Metromix best of contest
Irish bar

Best of Metromix Jersey Shore: IRISH BAR

The Shore didn't get the nickname "the Irish Riviera" for nothing. If you're in the mood for a perfectly-poured pint of something dark, a shot of something strong and maybe a hearty meat-and-potatoes meal that tastes like it could have come from a dear old immigrant grandmother's kitchen, here are the top Irish bars that'll make your night, even on the 364 days that don't belong to St. Paddy.

And the winner is…

Kelly's Tavern

Kelly's Tavern

Route 35 South
Neptune City, NJ 07753
When you step into Kelly's Tavern, Irish tradition is, literally, all around you. The hand-painted ancestral map of Ireland covering the ceiling over the bar and the authentic banners and coats of arms imported from Dublin seem fitting for the local institution, which opened in 1949.

Nominees

The Claddagh

The Claddagh

297 Bay Ave.
Highlands, NJ 07732
There's never a dull moment at The Claddagh, and the management likes to keep it that way. With live music every night and karaoke on Wednesdays and Sundays, this Irish pub prides itself on always having something happening.
Celtic Cottage Pub

Celtic Cottage Pub

608 Second Ave.
Long Branch, NJ 07740
Where a proper pint comes with a smile and often a shamrock traced in the head for extra charm, the Celtic Cottage is arguably the most authentic Irish Pub on the Shore and has mastered the art of Guinness serving and is a must visit for anyone searching for that elusive perfect pint.
Dublin House Pub and Restaurant

Dublin House Pub and Restaurant

30 Monmouth St.
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Located in downtown Red Bank, The Dub is a warm and bustling Irish pub known for its Guinness on tap and a menu rife with tasty Irish/American fare. Whether you want to come in early to watch Irish soccer on the telly, or just relax with a few chums over a few pints, this is the place to be.
St. Stephen's Green Publick House

St. Stephen's Green Publick House

2031 Route 71
Spring Lake, NJ 07762
This cheerful, friendly new-style Irish pub has an easy flow of dining and bar spaces dressed with dark woods and soft accenting hues.
Farrell's Stout and Steak

Farrell's Stout and Steak

401 Broadway
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742
Any night you stop down to Farrell's is going to be a good night. Themes run rampant every day, such as all you can eat shrimp on Monday, Guinness, Smithwick's and Harp specials during Irish Night on Tuesday or rib-and-nip specials on Thursday. Not to mention there's no such thing as a happy hour at Farrell's; it's more like Happy Day. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, you can enjoy tons of bar specials at phenomenal prices.
Irish Pub and Inn

Irish Pub and Inn

164 St. James Place
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Owned by the same proprietors since 1972, the bar is practically a city landmark, and for good reason. The staff will draw you a pint the way it should be done -- slowly -- and if Guinness isn't your thing, you can pick from plenty of other draft beers, Irish and otherwise.
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SEASIDE218 from 11TH AVE - February 11, 2010 at 2:38 AM

KLEE'S BAR IN THE HEIGHTS DOESN'T CONSIDER ITSELF AN IRISH BAR OR PUB. THE WAITRESSES ARE QUICK TO REMIND YOU OF THAT. THEY POUR THE GUINESS TOO FA...

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ndkr54123 from jersey shore - January 20, 2010 at 5:10 PM

We are unjust not to include Klee's Bar and Grill in Seaside.

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irish401 from Sea Girt - January 14, 2010 at 11:32 PM

Farrell's is a good call, and their other two spots should be included...Connelly Station and the Rail . They have really good beers, whiskey and i...

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mtnwing from tinton falls - January 14, 2010 at 11:24 AM

Murray MacGregor's Irish Pub in Rumson, NJ should have made this list.

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