Luck of the Irish
There’s something comforting about a pub. Be it English or Irish or some other variation, the “public house” has a long tradition of being the center of community in any given neighborhood—the place where everybody knows your name. When I travel, or when I move to a new place, I seek out the nearest pub as soon as possible looking for what the Irish call “the craic,” which is a slang term encompassing news, gossip, and fun—a great craic means that a good time was had by all.
We’re blessed in many ways in Sarasota County, not the least of which is a preponderance of conviviality in the form of some cracking good (craic-in good?) pubs. We’ve collected the best of the best—just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, and just for you. Let’s head in, grab some grub and a pint or two, and toast to our good health, or as they say in Ireland: “Slainte!”
McGrath’s Irish Ale House
For a true taste of Ireland head to McGrath’s in Lakewood Ranch and pair an Irish whiskey or beer with one of Chef Isaac Johnson’s excellent entrées. Isaac is quick to point out that dishes like the Shepherd’s Pie and McGrath’s Irish Beef Stew are family recipes that have not been altered in any way (and thank goodness for that; we could eat that stew for every meal) but expect innovative specials like baked scallops and creamed corn featuring house-made black pepper whiskey bacon as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes. We’re excited for brunch at McGrath’s too. Traditional Irish Breakfast and bottomless mimosas, anyone?
8110 Lakewood Main St, Bradenton; 941-210-4398; mcgrathsirish.com
Lynches Pub and Grub
Lynches on St. Armand’s Circle has been under new ownership since 2015 but the original spirt of the Lynch sisters from County Cork remains intact. The new owner has filled the pub with mementos from his trips to Ireland and the small interior space feels extremely inviting. With 50 Irish whiskeys to choose from and breakfast, such as the hearty corned beef hash, served all day, any time is a good time for Lynches.
19 N Blvd or Presidents, Sarasota; 941-388-5550; lynches.pub
The Freckled Fin Irish Pub & Music Hall
Located in Holmes Beach, Freckled Fin draws locals and tourists alike with friendly service and a menu of thoughtfully presented elevated pub food. There’s an outdoor patio and a stage with a live feed that can be accessed through the website. Freckled Fin boasts “the best burger on the island” but for the more adventurous palate there’s poutine with an Irish twist—think corned beef and Guinness gravy—or St. Patrick’s Pizza with leek spread, cheese curds, arugula, and house-made chips. I’m a big fan of sitting at the bar on a chilly day with a pint of beer from the rotating tap and a side of colcannon (Irish mashed potatoes).
5337 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach; 941-251-3930; freckledfin.com
Pub 32 Irish Gastropub
Pub 32 feels like a true “public house” straight from Ireland and there’s a reason for that: The owners of Pub 32 moved here from Ireland with the intention of re-creating the feel of their favorite pubs from home. Pub 32 features excellent gastro fare, live music, and an extensive bar. Tuck yourself into a cozy seat and order up some comfort. We love the Corned Beef Cabbage and the Pub 32 Reuben and we’re always excited to check out the weekly specials.
8383 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota; 941-952-3070; pub32sarasota.com
Irish 31 Sarasota
Irish 31 is a local South Florida chain of pubs with the mission statement of putting an Irish 31 in every city in America. They’ve earned the nickname “The People’s Pub” and they take the moniker very seriously. The Sarasota location has a dog-friendly outdoor patio with TVs, so you can enjoy the game with your best friend. The menu is a mixture of Irish classics and southern comfort, but we’re hooked on the Boxty—a traditional Irish potato cake reimagined here in three distinct presentations.
3750 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota; 941-234-9265; irish31.com
Clancy’s Sports Bar & Grill
One of Bradenton’s largest tiki bars also has the distinction of being one of its largest Irish taverns. The large outdoor space makes for easy social distancing. Clancy’s offers karaoke, darts, bingo, trivia, and poker as well as live music. Clancy’s features a full menu with everything from po’boys to calzone, but we recommend the Clancy Rolls— think a Reuben sandwich in an egg roll with a side of 1000 Island.
6218 Cortez Rd. W, Bradenton; 941-794-2489; clancysirishsportspub.com
Shakespeare’s Craft Beer and Gastro Pub
No story about pubs in Sarasota would be complete without a mention of Shakespeare’s—the only English pub on the menu and a Sarasota institution. Shakespeare’s is famous for ridiculously good burgers, a tight-knit family atmosphere, and a unique selection of craft beer bottles and beers on tap. The aforementioned burgers live up to their hype, but you can’t go wrong with the English Fish & Chips or the Spicy English Beer Cheese Dip, a local favorite made with English Ale and house-made dipping chips.
3550 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota; 941-364-5938; shakespearesenglishpub.com
O’Brick’s Irish Pub & Martini Bar
A Martini bar and Irish pub featuring a from-scratch menu and a convivial atmosphere in the heart of downtown Bradenton, O’Brick’s defies categorization. Where else can you order escargot alongside pulled-pork eggrolls (Bradentucky Eggrolls) and wash it all down with an Irish stout? O’Brick’s features a large bar, two dining rooms, and outdoor seating. The overall experience really feels like a choose-your-own- adventure outing.
427 12th St W, Bradenton; 941-896-8860; obricks.com
