Every city and town in America seems to have its own pub, though not all are created equal. Often, the best pubs aren’t the loudest or most popular bars—instead, these hidden gems offer welcoming atmospheres and intimate entertainment you can’t find at bigger establishments.
For example, The Burren in Boston checks all the right boxes for an Irish pub, including live music and hearty eats. It’s the favorite watering hole of older Tufts students, dudes who moved to the area from Cambridge to save money on rent even though it’s not really that much cheaper, and anyone else looking for a night out that celebrates Irish culture (and a great burger).
The Black Horse London Pub in San Francisco is another pub worth checking out. It’s known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere and delicious bites, like sticky toffee pudding and corned beef Reuben fritters. It also serves breakfast and has its own annual Irish festival, complete with music, craft vendors, dancing, and food and drink.
Similarly, Finn’s Tavern in New Orleans is a true locals’ bar. It may take its Irish knickknacks a little too far (a telephone booth for leprechauns outside, for example), but its free live music on weekends and proper drafts keep people coming back for more. Plus, it’s located in a historically Irish neighborhood that boasts its own traffic light—with green up top and red down bottom, the result of a fight between Irish kids who wanted to keep the red above the green after the British left during World War I.
