Black Rose
Named for the 17th-century poem titled "Roisin Dubh" meaning the small black rose, this family place has been serving customers since 1976. Offered seven nights a week, live music has been a staple here for more than 30 years. Handmade traditional fare includes the bangers and mash, which features Irish stout and caramelized onion sausages. Try the RLT, a spin on the traditional BLT sandwich, replacing common bacon with Irish-style bacon. Children's menu is available as well as a dessert menu with the "black and white" bread pudding topped with an Irish whiskey hazelnut cream.
160 State St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-2286
irishconnection.com/blackrose.html
Kinsale Pub and Restaurant
Just across from City Hall is Kinsale, offering an extensive list of brews and affordable menu. A twist on the old favorites features an Irish dip sandwich with Guinness au jus and Asgard fries. Traditional fare includes the Irish stout stew topped with Colcannon mashed potatoes. Brunch served on the weekends features the full Irish breakfast with country fried eggs, back rashers, bangers, grilled tomato, baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, toast and home fries. A well-rounded dessert menu offers half-sized portions for that little something extra.
2 Center Plaza
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 742-5577
classicirish.com/kinsale-home.php
Emmets Irish Pub and Restaurant
Not far from Suffolk County Courthouse and Granary Burying Ground is Emmets Irish Pub. Named after Robert Emmet, a politically active immigrant later executed in Ireland, the pub serves up a variety of brew and wine along with specialties such as the Dublin smoked turkey and old-fashioned Reuben sandwiches, shepherd's pie and chicken pot pie. Brunch served on the weekends features the traditional Irish breakfast, steak tips and eggs, and eggs Benedict served with fresh fruit.
6 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 742-8565
emmetspub.com/index.html
