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Classic Irish Fare

There are over a couple dozen Irish restaurants and pubs in the Boston area serving up traditional fare. The Boston Irish Tourism Association, which promotes Irish culture in Boston, has identified some of the most popular and historic eateries.

History and Influence

Dining in Boston is an experience in global fusion, with influences from Europe and more recently, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia, but one of the long time staples is classic Irish fare. Irish immigration in Boston skyrocketed during the early nineteenth century following the Great Famine years in Ireland, which saw a flood of increased immigration to the United States. Many families settled in Boston, particularly South Boston, where they built insular communities amid challenging living conditions. These tightly-knit communities created the Irish cultural richness that emerged through food, dance and entertainment. Today, the Irish compose Massachusetts’s largest ethnic group with a rich culture and traditional food making up an important part of Boston’s landscape.

Irish Restaurants

There are a range of budget and higher end options when it comes to classic Irish fare, and most eateries offer a mix of the traditional Irish foods combined with American-inspired dishes. While it remains an open debate as to which restaurant and pub is the “best,” many established options can deliver on the staples. Popular Irish restaurants in Boston include the Black Rose on State Street, which was established in 1976 and serves up American and traditional Irish food. The Purple Shamrock on Union Street and Dillon’s on Boylston are also fixtures. Many newcomers that feature fusion menus have also established themselves on the Irish dining scene.

Food

Classic Irish food is traditionally based on meals prepared around available vegetables, meat, and seafood. Irish cuisine in Boston also relies heavily on local ingredients. Irish food centers on potatoes and seafood, two ingredients readily available in and around Boston. On the menu of popular Irish eateries you’ll find fish and chips, shepherds pies, Guinness stews, Bangers and Mash, and many steak and seafood options. As a port city, Boston provides access to fresh seafood, which has always been a staple of Irish cuisine.

Drink

The Irish influence on dining in Boston is strongly felt through today’s beer-loving culture. Boston is home to a host of traditional Irish pubs and is a pioneer in a robust microbrewery scene. Drink options include Irish beer and specialty cocktails.

Where to go

Although South Boston is recognized as a predominantly Irish neighborhood in Boston and is host of the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, classic Irish food and drink can be found all over the city. Many popular eateries are located in the areas of downtown Boston, Dorchester, Back Bay, Central Square, and others. The Irish Heritage Trail, which takes visitors from downtown to Back Bay, stopping along influential Irish-American landmarks, intersects with some of the best spots in classic Irish dining options.

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Classic Irish Fare