Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at Sydney’s favourite Irish pubs

Maloney’s exudes Irish charm, and anyone who finds themselves here could be forgiven for thinking they are in a familiar watering hole back in Dublin.

Perpetually buzzing with energy and activity, you’ll find quality local produce has been crafted to produce a menu of your favourite pub classics. There’s Angus beef bacon burger served on a brioche bun and thick cut chips, pan-fried halloumi, chicken and ham parmas, and beef and Guinness pie.

Come here when you’re craving hearty meals, lots of laughter and to practice your Irish slang.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Maloney’s beef and Guinness pie ($16)

We can’t imagine Surry Hills without the
Trinity Bar, a beloved stalwart that serves up some of the tastiest fare in town. This unpretentious bar features live entertainment, footy matches, and of course, solid drinks to cheer your soul. Great Guinness comes on tap here, or you can spring for a glass or red or white if you’re feeling fancy.

Pull up a stool or indulge in a hearty plate of something in the beer garden, as there’s plenty to try on the menu. Go for a classic beef and Guinness pot pie or a grain-fed Riverina rump steak. Or if you’re hankering for something more modern, choose the lamb backstrap with butternut pumpkin or snapper with grilled polenta.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Lamb backstrap with butternut pumpkin ($36)

Offering Sydneysiders a glimpse into Ireland, every city dweller and office worker round the block has heard of
P.J O’Brien’s. This quintessential Irish pub is set in Barangaroo, and you’ll find this joint pumping with a steady stream of drinks and Irish natives having a good laugh over a post-work catch up.

There’s plenty to do here too, including regular ‘Craic Quiz Nights’ and a rotation of stellar live music acts. The menu showcases a smattering of Irish fare including the (seriously amazing) Shay’s Irish pork sausages, an Irish chicken parma, or a P.J’s spice bag that’s essentially battered chicken balls and chips served with curry sauce. Throw in a creamy pint of Guinness and you’ve got yourself the makings of an unforgettable night.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Shay’s Irish pork sausages ($21)

If it’s hearty meals, warm Irish hospitality and flowing Guinness you’re after, then head to
The Mercantile Hotel in Sydney’s historic Rocks.

Every year, the Merc puts on a St Patrick’s Day breakfast with a traditional Irish brekkie, live music, dancing and even an Irish coffee to make sure you celebrate St Paddy’s right! Every other day of the year, it offers a great menu of pub favourites like Shamrock pie, Irish chicken curry and plenty of bar snacks too. The good news is, if you over do it, you can book a room and stay the night!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Bangers & Champ ($23)

Fortune of War is Sydney’s oldest pub but it’s still keeping up with the young’uns. You’ll find a seamless blend of modernity and youthful exuberance matched with classic old-world grandeur in this top watering hole.

First opened in 1828, this pub has never gone out of style. Aussie and Irish cultures come hand-in-hand here, and you’ll get great bang for your buck with the magnificent Guinness on offer.

Pub classics like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and beef and Guinness stew grace the menu, but you can also find mushroom pappardelle and vegetarian nachos. You can never go wrong with a trip to the OG, and you’ll skip all the way home with the luck of the Irish.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Beef and Guinness stew ($26)