The New Irish Pubs Redefining St. Patrick’s Day: Nostalgia, Controversy, and a Proper Pint
A Pint of Guinness, A Side of Legacy
At McGonagle’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, the air is thick with nostalgia and the rich aroma of freshly poured Guinness. The lads at the bar are deep in conversation, debating Gerry Adams’s legacy, as the bartender’s friends drift in. “Gráinne is coming by later,” one says with a knowing smirk. It’s time for a round.
“Guinness?” the bartender asks. A nod.
“Guinness?” Another nod.
One by one, the pints line up, each crowned with a creamy, perfectly settled head. This is what an Irish pub should feel like—timeless, buzzing, and a little rebellious. It’s a place where conversations flow as smoothly as the stout, where politics, music, and memories intertwine like old friends.
Bringing Ireland to Boston
If you can’t make it to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day, McGonagle’s in Dorchester is the next best thing. This newly opened pub has it all: a proper pint, live music, and the culinary brilliance of Executive Chef Aidan McGee. If his fish and chips at The Dubliner won you over, prepare for a déjà vu of crispy, golden perfection.
The scene inside McGonagle’s shifts depending on the day. Weeknights are cozy—a warm haven for regulars who return for their bangers and mash and a bit of banter. But come Saturday? The energy explodes. The line stretches around the block, and inside, the floor shakes under the weight of revelers swaying to Irish-American folk, Pogues tribute bands, and musicians flown in straight from the motherland. The echoes of laughter, the rhythmic stomp of dance, and the clinking of glasses create a symphony that would make any Irishman misty-eyed.
A Pub Rooted in Donegal—With a Twist
Owner Oran McGonagle, a Donegal native, pays homage to his hometown with a mural of Moville behind the stage. The bar itself is a shrine to Irish tradition—ornate wallpaper, tin ceilings, stained glass, and rich, dark wood. Whiskey aficionados even get their own lockers to store personal bottles, each labeled with a gleaming gold nameplate.
But this isn’t just a history lesson in pub culture—McGonagle’s is shaking things up. Alongside classics like fish and chips, you’ll find oysters, smash burgers, and even pizza (courtesy of Oran’s brother, who runs a pizzeria back in Ireland). The spice bag—a Chinese-Irish fusion of battered chicken, fries, peppers, and onions tossed in a fragrant, mildly spicy blend—has already earned cult status. Rip open the paper bag, and a cloud of intoxicating steam rises up, drawing every curious eye in the room. One bite and you’ll understand why this dish has become an underground favorite, challenging the very definition of Irish pub fare.
A Rival Emerges in Back Bay
Meanwhile, across town in Back Bay, Sweeney’s has entered the scene with an equally bold approach. Part of the Lenox Hotel’s revival, this fresh take on the classic Irish pub occupies the space once held by Sólás. Their motto? “No Irish goodbyes. Just hellos.”
Like McGonagle’s, Sweeney’s spans two floors—an inviting ground-level bar and a refined upstairs dining area. The menu balances Irish staples with New England flavors: creamy clam chowder, mac and cheese, and crispy chicken sandwiches sit alongside curry chips, ham-and-cheese toasties, and the mighty full Irish breakfast (served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
The standout? Guinness-braised short rib, served as an entrée or packed into buttery sliders with sharp Irish cheddar. Their fish and chips hold their own against McGonagle’s—delivered with a cheesecloth-wrapped lemon, a tiny plastic fish bottle filled with vinegar, and a side of impeccably crisp chips. The corned beef sandwich, however, leaves room for improvement, while the cedar-plank salmon more than redeems it. The bartenders here are as chatty as they are skilled, blending cocktails with a casual flair that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.
But what truly sets Sweeney’s apart is its ambiance—a blend of modern comfort and old-world charm. Dimly lit with vintage Irish posters, warm wooden furnishings, and an unmistakable hum of activity, it’s a place where new friendships are forged over whiskey flights and old memories resurface with each sip of a perfectly poured pint.
The Verdict: Who Owns St. Patrick’s Day in Boston?
With McGonagle’s and Sweeney’s both vying for dominance, Boston’s Irish pub scene has never been more exciting—or more divided. Are you here for the raucous energy of McGonagle’s, where pints flow like water and the scent of spice bags lingers in the air? Or do you prefer the refined charm of Sweeney’s, where Guinness-braised short rib and polished Irish heritage take center stage?
Perhaps the real answer lies in embracing both. After all, the beauty of Irish pubs is their inclusivity—the way they welcome all, whether you’re a Guinness purist, a whiskey connoisseur, or just someone in search of a hearty meal and good company. This St. Patrick’s Day, Boston’s Irish bars are raising the stakes. And the pints? They’ll keep flowing, as they always have.
One thing is for sure: Whether you choose McGonagle’s or Sweeney’s, you won’t just be drinking a Guinness—you’ll be drinking in history, tradition, and the ever-evolving spirit of Ireland itself.
