"Boston is proud of its Irish pubs, but we’re aware it might seem wild to put one on a list of best restaurants. Let us explain. You won’t find mozzarella sticks on the menu at The Dubliner, but you will find what’s quite possibly the best pot pies, scotch eggs, housemade soda bread, and Irish stew this side of the Atlantic. The space works for big groups or dining alone at the bar (with a perfectly poured Guinness, of course) and they have live music on the weekends. This is exactly where you want to chow down on crispy batter-covered day boat fish and chips before a Celtics game or concert at the Garden." - tanya edwards, jonathan smith
"The Dubliner has some things you might expect to find in a typical Boston Irish pub—perfectly poured pints of Guinness, TVs that seem to always find a live sport regardless of the time, and tufted leather banquettes. What’s less expected is some of the best pot pies, scotch eggs, housemade soda bread, and irish stew this side of the Atlantic. The space itself is massive, perfect for big groups, and they have live music on the weekends. A relatively new spot (it opened in 2022), this isn’t an Irish pub for those looking for decades-old gum underneath the bar stools. The Dubliner feels like a modernized, classed-up version of your favorite pub—complete with clean tap lines—and it’s exactly where you want to chow down on crispy batter-covered day boat fish and chips before a Celtics game or concert at the Garden. Food Rundown Scotch Egg A soft boiled egg covered with a dense layer of mighty sausage and breadcrumbs, this scotch egg is one of the few versions in Boston that tastes like it was made that day instead of sitting in a freezer for a week. It’s served with housemade sweet apple sauce for dipping. photo credit: Joe St. Pierre Guinness Beef Stew The beef in this stew is slow cooked until fork-tender in a broth with deep, malty flavor. Hearty chunks of carrots and potatoes add a soft texture. This is the most comforting stew we’ve spooned up in ages. photo credit: Joe St. Pierre Fish and Chips In a town with fish and chips at every corner pub, the Dubliner serves our clear favorite. A generous filet of fresh haddock is fried in a light batter and served over a handful of crisp steak-style fries. Cover everything in the rich house curry sauce. photo credit: Joe St. Pierre" - Tanya Edwards
"A downtown Boston pub where Ed Sheeran performed a surprise St. Paddy’s Day show." - Erika Adams
"A modern Irish pub near City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston, run by chef and Ireland native Aiden McGee. Known for its lively atmosphere and Irish music." - Erika Adams
"How Boston made it until 2022 before a modern Irish restaurant opened in the city is a mystery. Even more confounding is what alchemy chef Aidan Mc Gee of Ireland’s county Donegal works just to make his Irish seafood chowder so good it’s tempting to never turn back to the New England version. Instead of corned beef and cabbage — which Mc Gee says is just “not a thing” in Ireland — savor beef and Guinness pies, chicken curry, dayboat fish and chips and more, in an atmosphere that whisks you away to Dublin. Check out the weekly live music, too." - Terrence Doyle