Delco Pubs and Restaurants That Say ‘Top o’ the Mornin’ to Ya’ All Year Long

Delco + Irish = no brainer! Our rich heritage draws hungry and thirsty locals and savvy travelers to Pennsylvania’s best county for unmatched pub grub, authentic fare and a pint.

At this writing, we’re a year into the global pandemic, but that hasn’t stopped Delco’s Irish foodie community from keeping patrons satisfied. Takeout, delivery, alfresco and growing opportunities for indoor dining (they keep improving!) kept hometown favorites flowing to Delco denizens. Pro tip: Check websites and social media often, as hours and dining availability continue to change and … dare we say … open up?! Sláinte!

Breakfast, Lunch and More

 

Irish Coffee Shop

• Stick-to-your-ribs meat and potatoes joint with an Irish flair.
• Look for the Donegal Catch, Irish BLT and a filling Irish breakfast.
• Open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

8443 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, (610) 449-7449.

Pubs and Restaurants

Hanrahan’s Irish Pub

• Classic Irish pub where everybody knows your name. Look for events and music as things open up.
• Bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and Irish cheese fries are must-eats!
• Open 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

690 Burmont Rd., Drexel Hill, (484) 462-3533.

Paddy Rooney’s Pub 

• Paddy Rooney came from Castlewellan, County Down, and founded the Pub in 1997. Now that’s authentic!
• Featuring “home-cooked” comfort food such as shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and hearty soups and stews.
• Open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 11 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.

449 West Chester Pike, Havertown, (610) 446-9882.

JD McGillicuddy’s

• Irish sports bar fare (with some solid Italian offerings, but that’s for another time!).
• Look for stalwarts, such as fish and chips, plus specials like Guinness mushroom soup.
• Open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

33 Brookline Boulevard, Havertown, (484) 454-5289.

Lefty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

• The luck of the Irish is alive and well in this low-key pub.
• Pick the Crabby McPretzel app — a blue claw crabmeat and cheese belly-buster — then one of the “Irish Delights”: Foxford Fish and Chips or the St. Patrick-inspired shepherd’s pie.
• Open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

1021 Market St., Marcus Hook, (610) 494-9957.

The Crossbar

• This neighborhood sports pub is rooted in a love for soccer (or, as the Irish correctly call it, football).
• Give Poppie’s fish and chips a try because the peas side dish is a comfort-food win.
• Open Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 11 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday in cold weather; those days are open 2 to 11 p.m. when it’s seasonable.

2225 Darby Rd., Havertown, (610) 449-4200.

Erin Pub in Norwood

• The Bryce family prides itself on its seafood, and there’s plenty of it throughout the menu.
• There’s traditional fish and chips, but consider a broiled or breaded seafood combo.
• Open seven days for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m.

36 W. Winona Ave., Norwood, (610) 461-0991.

Marty Magee’s 

• This Irish-American sports bar (emphasis on Philly sports!) is owned and operated by the Magee family.
• Dig into the corned beef sandwich, Celtic BLT or Joe’s mom’s shepherd’s pie recipe.
• Open seven days, noon to 2 a.m.

1110 Lincoln Ave., Prospect Park, (610) 583-9880.

O’Connell’s Tavern 

• “No strangers here, just friends you haven’t met” says it all about the O’Connell’s family-run Irish pub in Duke’s Tavern’s former spot.
• Regulars point to the crab cake sandwich as a go-to favorite.
• Open Monday and Tuesday from 4 to 11 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.

114 Saxer Ave., Springfield, (610) 543-9601.

 

Cawley’s Irish Pub

• Upper Darby’s neighborhood pub since 1974 thanks to the Cawley family.
• Skip to dessert and indulge in the Irish Bash pie: white chocolate mousse, chocolate cake crumbles and Irish cream.
• Open Sunday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pubs and Restaurants With Multiple Delco Locations!

Barnaby’s Restaurant & Pub in Havertown and Aston

• Classic sports pub fare and then some with a year-round covered patio.
• Hours and menu items vary by location, but both are open daily for lunch and dinner.

1901 Old West Chester Pike, (610) 789-1885 and 5501 Pendell Rd., Media, (610) 558-1929.

Casey’s in Drexel Hill and Ridley Park

• Favorite pub grub with covered outdoor dining. Watch Facebook for Drexel Hill’s seasonal menu.
• Hours and menu items vary by location, but both are open daily for lunch and dinner.

812 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill, (610) 789-7575 and 601 East Chester Pike, Ridley Park, (484) 540-7524.

And a well-earned nod to …

Oh Ryan’s Irish Potatoes 

You’re absolutely not from Delco — or even southeastern Pennsylvania, for that matter — if you think Oh Ryan’s Irish Potatoes are potatoes. They might look like tiny taters, but they’re an irresistible, soft coconut cream center rolled in cinnamon. The curious flavor is a favorite of all treat lovers, not just those of Irish heritage. Oh Ryan’s has been doling out this seasonal treat, available from January through March, for more than 30 years. Family lore says they were born more than 50 years ago in Irish neighborhoods across the land when “candy makers were looking for something to thrill children and their grown-ups after Valentine’s Day but still before other events kicked off.” The factory is in Marcus Hook, but you can find them at well-stocked grocers and markets.

Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for Delco From Home Experiences and where to get takeout and support local businesses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered during the coronavirus crisis (and beyond). Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

— Nina Malone

Featured photo courtesy of MainLineHotels.com