It was recently St. Patrick’s Day, and this holiday is a big deal for me, okay (I’m Irish). I spent the day out and about, bouncing between a few pubs and getting a feel for Portland’s local scene. This post is a little different from my usual wine and coffee content, but it felt right to switch it up and highlight some great neighborhood spots. At the end of the day, a good drink and a lively atmosphere are what bring people together.
The first three pubs I visited on St. Patrick’s Day, and the last three are places I’ve stopped into on my own time. Featuring four Irish pubs and two other fantastic local spots, here are six Portland pubs to try! ☘️
katie o’briens
Katie O’Brien’s in the Kerns neighborhood our first stop on St. Patrick’s Day! A friend and I stopped by in the afternoon to ease into things with an Irish coffee and some proper comfort food. I ordered the Irish stew and it was exactly what I wanted: hearty and satisfying. The space is big with plenty of seating, a back patio, and even a pool table in the middle. It felt lively but not overwhelming, and we left in great spirits. The perfect start to the day!
The dullahan
Next up was The Dullahan in Lake Oswego, and this place has such a cozy, homey feel. It’s set up like a house, which makes it feel relaxed and welcoming right away. People were hanging out, chatting, and really taking their time. My friend and I loved the decor (especially the wallpaper)–it added to the charm. They have seating out front and a big back patio, and they serve a full Irish menu. For the holiday, they went all out with a tent, an extra bar, and a stage in the back. We caught some incredible Irish dancing, which ended up being one of the highlights of the entire day!
kells irish pub
Our final stop was Kells, which is pretty much the St. Patrick’s Day hub in Portland. Their main pub is downtown, and they also have a brewery location just a short drive down the road. All weekend they had live music and Irish dancers at both spots. We stayed at the downtown location, which was packed, but in a fun way. The energy was high, everyone was in a good mood, and it felt like the kind of place you have to experience at least once on St. Patrick’s Day.
t.c. o’leary’s
I didn’t make it to T.C. O’Leary’s on the actual holiday, but I went the following Sunday and honestly, it might have been the perfect time to go. I ordered a Guinness and their fish and chips, and they completely lived up to the hype. This place feels like a true Irish pub and a real neighborhood staple in the Alberta Arts District. There was a group playing live Irish music while I was there, which gave it such a fun, authentic feel. It was lively without being chaotic, and the bartenders were incredibly friendly. I can’t wait to go back!
alberta street pub
Alberta Street Pub is a staple in the Alberta Arts District and one of those places that naturally draws people in. The space strikes a great balance with a cozy bar inside, a spacious outdoor patio, and a small venue for live music. There’s almost always something happening, whether it’s a show, trivia night, or just a lively evening crowd. The bartenders add to the welcoming feel, making it easy to settle in and stay awhile. It’s the kind of place where a quick drink can easily turn into an entire night–I’ve had my fair share of those here. 🙂
rose city book pub
This spot is a true gem in Portland’s Irvington neighborhood, blending a cafe, bar and bookstore into one warm, inviting space. It has that effortless, lived-in charm that makes you want to linger. It’s very much a “third space,” somewhere you could spend hours without noticing the time pass. There’s a cute back patio which I will definitely be taking advantage of in the summer, plus regular events like live music and arts & crafts nights. Sitting by the window, tucked behind the shelves in with a beer and a book, the whole place felt quite magical to me.
Thanks for reading 🙂
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