Portland's Best Irish Bars

"Portland isn't the most Hibernian locale in the US, missing the deep roster of Irish pubs that cities like Boston and New York boast. But while we lack the Dubliners and Dead Rabbits of the East Coast, we do have a handful of spots where one can admire the ombré of a settling stout pour and dig into some fish and chips, even if the menus also list Buffalo Caesar wraps or Taco Tuesday specials."

"Despite its moniker, this NE Glisan watering hole hews closer to a dive bar with sports than an Irish pub. While you can always find cans of Guinness, stouts on tap are more likely to be locally brewed than sourced across the pond. Still, it has a few menu items that could arguably be found at an Irish bar, like a corned beef breakfast special served all day, or the Irish dip."

Portland lacks the extensive Irish pub culture found in cities like Boston and New York, but compensates with a handful of themed establishments where patrons can enjoy stouts, fish and chips, and Irish-inspired fare alongside contemporary menu items. Downtown bars like Paddy's and Kells host major St. Patrick's Day celebrations. While many Portland bars use Irish naming conventions and Celtic aesthetics, they often function as neighborhood sports bars or dive bars with modest Irish elements rather than authentic Irish establishments. These venues serve as welcoming community gathering places for both holiday festivities and everyday socializing, offering what locals describe as accessible Irish-ish experiences suited to Portland's casual bar culture.

Read at Portland Monthly