Photo Credit: Dublin Square Irish Pub & Eatery (La Crosse, WI)

Irish Pubs on the Great River Road

Hearty food, cold beer, strong whiskey, and lively entertainment are a few reasons why these riverside Irish pubs should be added to your travel itinerary. The local pubs on the great River Road are ready to say sláinte!

*On Your Way: Attractions may be sparse on the River so hit these spots on your way.

  ~Minnesota~

The Dubliner Pub (St. Paul, MN)

The Dubliner Pub (St. Paul, MN)

This neighborhood pub has Irish and American music six nights a week and craft beers on tap.  And if you want to try your hand at Irish dancing in a relaxed atmosphere, then stop by on a Wednesday night.  

The Olde Triangle Pub (Wabasha, MN)

According to ancient beliefs, triad or a grouping of three is considered good luck. This small town pub’s goal is to help everyone find their triad! Consider trying the Irish nachos: fried potatoes smothered in cheese, scallions, bacon, sour cream, and salsa.

 ~Wisconsin~

Dublin Square Irish Pub & Eatery (La Crosse, WI)

Dublin Square Irish Pub & Eatery (La Crosse, WI)

The owners of this Wisconsin must-visit have over 20 years of restaurant experience combined. The Irish fare offers traditional options, with accolades like  “Best Cheese Curds and Best Ethnic Food in La Crosse County”. 

Monarch Public House (Fountain City, WI)

Since opening in 1894, the Monarch has been a premier gathering place for Fountain City locals. The beer garden, decks, and fountains make it a great spot for summer dining! Look up at the pressed tin ceiling while you visit.

~Iowa~

Stouts Irish Pub (Clinton, IA)

Stouts Irish Pub (Clinton, IA)

Hungry for a pork tenderloin sandwich? Make sure you have some room around the waistline – the portions are known to be large! The pub is also cozy and kid-friendly for family river travelers.

Horan’s Cabaret Irish Pub (Fort Madison, IA)

This Irish spot is raved about for its service and Thursday night tacos! Everyone knows your name, so new visitors will definitely experience a local southern Iowa gem. If tenderloin isn’t your thing, reviews also praise the juicy burgers.

~Illinois~

Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub & Grill (Galena, IL)

Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub & Grill (Galena, IL)

The menu’s Gaelic and modern options with handcrafted pub features and collection of beers imitate an Irish night out! Entertainment ranges from classic Irish pub music to modern bops. 

Kavanaugh’s Hilltop Bar & Grill (Rock Island, IL)

On top of the hill is the neighborhood bar! Besides great food and live entertainment, the bar also has a lineup of video game machines. So grab one of their draft beers, sit back, and enjoy.

 ~Missouri~

Katy O’Ferrell’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (Cape Girardeau, MO)

Katy O’Ferrell’s Irish Pub and Restaurant (Cape Girardeau, MO)

Need a pub with some great weekly drink deals? Katy O’Ferrell’s drink specials are perfect for a weekend night out on the Great River Road. Over 500 Google reviews love the Irish-inspired food and service!

John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub and Garden (St. Louis, MO)

National Geographic named this St.Louis favorite one of “America’s Most Authentic Irish Pubs”! Visitors can enjoy over 15,000 square feet of outdoor garden and beautiful landscaping.

~Kentucky~

Black Patch Grille (Princeton, KY)

Black Patch Grille (Princeton, KY)

Bangers and Mash, Shepards Pie, Irish Corned Beef and Fish Cakes all the delicious Irish foods you’re craving.  Top it off with a Bailey’s Cheesecake for something sweet.  But, with their generous portions, it might be hard to save room.

On Your Way: Dublin’s Irish Pub (Bowling Green, KY)

Outside the river road is a local Irish gem! The pub is known to have friendly service and a fun atmosphere with live performance lineups. Grab a friend and play some darts, dance, and enjoy the affordable drinks.

~Tennessee~

SILKY O’SULLIVAN’S (MEMPHIS, TN)

Silky O’Sullivan’s (Memphis, TN)

“It is like St. Patrick’s Day all year round.” The Beale Street pub resides in a 100+ year old building and serves great beer, food, and blues! First time visiting Beale Street? Silky O’Sullivan’s is a great first stop!

Celtic Crossing (Memphis, TN)

Saturdays and Sundays call for an Irish brunch in Memphis! Taste traditional Irish family recipes and sip a pint (or two). Celtic Crossing is also known for hosting EPL soccer matches!

~ARKANSAS~

Cregeen's Irish Pub (Jonesboro, AR)

Cregeen’s Irish Pub (Jonesboro, AR)

The Little Rock pub has a location closer to the river road! They are known to serve “a proper pint” with unique and exclusive beers on tap. Looking for something stronger to go with a meal? Try the whiskey!

Kelly’s On Main Street (Stuttgart, AR)

The “duck and rice capital of the world” has a local gem in downtown historic Stuttgart. Kelly’s casual atmosphere is great for hungry family and friends looking to eat classic pub fare. Reviews recommend the crustless pizza!

~Mississippi~

Fenian’s Pub (Jackson, MS)

Fenian’s Pub (Jackson, MS)

Locally sourced food combined with traditional Irish fare combined with southern pub favorites! Whiskey also flows at this pub with an extensive whiskey menu. The name derives from a legendary band of warriors led by Finn McCool.

Dan McGuinness Pub (Southaven, MS)

Southaven loves its live music and Irish beer at Dan McGuinness Pub! Travelers should check out the daily lunch specials for hungry afternoons on the road. During happy hour, the pub has a selection of $5 pub foods.

~Louisiana~

Finn McCool’s Irish Pub (New Orleans)

Happy’s Irish Pub (Baton Rouge, LA)

Described as a college bar, Happy’s local dive atmosphere is a great spot for a fun night out in Baton Rouge. Listen to country rock, sip a cold beer, and enjoy the patio during hot Louisiana nights.

Finn McCool’s Irish Pub (New Orleans)

The pub was nominated by Gambit Weekly as “the best neighborhood bar in New Orleans”! Careful on game nights – the place is packed! Stop by a watering hole for Irish fare and sports (soccer in particular).