For 44 years, John D. McGurk's(1200 Russell Boulevard, 314-776-8309) has been giving local bargoers an authentic taste of Ireland in the midst of St. Louis' French quarter. Dimly lit and filled with exposed brick and dark wood, McGurk's sprawling interior offers the preeminent place to experience a pint outside of the Emerald Isle — unless it's a lovely autumn day, in which case you should enjoy that pint next to the fountain in the stunning courtyard. It's no wonder Esquire named McGurk's one of the best bars in America.

With so much greenery, it’s hard to see the scope of this outdoor seating unless it’s fully packed for the night, but even a light crowd won’t disrupt your pleasant evening. Pair the experience with some signature appetizers, like the bacon-wrapped shrimp or housemade pretzels, or head straight to the main event with Irish-inspired dishes like the bangers and mash or Guinness stew with beef tips braised in Guinness stout, potatoes and carrots served in a sourdough bread bowl. (Photo by Katlyn Moncada)

During orientation week, a big chunk of our class went to John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub and Garden; they have a huge, beautiful garden patio in the back to hang out in. If the drinks or the patio aren’t enough to motivate you to visit, their whiskey bread pudding is amazing too. Closer to campus, in the Central West End, there are lots of other options with outdoor seating on nice days: First Watch, El Burro Loco, Shake Shack, Saigon Cafe, and countless others.

After more than four decades, McGurk’s is arguably the name that most St. Louisans free-associate with “Irish pub.” The meandering interior looks like four or five pubs at once, all authentic enough to be direct transplants from the Emerald Isle (except for those patrons eating toasted ravioli.) And the music!. Reels, jigs, hornpipes, and mournful ballads ring out seven nights a week. 1200 Russell, 314-776-8309.

Everyone feels at home at this quaint Soulard pub with its comfortable hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and soothing sounds of live Irish music. Authentic Irish bands regularly entertain the crowds with their Celtic rhythms. The traditional Irish menu features the house signature potato soup, corned beef and cabbage, and County Cork corned beef and barley soup along with pints of Guinness to wash it down.

It is arguably the most attractive Irish pub in St. Louis, with massive brick archways, decorative tin ceilings and elaborate woodwork that still looks brand new. But McGurk's has been churning out pints of Guinness and great Irish music for more than 20 years. Expect it to be packed most weekend nights with folks eagerly singing (or shouting) along to their favorite Irish drinking tunes and ballads.

Founded in 1978 as a one-room pub, John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub and Garden ranks among the Irish pubs in St. Louis and has made it to the top of the class. In fact, Esquire Magazine selected John D. McGurk’s as its only award-winning bar in the city of St. Louis. Louis in its June 2011 issue, paying tribute to the best bars in America.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (403 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Irish, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1200 Russell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63104-3944- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-paying jobs in St. Louis

My personal favorite St. Louis irish bar, McGurks has an old irish vibe with it’s exposed brick and arched doorways. It’s a surprisingly large venue with a gorgous outdoor garden and bar area. They have some of the best cocktails in St. Louis as well as decent irish pub food options.

From Tuesday through Sunday each week, patrons fill this historic hangout to raise a glass to the musicians who make it such a special spot. Meanwhile, a menu of traditional Irish dishes and bar bites make for the perfect night out in one of St. Louis’s most beloved districts.

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (406 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Irish, Bar– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 1200 Russell Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63104-3944– Read more on Tripadvisor

Tigin Irish Pub – 4 Star with 500 online reviews – 333 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO – Phone: (314) 241-8666 – Based on reliable information, this establishment is permanently closed as a result of COVID

John D. McGurk's Irish Pub and Garden is most popular around 3 PM on Saturdays. Visitors usually stay up to 2.5 hours here. It's most quiet on Tuesdays.

1200 Russell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104Phone: 314-776-8309 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by John D. McGurk’s (@johndmcgurks)

Kick off a fun evening by stopping by John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden and you’ll be amazed at the amount of space they have around the garden area!

Offering a combination of imported stouts and Missouri craft brews, McGurk’s provides a unique sports-watching experience in a cozy, authentic setting.

The outdoor patios at John D. McGurk’s in Soulard, Venice Café in Benton Park, and The Boathouse at Forest Park are all great vibes.