St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl with Metro

This St. Patrick’s Day, you can enjoy as much Guinness and Jameson as you like, just as long as you remember to enjoy them responsibly. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list that not only features some of LA’s favorite Irish pubs, but includes bars that are easily accessible via Metro.

Located in Downtown LA near the 7th St./Metro Center stop of the Metro Rail Red Line, Casey's Irish Pub occupies an historic 1916 building that originally housed a General Store and a Turkish bath house. From the street, descend the brick staircase to the outdoor patio and enter the sprawling pub. Besides the huge mahogany bar, the 10,00 square-foot space includes table dining, wooden booths, a dart room and billiards, multiple TV screens, the Jameson live music stage, and several spaces for private parties and special events. Hollywood has made good use of Casey’s authentic interior in TV shows like Mad Men, CSI and X-Files, as well as films like Good Night and Good Luck with George Clooney.

613 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 213.629.2353
213nightlife.com/caseysirishpub

Take the Metro Rapid 720 bus to Wilshire/Fairfax and walk a few blocks north to Molly Malone's, which has been owned and operated by the same Irish family for over three decades. A favorite of neighborhood locals and hipsters alike, Malone’s has a long-standing tradition of showcasing up-and-coming music talent. The club initially featured Irish troubadours performing drinking songs and traditional Irish music. The program has evolved to include acoustic performances, rock, pop, indie, country, bluegrass, Americana and reggae. Surprise guests who have performed at Molly’s include Lenny Kravitz, Michelle Shocked, Weezer and Lucinda Williams. The walls are covered by over 70 paintings done by noted Irish portrait painter Neal Boyle, and shelves are lined with books. One thing you won’t find at Molly’s: green beer, not even on St. Patrick’s Day. Molly’s has been featured in movies such as Leaving Las Vegas and Patriot Games.

575 S Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, 323.935.1577
www.mollymalonesla.com

With over 30 screens located throughout its multi-level space, Dillon’s Irish Pub & Grill is more of a sports bar than a traditional pub. Still, you can’t beat its wide selection of $3 draft beers and affordable fare, perfect for watching the big game with a group of friends. And talk about convenience: Dillon’s is across the street from the Red Line’s Hollywood/Vine Station, which is located underneath the W Hollywood.

6263 Hollywood Blvd., 323.315.9744
www.dillonsirishpub.com

The landmark Ireland’s 32 is a favorite with Irish ex-pats, and with a weekday happy hour and weekend Irish breakfast (bacon, sausage, grilled tomatoes, wheaten bread, eggs, baked beans, black and white pudding) it’s easy to see why. Add live music and karaoke, and Irish eyes will surely be smiling.

13721 Burbank Blvd., Van Nuys, 818.785.4031
www.irelands32pub.com

For authentic Irish spirit, it’s hard to beat Finn McCool's Irish Pub in Santa Monica, located just up the street from the Main/Marine stop of the Metro Rapid 733. Every piece of the bar, from the wood to the memorabilia, was brought over from Dublin. Owner and executive chef Geraldine Gilliland (a native of Belfast) offers traditional Irish fare like Shepherd's Pie, Roast Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Cream, and Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce. A specialty is boxty, a potato pancake stuffed with fillings such as Guinness Beef Stew, Corned Beef and Cabbage and more. To pair with the “Irish Fayre,” choose from the 18 beers on tap or sip one of the 200 whiskeys. Finn McCool’s features live music Thursday through Saturday, and traditional Irish music every Sunday night.

2702 Main St., Santa Monica, 310.452.1734
www.finnmccoolsirishpub.com

Sonny McClean’s Irish Pub & Restaurant is home away from home for Boston sports fans in LA. Named for the owner’s grandfather, Sonny McClean’s features live music, karaoke, a darts room and pool table. To go with the extensive beer list, Sonny McLean's features a menu of traditional New England and Irish favorites, made with a California touch.

2615 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310.449.1811
www.sonnymcleans.com