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Baltimore has no shortage of Irish pubs.
But a bunch of them are plastic-y impersonators of real Irish establishments.
So on Friday, I'm going to reveal the five best pubs in Baltimore.
Do you have any suggestions for me?
The picture is of Maggie Moore's, by the way. It may or may not make the list.
(Kenneth K. Lam/Sun Photographer)
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
Slainte-Fells Pt.
The Still-York Rd.
Posted by: Kari | November 7, 2007 9:33 AM
Go to Slainte on Thames St for brunch and soccer matches on Saturday and you can't deny that it's one of B-more's top 5 Irish pubs.
Posted by: Greg S | November 7, 2007 9:33 AM
You have to include Patrick's of Pratt Street! Patrick's, which was established in 1847, is the oldest Irish Pub in America. They have great food (the shepherd's pie is awesome!) and the people are friendly.
Posted by: Lori | November 7, 2007 9:44 AM
While Maggie Moore's is a great space as an Irish pub it leaves a LOT to be desired.
I will also add my vote for The Still in Timonium and also mention Ryan's Daughter up at Belvedere Square.
Posted by: Paul | November 7, 2007 10:24 AM
J. Patrick's - The best by far.
Dougherty's
Mick O'Shea's
Can't think of anymore right now, my mind is too busy wishing it had a Guiness.
Posted by: Jamie | November 7, 2007 10:46 AM
Slainte is a great Irish pub with a wonderful atmosphere for friends and family.
Our specials are.... I mean they're specials are Gunniess, and wonderful food and football.
Posted by: J.M. Giordano | November 7, 2007 3:21 PM
No and No to Slainte and the Still. Clearly no one there has been to a pub in Ireland. The best in town are Mike McGovern's, J. Patrick's, Patrick's of Pratt St., Maggie Moore's, and Mick O'Sheas.
Posted by: F. Pants McFadden | November 8, 2007 10:12 AM
At least Maggie Moore's is actually run by an Irishwoman.
Mick O'Shea's is a good choice. I like Ryan's Daughter for aesethics and menu but not so much for atmosphere. It looks most like an Irish pub, however.
Posted by: LB | November 8, 2007 10:30 AM
I rather like Maggie Moore's (as well as a few of the others that folks have listed), though the last time I visited, I was disappointed that Maggie's had taken bangers and mash off of their menu of "Irish Favorites". Sort of like a good Italian restaurant ditching their pasta.
Posted by: William P. Tandy | November 8, 2007 12:17 PM
Clearly no one has a better opinion than Mr. McFadden. As long as the bartender can draw a shamrock in the head of my Guinness, I'll be back again and again. I also appreciate plasma TVs rather than LCD, and you can't go wrong with shepherds pie.
Posted by: Rich Gabai | November 8, 2007 1:32 PM
J. Patrick's and O'Shea's get my vote.
Posted by: Mary Y | November 8, 2007 3:33 PM
The James Joyce is one of the best in town for a family night, I think. Ryan's Daughter in Towson is great, they've opened early for the soccer crowd once or twice and their food is amazing.
Slainte's the best soccer pub in town, no doubt...Saturday mornings, the place gets packed with football aficionados.
I live very close to Mick O'Sheas and have been there often. Once you get past the tightly-packed and extremely-smoky front bar area, the restaurant area is very nice and the food is some of the best.
Posted by: Damien | November 8, 2007 4:13 PM