Paul Kushner
Embark on a journey to the Emerald Isle without leaving San Diego!
In this article, we’re raising a pint to the best Irish pubs in San Diego.
From the cozy interiors adorned with Celtic knots to the lively jigs and classic comfort food, these pubs capture the warm spirit of Ireland.
Join us as we explore the top spots to savor a perfectly poured Guinness and bask in the welcoming atmosphere of San Diego’s own slice of Ireland.
The Ould Sod
3373 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 284-6594
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This casual Irish pub blocks away from I-805 has weekly karaoke nights that are always a good time.
The interior wraparound bar is a great place to sit when I want to check out all the bottles they use to make craft cocktails, but the outdoor area is also comfortable, thanks to shade umbrellas at each table.
The pub has an extensive beer menu, including craft, domestic, and imported beer in bottles, cans, and on draft.
The Field Irish Pub
544 Fifth Ave Apt. A, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 232-9840
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Though I love spending time outside soaking up the fantastic weather, I also like to find fun places to go out.
The Field Irish Pub is more than one of the best places to go out—it’s an authentic Irish pub in America!
The owners shipped a pub over from Ireland, piece by piece, and constructed the coolest bar in San Diego.
It’s in the Gaslamp Quarter, near the USS Midway Museum.
I can’t visit such a traditional Irish pub without ordering Smithwicks Ale, but they also have plenty of other Irish beers on tap, plus a rotating menu of seasonal options.
Blarney Stone Pub
5617 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (858) 279-2033
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The Blarney Stone Pub anchors the Balboa Mesa shopping center corner near Tecolote Canyon Natural Park.
Like most Irish bars, this pub has a dim interior with plenty of stools plus cozy booths.
They regularly host live bands and DJs, so it’s one of the most fun places to get drinks.
The bar serves plenty of great beer plus Irish whiskey, so it’s one of my favorite places to drink and kick back.
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub Escondido
118 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
Phone: (760) 737-0954
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This Irish pub is near Grape Day Park, a cool roadside attraction I stumbled upon on one visit.
It’s a traditional bar with a nice outdoor patio that’s pet-friendly.
They often host events like trivia, happy hours, and live music, so I always check the calendar before stopping by.
In addition to drinking an Irish beer or two, I like to order the Guinness Banger, infused with the namesake beer, for a rich, unique meal.
Stout Public House
1125 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 702-7933
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Visiting San Diego is a fun getaway; I always make time for the San Diego Zoo and scenic whale and dolphin-watching tours.
Stout Public House spans two levels in the Marriott Springhill Suites lobby in downtown San Diego.
They serve traditional Irish pub food plus breakfast anytime, making it a place I always visit when I’m in the area.
The bar has an impressive beer menu, plus over 75 different whiskeys.
Hooleys Public House
5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone: (619) 713-6900
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Hooleys Public House is in Grossmont Center, right off I-8. The interior offers classic Irish pub vibes with rich wood and twinkle lights.
The pub is inspired by authentic Ireland pub culture that has since been recreated in San Diego.
There’s a space for live music, often traditional Irish tunes.
The menu boasts of an excellent selection of fine wines, whiskeys, and craft beers.
In addition to a daily rotating craft beer menu, the pub has classics like Kilkenny, Smithwicks, and Harp Lager on tap.
The Pub
2415 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 276-2100
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The Pub is near the waterfront, off I-5, just blocks from Playa Pacifica Park.
Their menu includes classic cocktails, so I always start with Irish Coffee.
They keep Mulligan Irish Red on tap, plus have seasonal offerings that change frequently.
There are also over 30 whiskey variations, so I always have something new to try.
McP’s Irish Pub
1107 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Phone: (619) 435-5280
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While in San Diego, I always make time for an excursion to the gorgeous Coronado Island.
McP’s Irish Pub is one of my favorite places here, especially at night when it’s illuminated with green neon.
Beers on tap include local brews from the nearby Coronado Brewing Company and Ballast Point Brewing.
They also serve unique takes on Guinness, coupling it with Blue Moon, Harp, and Hard Cider.
Rosie O’Grady’s
3402 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 284-7666
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I’m ending this list where it started—on Adams Avenue, just down the block from the Ould Sod.
Rosie O’Grady’s is an upscale dive bar with a dozen big-screen TVs showing any game that’s on.
They serve some of the best Irish coffees and boilermakers I’ve ever had.
With daily specials, I always stop a few times in the area.
In addition to quality drinks, they serve gourmet hot dogs, mouthwatering sandwiches, and loaded tots, making this gem one of the best Irish pubs in San Diego.
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