The Eire Pub

Yes, the outside says "Gentleman's Bar - Ladies Invited", well..I'm a lady and I was invited and THANK YOU! But all kidding aside, they didn't let women in till 1984, but now they don't even bat an eye. You know there are the regulars who kinda give the look, but if you smile they smile right back and go back to betting on the Sox game.

The food they have is a short menu of sandwiches that seem simple, but they pack a punch.  I saw a man order a pastrami sandwich and it was the size of his head!! It looked delicious! and it's only $5! Oh, is that still a bit on the steep side? No worries. Hot dogs are $1! Steamed dogs with your choice of mustard, ketchup, relish, or sauerkraut. I couldn't resist...and I'm so glad I didn't! It seems a bit odd, having a hot dog and a Guinness, but it works oh so perfectly at The Eire Pub.

This place is a piece of history in itself.  It's dimly lit (but not creepy dark), wood paneled, and cozy. The bar is located smack dab in the center of the room, as it should be, and the bartenders gladly pour you a Guinness while wearing a shirt and tie. Our bartender was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the bar and the patrons who have been there.  They are extremely proud of their history and their character as well as their home town. We went the week after the tragic Boston Marathon Bombings and their chalkboard was covered with words of encouragement for the city as well as a message to Martin Richard, the little boy who was killed. This place is not "in Dorcester", it IS Dorcester. It is Boston in every sense of what this city stands for.

We are obvious outsiders to this old school Dorchester pub -- we're clearly not Irish and we're not native Bostonians.  But we were heartily welcomed the moment we stepped in by no less than five people -- never have I felt so warmly treated!  Go for the unique atmosphere -- you haven't lived in Boston if you haven't been to the Eire.

I'm parsimonious with 5-star ratings because "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" is saying a lot. Eire earns the accolade because it epitomizes the true neighborhood pub. I moved to Boston as a wee lad - albeit of drinking age - in 1989 and had never been to the Eire. I mourn the pints, craic and good cheap meals I could have had. I made my first trip today with my friend John and our two 11-year-old boys who are classmates. Service was excellent. The food was good. And boy does the Eire have atmosphere. The photos and clips of when my favorite national leader, President Ronald Reagan, stopped into the Eire in the good old days of the cold war was a flourish on an already enjoyable, authentic experience. We ate and drank our fill for $55 including a 25% tip. Awesome.

Please let me know what you think of this review by clicking a button below. Thanks.