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Deal seekers have a new list to cross-reference before heading out to the bar. BetUS ranked the best, most affordable Irish pubs in the U.S., just in time for the collision of St. Patrick’s Day drinking and March Madness merriment at bars around the country.
Three Arizona pubs, including two in the Valley, ranked in the top 20 best bars. BetUS based its rankings on Google reviews and each pub’s pricing for pints of Guinness and fries, or chips if you prefer to nail the Irish brogue.
You may want to hedge on the sportsbook’s pub price estimates, however. BetUS’s prices for fries, for example, appear to include the price of a side of fries, when adding to a burger, sandwich or other entree, which means diners are likely paying for more than just potatoes. And, BetUS published beer prices lower than pint rates posted online.
Still, these Arizona spots do offer domestic beers and other options for $5 or less, particularly during happy hour.
These Arizona pubs made the cut
Tim Finnegan’s Irish Restaurant and Pub ranked the highest on BetUS’s list, coming in at No. 6. The Glendale bar is named for James Joyce’s titular character in “Finnegan’s Wake.” Pints of Guinness can come with printed art in the foamy top, but that fun touch doesn’t mean the pub doesn’t take its pours seriously. Tim Finnegan’s hosts an annual perfect pint competition, as well as a raucous St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Downtown Phoenix’s The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub claimed the No. 8 spot in BetUS’s rankings. The Kettle Black has served gastropub staples such as fish and chips and burgers alongside elevated dishes, including Guinness-braised beef short ribs and sesame-crusted Ahi tuna, since opening in 2016. Imbibers will find a broad selection of international and local beers and ciders, along with wine, specialty cocktails and whiskey.
A Florence pub rounded out Arizona’s top 20 rankings, with The Irish Cowboy at No. 16. Located just under an hour-and-a-half drive southwest from downtown Phoenix, the pub pours flights of Irish brews and cooks hearty Colcannon, pot pies and corned beef and cabbage. The Irish Cowboy keeps customers entertained with live music, trivia nights and karaoke throughout the week.
Other Arizona spots among the 250-pub list included Wally’s American Pub ’n Grille in Phoenix (No. 24) and Casey Moore’s Oyster House in Tempe (No. 61).
