123 W Main Street
Guinness Tag: $8.00 | Overall Rating: 9.55
Kentucky is one of those states that most people shrub off. It comes off as a boring slate of land with weird folks. Contrary to those thoughts, once you start exploring the beautiful state of Kentucky you become shocked at just how much America thrives on it. Of course, it offers Bourbon County, a pocket of land with the world's best bourbons. It also makes all of the world's Corvettes, it showcases horse-racing in the most lavish and pristine way, it invented Mother's Day as well as the "Happy Birthday" song, and it houses the Louisville Slugger company. Aside from the beautiful rolling hills, Cumberland Falls, caverns, and Buc-ee's Gas Stations, Kentucky also offers one hell of an Irish Pub: Patrick O'Shea's.
The start to every Irish Pub experience is the curb appeal. O'Shea's gives patrons a terrific vibe during the summer and a showstopping vibe during the nightfall. I typically always tell everyone that the best time to visit an Irish Pub is when the sun is still shining, and that certainly still holds water, however, if you visit O'Shea's at night then you'll be delighted with all of the fun lights. They keep the Christmas vibes going all year without over-doing it.
You walk into the building and you are surrounded with eye-candy everywhere you look. There are unique signs on the wall, high-top tables, booths, multiple bars, lounges, and event space on multiple floors. The place is absolutely ginormous, and it seems that every nook and cranny has been carefully crafted, ensuring every square foot of this place adds to the overall charm.
When you walk in and sit at the bar you'll typically notice traditional music playing such as The Dubliners. At one point during our last visit, the song "Ratlin Bog" came on, and while yes; it's overplayed and can get annoying, the staff behind the bar were singing along to it in harmony and it was a fun touch. The staff here has a genuine touch of care and hospitality. You can tell that the bartenders and waitresses aren't the typical industry "lifers" who could care less where they are earning their tips that day; they seem to really take pride in being at O'Shea's.
O'Shea's has been around since 1958 and has been family operated ever since, so those who get the chance to contribute to the place's history are lucky. The bar offers over 100 different types of bourbon and whiskey and the draft beer selection will surely satisfy everyone's cravings. While the pours of Guinness are terrific, they do come served in a gimmicky 16oz pint glass which is a huge stinker. It's always shocking to see a place as beautiful as this serve its Guinness in a non-tradition pint glass. Do they really think people aren't going to notice? Not to mention the rather steep price of $8.00 attached to it as well.
As you put your head on a swivel, you'll notice flame lit candles all over the place and some fun Santas hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere sheds off a bit of an 80's aura and the craftsmanship overall is incredible. Someone really took pride in all of the furniture, woodworking, and booths. Towards the end of the room on the main floor you'll notice a separate horseshoe bar and a beautiful staircase.
When you stand up to find the bathrooms, you'll discover the downstairs and the entirely different world that awaits for you down there. You'll find lounge type seating and more bars along with a bit of a different vibe. You really could lose track of time at O'Shea's and accidentally spend all day here if you come at lunchtime. There's so much square footage to enjoy here it's almost overwhelming! The bathrooms are clean and proper with ample amounts of space.
When thinking of any negatives about the place you really have to think hard to find more than 2 or 3. Sometimes the demographics can be a bit upsetting as we are rather close to the University of Louisville, the music can be a little wonky here and there, and the biggest blemish of the entire place: the 16oz Guinness glass. Outside of those few things you really can't find anything else that won't scratch the Irish itch.
If you're driving through Louisville and you don't make it a point to grab a barstool at Patrick O'Shea's then you really dropped the ball, and you can consider yourself an idiot. You might find better Craic elsewhere, but, if you love Irish Pubs then you must visit Patrick O'Shea's in Louisville before your quarters run out.
Slainte.
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