New England dining reviews  >>> Boston Area Irish Restaurant and Pubs

Blarney and Friends!

The best suburban Boston Irish restaurants and pubs 

Finngean's Wake, Walpole, Mass. (photo by Eric H.)

Article and photo by Eric H.

Given Boston and vicinity's high Irish population, it's no surprise that there are many terrific Irish restaurants and pubs in the region. Here is a sample of some of the best Irish restaurants and pubs:

Finnegan's Wake, Walpole, MA A truly attractive, warm, down-to-earth, cozy restaurant, Finnegan's Wake is located in the lower level of a former foundry in a remote section of downtown Walpole, Mass. Irish native Tom Kirwin, with his gracious demeanor and pleasing Irish accent, and Walpole native Kristen Smith (also the master chef) are long-time restauranteurs with a knack for turning our great lunch and dinner selections. Kirwin owned the former Kirwin's Kitchen, a classic Walpole breakfast and lunch place where Smith waitressed. Several years ago, Kirwin decided to close Kirwin's, and with Smith opened Finnegan's Wake around the corner. No "luck of the Irish" was needed here; Smith and Kirwin forged ahead to bring an authentic, high quality Irish restaurant with lots of character to Walpole from day one.

Finnegan's Wake's greatest offerings are a delicious Guinness beef pie, with fish and chips, shepard's pie and roast turkey and of course, a wide variety of beers and ales that would not look out of place in Ireland. For appetizers, the Irish potato pizza has an addictive full body taste, courtesy of fresh potato skins, peppers, tomatoes, scallions and blended cheeses. Desserts include a brownie ala mode bursting with authentic fudge sauce. The soups and salads are fresh (great French onion soup, clam chowder and Caesar salads) and the warm, homemade rolls suggest great things to come before the arrival of the main entrees. Service is always pleasant; judging from the friendliness of the wait and bar staff, they really seem to enjoy working in the attractive and cozy setting.

The atmosphere is indeed memorable. The dining room has high ceilings, soft lighting, soothing yellow and gold tones, subtle candle light at night, huge stylish wooden booths, Irish memorabilia lining the mantle above the high walls and exposed brick walls perfectly married with handsome dark wood. The bar area sports living room comfort with large screen televisions, comfortable tables and wall to wall rugs, mirrors and more dark wood and occasional entertainment (one or two singers at a time) to create the pub you've dreamed about but never quite found. The square footage isn't that large, so on St. Patrick's Day, the crowds are insane after the work day, so try to get there a bit early to find your spot.

Finnegan's Wake is a nice escape from the hectic pace of Boston. It is the perfect dining getaway in a town with a high Irish population that knows it Irish food. They know Finnegan's Wake to be the "real thing," a place close to home that exceeds in quality and ambiance many of the high end Irish restaurants and pubs in Boston.

Finnegan's Wake, 1034 East St., Walpole, MA Tel. (508)668-1189

The Burren, Somerville, MA Those who have been to Ireland say the Burren is the closest thing to an authentic Irish Pub. The nightly Celtic music, the true-to-form traditional Irish fare (as well as many American chicken, steak and fish offerings) and the celebration of friendship over a few beers in a dark, intimate please everyone from the spirited nearby Tufts University crowd to those who miss their favorite native Ireland pub.

The Burren, 247 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville, MA. Tel.. (617) 776-6896

O'Connor's Restaurant and Bar, Worcester, MA   This long-time popular Worcester dining spot might just be the best of the Irish restaurants and pubs within striking distance of Boston. Large in size, larger-than-life in its authentic, lively Irish atmosphere, and with some of the largest portions of food you'll ever see, O'Connor's is sort of like the Irish restaurant version of Disney World (in the best sense).  Some of the menu items include the phenomenal, gargantuan Shepherd's pie, "Famous Beef, Mushroom and Guinness Pie," pecan chicken, chicken curry, fish and chips, bangers 'n mash and Irish whiskey sirloin. Add an incredible draft beer, ale and stout selection, and O'Connor's seems like the Irish restaurant made in heaven -- sure to make other Irish restaurant competitors "green with envy!" It's our personal favorite Irish restaurant in the region.

J.P. O'Hanlon's, Ayer, MA Perhaps one of the most underrated Irish restaurants in the region, J.P. O'Hanlan's is a great hidden gem in tiny Ayer, Mass., located in north central Massachusetts. The drink selection includes 26 fresh draughts, an extensive wine selection and Irish whiskys and scotches. The traditional Irish food is terrific, the waitresses connect well with the customers and the atmosphere is spacious, dimly lit with plenty of nice hardwood and a classy but informal bar area. Formerly the home of Tony's, it's nice to have an out-of-this world shepard's pie rather than fried chicken.

J.P. O'Hanlon's, 9 Main Street, Ayer, MA.Tel.(978)772-9282

Olde Irish Alehouse -- Dedham, MA The delicious Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage, Mulligan Stew (chunks of lamb, potatoes, carrots and onions in a lamb stock) and a Sunday Irish-American brunch suggests there's a chef that really knows that he is doing. The great fare at this large restaurant overlooking the Charles River is further enhanced by many imported and domestic beers, ales and wines, as well as entertainment.

Olde Irish Alehouse, 2 Bridge St., Dedham, MA. Tel. (781) 329-6034

Related articles:

Beckett's is an Irish pub in Walpole, Mass., that is magically delicious!

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

Do you have a favorite Boston area Irish restaurant or pub? Write to us and we'll consider publishing your review or recommednation.