Christina Mastroeni 
March means two things: both spring and St. Patrick’s Day have finally arrived. Here in Essex County, we have no shortage of Irish pubs to help ring in the upcoming holiday. So we’ve compiled a list of 12 Irish pubs to set the scene for your 2026 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Read on for our list of the best Irish bars in the Montclair area.
Cloverleaf Tavern | 395 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
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Located on Essex County’s ever-bustling Bloomfield Avenue, Cloverleaf Tavern opened its doors 92 years ago when the original owner purchased the first liquor license in Caldwell post-prohibition. The Irish nature of this space is definitely in the name and logo. The tavern’s cozy, dark wood interior, combined with low lighting, really sets the vibe of an Irish Pub. Try ordering the beer-battered fish (three fresh cod fillets cut, beer battered and fried, tartar sauce + choice of potato) + wash it down with a Schlafly Irish Style Extra Stout (Irish Dry Stout) or a Toms River St. Johns Irish Red (Irish Red ale).
Danaher’s Irish Pub | 31 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield
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Danaher claims it is the closest New Jerseyans will get to an authentic Irish Pub. From the Celtic symbol in its logo to Irish food favorites, this place is worth stopping by. MG’s top menu items to try are shepherd’s pie, Guinness beef stew, + Irish potato skins (topped with mashed potatoes, cheese, + bacon served with sour cream).
Read More: St. Patrick’s Day 2025: Events + Things to Do in Montclair and Northern New Jersey
Dillon’s Tavern | 45 Freeman Street, West Orange
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Dillon’s Taverns sits on Freeman Street, between Cross Street + Valley Street. This dive-bar -meets-sports-bar is a place to sit back, grab a pint, and watch a game. Sports paraphernalia, a rustic wooden bar, and low lighting create an authentic pub feel. For something even more authentic, try ordering the corned beef.
Dowling’s Irish Pub + Restaurant | 117 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park
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Downling’s Irish Pub is a place where everyone will feel like a local. Patrons can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner here. If stopping by early, try the Irish Man: traditional Irish breakfast with Irish sausage, two eggs over easy, bacon rashers, black + white puddings, Irish beans, + homemade wedges with toast. If popping in later during the day, try the Irish nachos for sharing, and then order the corned beef sandwich. MG suggests finishing the meal with a Bailey’s Irish Cream Pie. Take a look at the events calendar to see when to enjoy this Irish meal with some live music.
Egan + Sons | 118 Walnut Street, Montclair
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Egans + Sons’ origin story begins when a Dubliner + a Montclairian met and created a space with community, cocktails, good beer, + Irish cuisine. MG suggests starting the meal with Irish toasties (bacon, cheese, red onion, tomato, Thousand Island dressing), then moving on to the cottage pie (slow braised angus beef pie with root vegetables, + golden mashed potato crust). Naturally, the best way to get through this meal is with Ireland’s Harp Lager.
McGoverns Tavern | 58-60 New Street, Newark
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McGoverns sits near the corner of Washington Street + New Street and was a popular place to visit at a time when there weren’t many Irish establishments in the area. The tavern serves classics such as a pint of Guinness + Irish coffee, as well as including a more modern twist of favorites such as an Irish mimosa (Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, grapefruit juice), + an Irish mule (Jameson, ginger beer, lime juice. MG suggests ordering the Dublin Decker (corned beef, turkey, Swiss cheese, coleslaw + Russian dressing served on rye) for lunch.
Michael’s Roscommon House | 531 Joralemon Street, Belleville
Although Michael Roscommon House sits on one of Belleville’s busiest roads, when patrons step inside, they will soon feel the vibe of stepping into a sports bar that feels like home. Those passing by can’t miss its green lettering, shamrock on the side of the building, + outdoor seating in front of the establishment. Some classic entrees available here include the corned beef + cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or fish + chips. A local favorite is also the French onion soup, which is a great start to any of these meals. Michael’s Roscommon House also has Guinness pints + Irish mules on the menu for beverages.
Obal’s Inn | 439 Broad Street, Bloomfield
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Obal’s Inn is located on Bloomfield’s Broad Street just south of Brookdale Park. This establishment screams Irish pub with its cozy stone exterior, green roof, + welcome message that reads “Good Food + Drink” on its sign outside. Inside, Obal’s Inn has a classic pub feel. The inn also has events like DJ nights, trivia, + live music.
Saint James’s Gate Publick House | 167 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood
Located near the three-way intersection of Maplewood Avenue + Highland Place, Saint James’s Publick House considers itself the “Soul for an Irish pub.” The pub is open for lunch, dinner, + brunch on the weekends. MG likes to start a meal with Galway salmon (smoked salmon, toast points, capers, red onions + sour cream), and pub chips (hand-cut chips served with homemade Marie Rose sauce). Saint James’ menu suggests a pint of Guinness for a starter, and we’re here for it.
The Shannon Rose Irish Pub | 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton + 1200 New Jersey 17, Ramsey
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The Shannon Rose has two locations: Clifton in Passaic County + Ramsey in Bergen County. This family-owned + operated pub has the cozy Irish pub feel with paraphernalia, extensive beer options, whiskey flights, live music, + more. There is a section of the menu titled “Foods of Ireland” including shepherd’s pie croquettes (mashed potatoes, NY cheddar, horseradish gravy), bangers + mash (Irish sausage, mashed potatoes, garlic spinach, horseradish gravy), + Guinness beef stew (Guinness-braised beef, parsnip, potato, carrots, celery, beef jus, Irish soda bread).
The Shillelagh Club | 648 Prospect Avenue, West Orange
This Irish/American cultural organization has a goal to preserve Irish traditions. The establishment opened its doors over 50 years ago and hosts events to help spread Irish traditions and welcoming vibes throughout the year. Some events include the Irish Sports Expo, Irish New Year, + more. For patrons in the area, one of the biggest events is the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Menu items to try are the Paddy melt (10-ounce ground beef, sauteed onions, and choice of cheese on toasted rye and served with fries) or Irish loaded fries.
Tierney’s Tavern | 138 Valley Road, Montclair
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Located near the corner of Valley Road + William Street, Tierney’s Taverns is where friends go to meet, have a pint, + listen to good music. With options like blues, jazz, Indie, Rock, + more, there’s a tune for everyone. Menu options to try are the Corned beef, a burger, or a roast beef club.
See More: The Best Bars to Get Guinness in Hoboken + Jersey City
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