Three Irish pubs in California are among the nation’s best. What makes them stand out?
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Three California restaurants were recognized among the best Irish pubs in the U.S. — just in time for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
All three serve traditional Irish dishes and drinks, including Guinness and Irish whiskey.
Yelp released a list of the “25 pubs in the U.S. & Canada that make you feel like you’re in Ireland” on March 1. Pubs in three Southern California cities landed a spot on the list, in Murrieta, Santa Clarita and Rancho Mirage.
To find the top 25 Irish pubs in the U.S. and Canada, Yelp said it identified businesses in the “Irish Pub” category. Those businesses were then ranked on the total volume and ratings of reviews, among other factors.
The Shamrock Irish Pub and Eatery — Murrieta
At No. 6, Yelp reviewers boast about the Irish food, the live music and the Guinness that’s “poured right” at the The Shamrock Irish Pub and Eatery in Murrieta.
“The Shamrock has the feel and looks like a pub in Ireland. The rustic wood accouterments give it that genuine pub feel,” one reviewer said.
The pub has live music every day, including dueling pianos, Celtic music and other Irish artists, to entertain guests as they dine.
Some Yelp favorites include Irish egg rolls, shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage.
The egg rolls are “just like a Ruben in an egg roll,” one reviewer said. They are stuffed with corned beef, green onions, Swiss cheese, cabbage and fried in a crispy batter. The rolls are served with a thousand island sauce.
Murrieta is about 85 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
Maginns Irish Pub — Santa Clarita
Maggins Irish Pub serves all kinds of classic Irish fare at its Santa Clarita restaurant, which ranked No. 7 on Yelp’s list.
“If you are looking for an authentic Irish Pub in Santa Clarita, this is it,” one Yelp reviewer wrote.
The restaurant first welcomes guests with its bright blue entrance. Once inside, guests can sit at the “hand-crafted Victorian-style bar” or at a table within the “cozy” eatery.
Highly rated menu options from reviewers include fish and chips, cottage pie, Maginns pub burger and bangers and champ (Irish sausages with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy).
“Delicious fish and chips, a truly incredible pub burger, fresh chips, a wonderful-looking stew and cottage pie,” another Yelp reviewer said. “All the classics, but very very well done.”
Santa Clarita is about 35 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
O’Caine’s Irish Pub — Rancho Mirage
O’Caine’s Irish Pub ranked No. 23 among the top 25 Irish pubs in the country.
“The Pub is larger than appears from outside and a fun place to hang out,” one reviewer wrote.
Yelp reviewers left high ratings for the fish and chips, bangers and mash, chicken sandwich and scotch egg.
“I had the bangers and mash, which I was very impressed with, I highly recommend the scotch eggs and the sticky toffee pudding is a customer favourite for a reason!” another reviewer said.
Rancho Mirage is about 120 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
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