Bangor, Maine, Staple Named Best Irish Pub in the State

St, Patrick's Day is right around the corner and for people across the state of Maine, it'll be used as a reason to celebrate whether they're Irish of not.

Restaurants and pubs throughout Vacationland will be busy, serving up traditional Irish bites as well as a few drinks we all consider to be Irish standards.

For many years, Portland, Maine, had a stranglehold on featuring the best Irish pubs to visit anywhere in the state.

But after a couple of prominent closures, Tasting Table says you'll have to travel to Bangor, Maine, to find the very best Irish pub in the Pine Tree State.

Paddy Murphy's in Bangor, Maine, Named As Best Irish Pub in the State

Founded nearly 20 years ago, Paddy Murphy's in Bangor, Maine, is now considered a staple for food and entertainment in the Queen City.

But it's Paddy Murphy's annual St. Patrick's Day celebration that caught the eye of Tasting Table.

Tasting Table loved the selection of Irish beers and whiskeys available to those who want to partake.

The menu is filled with Irish delights, including Cottage Pie, with Tasting Table suggesting that anyone who visits should add soda bread to their order or regret it.

Ri Ra Remains The Last Traditional Irish Pub Standing in Portland, Maine

If you can't make it to Bangor, Maine, for Paddy Murphy's, you still have one classic still standing in Portland, Maine.

That would be Ri Ra, who is about to celebrate 25 years of operating in the city. Ri Ra will hold an all-day St. Patrick's Day celebration with live music, special menu items and more.

Portland was once home to several great Irish pubs, including Bull Feeney's and Brian Boru which have both closed permanently over the last several years.