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What Makes an Authentic Irish Pub? It's in the Details...
- by susan
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- March 09, 2009
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Saint Patrick's Day is around the corner and to me, Boston is one of the best places to celebrate, other than Ireland of course. Irish neighborhoods bookend the city on the North (Charlestown) and South (Southie), leaving remnants of Irish culture and a string of Irish pubs in between. While there are many Irish pubs in the city of Boston, my experience of living in Ireland for 6 months opened my eyes to the details that make up a truly authentic Irish pub. So if you are pub crawling in Boston for St. Paddy's Day, here is my personal list of authentic attributes to look out for...
Crisps behind the counter
The best complement to an ice cold beer is a salty snack and in Ireland, behind the bar you will almost always find a strip of Tayto Crisps hanging from the wall – they are delicious.
In the U.S. they are not too easy to come by but in Boston, you will most certainly find them in the Black Rose.
Black Rose the
160 State St, Boston, MA 02109
The Black Rose is one of my favorite pubs in Boston. Due in part to the Taytos served behind the bar, but mostly because they play live music 7 nights a week.
The Black Rose is one of my favorite pubs in Boston. Due in part to the Taytos served behind the bar, but mostly because they play live music 7 nights a week.
Setanta Sports
In order to play Irish sports, a pub must subscribe to Setanta Sports. While not all pubs do because they would have to charge a pretty large cover to play the games, you will only find them in an authentic pub.
Each year during the Rugby 6 Nation’s Tournament, I look forward to watching the games at the Green Briar in Brighton. While Rugby is technically an English sport, it is very much a part of Irish culture, especially when cheering on Ireland.
Green Briar
4070 Green Briar Blvd, Burton, MI 48529
The Green Briar pub is in the heart of a little Irish neighborhood in the middle of Brighton – which is right on the outskirts of Boston.
During the Six Nation’s they open their doors early to let in the local rugby fans for a day of beer and rugby.
The Green Briar pub is in the heart of a little Irish neighborhood in the middle of Brighton – which is right on the outskirts of Boston.
During the Six Nation’s they open their doors early to let in the local rugby fans for a day of beer and rugby.
Brown Bread with Butter
In most restaurants in the U.S., breads of all shapes, sizes and flavors come as a complementary starter to one’s meal.
In Ireland, and in a true Irish pub, a plate of brown bread and butter is served. Brown bread is soda bread that is a bit thicker than a typical slice. It is crusty and moist and is perfect for dipping into a cup of soup.
I have only found brown bread in one pub in Boston so far and that was The Druid in Cambridge.
Druid Restaurant
1357 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139
The Druid pub is about the size of a walk-in closet, but that doesn’t stop it from filling with people most days of the week.
On Sunday morning’s they serve a full Irish breakfast and all meals are served with hearty slices of delicious brown bread and butter.
The Druid pub is about the size of a walk-in closet, but that doesn’t stop it from filling with people most days of the week.
On Sunday morning’s they serve a full Irish breakfast and all meals are served with hearty slices of delicious brown bread and butter.
Sister Pubs
When I went to the University College Cork, I found myself at the Thirsty Scholar in Cork every Tuesday night listening to live, traditional Irish music.
These days, I find myself at the Thirsty Scholar in Somerville and here, memories of Cork are sparked by more than just the posters on the wall.
The Thirsty Scholar has tall tables with bar stools throughout the floor and these tables are held up by large barrels that I am guessing, formerly held beer. In Cork, the Thirsty Scholar also had these barrels on display and the dark wood paneling is very familiar.
When I am in the Thirsty Scholar in Somerville, I am reminded of my time in Cork and in my book, you can’t get much more authentic than that.
Thirsty Scholar Pub
70 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143
The Thirsty Scholar has the most laid back atmosphere of any pub I have been. There is almost always a seat waiting for you, but it is never empty. It has an amazing list of comfort food on the menu and an extensive list of beer.
The Thirsty Scholar has the most laid back atmosphere of any pub I have been. There is almost always a seat waiting for you, but it is never empty. It has an amazing list of comfort food on the menu and an extensive list of beer.
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I can’t imagine a better place to spend St. Patty’s day… too bad I am far far far away… I will drool green drool. ewww. Fun guide!
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Awesome first guide!! I have wanted to go to the Thirsty Scholar for soo long and haven’t for some reason. A couple of my friends were dating rugby players for a while, which meant we all hung out at the Green Briar a lot!
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