Like mothers milk!
McGonagle’s – The “Holy Grail” of Irish Pubs in Boston
So last Saturday, we finally made the pilgrimage to what’s hyped as the holy grail of Irish pubs in Boston — McGonagle’s. After hitting a fair share of “Irish” bars across America, our expectations were… cautiously mixed. Some have been gems, others felt like St. Patrick’s Day decorations got a little too permanent.
But from the minute you walk into McGonagle’s, you know you’re in for a treat. It’s Irish — but not the plastic shamrock, toucan-on-the-wall, leprechaun-with-a-fiddle type of Irish. No, this feels like home the way pubs in Ireland actually are now: modern, clean, a cracking range of taps, and — most importantly — pub grub that would make your granny proud.
The Main Event(s) 🍻🥘
There was no question what I came for: the Guinness. After three long months without a pint of the black stuff, I was ready. And let me tell you — you could’ve sworn they smuggled it in straight from Dublin. Creamy head, perfect pour, no complaints. I nearly asked to see its passport.
To line the stomach, I went with the Shepherd’s Pie. Fluffy mash, rich filling, piping hot… A solid 10/10 across the board.
Aoife, meanwhile, went for the Irish classic that has somehow become both national treasure and guilty pleasure — the spice bag. Crispy chips, spicy chicken, peppers, and enough chili salt to ward off vampires. Her grin said it all.
The Staff 🍀
Here’s where McGonagle’s sealed the deal. From the get-go, the staff were brilliant — and, of course, all Irish (you can’t fake that welcome).
The lad at the door gave us a quick greeting, found us seats at the bar, and — noticing the Ryder Cup was on — immediately offered to pop it on the screen right in front of us. Now that’s service — "Are you watching Donald Trump?".
The barmaid poured an immaculate pint, then casually dropped us some local tips, including pointing us to Greenhills Irish Bakery — a spot we’ll definitely be checking out. Pretty sure she overheard us talking about how much we missed real bread… and came to the rescue.
Great Guinness. Great Food. And Yes, a Proper Cup of Tea. ☕
Between the pints, the food, the atmosphere, and even the tea (because sometimes you just need the real thing), McGonagle’s felt like a little slice of Ireland tucked into Boston.
We’ll definitely be back.
Sláinte! 🍻
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