As a former Chicagoan, I can’t help but think of my hometown whenever St. Patrick’s Day approaches. Most people know about the big parade downtown and that the city dyes the Chicago River green. But the lesser-known South Side Irish Parade is far more authentic and one of the biggest celebrations outside of Dublin. I’m not sure I have ever felt so much a part of a community by just being a spectator. The people are friendly; everyone interacts; and, of course, the Irish pubs overflow.
So where does an authentic pub experience exist here in Colorado Springs? There are many places to settle down with a pint of Guinness, but when it comes to true Old World culture, here are a few local favorite Irish pubs in Colorado Springs.
Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
The Scene: Traditional Irish wood-paneled decor, regular rollicking Celtic music and a genuine Irish community spirit in the heart of downtown.
A staple of the downtown scene, Jack Quinn’s is a great example of a public house. The snugs, private enclosed booths, allow for a more intimate experience. The bar itself even has partitions that provide a little privacy but still give access to the main room. The pub is full of dark wood and decorated with European football jerseys and a variety of firefighters’ helmets.
The upstairs bar is a testament to Old World craftsmanship, complete with detailed carvings of mermaids. While the aesthetic is traditional, the menu blends modern favorites like wings and burgers with pub fare such as shepherd’s pie and boxty, Irish potato pancakes.
As for community, Jack Quinn’s hosts a variety of events, such as the Tuesday Running Club. There’s usually live music Wednesday through Sunday nights that include traditional Irish sessions. Paying respect to the deep relationship between the Irish and firefighting, Quinn’s is also the hub for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, where firefighters from all over come to remember their fallen comrades.
21 S. Tejon St.
jackquinnspub.com
Alchemy
The Scene: Cozy modern-rustic gastropub that lays chic accents over Irish pub underpinnings.
Alchemy, a self-proclaimed gastropub with an Irish influence, is a nice twist on a traditional pub. The facade and exposed brick sidewall create a feeling of the Old Country in Old Colorado City.
The interior is warm and welcoming, with a comfortable intimacy. And the menu features seasonal dishes with comfort food classics, like Scotch eggs and a reuben. There are plenty of Irish and English ales on tap, but don’t miss the craft cocktails too. Whatever you order, the friendly and knowledgeable staff make guests feel like regulars.
2625 W. Colorado Ave.
alchemypub.com
Abby’s Irish Pub
The Scene: A cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying homemade Irish fare and cheering on your favorite sports teams on the North Powers corridor.
Locally owned and operated by Mike and Megan Davis, who boast two decades of experience in the local restaurant industry, Abby’s Irish Pub is the product of their dream to own an authentic Irish Pub.
At Abby’s, guests can expect a warm and inviting atmosphere where great homemade Irish fare takes center stage alongside a full bar featuring 12 taps pouring beloved Irish beers. From Irish soda bread, Scotch eggs, fish ‘n’ chips and corned beef and cabbage to Guinness and Smithwick, Abby’s gives guests a legit Irish experience.
Come for the food and drinks and stay to watch a game on one of the many TVs. Or come for Trivia Night on Tuesdays. Watch the schedule for live music too.
9697 Prominent Point
abbysirishpub.com
Rilea’s Pub
The Scene: A friendly hole-in-the-wall bar with karaoke, poker, darts, and pool.
Rilea’s offers a unique experience with a blend of Irish charm and laid-back, dive bar vibes. You won’t find bangers and mash here, but you can count on pitchers of beer, shots and great happy hour deals.
Head to Rilea’s on Fridays and Saturdays for lively karaoke sessions or test your luck at poker night on Thursdays. If poker and karaoke aren’t your thing, the pub has darts and pool too to fuel a little friendly competition.
5672 N. Union Blvd.
@rileapub
Bonus British Pubs
The Golden Bee
The Scene: Big, beautiful pub setting that brings people together through song and drink, done in typical Broadmoor style.
OK, we know. Technically, the Golden Bee is an English pub, but it still deserves mention on our list of favorite Irish pubs in Colorado Springs for several reasons. First, the 19th-century pub was actually brought over piece by piece to the Springs from the United Kingdom. The ornate carvings around the bar and the tin ceiling are wonderful and give the room an authentic feel.
The menu features the likes of fish and chips and Irish bangers, and it serves as a casual alternative to The Broadmoor’s fine dining flagships.
If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can order a yard of ale, which is exactly what it sounds like if you think yard as in measurement. The feat of drinking out of a trombone-sized vessel is a true challenge. But as the night rolls, songbooks are passed around and the piano begins to play. Nothing makes you feel the communal pub vibe like singing with fellow patrons. The Bee is a place to bring your out-of-town guests, but it might just lure you back on your own.
1 Lake Ave.
broadmoor.com/dining/golden-bee
The Brit Pub
The Scene: London meets COS with an authentic football pub experience right beside the stadium.
The Brit Pub made an across-the-pond splash when it opened last year, and for good reason. This place is legit. Four of its five owners are originally from the U.K. — including, yes, one Irishman plus one top-tier chef. One of the first things you notice walking in is the signature red K6 phone box. And when it comes to football pubs, this is the spot, thanks to its location right next to Weidner Field.
The menu by Chef Phil Griffin is truly authentic too. Don’t miss the all-day English Breakfast or the special Sunday Roast. And those taps pour Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s, Kilkenny, a special cask ale and more to keep it all real. Bonus: Stop by their Westside sister fish and chip shop, Codswallop!, for a Dublin-inspired Spice Bag.
645 S. Sierra Madre St.
greatbritish.net
This article was originally published in March 2017 and updated in 2026.
