Learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness with help from B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub, which will be offering plenty of them for St. Patrick’s Day this weekend.
Austin 360
Every March, many Austin bars lean into Irish tradition as St. Patrick’s Day approaches. Bars across the city fill with pub fare, while televisions tune to soccer matches as crowds gather to mark the holiday.
While green beer and novelty hats often dominate the holiday’s imagery, many Austin spots emphasize something closer to the real thing: well-poured Guinness, hearty pub fare and the convivial atmosphere that defines Irish pub culture.
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Related: A guide to 40 of the best bars in Austin that capture the spirit of Texas’ capital city
These Austin pubs are popular spots to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub
Joe Badalamenti and Danielle Lopez wait for their shepherd’s pie to-go at B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub at Mueller.
Austin American-Statesman
Operating in Austin since 2000, B.D. Riley’s is one of the city’s most established Irish pubs. The family-friendly spot serves a full menu of pub classics and offers a spacious patio. It remains a reliable gathering place for fans who prefer to watch “football,” as it’s known across the Atlantic, with a pint in hand.
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1905 Aldrich St. 512-580-3782, bdrileys.com.
The Dead Rabbit
Cheeseburger and thick fries at Dead Rabbit on East Sixth Street.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
A contemporary Irish pub with roots in New York City, The Dead Rabbit’s Austin outpost on Sixth Street brings a cocktail-driven approach to the traditional pub format. Staff encourage guests to skip novelty drinks in favor of classic Irish flavors. Next door, its sister venue Grá Mór offers a café-style setting with occasional acoustic music.
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204 E. Sixth St. 737-530-8830, thedeadrabbittx.com.
Foxy’s Proper Pub
Paty Gomez and Caroline Mccaul walk on Sixth Street on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17, 2017. Erika Rich for American-Statesman
Austin American-Statesman
Located downtown, Foxy’s offers a more polished take on the Irish pub format with a multilevel indoor-outdoor layout. The menu blends Irish and American fare, and the bar runs an Irish-themed happy hour Tuesday through Friday featuring Guinness, draft beer specials and whiskey pours.
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201 Brazos St. 512-501-6713, foxysproperpub.com.
Jack & Ginger’s
Jack & Ginger’s Irish Pub, in the Rock Rose development at Domain Northside.
Austin American-Statesman
At The Domain NORTHSIDE, Jack & Ginger’s leans into the scale of a modern sports bar while maintaining Irish pub roots. The venue features more than 80 beers on tap, whiskey towers and a menu of Irish comfort food. Its large indoor-outdoor layout makes it a popular gathering point for groups and game-day crowds.
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11500B Rock Rose Ave. 512-350-3738, jackandgingers.pub.
Kelly’s Irish Pub
Tucked off Oltorf Street, Kelly’s has built a reputation as a cozy neighborhood pub. Known for its well-poured Guinness and traditional Irish dishes, the bar has a loyal following among locals and Irish transplants. The kitchen also serves classic bar food, and the frozen Irish coffee has become a house specialty.
519 W. Oltorf St. 512-740-4300, kellysirishpubatx.com.
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Murray’s Tavern
Neville Stewart, a member of the music group The Chancers, right, and Sandy Thompson, left, drink and cheer for performers as they celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day at B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub in Austin, Texas on March 17, 2022.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman
Opened by Austin bar owner Travis Tober, Murray’s Tavern serves as a tribute to his grandmother, whom he describes as the family’s lone Irish member. The bar reflects that personal history, offering dishes such as fish and chips, chicken pot pie and a house version of “Grandma’s goulash.”
2316 Webberville Road. murraysaustin.com.
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Parley
Parley offers cocktails and casual pub-style food.
Wen Fitzgerald/Provided by Parley
One of the newer entries on the list, Parley in East Austin takes a cocktail-focused approach to bar culture. Founded by the team behind Bar Hacienda and Bar Fino, the bar offers globally inspired drinks alongside casual pub-style food in a smaller setting that prioritizes conversation over crowds.
1628 E. Cesar Chavez St. parleyatx.com.
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The Pub – Downtown
(L to R) Shawn Levsen, Lynn Crislip, Brian Haulotte and Dan Devane, Austin’s Pipe and Drum Band, perform on Rainey Street on St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday, March 17, 2022.
BRIANA SANCHEZ/AMERICAN-STATESMAN, Austin American-Statesman
Situated on West Fourth Street near several downtown clubs, The Pub functions as a casual Irish-style tavern and sports bar. Televised games, comfort food and a broad beer list make it a common stop for patrons grabbing a drink before heading deeper into the nightlife.
214 W. Fourth St. 512-878-9233, thepubatx.com.
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Rusty Cannon Pub
In South Austin, Rusty Cannon Pub provides a relaxed neighborhood alternative to the downtown crowds. Located on Stassney Lane and South First Street, the bar features pool tables, televised sports and a menu of classic pub food.
730 W. Stassney Lane. 512-494-5271, instagram.com/rustycannonpub.