A fine pour at the Gaelic League and Irish American Club of Detroit
(Credit: Kimberly P. Mitchell/Detroit Free Press)
Hot spots for Irish pints
March 13, 2008Nancy Whiskey's
2644 Harrison, Detroit313-962-4247
Owners Gerald and Eva Stevens stop short of saying they've got the oldest Corktown bar, but Nancy Whiskey's liquor license has been active for 106 years, except during Prohibition. So, yeah, it's old-school. It's small -- the capacity is 49 people -- raucous and usually packed. There are five televisions for sports and live music Fri.-Sat. Bring your instrument for Thursday-night jam sessions. In the summer, go outside and toss some horseshoes in the adjacent lot. --Emiliana Sandoval
Sean O'Callaghan's
821 Penniman, Plymouth734-459-6666
This high-end Irish pub offers typical fare like fish and chips, burgers, corned beef, beef dips, and Guinness and Irish whiskeys, along with some twists you might not expect. The menu is put together using local produce and imports from Ireland. At the Plymouth location, the Galway Celts perform at 9 p.m. Saturday and also on Monday. The festivities kick off at 7:30 a.m. St. Patrick's Day, with promotions and a radio remote with WDVD-FM (96.3). There are affiliated locations in Milford and Brighton.
Four Green Fields
30919 Woodward, Royal Oak248-288-2088
This intimate pub is tucked in the Northwood Shopping Center, but has more than a few authentic Irish touches, including long table seating, regular Celtic music, rugby viewing and more. On the big day, there will be music from Maggie McCabe, and doors open at 7 a.m.
Old Shillelagh
349 Monroe, Detroit313-964-0007
This Greektown mainstay traditionally gets one of the city's largest St. Paddy's Day crowds, with beer-swilling patrons packing both its floors. An outdoor tent is about a city block long. All year, it's known for its randy Irish sing-alongs in the cozy upstairs level. A Saturday gig, dubbed the St. Practice Day Party, begins at 8 p.m. There's a post-parade party on Sunday, and Monday will include live music, DJs and giveaways. Doors at 6:30 a.m.
Claddagh Pub of College Park
17800 Haggerty, Livonia734-542-8141
An attractive, upscale, casual spot with a varied menu, good prices and big portions. Claddagh's exterior suggests a stone castle, crisply trimmed in black and orangey-tan with manicured grounds. High ceilings, stained-glass windows, wide halls and a spacious entrance give it an airy feel. You'd never mistake it for an authentic pub plucked from the Irish countryside, but then the Ohio-based Claddagh chain is more interested in creating an Irish mood and theme for an American casual-dining audience. A big menu ranges from salads and sandwiches to steaks and Irish stew. The tap beer selection is heavy on European imports, and the bar boasts more than 100 Irish and Scotch whiskeys. There are food specials all weekend, with special entertainment Friday through Monday, including step dancing at 5 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 9 a.m. for Irish breakfast on Monday, with music beginning at 1 p.m.
Full Kilt Celtic Pub
143 N. Main, Mt. Clemens586-307-8450
Owned by three proud Celts, the Full Kilt offers spacious booths, a menu filled with classic Celtic treats and what seems to be an endless selection of rare and imported beers and whiskey. Authentic dishes include Emerald Isle Olde English Style Fish and Chips, traditional corned beef and cabbage, and the signature Erin Go Bragh sandwich with a side of boxties (Irish potato pancakes). The St. Patrick's Day Bash will include a tent, green beer and Irish menu. The fun gets started at 7 a.m.
