Take Your Best Shot
New Orleans, a city overflowing with enigmatic charm, has long been a haven for revelers and raconteurs alike. Its 300-year plus history is etched in the facades of its storied bars and pubs that dot the streets of their respective neighborhoods dating back to the early 19th century.
From the age of the palatial Creole mansions to the rise of the French Quarter's lively and idiosyncratic nightlife, New Orleans bars have evolved from simple taverns serving locals and the occasional ill-meaning passerby to iconic, storied establishments. They draw in crowds from around the world yearning to spend their hard-earned dollars at a destination that is perhaps a bit too eager at times to willingly accept every penny.
Amidst this spirited backdrop, a particular breed of bar has made its unmistakable imprint—the Irish pub. One could, with conviction, state that the Irish pub is the debased yet charming cousin of the classic New Orleans tavern—less about illustrious fare and jazz trios and more about the perfect pour on a hearty pint, as well as the proper joint to catch a fútbol (soccer) match. Irish pubs in New Orleans have carved out their own niche, offering a blend of the Emerald Isle's familiar ambiance with a touch of Crescent City flair. Dark-stained wood with a polished finish and dim lighting meets New Orleans accents and flashing Abita beer signage hanging loosely from a fixture above the bar. A world in which an Irish folk tune and a jazz standard intermingling wouldn't cause a patron to bat an eye.
While the city has its share of these vigorous hubs of drunken social interaction at a far more than reasonable cost, surprisingly, only a small handful of them offer up a distinctive affordable pairing sure to foster a sense of celebration and camaraderie—the beer and a shot special.
Here are the Irish pubs in New Orleans pridefully inviting you in for a beer and a shot.
Erin Rose
A bar where locals and visitors put aside their geographical differences to raise a pint in unison (a rarity), Erin Rose is beloved by all. If one were to tell you otherwise, heed it as a warning—they are not to be trusted.
Those who have experienced Erin Rose acknowledge the palpable magic contained within its walls. Or perhaps that is merely the Frozen Irish Coffees speaking? Nonetheless, it's a can't miss. Every Monday through Wednesday from 6 p.m. through close, their service industry special takes care of those who take care of us—$6 PBR or Miller High Life with a shot.
Finn McCool's Irish Pub
A.K.A. "Finn's," the Mid-City counterpart to The Holy Ground. Or is it the other way around? Semantics. Finn's operates on a pillar of three simple yet vital principles: Irish whiskey, beer, and sports. It is not up for debate, this is the premiere viewing destination for sports in New Orleans, particularly international matches. Additionally, their trivia night is a sure-fire good time and their bar menu is second to none.
A small yet mighty window in the back dishes out piping-hot classics from fish and chips to corned beef and sauerkraut, Scotch eggs, and more. Start your weekend early on a Thursday, where you can purchase a PBR with a shot of well whiskey for $5.
Molly's at the Market
On the fringes of the French Quarter on Decatur Street, you will find, or just maybe—if you're lucky—stumble into, Molly's at the Market. Molly's offers the quintessential warm, beguiling Irish pub environment with a dash of New Orleans quirkiness.
Both well-known and hard to find local beers are made available. The photobooth, tucked away in plain sight in the back corner, is an inebriated go-to. And daily—with no substitutes allowed—you are gifted a Miller High Life with a shot of Jameson for $6.50. RIP, Mr. Wu.
Parasol's
You know the bar is good when its "website" is a redirect to its Facebook page. Welcome to Parasol's, nestled smack-dab in the heart of the Irish Channel (fitting). The bar features a diverse selection of beers and spirits, creating a perfect spot for enjoying a casual drink (or 10).
Their firecracker shrimp po-boy may just very well be the most underrated po-boy in the entire city. A friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, cheap drinks, and an open door. What more can one ask for? Daily, a Miller High Life with a shot of Jameson or Tully is yours for $7. That's 5.30 in pound sterling.
The Channel
What once served as Tracey's at the intersection of Magazine and Third Street is now home to The Channel, Parasol's sister bar. A more modern Irish establishment with a nod to classic pub aesthetics, a soft launch took place in August while management got their feet underneath them. But make no mistake, The Channel is open for business.
A large, sleek bar with comfortable seating greets you upon entering. A diverse selection of craft beers and cocktails accompanied with a full menu will have you planted longer than you initially anticipated. Their beer and a shot offering mirrors Parasol's—Miller High Life with a shot of Jameson or Tully for $7. Order their potato skins.
The Holy Ground Irish Pub
Planted firmly on the corner of Canal Street and Norman C Francis Parkay lies The Holy Ground, an Irish pub adored by locals and largely unknown to tourists. For an aptly named Irish watering hole, there certainly seems to be a good bit of sinning taking place on the premises. Once inside, $6 imperial pints of Guinness are made available at all hours and 30+ high-end whiskeys and bourbons are prominently displayed. Best of all is their shot and a beer special.
Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. through—insert shrug emoji—and for only $6.50, one can thirstily throw back a 16 oz. Modelo, Coors Banquet, Busch, or PBR to chase a brimming shot of Tully (Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey). Sláinte!
