When you think of St. Patrick’s Day and Irish pubs, Texas is probably not the first place that comes to mind. However, several parts of Texas are greatly influenced by western Europe, specifically Ireland. We did some searching and found a few of the best Irish pubs across the Lone Star State.
1. Austin: Fadó Irish Pub
This pub has been described as “authentic” by people who are familiar with Ireland’s culture, and is Irish owned and operated. Fadó’s offers live music, a full Irish breakfast, a traditional design to make visitors feel as though they are in Dublin, and of course, plenty of drinks at the bar.
Fadó (pronounced f’doe) is Gaelic for “long ago” and is commonly used to start a story, similar to “once upon a time.” In 1996, a small group of Irish entrepreneurs came to the U.S. and started Fadó with the goal of bringing the best of Dublin pubs to the U.S, a goal they continue to meet—bringing bits of Ireland to Texas in the 21st century.
2. Dallas: Trinity Hall Irish Pub
Located in Mockingbird Station, this is probably one of the most well-known pubs in Dallas. Trinity Hall Irish Pub offers over 250 beers, traditional Irish music, soccer and rugby game viewings and a great atmosphere.
Opened at the beginning of this century, they’re well known locally for having more than 250 beers — 15 draft, balance in bottle, and cans. Whiskey tastings with more than 300 selections available. Soccer — If there’s a match on they’ll have it playing. GAA — Irish football and Hurling live. Traditional Irish music played live weekly. Weekly Monday night poker, a decade long event. Weekly pub trivia each Sunday. As well as hosting mixers, office parties and family celebrations.
3. San Antonio: Kennedy’s Public House
Often called a “friendly neighborhood bar,” Kennedy’s serves great wings, the bar offers great daily specials with 16 beers on tap including several Texas craft beers—and it’s pet-friendly.
Kennedy’s Irish Bar is known as the “Cheers” of San Antonio where everyone knows your name. They are located on the corner of Blanco and Huebner Road just North of 1604 in the Stone Oak Neighborhood. While you’re there, don’t forget to try more than just the beer. They serve burgers, hotdogs, tacos and what some patrons call the best buffalo wings in San Antonio.
4. Houston: Irish Pub Kenneally’s
Voted the #1 best Irish Pub by Houston A-list.
Irish Pub Kenneally’s opened the doors in October 1983 with the goal of becoming a neighborhood bar. They wanted a comfortable, friendly and family owned pub that offer good food, drinks and great times. for more than a quarter century it has been a successful and recognized establishment.
It is also well known for “pulling one of the best pints outside of Ireland.” They’re very well known for their Chicago-style thin crust pizza, which is made from scratch, as well as a broad selection of draught beers that will make for a satisfying visit anytime.
5. Dallas: The Dubliner Irish Pub
The Dubliner is the oldest Irish pub in Dallas. When it opened in 1994, it reportedly had Irish Spring soap in the bathroom and Sinéad O’Connor on the jukebox. Owned and operated by Peter Kenny, a native of Dublin. The Dubliner is a traditional Irish Pub with a warm and welcoming setting. They offer a large selection of imported and craft beer, as well as Irish and Scottish whiskies. Great pride is taken in the quality of the draught Guinness, which many patrons have claimed is the best in town.
