This Irish pub in SC ranks as one of the nation’s best. Here’s what makes it stand out
If you’re looking for a traditional taste of Ireland, you may not have to leave South Carolina.
That’s because O’Hara’s Public House in Lexington ranks No. 21 among the best Irish pubs in the United States and Canada, according to results published March 1 from the restaurant review website Yelp.
To create the list of pubs that “make you feel like you’re in Ireland,” Yelp said it studied businesses across this part of the world. Then, it “ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews” over time.
The results were released ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17. In the Midlands, several venues are celebrating with food, drinks and festivities, The State reported.
As people get into the spirit, O’Hara’s Public House said it’s selling discounted merchandise. On Facebook, it also announced a series of live music performances, with more details available here.
In addition to live music, many Yelp users said they were fans of the pub’s patio and customer service. Several loved tasting dishes popular across the pond, including shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash — a dish that combines sausage, mashed potatoes and gravy.
Some customers also flocked to Yelp to rave about the pub’s selection of beer and other drinks, helping it earn more than four out of five stars.
O’Hara’s Public House said it serves “Irish classics alongside the best of Regional American comfort foods” from its restaurant at 131 E. Main St. in Lexington, roughly 15 miles west of downtown Columbia.
The pub was the only place in South Carolina to earn a spot on Yelp’s top 25 list. Overall, the top-ranking business was Tim Finnegan’s Irish Restaurant and Pub in the Phoenix-area city of Glendale, Arizona.
This story was originally published March 15, 2023 at 3:18 PM with the headline "This Irish pub in SC ranks as one of the nation’s best. Here’s what makes it stand out."
