Irish Pubs at the Jersey Shore

New Jersey Irish pubs
Photo Courtesy: The Dublin House

This St. Patrick’s Day, the Jersey Shore is the place to be. There’s no better place to celebrate the Irish than at some of our favorite Irish pubs, where we’re greeted with great music, a cold beer and a hot plate of bangers and mash. At these pubs, we get to feel Irish, too, if only for dinner.

new jersey irish pub
Photo courtesy of the Anglesea Pub

The Anglesea Pub
116 W. 1st Avenue, North Wildwood
609-729-1133 
Recently named one of the best pubs in the Garden State by the list-loving Buzzfeed, The Anglesea Pub in North Wildwood has been serving cold beer since 1916. Hailing from Ireland, General Manager Sean McMullan brings authentic Irish culture including traditional Irish specialties and a friendly vibe to the New Jersey Irish pub scene. Every year on St. Patrick’s Day and during the Irish Festival, McMullan even brings in Irish band Patsy Bradley, from his hometown in Ireland. Talk about authentic.

New jersey irish pub
Photo courtesy of Claddagh

Claddagh
97 Bay Avenue, Highlands
732-291-0099
Set in Highlands, one of the Jersey Shore’s small beach towns, is Claddagh, an Irish pub with all the fixings. This includes 50 beers on tap ranging from Irish and Scottish ales, Belgian Whites, and stouts. Enjoy drink specials every day of the week while digging into a menu that has everything from your traditional fish ‘n chips to the corned beef stuffed into an egg roll. Just like its namesake, our Irish beer and food-loving heart is held right at the Claddagh.

New Jersey Irish pubs
Photo courtesy of the Dublin House

The Dublin House
30 Monmouth Street, Red Bank
732-747-6699

If you’ve ever been to Red Bank, chances are you’ve either walked past the Monmouth Street house with roots that date back to 1840, or you may have stepped inside and been transported back to a time when the beers were flowing, the music was loud (and good), and strangers became your friends. Not to be outdone by the alcohol, The Dublin House is also known for delicious Irish dishes including its Dublin House Bangers & Mash.

New Jersey Irish pub
Photo courtesy of Kelly’s Tavern

Kelly’s Tavern
43 NJ-35, Neptune City
732-775-9517

Those who know Reubens, also happen to know Kelly’s Tavern, an Irish pub opened by Ed and Mabel Kelly in 1949. Sit inside in the cavernous bar while you dig into the extra large Reuben, a plate that may leave you catatonic. Or enjoy the outdoors under the heated outdoor spaces while you watch some rugby. Either way, it’s a tradition.

new jersey irish pub
Photo courtesy of Johnny Mac House of Spirits

Johnny Mac House of Spirits
208 Main Street, Asbury Park
732-776-6666
When you find yourself in front of Johnny Mac House of Spirits, aka Johnny Mac’s, a self-proclaimed eccentric watering hole covered in outlandishly hysterical quotes, step inside. The Irish hospitality runs big here as every beer you drink comes with a free, freshly made, individual pizza (it’s where Irish and Italian converge). Play some skeeball while you wait or enjoy the outdoor bar (with ping-pong tables!).

New Jersey Irish pub
Photo courtesy of Maloney’s Bar & Grill

Maloney’s Bar & Grill
119 Main Street, Matawan
732-583-4040

Nothing says “Irish pub in New Jersey” quite like more than 125 taps that offer everything from ultra-fresh local beers to eclectic imports, and tried-and-true classics, to a full-fledged Scotch list. Maloney’s Bar & Grill has become a destination for Irish foodies and beer connoisseurs alike, and with good reason. Just try out the turkey Reuben that comes with tater tots and a vat of cheese.

new jersey irish pub
Photo courtesy of Murphy’s Tavern

Murphy’s Tavern
17 Ward Lane, Rumson
732-842-1600

No Irish pub list is complete without a mention of Murphy’s Tavern in Rumson. A tradition since Prohibition, Murphy’s was established in 1856 as a speakeasy and despite the laws eventually being lifted, still offers the same vibe it once did when patrons would have been hiding in the back.