Amazing Irish Pubs in the US: 8 for your Bucket List

5. Ri Ra Irish Pub

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Highlight: The best pub on the Vegas Strip

Ri Ra Irish Pub at the Mandalay Bay in Vegas

One of the things I love most about visiting Vegas is not the gambling, but rather enjoying the diverse restaurant scene. There truly is something here for everyone. Ri Ra is one of numerous pubs on The Strip. This gem is located inside the beautiful Mandalay Bay casino resort. If you are looking for a fun place to enjoy some live entertainment, tasty food, and just kick back and relax for a bit before returning to all the crowds and commotion on The Strip, Ri Ra is a great choice.

The pub was restored in Ireland and shipped to Vegas. The atmosphere here is very lively, keeping up with the fun Sin City vibe. You will find several unique bars here including a beautiful Victorian pub modeled in 19th century Dublin style and built using salvaged material from Ireland. A 500 pound statue of St. Patrick, made of plaster, stands out boldly.

Live music at Ri Ra Irish Pub in Las Vegas

Must-trys here include: the Potato cakes appetizer, the delicious house made Potato Leek Soup, and of course, the Fish and Chips. The menu at Ri Ra is pretty diverse with options for everyone, from an all day Irish Breakfast Plate, to a Beef & Guinness Stew, to a Vegetarian based Mac and Cheese topped with mushrooms and herb toasted crumb topping.

Irish Leek soup and a Caesar salad at Ri Ra Irish pub in Vegas — Delicious Irish Leek soup and a giant Caesar salad!

Potato cakes at Ri Ra Irish Pub in Las Vegas NV — The potato cakes are definitely the best appetizer around!

Delicious fish and chips at Ri Ra Irish Pub in Las Vegas — Large battered Haddock with delicious homemade fries!

If you are looking to party for St. Paddy’s Day in Vegas, Ri Ra is the best place to do so in Sin City as they offer a full week of live entertainment. I will definitely be back next time I am in Vegas, St. Pat’s day or not.

6. Lansdowne Irish Pub and Music House

Location: Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT

Highlight: Savory pot pies

The Lansdowne Irish Pub in Connecticut's Mohegan Sun

The Mohegan Sun is a gorgeous 5 star resort and casino in Southwestern Connecticut. The property is very popular with New England city dwellers seeking a weekend escape from the traffic & commotion. Mike and I took a number of trips here while living in the Boston metro. Besides gaming, there are so many amenities on-site, and also it’s an easy daytrip from numerous natural attractions including southern Connecticut’s beautiful beaches.

The ambiance of Lansdowne is very cozy, being that it was modeled after a traditional Irish public house (a place where the community can gather, socialize, and relax). On any given weekend, various events such as live music and karaoke are sure to be on the lineup.

This pub is most famous for their pot pies, available in chicken, lamb shepherd’s pie, and seafood. The Irish cheddar mac and cheese is a great choice if you are seeking a totally comforting dish. And for a dessert treat yourself to something different like a slice of Irish cream cheesecake! Everything we tried here was just top notch. We really loved our mac and cheese and seafood pot pie entrees and those Irish fries – wow delicious!

Irish fries at the Lansdowne Irish Pub at the Mohegan Sun — Irish fries – available with various toppings

Mac and cheese at Lansdowne Irish Pub at the Mohegan Sun — Delicious baked mac and cheese with a side of steamed broccoli

Seafood pot pie at an Lansdowne Irish Pub in the Mohegan Sun — A delicious, creative seafood pot pie!

7. Bell in Hand Tavern

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Highlight: Located along the historic Freedom Trail

Bell in Hand tavern on Boston's Freedom Trail

Although not technically an official Irish Pub, The Bell in Hand Tavern in downtown Boston serves up some great Irish style foods including the best fish and chips in town. The tavern puts on a pretty great St. Patrick’s day party every year.

It’s claim to fame is officially being the oldest tavern in America, having opened in 1795. The gorgeous design and big windows overlooking the beautiful North End make it a worthy contender on any trip to Boston. Mike and I stopped here one day while walking the trail and loved both the food and ambiance.

Bell in Hand Tavern in Boston's North End — Bell in Hand is located right in the center of all the action. It also makes for a great break after several miles on your feet exploring The Freedom Trail.

The first owner was Jimmy Wilson, Boston’s town crier for 50 years. After he retired, he proceeded to open a tavern and name it in honor of the profession he was so proud of. He refused to sell whiskey and gin as other taverns of the day, serving only ale. The tavern became famous for its’ ale which was so thick that it had to be served in 2 mugs – one for the ale and another for the froth.

It’s no surprise that most of the menu is comprised of quality seafood. From homemade clam chowder, to Blue Point oysters, to lobster roll, and of course fish and chips, this is the place to go for seafood lovers. And if you wish to cap your meal off with something sweet, you cannot go wrong with a slice of classic Boston cream pie. I am not a huge fan of seafood, but Mike is and he loved everything especially the clam chowder. I enjoyed my fresh baked haddock served with steamed broccoli and the most delicious mashed potatoes.

Clam chowder at Bell in Hand Tavern in Boston, MA — Can’t leave Boston without indulging in clam chowder

Haddock at Bell in Hand Tavern in Boston, MA — Fresh baked haddock with mashed potatoes and broccoli

The Fisherman’s Platter is the absolute must-try here. This massive sized appetizer includes fried shrimp, haddock, calamari, plus french fries and coleslaw. This was so amazing!

Fishermans Platter at Bell in Hand Tavern in Boston

8. The Canyon Crown

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Highlight: A gem in the desert

Although technically a British pub, this Tucson favorite also serves some tasty Irish style food and puts on a festive St. Patrick’s day celebration each year following the annual parade. Mike and I stopped here one year while living in Tucson post-parade and returned because we loved the ambiance. Everyone comes in post-parade all decked out in their green gear, the bar is decorated, and the atmosphere lively and local. In short, it’s a great time.

With 20 drafts, 10 flat screen TVs, NFL Sunday ticket, and great happy hour deals, The Canyon Crown is a great place to catch any sporting event. Canyon Crown is known for pouring the best Guinness in town and they also offer 7 different Guinness blends. I wasn’t’ dissapointed!

Canyon Crown british pub in Tucson AZ — A nice laid-back ambiance for catching the game!

Start off with some Irish nachos or the delicious Spinach and Artichoke dip. Then treat yourself to the best fish and chips in town or a creamy, comforting heaping plate of mac and cheese. We loved everything: the comfort food was a real treat after a tiresome day at the parade.

Spinach artichoke dip at The Canyon Crown in Tucson AZ — The spinach artichoke dip is the perfect satisfying starter!

Fish-Wich at The Canyon Crown in Tucson AZ — The famous Fish-Wich

Mac and cheese at the Canyon Crown in Tucson AZ — Canyon Crown serves the creamiest mac and cheese in Tucson!

I couldn’t possibly not mention the incredible hiking opportunities when talking about Tucson. “The Old Pueblo” is one of the best places to hike in the country and March is the perfect time to hit the trails before the insane heat sets in. Do check out my guide to the most beautiful cacti lined trails in town.

And…One of the coolest Irish traditions

Many cities now dye their rivers green, but Chicago started it all. I highly recommend seeing the dyeing of the Chicago River Green and attending one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the Windy City! As I mentioned earlier, this was on my bucket list for years. I finally got to attend in person one year when I was visiting family over the holiday. I was not disappointed and would love to come back again sometime soon.