When it comes to Saint Patrick’s Day in America, everyone celebrates whether they have Hibernian genes or not. We admire the Irish gift of gab, even if some of it is blarney, and it is often in full force after a pint of beer, or two. The pub culture of the Emerald Isle transferred stateside with the numerous immigrants who came to the U.S. in the 1800s, and it continues to be an import wholeheartedly embraced by Americans today.
In Houston, there are a number of bars with varying degrees of Celtic ambiance. Here’s a list to begin the journey. You may happen to see a few faeries along the way.
Pimlico Irish Pub
Established in 2014, this popular Houston pub has a hefty crop of loyal regulars. Owners Tracey and Kevin McElroy received the Guinness Certificate of Excellence in 2016, an honor for Kevin who is a Dublin native and second generation publican. The Meat Mojo steak nights draw in carnivores for ribeye, pork chops, and rack of lamb, and the wood and brick interior sets the stage for a true Irish pub experience. A second location is opening in Shady Acres this summer. 810 Waugh Dr., Houston, pubhouston.com
McGonigel’s Mucky Duck
For more than three decades this live music venue has been slinging pints and welcoming singers from all over the world to perform on its stage. Some of the famous faces include Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, and Ani de Franco. Upcoming acts include Texas notables like Shake Russell, Hamilton Loomis, and Lisa Morales. Each Wednesday night there is Irish session music, so guests can have a true Celtic experience while drinking a cold stout and enjoying a shepherd’s pie or fish and chips. The red-painted walls and Irish memorabilia add to the cozy pub feel. 2425 Norfolk St., Houston, mcgonigels.com
McElroy’s Pub
This pub gives off the vibe of a village local with comfy couches, beer signs, and no pretense. The decor has pretty much remained the same for the past couple of decades, and that’s the way the regulars like it. Opened in 1994 by Dublin native John “Max” McElroy and his wife Valerie, it was the first of their Houston Irish pubs. There’s a back beer garden shaded by oak trees, a pool table, and darts. It meets all the needs of friends looking for a laid-back spot to hangout, drink beer, and shoot the breeze. 3607 S. Sandman St., Houston, mcelroyspub.com
Hugh O’Connors
When two Irishmen get together to create a pub, guests can expect to see Guinness and Irish stew on the menu. In this modern variation, sports are just as important as the drinks and food. Owners David Roche and Peter Kingston have incorporated the charm of an Irish watering hole with the comfort of a sports bar. With a location at the Marq’E and a newer spot on Dincans, guests can choose which one will be their home base for their football team, be it soccer or American. The Marq’E restaurant offers a full menu of appetizers and entrees like boneless buffalo wings and bangers and mash, while the Dincans bar has partnered with nearby On the Kirb for food delivery. Multiple locations, hughoconnors.com
Shay McElroys
The second of the McElroys’ Irish pubs opened in 2003. Its Downtown location, on the ground floor of the historic Rice Hotel building, adds to its character. The wooden 19th century bar was imported from Ireland, and its juxtaposition against exposed brick walls transports guests to another place in time. Not surprisingly, it is a popular stop among late night revelers. There is a good selection of whiskey and a dozen or so beers on draft, plus a full bar. When it gets packed, guests spill out onto its front patio, which makes for some interesting people watching. 900 Texas Ave., Houston, shaymcelroys.com
Johnny McElroy’s
The third iteration in the McElroy’s Irish pub empire opened in 2016. A little more modern than its older sister locations, it features a large outdoor space with picnic tables, couches, and TVs for game watching. It has a food menu of bar snacks, sandwiches, burgers, and pizza, plus a reasonably-priced cocktail list for those burnt out on stout. Try the Irish gin and tonic. For beer lovers, there are dozens of brews, imported and local, on tap. 1223 Waugh Dr., Houston, johnnymcelroys.com
Ducky McShweeney’s Pub
In an enclave of high-end Galleria shops and restaurants, this Irish sports bar is a bit of an oasis for those looking for a casual place to hangout. The food menu is impressive with fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and raved-about pizzas. Guests can even order from its sister sushi concept next door, Sushi on Post Oak. While a little less traditional than many Irish watering holes, there are a couple of dart boards, a shuffleboard game, and a mix of loungey seating, which gives it a homey feel. 2025 PostOak Blvd., Houston, duckymcshweeneys.com
The Blue Rooster Irish Pub & Grill
Though it’s only been open for a few months, this new restaurant and bar is getting thumbs up for its cuisine, especially the fish and chips and homemade shepherd’s pie. There are several Irish beers on tap including Harp, Guinness, and Kilkenny Red, which are $5 on Tuesday nights. Patrons have also been loving its Jameson Old Fashioned. The bar has Sunday darts tournaments and karaoke every Thursday evening. 19187 Northwest Fwy., Houston, blueroosterpub.com
Mo’s Irish Pub
More of a chain restaurant, Mo’s offers an Irish pub feel for those in the suburbs who don’t want to trek into town for a pint and beer-battered fish. The live music alone is a reason to check it out, with local bands like the Spiccolis and Dem Roots taking the stage on occasion. The music may not be Celtic, but there’s plenty of Irish memorabilia adorning the walls and its St. Paddy’s Day celebrations can get pretty wild. Multiple locations, mosirishpub.com
Finn McCool’s Irish Bar
Located in the Energy Corridor, this pub offers more than just a place to have a cool drink. There is always something going on, such as darts tournaments, karaoke, trivia nights, and pool playing. Both NFL and Premiere League games can be viewed on one of its many TVs. Food isn’t offered, but the bar shares the shopping center with Hungry Howie’s, and guests are welcome to bring in outside food. 1127 Eldridge Pkwy., Houston, finnmccoolshtx.com
Keneally’s Irish Pub
Founded in 1983 by John Cotter Flowers, this white brick public house has been a fixture of the city for decades. Flowers and his wife, Sheila, not only created a friendly neighborhood bar, but they introduced Chicago-style thin crust pizza to patrons. Flowers passed away in 2013, but his wife and daughter continue his legacy. Along with the popular pies, there is a corned beef sandwich, which is a tasty pairing with Guinness. If the inside gets packed, there’s always the outside deck. 2111 S. Shepherd Dr., Houston, irishpubkeneallys.com
