Check out this list of the best Irish pubs and restaurants in New Jersey, recommended by our readers! Know of another one? Send us the details at info@jerseybites.com!

Bergen County

Hearth & Tap Co. in Montvale, NJ In 1997, Owner Fintan Seeley sailed from New York to his homeland of Ireland. Seeley's goal was to bring enough recycled and historic material from Ireland to form a "brand-new" building for his restaurant project in NJ. The resulting Hearth & Tap Co. has elevated bar food and craft cocktails. The place is reasonably priced and the laid-back vibe suggests it is the daily watering hole for locals. This iconic building is home to a dedicated staff with goals for stupendous service and sustainably sourced food that is downright delicious.

The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, with locations in Ramsey and Clifton, provides a chef-driven menu using fresh, high-quality ingredients, offering fare that blends Irish pub classics and new tavern favorites, served with a side of Irish hospitality. For its thirsty guests, The Shannon Rose features more than 30 beers on tap—including Guinness, Harp and Smithwick's—and a wide selection of premium scotch malts and Irish whiskeys. For reservations and information, click here.

The Shannon Rose—Ramsey location. Also in Clifton. Jersey Bites Best Irish Pubs
The Shannon Rose—Ramsey location pictured here. Image courtesy of the Shannon Rose.

For a classic Irish pub ambiance and good grub, stop by Tommy Fox's Public House in Bergenfield. Don't miss out on the restaurant's daily events and specials, and while you're at it, enjoy a piping hot shepherd's pie, topped off with Bergen County's best pint of Guinness. Click here to check out the pub's menu and events.

Cape May County

The Cattle n' Clover Irish Pub and Steakhouse in Wildwood, NJ has really come into its own over the last few years. Residents and Summertime visitors can expect to find this place with live music, solid food, cold drinks, and a laid-back vibe right on iconic Pacific Ave in the heart of town.

Keenan's Irish Pub in North Wildwood is your home for beer drinking, live music, and good times in the Summer town of North Wildwood, NJ. NW has deep Irish roots since the town's incorporation–there's always been Irish migrants working the beaches, boardwalk, restaurants, and more.

The Shamrock Beef & Ale, established in 1937, was the oldest Irish Pub in Wildwood. Pre-pandemic, the Shamrock got a facelift, updated the décor and full kitchen menu, and began featuring live entertainment regularly. Unfortunately, the state of New Jersey shut down the local Wildwood establishment for breaching COVID-19 restrictions. The Shamrock was always an affordable venue where regulars would see familiar faces and where visitors could come for a fun time.

Essex County

McGovern's Tavern, in Newark, first opened as a place to bring the Irish community together, and became a place for all to gather for a pint and to enjoy great pub food. The menu features lunch and dinner options including classic sandwiches, burgers, wings and more. McGovern's is a great place to stop by for a fun night with friends or before attending an event at the Prudential Center nearby. Click here to view the menu.

See Thatcher McGhee's Irish Pub & Eatery, listed under Morris County.Click here to check out the Pompton Lakes menu , Denville menu , or Fairfield menu .

At Tierney's Tavern, come for a bite and stay for the entertainment. The menu features local favorites like Tierney's Taylor Ham Sandwich or the Big Buddy Burger. Tierney's also offers a monthly calendar packed with entertainment from live performances, comedy shows, and open mic nights. Click here to check out the menu. Click here to check out this month's entertainment.

Hudson County

Cooper's Blockoffered comfort food, premium beers, stouts, lagers, IPAs, and Irish whiskeys until the recent closing. Send us a message with any notable restaurant closings–reader feedback is always helpful .

Mulligan's Pub in Hoboken takes pride in its reputation as a premier soccer bar, or "real football" as some call it, airing live matches daily. The pub also serves up a mean Irish breakfast all day long, along with other hot menu items like crispy Cornish pasties, Dublin fish, and chips and sausage rolls. For the menu and more, click here .

Middlesex County

Metuchen's Hailey's Harp and Pubcaptures all the warmth a local Irish pub should, and all the classic fare, too: potato leek soup, bangers and mash, soda bread topped with marmalade, and more. To catch a glimpse of the menu, click here , and click here to check out current events at the pub.

Morris County

Thatcher McGhee's Irish Pub & Eateryfirst opened in Pompton Lakes and now offers  additional locations in Denville and Fairfield. Each location offers an eclectic blend of new and old, enjoy a taste of Ireland or American fare in the bar or dining room. The menu features favorites like Thatch fries, Guinness BBQ wings, or Thatcher's cheesesteak. Click here to check out the Pompton Lakes menu , Denville menu , or Fairfield menu .

Monmouth County

The Black Swan Public House in Asbury Park is a pristine Irish-English pub that opened in the Spring of 2021. The establishment aims to satisfy the beer & sports enthusiasts while also catering to individuals who'd rather not dine at a sports bar. The result is a space that has been divided into four different areas: The Pub, the Dining Room, the Tea Room, and the Vault. With dark décor and a full-service bar, the pub part of the Black Swan will be a soccer fan's favorite zone for watching games–Sunday brunch is huge. On the other hand, the dining room and team room have a classier, more romantic vibe for dinner and special events like weddings or bridal showers. Guests often seek out the restaurant's Fish & Chips, Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich, Chicken Tikki Masala, and more.

Celtic Cottageoften called "the Celtic," features classic pub fare and traditional Irish favorites like Irish sausage and chips and shepherd's pie. Enjoy a variety of beers on tap like Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick's. Enjoy Celtic Cottage all year round, on its beautiful outdoor patio during the warm summer months or in front of the cozy fireplace during the winter. Click here to check out the menu.

Claddaghwas an authentic Irish pub and restaurant, located in Highlands. The establishment has since closed down. Along with the classic pub menu full of burgers, sandwiches, and specials the restaurant would feature daily events like craft beer Thursdays, luck of the Irish Tuesdays, and Karaoke.

Dublin House,in Red Bank, offers classic Irish food that will take you back to the homeland. The menu features Irish dishes including Gaelic chicken, shepherds pie, Dublin style fish and chips, and Dublin House bangers and mash. Click here to check out the menu. Dublin House is a great spot to watch the English Premier League games, GAA hurling and football, or rugby. Click here to check the game and entertainment schedule.

Kelly's Tavern,in Neptune, has been a Jersey Shore staple since 1949. With Smithwick's Ale on tap, and its substantial menu options (including multiple ways to eat good old corned beef), it's no wonder the pub remains a force on the scene. Click here to see the menu.

Maloney's, Jersey Bites Irish Pubs
Image courtesy of Maloney's.

Maloney's, in Matawan, suggests to come hungry, their food is as great as their beer! You do not need to travel far for great beer, with over 100 rotating draft lines enjoy high-end imports and the best local beer. Enjoy the Maloney burger, Reuben, bratwurst sandwich, or the Dublin brie. Click here to check out the full dinner menu.

Murphy's Tavern,in Rumson, is a cozy, owner-operated pub with 20th century speakeasy roots—that's right, it's been pouring a superb pint of Guinness beside the Navesink since the days of Prohibition. The fare includes elevated bar food à la truffle pizza and chicken cordon bleu bites, along with handcrafted cocktails. For the menu, click here .

Rory's Pub,in Sea Bright, mixes heaps of Celtic culinary goodness like beef stews, and hamburger steaks in with its extensive menu. Enjoy something on the Irish side, or enjoy nachos and disco fries. For the full menu, click here .

St. Stephen's Green, in Spring Lake, prides itself on traditional fare with an innovative flair and home-like, cozy décor. Enjoy corned beef sandwiches, Irish breakfast, and Guinness beef stew. For the menu and more, visit the website here .

Ocean County

With locations in both Tuckerton and Barnegat, Doyle's Pour House  is an excellent place to enjoy melts, burgers, bar pies, and old-fashioned Irish sustenance, too. The pub offers daily specials, like trivia nights and discounted beer and snacks. For the menu and more, click here .

Immerse yourself in Irish culture at P.J. Sweeney's,  in Brick. The décor is warm, inviting and reminiscent of the charming pubs in Ireland. The menu offers classic dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Guinness beef stew, and fish and chips. Click here to check out the full menu.

P.J. Sweeney's, Jersey Bites Irish Pubs
Image courtesy of P.J. Sweeney's.

Passaic County

Grasshopper Too  focuses on providing quality drinks and food that is all freshly prepared on premise. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, enjoy favorites Grasshopper burger, fried beer-battered shrimp, or the classic chicken Murphy. Finish your meal with an Irish coffee and special dessert of the day. Click here to check out the menus.

Enjoy delicious Irish food and American fare at Harp n Bard in Clifton. The menu offers wraps, burgers, and entrees including beer battered fish and chips and corned beef and cabbage.

See The Shannon Rose Irish Pub, with Clifton and Ramsey locations, listed under Bergen County.

Union County

Dive into delicious beer, daily specials and food at Darby Road Pub, in Scotch Plains. Enjoy a beer from the lengthy selection of over 60 types, and maybe bite down on one of the pub's juicy burgers in between sips. Click here to check out the food menu, and click here for the drink menu.