Looking to enjoy a good pint of Guinness in a setting that rivals the public houses of Ireland? We’ve got five Irish bars that’ll have you cheering sláinte the second you walk in the door.
Flannery’s
The big pre- and post-game Gateway crowds often make Flannery’s seem way cozier than the roomy bar and restaurant actually is. But even when crowds are spilling out the door (and that’s often), the always friendly and attentive staff keeps the 20-ounce imperial pints flowing freely. 323 E. Prospect Ave., 216-781-7782, flannerys.com
Parnell’s
Parnell’s won’t beat you with a shamrock to prove it’s Irish. It’s sporty but not jocky, so you can find a seat to watch the Cavs or English soccer, and cultured but not snobby, so you can talk about a Cedar Lee movie while sipping imported single-malt scotch. Or just order the fish and chips. 2167 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-3469, myspace.com/parnellspub
P.J. McIntyre’s
A bartender with an Irish brogue asks for your drink order at a wooden bar. It’s oddly comforting and sets the welcoming tone at P.J.’s, supported by Irish knickknacks on the walls and the latest rugby match on the telly. 17119 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-941-9311, pjmcintyres.com
Public House
A West Park institution and public house in the true Irish sense; it’s a catchall for locals of all ages. Grab a stool (if there’s room), order a well-poured stout, run into neighbors and old friends or meet new ones. Just be ready to socialize. 17219 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-252-6608
Sullivan’s Irish Pub
Warm up by a wrought-iron stove, enjoy the smell of fish and chips, and try not to go cross-eyed staring at the wall covered in Ireland’s native last names. In a night you’ll see families vying for good pub fare or the young crowd stopping in for a drink as they crawl down Madison Avenue. 13368 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-529-8969, sullivansirishpub.net
Flannery’s
The big pre- and post-game Gateway crowds often make Flannery’s seem way cozier than the roomy bar and restaurant actually is. But even when crowds are spilling out the door (and that’s often), the always friendly and attentive staff keeps the 20-ounce imperial pints flowing freely. 323 E. Prospect Ave., 216-781-7782, flannerys.com
Parnell’s
Parnell’s won’t beat you with a shamrock to prove it’s Irish. It’s sporty but not jocky, so you can find a seat to watch the Cavs or English soccer, and cultured but not snobby, so you can talk about a Cedar Lee movie while sipping imported single-malt scotch. Or just order the fish and chips. 2167 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-3469, myspace.com/parnellspub
P.J. McIntyre’s
A bartender with an Irish brogue asks for your drink order at a wooden bar. It’s oddly comforting and sets the welcoming tone at P.J.’s, supported by Irish knickknacks on the walls and the latest rugby match on the telly. 17119 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-941-9311, pjmcintyres.com
Public House
A West Park institution and public house in the true Irish sense; it’s a catchall for locals of all ages. Grab a stool (if there’s room), order a well-poured stout, run into neighbors and old friends or meet new ones. Just be ready to socialize. 17219 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-252-6608
Sullivan’s Irish Pub
Warm up by a wrought-iron stove, enjoy the smell of fish and chips, and try not to go cross-eyed staring at the wall covered in Ireland’s native last names. In a night you’ll see families vying for good pub fare or the young crowd stopping in for a drink as they crawl down Madison Avenue. 13368 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-529-8969, sullivansirishpub.net
