Jamaica Plain Irish Pubs Named one of America’s Best

By John Waller

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Thrillist selected the top 21 Irish pubs in the nation, and both Doyle’s Cafe and Brendan Behan Pub in Jamaica Plain made the list.

Here’s what Thrillist had to say about Doyle's:

"Not so much a cafe, as it is a legendary local hangout, Doyle’s has been around in one form or another since 1882 and is filled with more history than a particularly engaging episode of Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego, thanks to its pre-Prohibition bonafides and the revolving cast of Boston politicians and other known locals who frequent it (Mayor Menino even has a banquet room named after him). And, on top of choice Irish and local beers, Doyle’s just happens to sit next to the Sam Adams Brewery, so you can often find them serving special, new, and different styles of Sam that no other places have."

And here's what Thrillist had to say about the Brendan Behan Pub:

"Proving that Doyle’s doesn’t have hegemony on the Irish pub scene in Jamaica Plain, the Behan is, as they so eloquently put it, a “talking bar” with no TVs, games, or any other distractions to clutter up conversation. Sure, they have live Irish sessions, and other music, but the point of a place like Behan’s is to have a couple of pints, and hash out your issues. Or just sit quietly by yourself and sing “The Parting Glass” by the Clancy Brothers as you settle your tab."

The Burren in Davis Square also made the list.

Doyle's Cafe is located at 3484 Washington St. and Brendan Behan Pub is located at 378 Centre St. in Jamaica Plain.

Thrillist: ‘These Are the 21 Best Irish Pubs in the United States’ >>