So you think “Irish beer,” and you think Guinness. And who can blame you? The classic Irish brand sells 1.8 billion pints annually. But the reality is Westchester is swimming in Irish—and Irish-inspired; more than a few of these are made here in the US—beers. Here are the places to expand your Irish beer repertoire this St. Paddy’s Day.
Oh, and none of these are dyed green.
Dunne’s Pub
If you’re searching for authentic Irish beer, Dunne’s Pub in White Plains is where you should start. There you’ll find both Smithwick’s, a premiere Irish ale, and Harp,, a premiere Irish lager, on tap, served in 20-ounce signature glasses. “This time of year everyone is drinking either Harp, Smithwick’s, or Guinness,” says the Pub’s bartender.
Dunne’s Pub, 15 Shapham Place, White Plains (914) 421-1451; www.dunnespubandrestaurant.net
Ron Blacks
“Smithwick’s Ale, was one of the first drinks I had growing up in Ireland,” says Cathal Quinn, manager at Ron Blacks in White Plains. Similar to Bass Ale, Smithwick’s is a red Irish ale from Kilkenny in the Southeast of Ireland. Find it on tap this St. Patrick’s day, as well as John Hooker, another red Irish ale.
Ron Blacks, 181 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains (914) 358-5811; www.ronblacks.com
Growler’s Beer Bistro
Tuckahoe’s Growler’s Beer Bistro has you covered with four Irish-style American beers on tap: Moylan’s Dragoon Irish Dry Stout from California, Tommy Hooker from Connecticut, and Long Ireland Celtic and Long Ireland Hooligan, both of which are from Long Island (get it?). Fun fact: Moylan’s Dragoon Irish dry Stout has some local historical context—it’s named after an Irish commander of American Revolutionary War, Stephen Moylan, who fought in the Battle of White Plains.
Growlers Beer Bistro, 25 Main St, Tuckahoe (914) 793-0608; www.growlersbeerbistro.com
Birdsall House
Sly Fox O’Reilly’s Stout is a dry Irish-style stout that is “similar to Guinness but is definitely dryer,” according to Joe Birdsall at Birdsall House in Peekskill. It’s brewed in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, but it’s Irish in spirit: dark in color with a light and creamy feel. A great alternative to the traditional Guinness.
Birdstall House 970 Main St, Peekskill (914) 930-1880; www.birdsallhouse.net
Half Time Beverage
Finally, for those who’d rather stay in this St. Patrick’s Day (what, you mean you don’t love riding in and out of Manhattan on an almost-too-full-to-be-allowed Metro-North train?), pick up some imported Irish beers at Half Time Beverage in Mamaroneck. There are tons to choose from—this is the world’s largest beer store (yes, really)—including Porterhouse Porter, described by Half Time as a “rich roast, dry, clean, and bitter without any sourness,” and O’Hara’s Celtic Stout, “a delicious stout with just enough malt sweetness to balance that discernible roast bite.”
Half Time Mamaroneck 139 Hoyt Ave, Mamaroneck (914) 341-1666; www.halftimebeverage.com
