The votes have been tallied, the pints have been finished, and a winner has been determined in New Jersey Monthly’s Best Irish Pub Poll, sponsored by Tullamore Dew. After a month of intense competition, Kilkenny House in Cranford emerges as the champion.
Owner Barry O’Donovan, who opened the pub in September 2008, was grateful to New Jersey Monthly, Tullamore Dew and the enthusiastic support of his loyal friend and patrons.
“It’s truly an honor to win with all the great Irish pubs in New Jersey,” he said. “It’s a lovely feeling. It’s not very often I don’t talk much.”
Kilkenny House proved to be a fierce contender throughout the four-week poll, finishing in the Top Five every week since New Jersey Monthly launched the poll on February 21. We started with 30 great Irish pubs throughout the Garden State. Each week the pubs with the fewest votes were eliminated until we reached the Final Four. Approximately 33,000 votes were cast over the course of the poll.
In the end, Kilkenny House prevailed. McDonagh’s Pub in Keyport finished in second, St. Stephen’s Green Publick House in Spring Lake placed third and McGovern’s Tavern in Newark rounded out the top four.
Congratulations to Kilkenny House, and thanks to all the voters who participated in the poll!
The New Park Tavern in Jersey City is the best pub in our state. Owned since 1972 by the Courtney clan of Drumlish, County Longford, the owners have kept it real and really nice since. Brother Antony and faithful nephew Bobby have built & maintained the interior and outdoor patio-cum-woodpile for their fireplace (lovingly constructed by Brother Patrick [RIP], from bricks taken from the Journal Square PATH station renovation).
Burgers, beers, and brotherhood (sisterhood, too!) abound! Check out my office, too.
Sounds like you are biased.
If knowing when something is well run and organized, as well as caring & authentic, is biased, then, yea, I am. As an example, I have seen the way the folks keep their draft beer pipes clean, so I can vouch for the freshness of the stout, ales, lagers, etc., and the professionalism & personal attention to detail that all bars should strive for. So, just try it if you’re in town.
Have you been to every Irish Pub in NJ?
No, but some, as well as some in NYC (and a few that disappeared decades ago). I’m thinking of a place in Union City, on Bergenline Ave., that had among the earliest Guiness drafts in the US. This was in the 1970s, and its name eludes me, along with when it closed.
Have you been to them all, and, better, do you have any faves?
I like St.Stephens Green Publik House in Spring Lake. I have also been to The Celtic House Irish Pub and Restaurant, which was voted best bar in the U.S. to celebrate St. Patricks Day. It’s in Arlington VA.
I had my first kiss at McDonagh’s in keyport I’ll never forget it
In Union County, I prefer the food at The Blackthorn. Kilkenny never impressed me.
This voting is rigged!! Everytime I vote for my favorite bar, the percentage goes down!! What’s up with this?
Yeah the voting is not “rigged”. The votes are calculated automatically and the percentages fluctuate based on votes.
Had my father in laws 80th birthday at Mc donnaghs in keyport. It was excellent and Irish indeed doo!
McDonagh’s in keyport All the for families for times with friends there is a seat for everyone and the food is awesome !!!!
If you are looking for a good Irish Pub Kilkenny’s is the place to be. Great Food, atmosphere and the best owner in the business…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_F2PRyTnHo
May be too late but St. Stephen’s has the best traditional Irish music and patrons . Many from Ireland have commented on the feel of this pub as part of the ol sod!
Gee those of us south of the Driscoll Bridge are surprised with that outcome. Monmouth county Kelley’s Tavern a famous pub in Neptune and Harrigan’s in Sea Girt packed from opening from lunch to last call. Both award winners for just their food. Not even a mention. Those of us down here already knew the outcome. Your publication is so bias it’s laughable.
Kelley’s Tavern was included in our original list of 30, and made it to the third round.
My vote would have been for P.J Ryan’s Squared in Jersey City. Authentic Irish pub and great ownership in Mike Ryan! If you’re ever around the Journal Square area you must go. Free parking too!
Sullivan Johnson