20 Irish and British Pubs in Greater Cincinnati to Raise a Pint
It doesn't have to be St. Patrick's Day for you to enjoy a perfectly poured Guinness or a plate of crispy fish and chips — or fries, if you want to be American about it. Greater Cincinnati is largely known for its German heritage, but we've got plenty of Irish roots and culture here too. And part of Irish culture Cincinnati embraces wholeheartedly is sharing a pint with friends and family while you enjoy each other's company and maybe some good music too.
So if you're craving a place that will remind you of the Emerald Isle or its neighbors across the Irish Sea and St. George Channel, keep scrolling to see all the Cincinnati pubs where you can raise a glass and toast "slàinte mhaith" (good health).
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25 W. Ogden Place, Downtown
O'Malleys in the Alley is a straightforward imbibing experience in a classic Irish pub setting with homemade dishes that have stood the test of time – in fact, O’Malley’s says it’s Cincinnati’s second oldest bar. Accessible via the shaded alleyway on Ogden Place, the bar offers drink specials and its proximity to Great American Ball Park makes it a must before Reds games.
112 E. Fourth St., Covington
Molly Malone’s restaurant and pub offers an authentic taste of the Emerald Isle with its menu full of traditional fare and appetizers, such as their popular beer-battered cod served with coleslaw and chips or their traditional Irish breakfast (two over-easy eggs, rasher of bacon, banger sausage, white and black pudding, baked beans, grilled tomato and a potato cake) served at Saturday and Sunday brunch. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, the pub plays just about every soccer and rugby game live, ideal for fans who want to down a pint while supporting their favorite team.
3510 Erie Ave., Hyde Park
Named after its former owner’s nickname, “Happy,” Hap’s boasts that it is the biggest Guinness distributor in the area and calls itself “the most authentic Irish pub you will find outside of the Green Isle.” Whether you want to pick up a casual game of darts, play a song on the jukebox or enjoy the dog-friendly outdoor patio, a visit to Hap’s is bound to be a good time.
9102 W. Chester Towne Centre Road, West Chester
The place to find the “craic” (an Irish word meaning “fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation”), Dingle House brings the modern spirit of Ireland to Cincinnati in a contemporary setting, with interior wood finishes actually constructed in Ireland. This pub prides itself on authenticity, offering traditional cuisine, including fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, and a wide selection of craft beers. Their staff even don Irish kilts.
4544 W. Eighth St., West Price Hill
Opened in 1895 by husband-and-wife duo Mike and Mary Crow, this Irish pub is one of the oldest drinking establishments in Cincinnati. And like any good pub, their claim to fame is their delicious fish sandwich. You’ll find live music here on Friday and Saturday nights, and Tuesdays are home to open mic nights. Outside, you can warm up with a strong drink around the firepit, or play a game of cornhole.
408 Greenwell Ave., Delhi
Maloney’s Pub is a West Side staple that serves up plenty of brews, burgers, wings and Irish vibes. Sit with a Guinness and watch the Reds game, gather outside around the patio’s fire pit with your friends or visit on Wednesday nights for trivia. And the best part: They serve hearty breakfast dishes all day to help you soak up all the alcohol from the night before.
2692 Edmondson Road, Norwood
The Pub serves a range of authentic comfort foods like Mum’s Pot Roast and shepherd's pie, granting customers a quick trip to the U.K., no passport required. And if you’re really in the mood for pub fare, The Pub calls its fish and chips “the best in the U.S.” The award-winning dish features beer-battered haddock, housemade tartar sauce and coleslaw, and the dish comes in two sizes: regular and “wee.”
Photo: Provided by Nicholson's Fine Food & Whiskey
625 Walnut St., Downtown
Designed after Cafe Royal Circle Bar in Edinburgh, Scotland, this pub focuses on bringing founder Nick Sanders' vision of the U.K. to Cincinnati. For more than two decades, Nicholson's has brought Cincinnatians Scottish cuisine like bangers and mash and clapshot (mashed potatoes and turnips). On the liquid side of things, they offer over 100 Scotch whiskies, specialty cocktails and bourbon.
958 Pavilion St., Mt. Adams
Crowley's has made a name for itself by offering tons of beers on draft in an unpretentious atmosphere. The bar was established in 1937 by Bill Specs Crowley, making it one of the oldest Irish pubs in the city. They put on quite a party for St. Patrick's Day and the Labor Day fireworks.
3807 North Bend Road, Cheviot
The Public House embraces its roots in Cincinnati’s German and Irish heritages with its extensive drink menu and traditional pub fare from both countries. According to its website, it’s even the only Cincinnati bar that’s been officially certified to pour the perfect Guinness pint by Guinness brewmaster Fergal Murray. In addition to downing the perfect pint, you can join in on trivia on Mondays, listen to live music on Wednesdays or just hang out on the patio.
