Even though St. Patrick’s Day is the day that many seek out heading to an Irish bar in the Hoboken and Jersey City area, it’s important to note that there are a plethora of Guinness-loving watering holes locally, year-round. To help with planning the celebration or the search for Corned Beef + Cabbage specials, we’ve compiled a list of Irish bars in the area, both for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and just enjoying a pint. It’s crucial to note that many are termed Irish pubs in self-descriptions, though not all of these bars are Irish-owned. Either way, we’re down for a celebration when it comes down to it. Read on for all of the local Irish pubs and bars in Hoboken and Jersey City, with varying degrees of authenticity — so don’t @ us, we’re just the messenger.
Disclaimer: Not all are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with specials or green-specific offerings. If you have questions on specials, menus, and more of what each location offers, please contact the bars directly.
Hoboken
Carpe Diem | 1405 Grand Street
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This uptown spot will open early on St. Pats at 10AM. In addition to its usual offerings, there will be Guinness on draft and Magner’s Cider chilled and ready to go. And, the famous Corned beef special will be available. The interior is spacious, making it a go-to for large groups. Patrons are met with the expansive bar when they enter followed by the tables in the back. There’s also a ton of outdoor dining space since it expanded its seating a few steps away under the viaduct.
Read More: The History of St. Patrick’s Day in Hoboken
Cork City | 239 Bloomfield Street
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With over 50 beers on draft, there is plenty to explore, and the menu is updated daily. Patrons are invited to order food from nearby restaurants. There are games in-house like darts towards the back of the bar to keep patrons entertained. Even better: dogs are welcome at this bar.
Finnegan’s | 734 Willow Avenue
Finnegan’s will open at 12PM on St. Patrick’s Day, and the festivities include pints of Guinness, corned beef, and cabbage, as well as live music at 3:30PM + 6:30PM. Between the Guinness on draft and the Irish-centric memorabilia all over the walls, this pub is about as close as you can get to Ireland without leaving the country. Vintage beer advertisements and old maps line the walls, while the long, wooden bar invites guests to pull up a seat for a pint. It has an old-school vibe to it, that is until the live music kicks off and it becomes super lively.
Green Rock | 70 Hudson Street
There’s a reason why Green Rock is the go-to spot for Sunday Fundays and holidays alike. The enormous space, huge bar, and incredible selection always make for a good party. With an ever-changing lineup of DJs and live musicians, there’s always something new to enjoy. Green Rock has Guinness on draft. Don’t forget to throw some napkins before you leave.
McSwiggan’s | 110 1st Street
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This spot will serve happy hour specials, Irish specialties, and Guinness all day. This 1st Street bar is deceivingly large — the high-ceilinged space is adorned with classic Irish beer and liquor advertisements, and there is both a parklet and outdoor seating for a big crowd. Since it’s almost as if every day is St. Pat’s at this pub, it is sure to be a celebration to remember. Stop in for brunch, lunch, or dinner — the all-you-can-eat specials are a must.
Moran’s | 501 Garden Street
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This neighborhood pub has been serving the community since 1989. The bright red door is a welcome indication that visitors are in for a great meal, good service, and a great night. Moran’s has both Guinness and Smithwick’s on draft, Magner’s cider available, and an entire page of the menu dedicated to Irish whiskeys. The outdoor seating is awesome when the weather is enjoyable.
Mulligan’s | 159 1st Street
This neighborhood bar was named as one of the top spots to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by Best of NJ.com. The menu always has pub classics like Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, and a full Irish breakfast served all day.
Pilsener Haus + Biergarten | 1422 Grand Street
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Even the Germans love St. Patrick’s Day. The beer list here is always changing, but patrons can be sure that the team will have something both tasty and authentically Irish to enjoy. Not to mention, it’s the largest bar in town and is packed with character inside and out.
Schmitty’s | 359 1st Street
Schmitty’s is known for its laid-back vibes. In fact, ‘sip back and relax’ is this bar’s motto. Patrons and their pups can enjoy St. Pat’s literally surrounded by green: the outdoor patio at Schmitty’s is a grassy oasis, and the vertical gardens indoors create a lush, leafy feeling. The Guinness on draft doesn’t hurt, either. It’s quaint, a great low-key spot locally.
The Shannon | 106 1st Street
This pub is one of the original Irish bars in Hoboken, founded in 1956, and has a ton of rich history. The Shannon always has Guinness on draft, Magner’s cider, and a wide selection of Irish whiskeys. The crowd ranges from locals and out-of-towners. It’s lined with TVs for sports days and has a huge outdoor dining area (complete with TVs right outside on 1st Street when the block is shut down during the summer.
Willie McBride’s | 616 Grand Street
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For a bar like Willie McBride’s, which prides itself on a good craic all year long, St. Patrick’s Day is akin to the Super Bowl. This is a favorite amongst locals since it is in the middle of town on a quiet block. There’s a huge private room in the back and a mezzanine inside as well.
Jersey City
Dorrian’s Red Hand | 555 Washington Boulevard
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This Newport pub is a go-to for all things Irish. Dorrian’s has Guinness and Smithwick’s on draft year-round. There are tons of TVs inside, making it a great spot to catch a game in downtown.
Ed + Mary’s | 174 Coles Street
Ed + Mary’s will have new Irish drink cans from 902 Brewing Co. and Guinness for St. Patrick’s Day. Neighbors love this Hamilton Park spot for its tasty food, sunny patio, and welcoming vibes. Even pups are welcome on the patio. We appreciate a good pull, especially for a Guinness, so it’s only natural to include this spot in our roundup.
Grace O’Malley’s Whiskey Chapel | 140 Newark Avenue
Given that Grace O’Malley’s team celebrates ‘halfway to St. Patrick’s Day’ in September, there is no shortage of excitement for the holiday here. The bar has Guinness, Smithwicks, and Magner’s on draft, as well as several other choices from Ireland to enjoy solo or mixed with Irish beers, like a black and tan. Of course, the menu has Irish pub classics like Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Breakfast, and Fish and Chips.
Hudson Hound JC | 8 Erie Street, Suite A
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Hudson Hound has a variety of St. Patrick’s Day specials, which you can find here. We’d expect nothing less from this modern Irish spot. Guinness and Smithwick’s are on draft, and bottled Magner’s are chilled in the fridge.
Healy’s Tavern | 374 Newark Avenue
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There is beauty in simplicity and that’s part of the appeal of Healy’s Tavern. It’s a relaxed, no-frills kind of place that somehow feels like home. This bar is the official, unofficial after-party spot for the Jersey City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Super local vibes, it wouldn’t be uncommon to see JC natives hanging out for a drink.
O’Leary’s Publik House | 788 Garfield Avenue
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This is another one of those IFyKYK types of places — it doesn’t look like much from the outside but once you step inside, everything makes sense. People like this bar for its neighborhood vibes, menu composed of pub food classics, and of course, Guinness on draft.
See More: Where to Get St. Patrick’s Day Treats in the Montclair Area
Zeppelin Hall | 88 Liberty View Drive
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While *technically* Zeppelin Hall isn’t a true Irish bar, the beer hall will be donning the green. Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day here with a live party band at 9PM. Since this spot has a huge outdoor space in addition to its indoor bar, patrons can enjoy the green beers as well as corned beef and cabbage sandwiches + platters around the firepits.
