More info here
Hooley’s Irish Pub – El Cajon
Hooley’s Public House is a San Diego staple that’s been serving up authentic Irish pub vibes since St. Patrick’s Day, 1999. Founded by Craig MacDonald after falling in love with Ireland’s pub culture, Hooley’s has become one of the city’s most beloved Irish bars.
Don’t leave without trying the Hooleys Famous Corned Beef Tacos (corn tortilla, cheddar, shredded cabbage), the Shepherd’s Pie Boxty (potato pancake, ground beef, carrots & gravy), or the Fish & Chips (beer battered cod, tartar sauce). Save room for the #1 most-liked item – the Butterscotch Bread Pudding!
📍 2955 Jamacha Rd Suite 21A, El Cajon
ℹ️ More info here
Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub – Gaslamp
Patrick’s has been serving Guinness and live music seven nights a week in the Gaslamp since 1933 – long enough to be considered an institution in San Diego!
The bar was acquired by Good Time Design in 2022, adding it to the growing portfolio of one of San Diego’s most successful restaurant and bar operators. Known for their $5 Perfect Pint of Guinness, a $10 cocktail menu, and the famous Pat’s Craic Shots. Happy hour runs daily from open until 7 PM.
📍 428 F St, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here
Stout Public House – Downtown
Can’t decide between watching the hockey game or getting your Irish fix? At Stout, you don’t have to choose! This downtown favorite is known for being both a top-notch Irish bar AND the best place to catch hockey in the city.
Their Guinness Beef Stew in a bread bowl is a must, along with the Chicken Pot Pie (flaky puff pastry, rich stew filling) and the Stout Burger (half-pound Angus beef, sesame seed bun). Wash it down with one of their 15 beers on tap – the Guinness pour is among the finest in San Diego!
📍 1125 Sixth Ave, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here
Mc P’s Irish Pub – Coronado
Founded in 1982 by former Navy SEAL Greg McPartlin, Mc P’s Irish Pub has served Coronado with the heartiest food, drink, and entertainment for almost 44 years, earning repeated Best of Coronado Awards.
Fan favorites include the Irish Fries with Guinness Gravy, Fish Tacos, and the Clam Chowder Sourdough Bowl – all best enjoyed on their famous dog-friendly “Paddy-O” patio. Don’t miss the Bloody Mary to wash it all down, and be sure to raise a glass to the military men and women who frequent the pub!
📍 1107 Orange Ave, Coronado
ℹ️ More info here
Rosie O’Grady’s – Normal Heights
You can tell a good bar by the number of locals that consider it a second home. Rosie O’Grady’s has a lot of loyal fans. Pop in and you might just find yourself becoming a regular after one visit!
Must-tries include the Guinness Fish & Chips, Cheesy Potato Cakes, and the fan-favorite Grown-Up Grilled Cheese. On the drinks side, choose from over 70 beers – including plenty of local craft favorites – or sip on a cocktail while catching live music. Never a cover charge!
📍 3402 Adams Ave, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here
Long Story Irish Pub – Point Loma
With a name like “Long Story,” you know there’s got to be a good tale behind this Point Loma pub. But we’ll let you discover that for yourself over a pint or two!
Don’t leave without trying their famous Irish Egg Rolls (corned beef, cabbage & carrots in a buttery wrapper – basically a fried Reuben!), the Fish & Chips, or the Shepherd’s Pie. Wash it down with a perfectly poured Guinness or pick from their solid selection of Irish whiskeys and local craft beers.
📍 4204 Voltaire St, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here
Stop in any one of these bars for a pint of Guinness and enjoy the hospitality of the Irish!
See you there, San Diego!
