Most American Irish bars fall into one of two categories. There's the "authentic as can be" pub full of dark woods (perhaps even some imported from the Emerald Isle itself), flawless pours of Guinness, traditional Irish food & music and a distinct lack of TVs tuned to sports. On the other, there's the "bar & grill" which pays homage to its Gaelic heritage while also having one foot firmly planted in the world of American sports bars.

Don't worry there's no need to pick sides as both are great places to raise a pint-especially on St. Patrick's Day-and the following are some of the best of both varieties in the country.

Starting in Alabama, the accolades just keep piling up for Callaghan's. This homey Irish bar in Mobile's historic Oakleigh Garden District neighborhood has won awards for its mouthwatering burgers, live music and much ballyhooed St. Patrick's Day bash.

McGinley's has been bringing the warmth of Ireland to the wilds of Alaska since 2006. Here, you will find a fine range of frothy beers on tap (Guinness among them, naturally) and a food menu that features Irish staples like Shepherd's Pie side-by-side with fresh Alaska seafood.

Arizona and Ireland may be opposites in many ways, but they blend together beautifully at R��la B��la. Yes, where else can you enjoy the traditional atmosphere of an Irish pub inside a historic building that used to house an Old West saddlery. And since it's located right on Mill Avenue, it's the perfect base for a big night out in Tempe.

There's more than a little bit of Ireland at Hibernia in Little Rock. In addition to a constantly-convivial atmosphere, there are genuine Irish items on the food menu and weekly performances of traditional Irish music.

If you're in the Bay Area and are craving some proper Irish music and craic, there's only one place to go: The Plough and the Stars. Live music fills the air every night and it pairs perfectly with the perfectly-poured pints.

Nallen's has been a gathering place for the Irish community in Denver since 1992. Stop by to sample a superb selection of beer, whiskey and cocktails and to be surrounded by the feeling of a "home away from home" in the magnificent Mile High City.

The Harp offers up the bona fide atmosphere of an Irish country pub inside one of romantic Mystic's most historic buildings. The pub was founded by an Irishman and both the furniture on the floor and the signs on the wall were imported from the Emerald Isle.

Whether it be a chili cook-off, ugly Christmas sweater contest or Super Bowl party, Murph's knows how to make sure everybody has a good time, all of the time.

McGuire's brings a slice of the Emerald Isle to the Emerald Coast of Florida at both of their locations. Whether you choose Pensacola or Destin, you're in for a night of "feasting, imbibery and debauchery" in a New York-style Irish Saloon by the sea.

Sitting on the breezy balcony of Kevin Barry's with a pint of Guinness is about as good as it gets in Savannah. And when it comes to the city's legendary St. Patrick's Day party, this watering hole makes the perfect base before or after the parade.

O'aloha? You'll find it at O'Toole's in Honolulu. You'll also discover an impressive selection of whiskeys, Guinness on tap and live music every weekend. Oh, and there's also a massive wall of Boston Red Sox memorabilia.

Warming locals up since 1962, O'Michael's is the oldest bar in Boise's North End. Visit on a Thursday night to sink your teeth into their Corn Beef & Cabbage and to see the lively bar at its best. Don't be surprised if you are back on Friday and Saturday night, too.

From the dark woods of the bar to the shiny tin ceiling and Irish accents of some of the staff, O'Oshaughnessy's authentic ambiance is second to none. And that's saying something in a city full of great Irish bars like Chicago.

They broke the mold when they made the Golden Ace. Run by the McGinley family since 1934, this cozy bar has withstood the test of time on Washington Street and still throws Indy's best St. Patrick's Day party. Stop by for a step back to another era and to enjoy a seriously good cheeseburger.

Sully's is the oldest Irish bar in the Des Moines area and has long held the reputation as the place to be seen sipping pints on St. Paddy's. For anyone on the fence about joining the party for this March 17th, just remember these two words: heated tent.

Pull up a chair at the bar-or on the award-winning patio-at Paddy O'Quigleys to make a new friend or two. Or just run into a handful of old ones enjoying the convivial atmosphere and tasty food at this Johnson County great.

The Rover is Lousiville's Irish bar. It's located inside a building with a historic reputation for hospitality and they keep the tradition going strong with genuine Irish recipes and friendly smiles.

Sometimes, when you're in the maelstrom that is the French Quarter, you just need to duck into a bar and get away from the crowds. And that's where Molly's comes in. Hiding in plain sight across from the French Market, this laid-back bar offers both respite and refreshments.

From the moment you spot the colorful Guinness toucan splashed on the side of the building, you know you are in for something good at Brian Boru. This Portland pub has been serving up great times since 1993 and shows no signs of slowing down.

Sl��inte was into soccer before it was cool. Stop by in the morning to watch games from across the pond and then spend the rest of your day feasting on fantastic Irish food (think Curry Chips and Irish Stew) and drinks.

If there's one city that is synonymous with Irish-American heritage, it's Boston. And in this town, Doyle's Cafe is consistently one of the most respected names in the Irish bar game.

When a retired Detroit police officer who was raised in Dublin opened a bar in 1975 a legend was born. The Old Shillelagh is still proudly doing right by their Irish heritage by throwing the city's best St. Patrick's Day soiree.

The Local is as legit of an Irish bar as you are going to find anywhere in America. From the hand-carved wood back bar to the numerous snugs and crannies where you can hide out with a pint, seemingly everything here has been thought out and executed exquisitely.

Jackson's leading Irish bar, Fenian's features fine Irish-inspired tipples and quality bar fare.

Sure, you can find shinier and trendier Irish bars in St. Louis, but they can't hold a candle to the character of O'Connell's. Famous for their cheeseburgers, this bar has been keeping things really simple-and spectacular-since 1962.

During its early days, the mines of Butte were a magnet for Irish immigrants and the town is still fiercely proud of its heritage. Maloney's is a magnificent place to experience the charm, especially on St. Patrick's Day.

The Brazen Head left nothing to chance when it came to creating the most authentic Irish pub they could. The physical bar was designed in Dublin before being built in Wexford and shipped to Nebraska where it was finished off by expert artisans.

Why yes, you can find more authentic Irish pubs in Vegas, but can you play beer pong at those establishments while sipping some of the most budget-friendly suds in town? No, and that's what has made O'Shea's beloved by tourists and locals alike for years.

Kelley's has been a purveyor of Irish spirit and spirits for generations. Stop in to see why the bar has become so beloved by locals.

Stepping into the Irish Pub is like taking a stroll back in time. This pub dates to the 19th century and many artifacts and memorabilia from that era are scattered throughout the bar. Basically, it's like walking into a history museum that knows how to have a good time.

Were the two enterprising guys who decided to bring a legit Irish pub to Albuquerque fools for thinking it would work? One sip of stout at the bar and taste of the Irish fare will show you the answer is a resounding "no".

McSorley's is New York City's oldest continuously operating bar and if the walls could talk, they would spin yards of fascinating yarn. Everyone from presidents to pop stars and plotters have had a drink in the dusty interior of this institution.

It's hard to say what is more impressive: the characterful interior of this Charlotte bar-complete with cozy fireplace-or the gorgeous garden. Or is it the amazing food and drink?

Part public house, part concert venue, Dempsey's is bringing the spirit of faraway Irish pubs to Fargo. The brothers behind the bar named the venue after famed boxer Jack Dempsey-who happens to be a relative-and are well on their way to making Dempsey's a local legend.

Inside The Harp, it's all about the traditional Irish food and drink (and the gorgeous stained-glass behind the bar) but outside it's all about the views of Lake Erie. After you've taken in the lake, head back inside to hear a rollicking performance of live music.

Sean Cummings is THE home of Celtic music in OKC. Taking inspiration from the pubs of the Emerald Isle, Sean Cummings is the type of place where everybody seems to know everybody but is also ready to welcome you into their circle of friends.

There's no better place to be in the Rose City on St. Patrick's Day than at Paddy's. Portland's oldest Irish bar throws a party to remember with traditional dancing and a tent full of good times. And the other 360-plus days of the year are almost just as fun.

Philadelphia's oldest continually operating tavern just keeps getting better. And it doesn't have to be St. Paddy's or a Saturday night in order to have a good time, either. Nope, whether it's Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, or just a Tuesday, there's always fun flowing at McGillin's Old Ale House.

Taking its name from the southernmost lighthouse in Ireland, The Fastnet Pub is a beacon in the night to those wanting to wet their whistle. There are over 30 beers on draft here and the TVs are always tuned to a sailing event (hey, this is Rhode Island) or a big international rugby or soccer game.

The cobblestone streets of Charleston are lined with watering holes, but there's only one truly authentic Irish bar and that's Tommy Condon's. Come inside (or sit on the gorgeous patio) to enjoy Irish food and drink and listen to live music.

With two locations in South Dakota and one in Nort Dakota, the Blarney Stone is well on its way to becoming a regional legend. The atmosphere is all dark woods and cobblestone while the service is friendly and full of smiles. That is to say nothing of the spectacular range of libations and tasty food.

McNamara's set out with the goal to make a pub that would conform to many Americans' idea of an Irish pub while at same being recognizable to someone from Ireland. It's safe to say they have succeeded.

The Dubliner is, in fact, owned and operated by a gentleman from Dublin. That's one reason East Dallas loves this bar, the others being the delectable dining options and the great Guinness on draft.

There is no better way to relax after a day playing in Park City than with a perfect pint of Guinness at Flanagan's on Main. The staff is as friendly (and fun) as they come and make sure everybody has a memorable time.

McGrath's was the first establishment to sell Guinness on draft in Vermont and that gives you just a taste of their dedication to creating an authentic Irish pub atmosphere. Stop by on the weekends (when the seasonal bar is open) to listen to Irish music and see how those spouts of the black stuff are pouring.

Murphy's Grand has been giving Old Town Alexandria a taste of Ireland since 1978. Nightly entertainment-which on most nights is of the Irish variety-pairs up with stellar food and drink to make the bar a perennial favorite.

You will find the Owl N' Thistle hiding out in the heart of Seattle. It may be located a few steps from Pioneer Square, but it feels a few thousand miles away-in the heart of Ireland.

Paddy's has managed to fit right into the historic Tiffin House in which it is located. Enjoy the great Irish-inspired food and drinks inside before heading out back to play games in their expansive garden.

County Claire is a hotel and pub that surrounds guests with all things Ireland. And if you don't get enough of the Emerald Isle during your time here, book one of their custom tours of Ireland for the full experience.

Pat O'Hara's has become the locals favorite in Cody by pairing up a bar pouring locally-brewed craft beer with a kitchen dishing up authentic Irish recipes.