Paddy Barry's

I would have to say that Paddy Barry's is one of my favorite places.  Although I haven't been able to get out there in quite a while, I still consider Paddy's my "home away from home".  It's a long drive for me to get out there, and I don't usually stray too far from home on work nights, but when I do get out, I usually head straight for the Best Little Pub in Quincy.

Order a pint of Guinness once you get there.  I don't normally drink Guinness (I was spoiled by awesome Guinness in Ireland and most American bartenders don't know how to pull a pint correctly, so it tastes awful) but the Guinness at Paddy's reminds me of being back in Cork, so that's my drink of choice when I get there.   The bartenders know the regulars really well, if not by name than by drink.  There's no kitchen (Where would they put it?) but there are plenty of take-out places around if you get a case of the munchies.

Most nights at Paddy's feature some kind of music.  There is an open jam on Sunday nights, where musicians can come in and have a crack at singing and playing while enjoying the craic (hey, it's an Irish pub).  There's also an open mic every Wednesday night which is a lot of fun and usually will draw a huge crowd.  Thursday nights tend to feature "new" musicians (or open mic regulars) and solo acts or bands usually perform on Friday and Saturday nights.  No matter when you go, there is usually something fun going on and the regulars (well, the musicians and their friends) are very warm and friendly.  (Some of the non-musician regulars come from Ireland and, while a few are pretty nice, some have tried asking me out and can't seem to take "no", "you're too old for me", or "get away from me, you drunk" for an answer.)

Paddy's is a very, very tiny place (literally a "hole in the wall"), which is fine most nights, but some nights (when they have popular artists or bands) are insane and if you're claustrophobic and arrive late; you may have to pass up on going in and keep walking until you find a less crowded pub.  I went to see the Irish group Na Fianna back in October (they were performing at the Irish Festival in Dorchester the next day) and by 10 that night, the place was filled almost to capacity.  That is rare.  Most nights are busy, but not crazy.

So, if you happen to be in Quincy and are looking for a great pint of Guinness, awesome music, and good craic, go to Paddy's.

I feel obligated to drink Guinness in here, even though I don't usually.

Paddy's is just unpretentious, easy going and fun. There's live music most nights, and a very relaxed crowd who always make the best of the teensy weensy space that we all have to share as fellow patrons.

Thanks for the hooks under the bar on which to hang my coat. SO useful, and, by my estimation, the measure of a bar.

All I have say is Guinness!! Yummy, frothy, chilled, chocolate brown Guinness. Paddy Barry serves a perfect pint of Guinness, just perfect!

It's a great little Irish pub tucked away at the top of Hancock street. If you aren't looking for it you're likely to walk right past, but it's a gem not to be passed! Irish paraphernalia and old pictures of Quincy "back in the day" are plastered on all the walls. My friends and I even found a few Irish fight songs and poems framed as well! They don't have food but you can bring whatever food you want in, which is nice depending on what you're in the mood for.

Great place for:
- playing darts, either for fun or in many tournaments always occurring
- live music. Great cover bands or foot stomping Irish music always seems to be pumping out of Paddy Barrys
- watching some football. The long bar and comfy stools make it perfect for catching up on some games.
- seeing old friends or meeting new ones. Def has a local crowd, but everyone is so friendly you almost feel like a regular the moment you walk in.
- drinking Guinness while you do any of the above!!