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Irish pubs may see a spike in popularity every March 17, but their welcoming spirit, cozy atmosphere, and ever-flowing Guinness taps deserve their flowers all year long. If you’re looking for a new spot to grab a pint and some tasty pub fare — not to mention hear some of the most unique live music in Nashville — these spots can’t be beat.
The Lost Paddy
715 Spence Lane, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 750-2744
Irishman Micheal O’Leary founded the Lost Paddy in 2019, and the Spence Lane pub has been serving up pints and Irish fare ever since. The menu includes interpretations of Irish dishes at brunch, like the Bangers Luck (egg scramble, Daly’s potatoes, saffron-infused brown gravy, Guinness Irish pork, and broiled Irish cheddar). For dinner, start with a decadent plate of corned beef sliders (housemade corned beef with Thousand Island dressing on toasted Hawaiian rolls) before indulging in a classic Irish stew with prime beef, fresh herbs, Guinness, potatoes, and carrots. But patrons come for more than the food and drinks. The Lost Paddy offers live music seven nights a week, not to mention trivia on Tuesdays and karaoke on Wednesdays.
McNamara’s Irish Pub
2740 Old Lebanon Road, Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 585-7262
A classic Gaelic tavern with an expansive bar program and traditional pub fare, McNamara’s Irish Pub has become a beloved watering hole for the Erin go Bragh crowd and beyond. Founded by musician Sean McNamara and his wife Paula, it’s a traditional haunt centered around live Irish music — much of which is performed by McNamara and his band Nosey Flynn. While the band combines songs dating back to the 13th century (and beyond) with a healthy dose of audience participation, there’s still plenty of opportunity for guests to tuck into a plate of Caledonia Scotch eggs (hard-boiled egg halves wrapped in sausage, rolled in panko, and deep fried) or an order of steak and Guinness pie — a puff-pastry-topped melange of Guinness-marinated beef tips with button mushrooms in a brown sauce served with steak fries.
McCreary’s Irish Pub and Eatery
414 Main Street, Franklin, TN, 37064
(615) 591-3197
Known as “the Pub” to its regulars, McCreary’s Irish Pub in Franklin focuses on community and comfort food — and all the obligatory Irish beverages. Owner Natasha Hendrix started as a waitress at the Pub when it opened in 2002 but took over as owner in 2009. In that time, she’s added a breakfast menu and a full liquor selection that lends itself to nightly specials like Mule Monday and Whiskey Wednesday. Menu standouts like traditional bangers and mash, Irish cheese dip, and Dublin-style fish and chips make it a culinary must for all ages. But it’s the Hot Potatoes menu that sets them apart, with special spuds decked out in beer cheese, balsamic sauteed veggies, and more. Be sure to check out the events calendar for trivia nights and live music.
