St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner. Which means this weekend, you and a gazillion of your closest corned beef and Guinness loving friends will be looking for the perfect place to post up and slam car bombs all day. Luckily for those who are unfamiliar with our local Irish pub scene, we've assembled a handy field guide to the city's most popular St. Patty's Day spots.
See also: St. Patrick's Day Guide 2014
North Phoenix
The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant 3841 E. Thunderbird Road, #109 602-867-0984
Since 1986, this pub has been keeping things authentically Irish in North Phoenix. It's got live Irish music nearly every night, holds the title of being the oldest Irish public house in the Valley, and was the first to sell Guinness.
Tim Finnegan's Irish Restaurant & Pub 9201 N. 29th Ave. 602-997-2323
Named after the protagonist of James Joyce's Finnegans Wake, this pub will makes a nice hangout for Northwest Valley-ites looking for live music, friendly staff, and typical Irish pub fare. Tim Finnegan's blends old and new schools together to make a contemporary but cozy atmosphere.
West Valley
Irish Wolfhound Pub 16811 N. Litchfield Road, #104, Surprise 623-214-1004
This West Valley pub has a respectable list of beers to complement its impressive menu of Irish pub fare -- the fish and chips are the best we've had in Surprise. There's always plenty of Guinness, often live music, and a spacious patio for when you need space.
Central Phoenix Rosie McCaffrey's 906 E. Camelback Road 602-241-1916
This two-story pub offers plenty of dark wood, stained glass, and Irish beers on tap, which is why it's easily one of the most popular Valley public houses. Since 2002, Belfast-born owner Seamus McCaffrey has been bringing a taste of the Emerald Isle to the Valley, earing this bar a spot on MSN's list of the Top 10 Irish Pubs in the USA.
Seamus McCaffrey's 18 W. Monroe St. 602-253-6081
Name sound familiar? That's because this is the original bar owned by Seamus McCaffrey, though he sold this downtown pub before opening Rosie's on Camleback. There's beer and good eats here for sure, but Seamus' claim to fame has to be its huge selection of Irish whiskeys amd the largest selection of premium single malt and blended scotch whiskies in the city.
The Turf 705 N. 1st St. 602-296-5043
This downtown pub, located just steps from ASU's downtown campus, is a sports-centric one that still manages to retain its Irish credibility. That's thanks in part to its menu of authentic pub fare and the fact that they too boast a large selection of Irish whiskeys and single-malt scotches.
Tempe
Casey Moore's Oyster House 850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe 480-968-9935
There are few pubs in this town that are as well-loved as Casey Moore's. Located just off Tempe's Mill Avenue, this spot is known for its neighborhood feel, fresh seafood, and Blarney Stone (trust us, you don't want to kiss it, though). Casey's is a popular hangout for college students, Tempe residents, and anyone looking for a good time.
Rula Bula 401 S. Mill Ave., Tempe 480-929-9500
Located inside a saddle shop that dates back to the 1880s, this is Mill Avenue's only Irish real pub -- which is fine with us because we have a hard time imagining anyone could do it better. There's an antique bar inside, a spacious patio and bar outside, and plenty of live music to set the mood.
East Valley
Fibber Magees 1989 W. Elliot Road, Chandler 480-722-9434
Since opening in 2003, Fibber's has claimed to be the only Irish-owned and -operated pub in the East Valley. And it's true. This spot delivers Guinness and Harp on tap as well as Jameson behind the bar, not to mention some top notch cuisine made by their own bona fide chef.
Murphy's Law Irish Pub & Ale House 58 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler 480-812-1588
This Chandler pub invites you to "stay for the view," a reference to the cute lasses who serve pints from the impressive beer list. Murphy's Law also dishes out plenty of food and drink specials all week long, so the good news is you never have to break the bank.
Scottsdale
Skeptical Chymist 15688 N Pima Rd, Suite #C6, Scottsdale 480-609-8677
Styled like an old-time pharmacy, this North Scottsdale spot serves plenty of Irish beers and pub fare -- dishes like all-day Irish breakfast, corned beef and cabbage, and real lamb shepherd's pie. They turn up the authentic vibe with live music and a collection of antique Irish knickknacks like apothecary bottles and microscopes.
