How to find the best Irish pubs

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By WordWhizKid
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There are many brightly colored pubs in Ireland.

Irish pubs are a fun place to enjoy a drink, catch up with friends or have a bite to eat. In Ireland, the many pubs offer a laid back gathering place. In the U.S., there are many great Irish pubs but some are not very Irish, some are too expensive or upscale, and some just don't have much on the menu. To find the best Irish pubs for St. Patrick's Day or any other time of year, follow these quick tips:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Laid back attitude

Step 1

Check out what's on tap. The best Irish pubs will have Irish beer on tap such as Murphy's, Guiness, Harp or Smithwick's. Draft beer is important because it offers a smooth, less bubbly taste than bottled beer, and Irish beer tends to be heavier and smoother than American beer. If you really want the Irish pub experience, try one of the Irish beers on tap.
Step 2

Check out the atmosphere. The best Irish pubs aren't the ones that are really expensive or in the hippest part of town but are more casual, laid back places where you can enjoy great conversation without worrying if your shoes exactly match your belt or if you can afford to eat. Some of the best Irish pubs also play Irish music and have live performances such as Irish fiddling.
Step 3

Check out the food. Fish and chips is classic Irish pub grub, and if the place doesn't have good fish and chips, you might want to try somewhere else. Other popular Irish fare includes sea food, potatoes, soda bread and Irish stew.

Tips & Warnings

Here's a funny Irish toast perfect for the pub: "Morning is the time to pity the sober. The way they're feeling then is the best they're going to feel all day."

Resources

How to Bartend Like a Pro

Comments

izzytellsall said

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on 5/20/2009 Thanks for the tips on finding Irish pubs--I'll keep this handy for next St. Paddy's Day!

bossypants said

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on 4/26/2009 Love the toast! A real Irish pub is a great treat and it's especially fun to try the more unusual dishes. Thanks for the tips for finding authentic Irish!