Hot Spots | Irish Pubs

When you’re feeling green (not of the sick or Kermit the Frog variety) and want a little luck of the Irish around you, order a pint and dance a jig at one of these fine Detroit establishments any day of the week.

Kelly’s Irish Pub

Kelly’s is the place to be on St. Paddy’s Day and any other day you want to channel a bit of Irish. This Dearborn neighborhood corner bar becomes a great go-to spot, even offering a party bus to Detroit’s Corktown for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 13). Beverage on the bus, Kelly’s Irish Pub T-shirt and optional Irish breakfast are included in the ticket price.

Old Shillelagh

This Irish pub is in downtown’s Greektown and hosts one of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the city. A large tent, erected adjacent to the establishment, is full of all-day activities on March 17, including live music by bands Black Mist and Stone Clover. Don’t be shy about complementing your spirited libations with an extra helping of corned beef and cabbage. If you simply can’t wait until the sainted day, come to the pub’s St. Practice Day on March 12. Don’t let the name fool you. There is nothing “practice” about this party. The booze, food, music and fun are as close to the actual “holiday” as it gets.

Claddagh Irish Pub

If you’re looking to get fluthered (very drunk) this St. Paddy’s Day or whenever, The Claddagh offers more than a wee bit o’ craic (good ol’ fashioned fun). Break out your brogue, and head to this authentic public house for a traditional Irish meal and the perfect pint.

Three Blind Mice Irish Pub

Few places can rival this gem with 290 craft and world bottled beers; 150 whiskeys, scotches and bourbons; and custom draft beer towers that consistently pour at 36 degrees. Order shepherd’s pie or bangers and mash from kilt-clad servers. A wall of whiskey barrels, repurposed church pews and other architectural details make good conversation starters.

Blarney Stone Pub

It’s a madhouse on St. Paddy’s Day, and who’d want it any other way? Blarney Stone is one of Oakland County’s most celebrated and frequented Irish bars year-round. Great atmosphere, cheap food and an endless stream of spirit.

More Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Our most famous St. Paddy’s Day parades and other Irish pubs

Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Corktown,• St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Royal Oak, • Duggan’s Irish Pub in Royal Oak • Dunleavy’s in Allen Park • O’Mara’s in Berkley • Dick O’Dow’s in Birmingham • John Cowley & Sons in Farmington • Danny’s Irish Pub in Ferndale • Gaelic League and McShane’s in Corktown Detroit • Sean O’Callaghan’s in Plymouth • Grand Trunk Pub in Detroit • Coleen’s Irish Pub in St. Clair Shores • O’Connor’s Public House in Rochester • Shamrock Irish Pub in Utica

Read more about Detroit restaurants.