Guinness, Shepherd’s Pie and hooligans are all staples of the typical Irish bar. The capacity of the aforementioned staples vary depending on which bar you choose; more upscale places like Nicholson’s and Claddagh’s lean toward the “first date” atmosphere. If you’re looking to get rowdy — with enough of the dark stuff you most certainly will — Hap’s and Molly Malone’s are much closer to a sure thing. Either way the ’Nati offers up something for everyone in between.
Hap’s Irish Pub
3510 Erie Ave., Hyde Park, 513-871-6477
Haps is a traditional Irish pub that sells more Guinness than just about any other place in town. It’s “B.Y.O.F” because there is no food on the menu, but the darts are better than anywhere.
Claddagh Irish Pub
Newport on the Levee, Newport, 859-581-8888
Experience the magic of the jade isle with a view of the riverfront. Claddagh’s offers themed rooms full of Irish décor and its prime location on the levee makes it a great stop for dinner and a movie.
Foley’s Irish Pub
200 W. Benson St., Reading, 513-948-1281
If you like it simple this is the place to be, a bar that serves bar food and nothing else. Foley’s is reasonably priced and has weekly live music, karaoke and happy hour.
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
112 E. 4th St., Covington, 859-491-6659
Like a good Irish pub, this place can get rowdy; and like a good community gathering space, its trivia night welcomes all. For all you soccer fans — football, if you’re a traditionalist — enjoy the best Guinness in town while you watch live EPL games.
Molly Malone’s Irish Pub
6111 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-531-0700
Molly’s offers an authentic Irish pub experience inside and out. Stop in for Tuesday trivia night or enjoy live Irish music during the weekend and enjoy a menu that has something for for everyone, including authentic Irish dishes.
Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub
625 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-564-9111
Nicholson’s offers one of the best scotch and beer selections in the country. The plethora of drink choices can be paired with traditional pub food or some the more upscale choices on the menu.
O’Bryon’s Irish Pub
1998 Madison Road, Obryonville, 513-321-5525
A newly renovated neighborhood bar and grill with two floors and an outdoor patio that seats 50-60. Enjoy peanuts — in the shell — while watching one of 14 TVs and explore the regularly rotated draft beer selection.
O’Malley’s in the Alley
25 Ogden Place, Downtown, 513-381-3114
A straightforward imbibing experience with homemade dishes that have stood the test of time. Daily drink specials and its proximity to Great American Ball Park make this a must before Red’s games.
R.P. McMurphy’s
2910 Wasson Road, Hyde Park, 513-531-3300
A rollicking tavern with electric performances. R.P.’s is a great place to watch sports and is very involved in area fundraisers and benefits.
