1. Connor’s Pub
6331 Ferguson St., 317-255-5039
The clientele at this Irish dive bar in Broad Ripple ranges from hippies to post-match hurling teams. (Hurling is the national sport of Ireland, you know.) Order the fried cheese balls and enjoy the show.
2. Pat Flynn’s
5198 Allisonville Rd., 317-475-0181
Don’t expect a lot of Emerald Isle tchotchkes here. Just a friendly, low-key pub vibe and traditional fare like Irish stew and shepherd’s pie.
3. Brockway Public House
12525 Old Meridian St., Carmel, 317-669-8080
This far-north “industrial pub” draws a loyal following with its fish ’n’ chips, Celtic fiddle performances, and European League Soccer nights.
4. McGinley’s Golden Ace Inn
2533 E. Washington St., 317-632-0696
Opened in 1934 by Irish immigrants, the Golden Ace has a no-frills decor and 10-item menu, but the crowd spills out to the adjoining lot for St. Patty’s weekend.
5. Claddagh Irish Pub
Several locations
The chain-enforced Irish knickknacks covering the walls do not distract from Claddagh’s hearty stews and curries, batter-dipped fish ’n’ chips, and the bar’s very busy Jameson taps.
This article appeared in the March 2013 issue.