No, we’re not exactly Boston or New York, but there’s still a proud Irish and St. Patrick’s Day tradition here in Dallas. The big St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Dallas takes place in the form of the annual Greenville Ave. St. Patrick’s Day Parade in East Dallas. But another great way to celebrate is at an authentic Irish pub, and there are plenty of those in Dallas, too! Here are the Top Five.
#1 Trinity Hall Irish Pub
A perennial favorite around St. Patrick’s Day, this pub has an extensive (if expensive) beer list and a menu full of Irish favorites, including lamb stew, corned beef and cabbage, and shepherd’s pie. Their wait staff is renowned for their friendliness, and they have a huge outdoor patio. One of the cons, however, is that the patio is usually filled with smokers. Though that’s because they don’t allow smoking indoors, which is wonderful.
5321 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 887-3600
http://www.trinityhall.tv/
#2 Tipperary Inn
One notable thing about this pub is that there are no televisions, except on the patio. Along with the dark wood interior and friendly ambience, this makes it a great escape from the usual bustle. Although it does get loud at times- especially around St. Patrick’s Day! The menu features generous portions of traditional Irish fare, at relatively inexpensive prices.
5815 Live Oak St., Dallas, TX 75214 (214) 821-6500
http://www.tippinn.com/
#3 Dubliner
Although some claim it has gone downhill lately, you can’t beat the Dubliner’s location on St. Patrick’s Day- right on Greenville Ave. with a big deck overlooking the festivities. Unlike Trinity Hall, they do allow smoking indoors, so if you’re trying to avoid secondhand smoke, you’re better off out on the deck anyway. They’re known for their selection of Irish and Scotch whiskeys, and serve decent a decent, if uninspired, pub menu- sandwiches, potatoes, etc.
2818 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 818-0911
http://www.dallasdubliner.com/
#4 Idle Rich Pub
This is the favorite Irish pub of the young professionals in Dallas, helped, of course, by its Uptown location. It boasts a large selection of European beers (both on tap and bottled) and ciders, and an authentic Irish menu full of dishes like Guinness pie and fish & chips. Unfortunately, they allow smoking everywhere and there’s no patio to escape to. Still, it’s the place to be if you’re looking for a “night out” rather than just dinner and a beer.
2614 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX 75204 (214) 965-9926
http://www.idlerichpub.com/
#5 Cock and Bull
As pubs go, it’s more British than Irish, but it has the cozy atmosphere and extensive beer list that are essential to both. Indeed, some of the beers here can’t be found anywhere else in Dallas. The staff is friendly (and will hand out a set of dominoes for you to play at your table if you ask!) and it’s usually (Friday and Saturday nights are the exceptions) not overly crowded. On the con side, however, it’s a little difficult to find and offers street parking only.
6330 Gaston Ave., Dallas TX 75214 (214) 841-9111
http://www.cockandbulldallas.com/
