Irish public houses tend to be equal parts friendly and fun, and as luck would have it, Houston is lined with them.
While Saint Patrick’s Day is an obvious choice for a pop in, these Irish pubs also offer perfect pints and lighthearted shenanigans year-round.
From relaxed watering holes boasting Irish brews and stews to one neighborhood hangout that got its bar-tops shipped straight the Emerald Isle, here’s where to get your Irish on around Houston.
Top Irish Bars & Pubs around Houston
- Ashford Pub on the Westside – This Irish pub on Westheimer, just west of Eldridge Parkway, on was originally opened as Ashford Arms Irish Pub in 1990, before closing its doors in 2010 and relocating in 2011. The cozy, welcoming drinkery draws a crowd of all ages, offering 35 taps and a variety of spirits, plus darts, shuffleboard, billiards, steak nights, and the occasional beer dinner or holiday party. Click here for directions.
- Clancy’s Public House in Richmond – Decked in Celtic décor and Irish flags, this Richmond-area public house offers over 30 beers on tap, plus 50 varieties of beer and cider by the bottle. Alongside classic pub grub like nachos, burgers, and chicken-fried steak, you’ll also find a wee bit of Irish flair on the menu—from shepherd’s pie and Guinness-battered fish and chips to Irish stew and the more Irish-American corned beef and cabbage. Click here for directions.
- The Goose’s Acre in The Woodlands – Channel the Emerald Isle at this bustling jewel set on the Woodlands Waterway, gets its moniker from an old pub and landmark park in Midleton, County Cork. When the Irish pub closed its doors in 2005, Woodlands pub owners Brian Young and Colm O’Neill had the contents of the pub, including its two bars, shipped over straight from Ireland. Cozy up to the original bars and enjoy a pint of Guinness alongside eats from shepherd’s pie and four finger whiskey-glazed pork chops. Click here for directions.
- The Gorgeous Gael in Rice Village – This popular watering hole in Rice Village is run by Irishmen, so you know it’s a good time. Get rowdy with “Baby Guinness” and “Irish Flag” shots; unwind with Irish whiskeys from Bushmills 21-year to Midleton; and enjoy classic pub grub (think Guinness burgers and Irish nachos) mixed with authentic dishes like Irish beef stew and Shepherd’s pie. Just be sure to save some room for the Jameson bread pudding. Click here for directions.
- Griff’s Irish Pub in Montrose – Griff’s has been a neighborhood staple since 1965. The no-frills neighborhood drinkery is a classic sports pub, rocking an especially Irish feel around St. Patrick’s Day. The lineup of festive events includes the Houston Irish Open Golf Tournament, St. Patrick’s Day Cornhole Tournament, Irish Stew Cook-Off, and all-day St. Patty’s Day blowout. Click here for directions.
- Irish Pub Kenneally’s near River Oaks – This friendly neighborhood pub has been serving the River Oaks area since 1983. In addition to its annual St. Patrick’s Day “Under the Tent” blowout, Kenneally’s is known for its, “Shamrock Special” bar pies, excellent pulls of Irish stout and Irish “nacho style” chips. Click here for directions.
- Johnny Mcelroy’s Irish Pub in Montrose – This young gun plays to the local crowd with a nice patio, 57 taps of beer, and a library of whiskey. Stop by for happy hour or Steak and Pint Night, snap a photo on the giant wooden Adirondack chair, and look out for St. Patty’s Day shenanigans. Click here for directions.
- McElroy’s Pub in Upper Kirby – Irish owned and operated, this Upper Kirby spot is the perfect place to nestle into a “snug” and enjoy the perfect pint. Inside, you’ll find a dark and inviting interior, flush with red tufted leather furniture from the Rice Hotel’s late Old Capitol Club, once the center of Houston politics. Click here for directions.
- McGonigel’s Mucky Duck in Upper Kirby – Live music and whiskey is the name of the game at McGonigel’s, where you’re basically guaranteed a Guinness-fueled good time (the bar is the proud recipient of a St. James Gate Perfect Pint certificate from the makers of Guinness, itself). Check out the lineup of musical acts and dig into authentic pub fare, from shepherd’s pie and Welsh rarebit to Guinness beef and Scotch eggs; and be sure to look out for the very special Saint Patrick’s Day shenanigans. Click here for directions.
- Mo’s Irish Pub in Cypress, Katy, and Vintage Park – With three Outer Loop outposts, Mo’s offers ample space, 36 taps of brew, and a roster of live bands on the weekends. Sip brews and dig into an Irish American menu, featuring modern takes on traditional fare like the Reuben boxty, Jameson-glazed New York strip, and Harp beer-battered fish and chips. Click here for directions to the Cypress location, here for the Katy location, and here for directions to the Vintage Park.
- Molly’s Pubs Around Greater Houston – These local Irish sports pubs have taken over Houston, with watering holes in Downtown, Westchase, Clear Lake and more. In addition to offering cheap pints and fun atmospheres, the pubs rock annual Saint Patrick’s Day parties complete with Irish dancers, bagpipers, and Irish-inspired eats.
- Pimlico Irish Pub in Montrose – This family-owned business dates back to the 1970s Dublin when the family lived above a popular pub on Pimlico Street. One of the most authentic Irish pubs in Houston, Pimlico has a proper pull, even boasting a Guinness Excellence Award. Look out for its annual Saint Patrick’s Day blowout, plus year-round events like weekday happy hour, Monday Trivia Night, and Tuesday Steak & Lamb Night. Click here for directions.
- Shay McElroy’s in Downtown – This sibling pub to McElroy’s sits in the middle of the action in Downtown. With lush furnishings from the Rice Hotel and a bar imported from Ireland, the pub lends itself to both a quiet afternoon drink and rowdy night. Click here for directions.
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