5 Of The Best Irish Pubs Around Charlotte

Who doesn't love a good pub? Shepherd's pie, fish and chips, scotch eggs, and of course plenty of good whiskey and Guinness. No matter if it's St. Patrick's Day or you're just craving some authentic Irish food and beer, you may be looking up flights to the mother land. Fortunately, with several pubs around Charlotte, you don't have to travel too far to find some delicious and comforting Irish fare.

Here are some of the best Irish restaurants and pubs around Charlotte.

The Belfast Mill

Since opening in 2011, The Belfast Mill has fully embraced its hole-in-the-wall status lovingly given to it by its loyal customers while serving up authentic Irish-style pub food and drinks. According to co-owner Barry Leeson, they "keep things simple, but good, which is why you will feel like a regular as soon as you arrive."

Rí Rá Irish Pub

With a name loosely translated as "good fun," Rí Rá Irish Pub is bound to measure up to its moniker, serving up good drinks, delicious food, and live music. This unique spot has been restored from old Irish pubs and salvaged artifacts, including an original shop bar and a 19th century Victorian bar. While the pub has a great selection of food to choose from, it also has a dedicated whiskey room sure to meet your drinking needs. (Note: Rí Rá is temporarily closed due to the pandemic but has plans to reopen to its community.)

Sir Edmund Halley's Restaurant & Freehouse

Sir Edmund Halley's Restaurant & Freehouse first opened in 1996 as a way for Charlotte locals to gather over good food and conversation as well as provided a space to make friends over its large selection of international beers and spirits as its new take on Old World standards. Sir Edmund Halley's has even been named Best Place for Late-Night Dining in the South by Turner South.

The Workman's Friend

Thrillist describes The Workman's Friend as being "plucked off the streets of Ireland's countryside and place in Charlotte." True to its name, this pub hopes anyone looking for nice place to gather will stop by to experience an authentic Irish atmosphere like what the owners had growing up in Ireland. Don't know where to start? Try a traditional dish like shepherd's pie alongside one of the pub's vast whiskey brands.

Galway Hooker

Originally built in Ireland, Galway Hooker moved to its current Lake Norman location to provide guests a chance to dine in an authentic Irish pub, complete with a beautiful garden patio for outside dining and decorated with real Irish artifacts, including a Galway Hooker boat. Named after Galway Bay in Ireland and a nautical history, the pub serves up some of the best fish and chips around.

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