Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at these northern Rhode Island pubs

St. Paddy’s Pub Hopping

8 Providence County taverns and pubs to hit up this month for a pint and a Reuben sandwich

By Patty J

There’s an old saying about everyone being a little Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day and I gotta say, I concur! We’re pretty lucky here in Rhode Island because we have quite a few incredible Irish pubs and taverns for springtime shenanigans. Here’s a handful of spots in Providence County worth dressing up in green (or donning a fisherman’s sweater) to visit this month and beyond.

BLACKIE’S

This restaurant and bar (formerly Blackie’s Bulldog Tavern and under new ownership) has been relocated and revamped with a chic yet comfortable interior of electric green banquettes and marble table tops. On the menu are plenty of casual eats and drinks. So if a Reuben with fries and a beer sounds like the makings of a perfect St. Paddy’s meal, you’ll want to motor over to this neighborhood eatery. Smithfield, EatAtBlackies.com

FRIENDLY SONS OF ST. PATRICK

An Irish pub in the Valley Falls section of Cumberland that in another life used to be an actual church? If that isn’t enough to pique your interest when planning for St. Pat’s, you should also know that Friendly Sons is synonymous with affordable drinks, affable bartenders, and a fun ambiance. It’s the ultimate no-frills Irish pub experience around these parts! Cumberland, Facebook: Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick

LUCKY DOG TAVERN

Even if you have the luck of the Irish on your side, you won’t want to leave getting a table at this cozy, chef-owned and -operated restaurant to chance. This tavern’s 12 tables and 12 bar seats fill up fast. Old and new fans adore their drink menu (draft beer and handcrafted cocktails), Portuguese calamari, grazing boards, seafood, and desserts. Reservations are always recommended. North Smithfield, LuckyDogTavern.net

MURPHY’S

This popular spot in downtown Providence dates back to 1929 (when it was a New York-style deli) and has the distinction of being the oldest still-in-operation pub in the capital city. Whether you’re looking to grab a Guinness and some corned beef on St. Patrick’s or a burger, fries, and pint with a buddy another day, look no further than Murphy’s. Regulars can’t get enough of their Shepherd’s pie, Irish poutine, and relaxed vibes. Providence, MurphysProvidence.com

SKEFF’S NEIGHBORHOOD PUB

You can eat, drink, and be Irish at Skeff’s on Manville Hill Road on the third Thursday in March – or any night, really. This family-owned establishment has become a go-to because of their marvelous craft beer menu (that they change up frequently to keep things fresh), casual bites (their ever-popular Reuben sandwich on marbled rye is guaranteed to sell out come March 17), and friendly staff. Cumberland, Facebook: Skeff’s Neighborhood Pub

SULLIVAN’S PUBLICK HOUSE

Located on Armistice Boulevard, Sullivan’s is an Irish pub and neighborhood favorite. Go for the 24 cold brews on tap and stay for the terrific service, tasty pub eats (think fish and chips, burgers, wings,

Grab a seat at the bar for St. Paddy’s celebrations at Murphy’s

Reuben egg rolls, hot dogs, and even a black bean quinoa burger for anyone who might be eschewing meat), and lively atmosphere. Pawtucket, Facebook: Sullivan’s Publick House

TAMMANY HALL

If a draft, cigar, and corned beef Reuben (or cheeseburger) with fries sound like the makings of a perfect St. Patrick’s Day, then this Federal Hill parlor is a must. Dark and cozy bar meets cigar lounge complete with walk-in humidor, a nice selection of beer and booze, and lots of character. Look closely and you might even spot some of the state’s movers and shakers enjoying stogies and Scotch. Providence, Facebook: Tammany Hall

THE TAVERN ON MAIN

Dating back to the 1700s, it’s long been whispered that this old timey bar and restaurant (Alice’s table specifically) in Chepachet is haunted. Also, legend has it HP Lovecraft used to stop in when traveling to and from West Gloucester. Bookmark it if you’d like a side of RI history (and spookiness) with your brews and pub fare. Chepachet, TavernOnMainRI.com