For anyone who has interest in Celtic heritage or just likes a great Irish pub, O'Flaherty's is an absolute must. It's a little-known fact that New Orleans has the second-largest Irish immigrant population in the U.S. (after New York) and that Irish people and culture have had major impacts on the city's development. While it is technically located nowhere near the real Irish Channel, a slightly shady neighborhood in the uptown direction, O'Flaherty's has certainly captured the spirit of the Irish in New Orleans. Founded, owned, and operated by one Danny O'Flaherty, there is no mistaking the authenticity of the music, food, and of course, drink to be found here. At times, there is even a Celtic Heritage walking tour that leaves from the pub.
Needless to say, this is a perfect place to be on St. Patrick's Day. A personal favorite of mine is a New Orleans twist on the Black & Tan or Half & Half: half-Guiness and half-Abita Amber, the obligatory local Louisiana brew. Despite its French Quarter location, O'Flaherty's still draws locals because of its unique atmosphere and amazing musical performances, which range from traditional Celtic to modern singer-songwriter originals. On the corner of Toulouse and Decatur in the French Quarter, O'Flaherty's is more than worth a stop.