There is more than one reason to “go green.” One involves the year-round conservation of our planet. Another reason to wear the color happens only once a year on March 17—St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re a Southern California resident or traveler, So Cal Life Mag has you covered so you’re informed of five fabulous Irish pubs to visit and and indulge in the most heady Irish Car Bomb cocktails concocted! Do relish in the luck of the Irish, but please drink responsibly.

 

Dickie O’Neal’s Irish-American Family Pub & Restaurant

2155 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262

(760) 325-2600, dickieoneal.com

 

If you’re looking for the slight unpredictability of a dive bar combined with the warmth of a neighborhood family environment, then this is the place to be! You can also order a delicious chicken pot pie to go with your drink, like a Black and Tan, or Bloody Mary, which is certified as being the best in Palm Springs!

 

Dargan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant

18 E. Ortega St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101

(805) 568-0702, darganssb.com

 

This establishment prides itself on attracting the blue-collar demographic, who can mingle and munch about while watching sports or knocking around billiard balls. Affordable, sizzling hot wings are a plus, as is an attentive and cordial staff facilitating a fun time.

 

The Field Irish Pub

544 5th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 232-9840, thefield.com

 

Dimly lit, not dank, but respectfully intimate, is an accurate way to describe this environment. With its St. Patrick’s Day-approved Irish food sampler, bartenders with legitimate Irish accents, and Guinness—replete with shamrock on top—there is arguably no better spot in San Diego to be in around mid-March.

 

Finn McCool’s Irish Pub

2702 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405

(310) 452-1734, finnmccoolsirishpub.com

 

The atmosphere here is a little rambunctious, tinged with just the right amount of malodorous regurgitation to make you feel like you’re smack dab in downtown Dublin! On a more fragrant note, the all $5 Happy Hour appetizers will tickle your nostrils and titillate your palate.

 

Casey’s Irish Pub

613 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90017

(213) 629-2353, caseysirishpub.com

 

Do you want your fair share of Irish whiskey and beers? How about an authentic helping of bangers and mash, beefy Guinness stew, and tomato soup? There is even Irish coffee when the time comes to wind down (or up) for the night. And it could all transpire in the spaciousness of this pub, where you can unwind your arms and free your spirit.

Imaan Jalali