What makes a good pub? It’s a question that’s difficult to answer. For some, it’s a watering hole where you can drink a pint in peace. For others, it’s a gathering place for rowdy soccer fans. Others seek out pubs for the welcoming sounds of drunken lullabies. These local pubs have you covered no matter your preference. Here are some of the best pubs in Arizona.
There are many words that can be used to describe Seamus McCaffrey’s: historic, authentic. This Irish pub has been a downtown Phoenix staple for over years. On a given night, you might encounter an Irish band, step dancers, or locals just looking for a nightcap. This spirited culture has helped Seamus McCaffrey become a downtown institution for over 30 years. Come for the whiskey, stay for the steak and Guinness boxty. It’s a potato based grilled pancake marinated with Ireland’s most famous beer.
Pattie’s is one part dive bar, one part Old Town club and two parts Irish pub. For over 20 years, Pattie’s has been enchanting locals with a mix of cheap drinks and a laid back attitude. You’ll find pool tables, shuffleboard, and ping-pong tables on end of the bar. On the other is a wall of dollar bills surrounding a busy dance floor. Patties also has some of the cheapest drinks in Scottsdale, making it a pit stop on many a bar hopper’s night out.
Collins Irish Pub & Grill is one of the most popular nightlife spots in Flagstaff—and rightly so. It has everything you’d want out of an Irish pub: solid bar food, a large draft beer selection, and lots of space. Collins is located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. Foodies can enjoy a late night snack on their traditional American and Irish cuisine, while others can enjoy their great specials on drinks. Collins is a great pub and the glue that holds down the Flagstaff bar scene.
Tucson is known for having an eclectic bar scene. You can find loud college bars, friendly neighborhood dives, and upscale cocktail lounges on the same street. No Tucson bar is quite as interesting at the Surly Wench Pub. It’s a nostalgia filled pub complete with old school pinball machines, air hockey, and jukebox music. Locals flock here for the diverse food, strong drinks, and even burlesque shows on the weekends.
You don’t have to fly across the pond to go to an authentic British soccer pup. Instead, take a trip to George and Dragon in Phoenix. It’s decked out in traditional soccer garb. This British pub has been a staple for European soccer fans for over 20 years. Brits can also get a taste of home with their award winning fish and chips, imported beer, and fine scotch selection.
On the surface, Irish Wolfhound Restaurant & Pub may look like any other Irish pub. But step inside and you’ll see why it’s ranked as one of the state’s best pubs. For one, it’s much larger than a standard pub. That extra space leaves ample room for live music, billiards, and big screen TVs. It’s also one of the best places to eat authentic Irish fare. You can dine on Guinness steak and mushroom pie, potato leek soup, and beef and bleu boxty. Of course, no Irish pub is complete without beer and whiskey. Irish Wolfhound has over 40 types of beer and whiskey on their menu.