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).

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant 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. Photo: Facebook.com/mollymalonescincinnati
Hap’s Irish Pub 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. Photo: facebook.com/Hap's Irish Pub
The Red Leprechaun 20 West Freedom Way, The Banks Ireland came to The Banks this fall with the opening of The Red Leprechaun. The concept is led by the Fishbowl at The Banks team, and owner Daniel Scott partnered with chef Brian Duffy from the Spike TV series Bar Rescue to create the menu. Scott describes the spot as a traditional Irish pub with a modern flair, from their menu to the live music. The menu is a mix of Irish fare — think fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a traditional Irish breakfast complete with bangers and black and white pudding to help soak up all the Guinness from the night before — and American (and Cincy-style) dishes like chili cheese fries and burgers. But unique to The Red Leprechaun is the vintage bar, complete with stained glass and imported from Malahide, Ireland. It was built in 1957 and stood for 62 years until 2019 and was refinished for the pub’s opening. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Dingle House Irish Pub & Grub 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. Photo: facebook.com/DingleHouse
O’Malley’s in the Alley 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. Photo: Facebook.com/OMalleysInTheAlley
Crow’s Nest 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. Photo: facebook.com/crowsnestcincy
Maloney’s Pub 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. Photo: Facebook.com/maloneyspubwest
The Pub 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: Facebook.com/pubrookwood
Nicholson’s Pub 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. Photo: Provided by Nicholson's Fine Food & Whiskey
Crowley’s Highland House Cafe 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. Photo: Facebook.com/crowleysirishpub
Gilligan’s Brewery 400 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming Gilligan’s opened in a former Wyoming firehouse in early November as an extension of the Village Green park and performance pavilion. The restaurant and taproom offers Irish and American fare for lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. On the menu, you’ll find classic Irish dishes like fish and chips and a mix of Irish- and American-inspired appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads and soups. Gilligan’s also brews its own beers, including an Irish-style stout, porter and red ale. Photo: facebook.com/GilligansOnTheGreen
The Public House 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. Photo: The Public House/Facebook.com
Fogarty’s Irish Pub 3620 Harrison Ave., Cheviot A no-frills Irish pub, Fogarty’s is the place to go if you want to catch a game and enjoy some drinks at affordable prices. On Thursdays, you can sing Flogging Molly to your heart’s content at karaoke and enjoy free pool on Fridays from noon to 9 p.m. Outside, you’ll find a relaxing patio with an interesting feature: the half a car sculpture lodged in the fence doubles as a grill. Photo: facebook.com/fogartys
R.P. McMurphy’s Irish Pub 2910 Wasson Road, Oakley R.P. McMurphy’s is an upbeat Irish pub located in Oakley, best known for their Wednesday night Mug Club, outdoor patio and nightly drink specials. They’ve got a variety of beers and seltzers available, including local craft brews and, of course, Guinness. And their all-sports package means they’ve got a game on the TV every day. Photo: facebook.com/RPMcMurphysIrishPub
Murphy’s Pub 2329 W. Clifton Ave., CUF Established in 1969, this college dive bar offers daily deals on pitchers, bar games and team sports, as well as frequent free pizza and hot dogs. Murphy’s represents its Irish roots all year round but especially on St. Patrick’s Day. While you’re there, play a game of darts or pool while you enjoy a Guinness or some Jameson. Photo: Facebook.com/murphyspubclifton
Irish Heritage Center of Cincinnati 3905 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum The Irish Heritage Center was founded to help share and preserve the culture and stories of the Irish and Irish Americans living in Greater Cincinnati. And a big part of Irish tradition is sharing a pint with friends and family at the pub, which you can also do at the center. You can also catch a live performance of Irish music or theater here and learn more about topics like Irish customs, dance and history. Photo: facebook.com/IrishCincinnati
The Blind Pig 24 W. Third St., Downtown This downtown pub has a modern speakeasy vibe along with a rooftop patio offering beautiful views of the Queen City. The bar is located just across the street from The Banks and serves a full menu of bar food and daily drink specials. It’s also just a five-minute walk from Great American Ball Park, making it a perfect stop for a Reds pregame party of ice-cold beer and a basket of fries. Photo: facebook.com/TheBlindPigCincinnati
Cock & Bull 601 Main St., Covington With two locations, Cock & Bull brings the spirit of the U.K. to Cincinnati with a name derived from two of the oldest pubs in London. With a beer menu featuring stouts and porters, and award-winning fish and chips, you’ll feel just like you’re in jolly old England. Photo: facebook.com/cockandbullpublichousemainstrassevillage
O’Bryon’s Bar and Grill 1998 Madison Road, O’Bryonville; 736 Washington Ave. Newport This popular pub has made a name for itself in two Greater Cincinnati neighborhoods — O’Bryonville and Newport. Many folks head to either of the bars for their juicy chicken wings, burgers or their many sandwich options. They also have a signature Shark Tank cocktail, featuring vodka, sprite, sour mix and a grenadine-filled plastic shark. Photo: facebook.com/obryons
Flying Pig Irish Pub 3265 Brotherton Road, Oakley This Oakley pub is a European-style establishment “owned and operated by guys from England,” says its Facebook page. You can enjoy a pint in a convivial atmosphere while you watch the big game or cheer as your friends drunkenly sing “Molly Malone” during the pub’s popular karaoke nights. Photo: facebook.com/flyingpigirishpub