I’ve never been to Boston, a city that I’m certain knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like no other. If you didn’t make it to the east coast for March 17, however, there’s still a good chance you had a pretty good time if you made Las Vegas your St. Patty’s Day destination of choice.
St. Patrick’s Day is a particularly festive holiday in Sin City. Thousands of eager party people hit the town for St. Patty’s Day 2008 despite the fact that it fell on a Monday. Bars were packed across the Strip, and the Irish pub was the hot spot of the night.
If you haven’t hit up an Irish bar in Vegas, give one a try. It seems like every one in town has a festive atmosphere and a fun-loving crowd any night of the week. Here’s a rundown of a few of Las Vegas’ Irish bars. I hope you have a taste for Guinness:
McFadden’s (inside the Rio) - The newest Irish pub to hit the city just opened up in January but has already gained a reputation as a reliable place to find a good party, especially on weekends. McFadden’s has two bars in two different rooms, with room left over for live music and a dining area. Cozy but fun, McFadden’s is a great spot to get rowdy on the Irish scene.
McFadden’s isn’t the fanciest place around, and it can take awhile to get a drink at the main bar. The bar in the side room is much more accessible. This place was crazy on St. Patrick’s Day, with the added bonus of the festive atmosphere all throughout the Rio. McFadden’s is a great place to bounce in and out of while partying at the always-festive Rio. You’ll also find a nice selection of Irish cuisine at McFadden’s, which also has locations in New York, Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia.
Nine Fine Irishmen (inside New York New York) – Quite possibly the most popular Irish bar amongst tourists thanks to its location, Nine Fine Irishmen is always packed and rowdy on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Drinks aren’t cheap here, averaging about $10, but Nine Fine Irishmen has one of the best selections of Irish beers and whiskeys you’ll ever find. Authentic and definitely a good time.
If you’re looking to party with people from all over the world, hit up Nine Fine Irishmen on a weekend night, as it draws every kind of tourist from everywhere you can think of.
Quinn’s (inside Green Valley Ranch) - Formerly known as Fado, Quinn’s retains almost the exact same layout but without the outside walls. The main difference is the lack of a bouncer checking IDs at the door, because now you can walk right in.
Quinn’s usually has live music on weekend nights from Darby O’Gill and the Little People, a great Irish band with an enthusiastic local following. It doesn’t get too crazy, but Quinn’s can be a fun place to take a small group of friends for a night out.
McMullan’s (at Tropicana and Cameron) – Quite possibly the best Irish pub in Vegas, McMullan’s always seems to have something going on. Live music and special events are the norm at McMullan’s, which tends to draw more Las Vegas locals than the other Irish bars in the city.
It’s pretty difficult not to have a good time at this place. McMullan’s has the best variety of Irish food and beers in town, and there’s almost always a good, festive crowd. Probably your best bet amongst Vegas-Irish pubs.
Even if you’re not a “bar person”, try out one of these Irish imports. McMullan’s is a particularly good place to start, so check it out!
