When Ireland wakes up in the morning, the first thing they think of is not potatoes — it’s drinking. It’s almost as if every state in America and even countries from around the world have taken to their beloved drink with vigor, just like Coca-Cola or McDonald’s. Bars advertising Irish décor seem to crop up overnight!
There’s nothing better than enjoying an excellent Irish pub when it’s cold outside. At that time, no-frills pubs and “regular” bars both serve to be the perfect place to take your friends on a weekend night out or simply catch up with your mates over a pint of Guinness or even an Irish coffee while watching sports or any other type of program you might enjoy on television.
An authentic Irish pub has all of the staples. They have an inviting and welcoming atmosphere and decor, delicious food, strong beverages, and plenty of entertainment. While you’re at an Irish pub, let’s not forget those with a “relaxed though professional service ethos” to serve you while you are taking part in their traditional festivities!
A big order, yes, but Out & About Sacramento has meticulously applied these standards to our rigorous search for the best Irish pub in Sacramento. We have scoured reviews, talked to locals, and looked back on our travels across America to put together a definitive list of our favorite Irish pubs in Sacramento as follows.
Sean Finnegan’s Pub is a location where you may please yourself with your favorite beverage. Did you want to grab a drink? Here, you can buy beverages and liquor. It may be pleasant to come here after an exhausting day to chill out, unwind and take your mind off the world’s worries for a little bit. The atmosphere is considered to be calming enough for this purpose, in addition to even being able to provide food.
Sean Finnegan’s – a pub that sits inside the Bank Exchange building, which formerly housed a bank – took on what was initially The Bank Exchange’s name. It is where the locals come to enjoy themselves and celebrate because it is located in the Old Sacramento Historic Waterfront District. Come down to Sean Finnigan’s for a pint, good eats, and take in some of California’s history
Downtown Sacramento’s favorite neighborhood bar, Malt and Mash, is an exciting place to gather with friends who either love whiskey or love draft beer because they have plenty of both, including 15 local and craft brews on tap. To surround the crowd with ambiance and music at the unique hangout spot, there are 20 prominent outdoor speakers, not to mention the ten main ones inside that fill the air with live music from DJs and bands during weekly celebrations – all hosted by the bar.
Located in an ideal location just a block away from Golden 1 Center and situated in the vibrant 700 block (the heart of downtown Sacramento), Malt and Mash is where you want to be whenever you’re preparing to attend an event at Golden 1.
This cozy pub has all kinds of Irish ales. They have Guinness, of course, and others like Caffrey’s, Bass, and several other types on tap. Their flavors are creative and exciting. Philly cheese steak sandwiches are pretty good here as well as burgers with a crunchy bite to them thanks to the fresh cabbage on the side and layered between the beef patty. The O’Mally’s Amber is a microbrew with a unique fruity tang accompanied by its crisp finish, which makes it easy to drink in large amounts – highly recommended!
Located inside a historic bank building dating back to 1903, Patrick “Father Paddy” Redmond opened his eponymous pub in 2016. Father Paddy’s serves up classic Irish comfort foods like fish ’n’ chips with house-made chips, corned beef, and cabbage served on grilled marbled rye bread with spicy mustard and soda bread baked right in the restaurant!
Don’t skip the bacon mac and cheese. It’s a mouth-watering blend of Jarlsberg, Comté, and aged white cheddar melted down with Smithwick’s red ale and seasoned with freshly ground black pepper and cayenne to kick it. Sample their selection of 16 taps at the hand-stamped copper bar, or head over to the former bank vault turned whiskey room where Father Paddy may tell you about some of his whiskey knowledge!
Blarney Stone Irish Pub features an extensive selection of Irish beers and whiskies, plus a menu offering traditional pub fare and delicious, succulent steaks. Enjoy a relaxing pint of Guinness or one of 22 other delicious craft beers on tap while watching your favorite sporting event or listening to live music every night of the week. Grab a pool cue for a game of billiards, watch UFC fights with friends, or sing all the classics at karaoke on the stage! The Blarney Stone proudly has over 8 HD TVs throughout including in our pool lounge, so you never miss the big game! Stop by after work for our Happy Hours or Sunday brunch to relax with friends – they have drink specials daily along with plenty of fun events happening any given day complete with great prizes!