They say everyone is a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re looking to go out and embrace this heritage (temporary or not) the North Shore has plenty of options for Irish food, music, and, of course, Guinness. Here are six of our favorites:
The Indo, Beverly
The vibe: With dark wood paneling, a fireplace, cozy seating nooks, and expansive front windows, the Indo is the ideal place to watch the world go by as you settle in for a pint and a bite. No reservations accepted for St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s 21+ after 5 p.m.
The food: The regular menu is packed with pub food classics and the St. Patrick’s Day menu ups the Irish, adding sausage and potato soup, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef and cabbage to the offering.
Guinness on tap? Yes.
298 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-969-2008, theindopub.com
Bunratty Tavern, Reading
The vibe: Owned by a Dublin native and accomplished Irish step dancer, Bunratty Tavern aims to transport visitors to the Emerald Isle with its striking bar, live Irish music, and warm hospitality. A lineup of Irish music all St. Patrick’s Day weekend keeps the spirit festive. No reservations accepted all weekend, and Sunday is 21+.
The food: In addition to offering up plenty of Irish standards (full Irish breakfast for dinner or bangers and mash, anyone?), the creative menu adds an Irish inflection to pub food classics. Consider the shepherd’s pie potato skins or the Tavern tacos with corned beef.
Guinness on tap? Absolutely.
620 Main St., Reading, 781-779-8245, bunrattytavern.com
Peddler’s Daughter, Haverhill
The vibe: Tucked down a flight of stairs among the bricked downtown mill buildings, The Peddler’s Daughter offers the most authentic atmosphere you can find this side of County Clare. The walls and shelves are crowded with photos and memorabilia that amp up the Irish charm. The pub promises a day of shenanigans – their word – on March 17, including morning “kegs and eggs,” corned beef starting at 11 a.m. and lots of live music.
The food: Cottage pie and Guinness beef stew are offered up alongside BLTs and flatbread, so diners can choose how Irish the want their pub fare to be. Cocktails like the Wired Irish Woman – which combines Faber cold brew vodka, Irish cream, and cold brew coffee – offer a modern twist on Irish libations.
Guinness on tap? Of course.
45 Wingate St., Haverhill, 978-372-9555, thepeddlersdaughter.com
Irish Cottage, Methuen
The vibe: Helmed by owners and managers from Sligo and Galway, this restaurant is as Irish as it gets. Stone facing on the exterior, warm colors on the walls, and plenty of dark wood create a welcoming atmosphere. The walls are loaded with knick-knacks and decor evoking Ireland, from packages of favorite foods to polished copper kettles.
The food: For a taste of Ireland try the traditional boiled dinner, the Irish chicken curry, or the bangers and mash topped with Batchelor’s Irish baked beans. For a modern spin on Celtic flavors, consider the Irish spring rolls stuffed with corned beef, sauerkraut and swiss cheese.
Guinness on tap? Aye.
17 Branch St., Methuen, 978-208-4347, theirishcottagepub.com
O’Neill’s Pub and Restaurant, Salem
The vibe: Irish music ever Friday and Saturday, and a crowd of dedicated regulars give O’Neill’s a homey character reminiscent of the local pubs found in every Irish town. The celebration starts early at O’Neill’s: Doors open at 8 a.m. on St. Patrick’s Day so revelers can fuel up with a full Irish breakfast. Live Irish music starts at 2 p.m.
The food: You could go traditional with bangers and mash or fish and chips, or try a creative take of Irish flavors with the shepherd’s pie rangoon or the Irish nachos – waffle-cut fries loaded with corned beef, cheese, bacon, and Thousand Island dressing.
Guinness on tap? Clearly.
120 Washington St., Salem, 978-740-8811, oneillsofsalem.com
The Port Tavern, Newburyport
The vibe: A sprawling fireplace keeps guests warm on chilly days and outdoor seating lets them bask in the fresh air as spring arrives. Irish step dancing, fiddling, and ballads will keep the mood going on March 17.
The food: The St. Patrick’s Day menu will be offering up Irish breakfast in the morning, followed by Guinness beef stew, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef and cabbage, as well as Irish-influenced choices like reuben tots topped with corned beef brisket, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese coulis.
Guinness on tap? You could probably guess by now, but the answer is an emphatic yes.
84 State St., Newburyport, 978-465-1006, theporttavern.com