The best bars don’t always have the biggest crowds or the most recognizable names. Often, the most charming pubs are quietly hidden gems with welcoming atmospheres, intimate entertainment and delicious food and drink. From quaint Irish bars to taverns with a decidedly Western flair, these under-the-radar watering holes offer the kind of experience you’ll never find at any chain bar.
Located in a historic Unitarian church built in 1905, Holy Grale is a temple to good beer and great bites. The bar’s curated menu includes European-inspired dishes like celery root and chive dumplings as well as a range of American farm-to-table options that pair beautifully with the brewery’s impressive beer list.
Barry’s Old School Pub is a laid back neighborhood joint that offers a spirited atmosphere and delicious traditional Irish fare. The menu is rounded out with comforting bites like sticky toffee pudding, corned beef Reuben fritters and potato and herb soup. The bar also features a number of Irish whiskeys, including the famous Jameson.
This Tulsa tavern has the distinction of being one of the oldest Irish pubs in America. Its twee decor and abundance of Irish imagery and bric-a-brac are reminiscent of a traditional Irish pub, but the real draw here is the mouthwatering menu that includes a host of classic Irish dishes, such as fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.
New York City is a hub for world-class drinks and pubs, but none of the city’s establishments made it on to this list of America’s top ten best pubs. Nevertheless, there are several other notable drinkeries worth checking out in the Big Apple, including The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog (#2), Employees Only (#13) and Nomad Bar (#38).
