Luck of the Irish

Irish culture and traditions have played an important role in Newark since the Irish first came to the city in the mid-nineteenth century.  Emigrating from Ireland due to the Potato Famine, and for the economic advancement and opportunity available in America, they settled in Newark (and similar cities) for its burgeoning industry and familial connections.

While the makeup of the city has evolved over the last 150-plus years, there are still great spots in Newark and vicinity to enjoy Irish fare and savor the true Irish experience.  As we celebrate March and St. Patrick’s Day, let’s “raise a pint” to some of the best establishments. 

McGovern’s Tavern. Located right across the street from Rutgers-Newark, McGovern’s opened in 1936.  According to its website, “for many years if you emigrated from Ireland to New Jersey, McGovern’s Tavern would be one of your first stops.  Here you could enjoy your first beer in the United States, and more times than not, (Frank McGovern, founder and owner) would be able to help find you employment.”

McGovern’s maintains its nostalgia, with an unassuming exterior and a welcoming interior.  The menu is heavy on burgers, wraps  and sandwiches.  For an Irish specialty, try the “Dublin Decker” sandwich, comprised of corned beef, turkey, Swiss cheese, coleslaw and Russian dressing served on rye. 

The beer choices rotate between 12 taps, with the typical IPAs, seasonal brews and Irish favorites including Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s.  The drink specials feature beer mixtures such as “Black & Blue” (Blue Moon and Guinness) and “Apples & Oranges” (Magners and Blue Moon), and interestingly titled shots like  “Cinnamon Toast Crunch” (Fireball & Rum Chata) and “Green Tea” (Jameson, Peach Schnapps and Sour Mix).  

Nearby. Right across the Passaic River, in East Newark, is one of the premier diners in New Jersey: TOPS Diner.  Diners tend to serve all kinds of food, but TOPS also has a handful of dishes for your Irish fix.  You will find corned beef hash & eggs, a corned beef Reuben, and a house favorite, Dublin’s Pot Roast.  TOPS also has a liquor license and because it is a diner (where coffee is usually a staple) you can guarantee that its Irish coffee will be as good as it gets.

March is a time for reflecting on Irish tradition and Newark is as fine a town as any to toast and celebrate the green, white, and orange.