Five Colorado Irish Pubs Rank Among the Best in America

With St. Patrick’s Day approaching on Tuesday, March 17 (and a weekend of partying before that), local Irish pubs are soon to see a boost in Guinness-glugging guests. While some of the city’s beloved Irish bars have closed in recent years (RIP the Irish Snug and Finley’s Pub), there are still some solid options for anyone looking to pair their Jameson with bangers and mash.

While we’ve compiled a list of the nine best Irish pubs in the metro area, a new study from BetUS, breaks down the top options in the country, and five Colorado spots made the top 200.

The list is “based on Google review score, as well as the cheapest pint of Guinness and fries prices,” according to the BetUS announcement.

Nabbing the number-one spot is Brazen Head Irish Pub in Omaha, Nebraska. The highest-ranking Colorado spot, landing at number 25, is also the state’s longest-running Irish pub, Clancy’s, which has been serving in Wheat Ridge for over fifty years. Here, you can pair $7 pints of Guiness with traditional bites like bangers and mash as well as some Irish spins on pub fare such as spring rolls filled with corned beef and cabbage, and Shepherd’s Fries topped with white cheddar and lamb, beef and vegetables in a savory gravy.

Clancy’s boasts a packed schedule for its upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, with live music from Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15, as well on March 17, when performers include Horse Bitch, The Delta Sonics, DOGTAGS and The Commoners. 

Other Colorado Irish pubs on the list include:

• #37: Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Colorado Springs
• #43: The Abbey Tavern at 5151 East Colfax Avenue
• #108: The Burns Pub & Restaurant in Broomfield (which boasts over 600 whiskies in its collection)
• #196: O’Hara’s Irish Pub in Milliken

So Denver revelers, get your green ready. In addition to catching a buzz at these pubs, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade returns on Saturday, March 14, kicking off at 9:30 a.m. at 19th and Wynkoop streets. This year’s theme: “Stars, Stripes and Shamrocks!”