Best of Metromix Denver 2010Irish bar
Let's face it: There are precious few "real" Irish bars around, mostly because you don't find that many full-blooded Irish immigrant entrepreneurs in the middle of Colorado. There's also the whole Scottish/Irish/general European pub dynamic to contend with, as well as the purists who know the differences and will call you out at the drop of a shillelagh. So let's be clear: this category refers to bars with a cool name, Guinness and Murphy's on tap and some nice dark woodwork around the bar. Irish employees or cusotmers are also a plus. All other points are negotiable.
And the winner is…
Celtic Tavern
1801 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80202Neighborhood: Lodo
If the Celtic Tavern had a motto, it might be, “We’re not just Irish, so get that frickin’ leprechaun out of here.” Although the term “Celtic” can be hard to define, it incorporates elements of Scottish, Irish and Welsh cultures, with a bit of Spanish influence and a dash of French. The ancient Celts were apparently fierce warriors, with some tribes going naked into battle. Fascinating historical tidbits, but you don’t need them to enjoy the Celtic Tavern. The menu features Scotch eggs, Killarney toast and corned beef and cabbage, but, thankfully, no haggis. Drop in for prime rib on Thursday nights, or try something new from the well-stocked bar, which features several varieties of Scotch and bourbon.
Nominees
Scruffy Murphy's
2030 Larimer St.
Denver, CO 80205Neighborhood: Lodo
Less than a potato toss from Coors field, this Irish pub is one of the more authentic you are likely to find in Denver. Feast on bangers and mash, shepard’s pie or any of their more traditional bar snacks (nachos, chips and salsa, etc.). What really sets this place apart, however, is its rollicking ambience and terrific selection of beers. They have Strongbow Cider on tap, which is unusual enough, but also Smithwick’s, which makes them all but alone in the field.
Conor O'Neills
1922 13th St.
Boulder, CO 80302Neighborhood: Pearl Street / Downtown
No Leprechauns here (although after a few Irish car bombs you may think you’ve seen one)—just consider yourself lucky for having such a good Irish pub in your neighborhood. It is set up to be a spitting image of Irish pubs in the actual country of Ireland… down to having a tree room where the entertainment is held and Irish signs directing you through the pub. Of course the obvious theme is an “Irish pub” they also have a “distillery” theme with tables made out of whiskey barrels and a cottage area with a stone fireplace, stone walls and floor.
Nallen's Irish Pub
1429 Market St.
Denver, CO 80202Neighborhood: Larimer Square
Looking for love in all the wrong places? And by wrong places we mean the Internet and high schools. Try Nallen’s – they boast loads of happy marriages that began when the couple met in their bar. What’s their secret? The Irish and English beers on tap? The large Scotch selection? Who knows, but alcohol seemed to work for half of Hollywood. Just don’t come here for frou-frou drinks; it’s not the place to order a strawbana mojito.
Irish Snug
1201 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80218Neighborhood: 17th Avenue / Up Town
Rumor has it that Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady hung out here, and when you visit on the weekends you will definitely feel that vibe. This little snug is stacked with great people, food and real Irish energy. Downstairs there is a huge bar area with flat screens, couches, love and pure merriment. When we asked regulars to describe the Snug, they had so much excitiment, they couldn't even form full sentences. We like that. Maybe it was due to a few too many Irish car bombs, but hell, we love that even more.
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