GOOD TIMES ON TAP

St. Patrick’s Day on the Jersey Shore is more than just parades—it’s an extended celebration of Irish heritage, filled with music, revelry, and, of course, a pint (or two) of Guinness. The spirit of the Emerald Isle comes alive along the coast, where locals and visitors alike gather to honor the occasion.
     No celebration is complete without a stop at a proper Irish pub, so we’ve selected a few standout spots where you can raise a glass and indulge in the flavors of the Ireland. Whether you’re craving a classic corned beef sandwich, a Guinness-infused burger, or just a lively atmosphere to toast the day, these pubs deliver a taste of Gaelic tradition right here at the Shore.

Kim Marie’s Eat n Drink Away

{1411 Kingsley St, Asbury Park; 732-774-6666; www.kimmarieseatndrinkaway.com}

A stone’s throw from the Asbury Park Boardwalk, Kim Marie’s Eat n Drink Away is prayer answered for all weary boardwalkers in search of a generous meal and a place to rest their legs. Quaint brick walls dressed in tangled vines and a rustic interior emblazoned with emerald green draw in passersby, and Kim Marie’s dazzles them with their menu. With a host of rotating specials, fixtures like Fish and Chips, Irish Meatloaf, and the Mushroom Cheddar Burger, and a number of vegan options to boot, there’s something for everyone.    
     Beyond the exquisite fare, the drinks menu also impresses, with a collection of signature cocktails and a wide variety of ales and beers. With that said, no one would blame you for keeping it simple and accompanying this superb Irish feast with its natural complement: a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.

 

Dublin House

{30 Monmouth St, Red Bank; 732-747-6699; www.thedublinhouse.com}

Steeped in history and culture, the Dublin House stands proudly in the heart of Red Bank as a symbol of Irish heritage. With origins dating back to the mid-19th century, the Victorian manor has endured through multiple relocations, persisting through time and turmoil to continue serving its patrons a taste of Ireland. Sample an Irish classic like Bangers and Mash or try the specialty Guinness burger, hand-sculpted from prime sirloin and topped with cheddar infused with Ireland’s liquid gold.

The Dublin House is a haven of warm hospitality for all who enter. From catered parties with a wide selection of menus to weekly live musical performances by local acts to a Sunday Brunch menu, appetites on all occasions will be sated.

Kelly’s Tavern

{43 NJ-35, Neptune City; 732-775-9517; www.kellystavernjerseyshore.com}

Bathed in a warm glow cast by lights encased in stained glass, Kelly’s Tavern epitomizes Irish comfort. Since its inception in 1949, Kelly’s has garnered a reputation as a quintessential restaurant on the Jersey Shore by consistently delivering high-quality, savory meals. Renowned far beyond the confines of Neptune City for its corned beef and reubens, diners from all walks of life can sample the heartiness of Ireland’s cuisine at Kelly’s, leaving satisfied and bursting at the seams.

However, it isn’t just the menu that establishes Kelly’s as a must-visit eatery. The tavern has fully embraced the Irish heritage of the Kelly family to great effect. The walls are charmingly packed with all manner of authentic Irish heraldry and insignias, and draped above the bar is an immense, hand-painted map of Ireland that whisks guests away to a welcoming pub in the Irish countryside. For those seeking an iconic Irish tavern that delivers on all fronts, look no further!

Harrigan’s

{703 Baltimore Blvd, Sea Girt; 732-449-8228; www.harriganspub.com}

Nestled in Sea Girt, Harrigan’s Pub drips with authentic Irish charm. A favorite among the seafaring locals, Harrigan’s effortlessly captures the essence of a cozy Irish pub. With dim lighting and elegant wood paneling setting the perfect mood, followed by a smorgasbord of delightful Irish fare‒including the Irish Quesadilla, Shepherd’s Pie, and Harrigan’s famous Sizzling Sliced Steak‒it’s no small wonder that the pub is lauded as the ideal destination for an Irish feast. To accompany any of their mouth-watering entrées, enjoy a rich pint of Guinness or try one of the restaurant’s dozens of beer selections to cap off an unforgettable dining experience.

Not only does Harrigan’s deliver a quality Irish menu, it also gives its diners a sample of Irish hospitality. With Trivia Tuesdays and a slew of holiday celebrations, like St. Patrick’s Day, Oktoberfest, and New Year’s Eve, stepping into the pub feels like returning home for an overdue family reunion. When visiting Harrigan’s, you will uncover a menu and environment so welcoming it becomes an impossible task to leave without a smile.