The Best Irish Bars in Philadelphia

One of the two original Erin Express bars — arguably ground zero for St Patrick's Day in Center City Philly.

Rittenhouse's late-night dance bar — but on Erin Express it's packed from noon to 5pm, right where most people start and stay.

Rittenhouse's neighborhood sports bar with a serious craft-beer program and a legendary St Paddy's Day rager.

Purpose-built Dublin-style pub with a huge street party for St Paddy's — arguably the epicenter.

Stephen Starr's Irish gastropub — think fish and chips with a wine list. The dressier Irish option.

The Headhouse Square sister bar and second Erin Express originator — a South Street institution.

The definitive Irish pub of University City — where Penn students, professors and locals all end up on March 17th.

Two-story Center City institution with pipers, live Irish trad and a legendary corned beef plate.

The pub right on the Parkway — the closest Irish bar to the parade finish at Eakins Oval.

Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern (est. 1860). If you drink one pint in Philly, drink it here.

Two-floor Center City institution owned by a real Dubliner — no TVs, live music, best trivia night in Philly.

Sports on every screen, wings and a proper pint. Erin Express check-in spot.

Modernist Irish pub with elevated food and a fantastic Guinness pour. Great for a sit-down parade day meal.

Classic Philly Irish sports bar since 1976, right on the theater district drag.

Tucked-away 23rd Street pub — old-school Philly Irish, minimal tourists.

Queen Village corner pub with three floors — a low-key alternative to the South Street crush.

Fairmount's Belfast-inspired Irish pub — dark, moody, seriously good food.

A Fairmount neighborhood institution for nearly 100 years — TVs, pool, darts, jukebox and cheap pints.

Spring Garden neighborhood Irish sports bar — great wings, great pours, real regulars.

East Falls' Irish saloon — corner-bar authenticity a mile from the Schuylkill.

Fishtown's Irish corner bar on Girard — a survivor of the neighborhood's before-and-after.

The Northeast Philly outpost of Paddy Whacks — the neighborhood Irish sports bar for the Boulevard.