Local watering holes to while away St. Paddy’s Day … or any day, for that matter.
The essential ingredients instilled in any Irish bar are a strong sense of family, history, and a solid offering of whiskeys (and pints of Guinness, of course). While the exact blend of those ingredients varies from one establishment to the next, the core elements always appeal — particularly on St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you’re looking to toast the holiday, or you could use some Irish craic (good times) any day of the year, the Reno-Tahoe-area bars described here will fit the bill.
Reno-Sparks
Founded by brothers Nate, Shane, and Brett and named in honor of their grandfather, Shanty Dolan’s in Reno has the cozy atmosphere of a neighborhood bar. The antique mirrors behind the bar feature Dolan family pictures intermingled with vintage photos. In addition to offering Irish favorites Guinness and Harp on tap, Shanty Dolan’s creates craft cocktails such as a paloma, made with tequila and freshly squeezed grapefruit.
Starting at noon on St. Patrick’s Day, the pub will host food trucks and live music in the parking lot until 10 p.m., when the celebration will continue inside with DJ Carlo.
“We will continue the parking lot party all weekend with a vendor-bazaar shopping and culinary experience,” Shane explains.
Within the brick walls of a 1908 former furniture store in Sparks’ Victorian Square, O’Skis Pub & Grille offers hearty servings of shepherd’s pie as well as variations on traditional fare, such as Irish tacos. Corned beef slow cooked in Guinness is the key to the pub’s famous Irish tacos and signature Reuben sandwiches.
Instead of video poker, the bar at Ceol Irish Pub in Reno includes the flowing curves of live-edge wood, its natural lines giving the impression it had grown there. Proprietor Ron McCarty crafted the walnut bar in a month’s time, with help from a friend. The muted colors in the surrounding walls complement the natural glow of the wood. Free from the visual noise common to many drinking establishments, Ceol’s patrons enjoy a more intimate atmosphere, so they can focus on more important matters, such as selecting a whiskey. At this authentic Irish bar, choosing between the Irish whiskeys of Hell-Cat Maggie and Writers’ Tears is not a decision one makes lightly.
Truckee-Tahoe
McP’s Taphouse Grill in South Lake Tahoe, founded by Greg McPartlin, a former Navy SEAL, honors his military brethren with a discount for active military members and a tribute to Navy SEALS displayed behind the taphouse’s stage, which features live music nightly. With 25 big screens and 40 brews on tap, including Guinness and local craft beers, as well as a menu of Irish favorites, McP’s is a popular spot for watching a game (or several) with friends.
“Definitely a local’s favorite,” says bar manager Anthony Marrone of Auld Dubliner Tahoe in The Village at Palisades Tahoe in Olympic Valley. Picture windows encircling the pub’s rustic interior make it perfect for people watching while enjoying the award-winning Dubliner hot wings or corned beef sliders.
Marrone explains the pub is the main stop for any after-party for Palisades Tahoe events, and the St. Patrick’s Day festivities will feature live music. During the summer, after Tuesdays Bluesdays concerts, the pub will host after parties with an outdoor bar, where brats will be served.
Whatever treasure you seek at an Irish pub — rare whiskey, soul-warming food, a proper Guinness pour, or a bawdy tale — the journey is the best part. Sláinte!
Susan Winters is partial to Irish pubs because they are the best places to get good stories.
Honorable Mentions
The following Irish bars in Reno also are among locals’ favorites for St. Patrick’s Day revelry.
Corrigan’s Lost Highway
1526 S. Wells Ave., Reno • Find Corrigan’s Bit O’Ireland on Facebook and Corrigan’s Lost Highway on Instagram
DJs and bands slated to perform on the patio during warmer months.
Shea’s Tavern
715 S. Virginia St., Reno • Find SheasTavern Reno on Facebook
Karaoke on Wednesdays, video poker, and pool.
RESOURCES
Auld Dubliner Tahoe Aulddublinertahoe.com
Ceol Irish Pub Ceolirishpub.com
McP’s Taphouse Grill Mcpstahoe.net
O’Skis Pub & Grille Oskispub.com
Shanty Dolan’s Shantydolans.com
