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Should I book: Ish
10 Feb 2023
10 Feb 2023
The Irish say in heaven there is no beer, that’s why we need to drink ours here…
…Which is why on St Patrick’s Day having a few cold pints to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland makes a lot of sense! To help you with this, here are five of the best Irish pubs in Melbourne where you can quench your thirst with a cold Guinness, try traditional food and fully immerse yourself in the day’s festivities.
A homage to tradition, we have nothing but high praise for this female-owned and operated bar opposite the Queen Vic Market.
The Drunken Poet is unpretentiously Melbourne’s most interesting Irish pub. The vibe is both dark and warm. Paintings of poets and lyricists hang on the creamy walls instead of televisions or clichéd paraphernalia. Local musicians play nightly gigs atop the unpolished floorboards of this stools-only bar.
While the food offerings are slim the Poet does claim to make the best-toasted sandwiches in town. It also offers an interesting selection of Irish crisps – no potato famine here!
Dish Cult’s top pick: Toasted sandwich ($6)
The Irish Times Pub
Irish pub
Credit image The Irish Times Pub
Let the Guinness flow this St. Paddy’s Day at the old-school Irish Times Pub in Melbourne’s CBD.
This little emerald gem – which waves a massive Irish flag on its facade – is tucked away at the corner of Queen and Little Collins streets. With framed rugby shirts and Guinness gear galore – the pub’s decor doesn’t let you forget for a second which culture you’re celebrating.
Enjoy some of the city’s best Guinness on tap at one of the two bars, or grab a table with friends and order a meal inspired by the liquid gold – we like the legendary tower burger that boasts a secret Guinness sauce. If you want something more intimate, have a seat in the ‘confessional booth’ – it doesn’t get cosier than this!
Dish Cult’s top pick: Famous beef & Guinness pie ($24)
The longstanding P.J. O’Brien’s Irish Pub must be doing something right. This lively watering hole set along the Yarra in Southbank features moody dark wood accents and a classy wrap-around bar. Between sports events, nightly live music, and of course St. Patrick’s Day – this venue is frequently in celebration mode. Welcoming and versatile, P.J’s also offers space for a quiet beer, comfortable restaurant seating as well as large gatherings.
The menu offers typical pub grub along with Irish favourites like the Mussel pot with soda bread, or the Ploughman’s plate. C’mon, you know you want to try some black pudding.
Dish Cult’s top pick: Irish lamb stew ($28)
The fun, cheerful atmosphere at The Quiet Man Irish Pub in Melbourne’s inner north will appeal to Dubliners and Melburnians alike. Also tasty are the generous portions of food, popular choices include the restaurant’s hearty Shepherd’s pie or its range of grass-fed Gippsland steaks – the grub here will have you salivating!
It’s not surprising that we overheard ”this pub really knows how to pour the perfect Guinness”. With killer outdoor seating, this is a great place to knock back an after-work stout (or two) and slowly watch the world go by.
Dish Cult’s top pick: 300g grass-fed angus porterhouse ($34)
Bridie O’Reilly’s: when going to church is the same as having a craic at the local. This beautifully restored former baptist church built in 1866 is now heritage-listed, and a truly revelrous hot spot on Chapel Street.
Bridie O’Reilly’s claims to be Melbourne’s original Irish pub and it certainly is one of its most popular. On weekends you will find the beer garden completely packed with live sports streaming on the big screen.
While seats may be hard to find outside, the carpeted two-story interior offers a more laid-back vibe, open space with friendly staff, comfortable booth seating, and an additional 13 screens. From pub favourites to Irish classics the large menu will satisfy whatever you’re craving.
Dish Cult’s top pick: The Irish breakfast ($24.90)
