The Pub Hub

With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching, we’ve lined up some of our favorite Irish bars in the area to help you celebrate

By Sarah Sole / Photos by Jen Brown

Dempsey's Food & Spirits

346 S. HIGH ST. COLUMBUS

With its brick wall interior, Dempsey’s has been serving up a rustic atmosphere since opening in 2012. We suggest you bring an appetite. The menu features an Irish take on American favorites. There’s the Big R Rueben and the Irish Totchos, with tots, corned beef, kraut, Irish cheddar, and pub sauce. There’s also the Cottage Pie, with peas, carrots, ground beef, corn, and gravy served over mashed potatoes. Before you head out, make sure to save some room for Irish Bread Pudding, with Irish whiskey caramel sauce and strawberries.

O'Reilly's Pub

2822 N. HIGH ST. COLUMBUS

If you’re looking for a space to grab a cold one and watch the game, O’Reilly’s is a winner. The neighborhood pub features a cozy atmosphere and a hefty helping of classic subs, burgers, and sandwiches, from the Stacked Ham Sandwich to the Bacon BBQ Burger. A solid crowd pleaser is the pound serving of wings, with three different types of barbecue sauce options with “mild or wild” spice options.

Fado Irish Pub

4022 TOWNSFAIR WAY, COLUMBUS 6652 RIVERSIDE DR., DUBLIN

With two locations on either side of Columbus, Fado is an easy choice no matter where you live. Both spots are dedicated to creating that classic Irish pub atmosphere with Europeaninspired fare. This is the pub you visit when you’re feeling, dare we say it, kind of fancy. How about a lamb burger or the croque monsieur? You also can’t go wrong with a beer and a side of fried goat cheese.

Byrne's Pub

1248 W 3RD AVE.

Since 1995, Byrne’s has served as a Grandview hub for all things Irish. In fact, co-owner Pat Byrne even helps operate a line of craft Irish whiskey, known as Bua. The Grandview Spot is also a huge patron of both Celtic music and bluegrass, as live musical guests from both genres perform at Byrne’s on the regular.

Cavan Irish Pub

1409 S. HIGH ST., COLUMBUS

This unique Merrion Village spot operates both as an Irish pub and a gay bar, making it–according to owners–the city’s sole gay Irish bar. Drag shows are a regular occurrence at Cavan (check out their social media to stay up to date on events), in addition to lively karaoke and more. →

The Dublin Village Tavern

27 S. HIGH ST., DUBLIN

Right in the middle of Historic Dublin, the Dublin Village Tavern is housed in a building that dates back to 1889. The space boasts substance in addition to style: The bar features Irish imports on tap as well as plenty of craft beer, and there are over 40 brands of Irish whiskey to choose from. The tavern fare also can’t be beat. Grab some Hooley Eggs (hard-boiled eggs wrapped in Irish sausage and flash fried) or Irish Egg Rolls that are filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese.

The Dublin Village Tavern, draft beer

McClellan's Pub

6694 SAWMILL RD., COLUMBUS

With 20 beers on tap and one of the largest whiskey and bourbon selections in Columbus, McClellan’s doesn’t skimp on its drink menu. The menu offers classic American fare as well as pub favorites such as fish and chips and mac-n-cheese. Pro tip: Try the jumbo wings with the Guinness BBQ sauce.

Liquor Shelf at McClellan's Pub

O'Nelly's Sports Pub & Grill

8939 S. OLD STATE RD. LEWIS CENTER

This Lewis Center spot was recently taken over by new owner Jason Adams, but longtime fans of the bar don’t need to worry: It will still feature the same jampacked St. Patrick’s Day celebration and pub fare many came to know it for. After partnering with the Delaware, Ohio-based eatery Shorty’s Pizza & Growl, Adams has retained the best parts of the pub’s menu, while taking things up a notch with Columbus-style pizza.