Some of the casualties of Baltimore’s recent string of restaurant closures were our traditional Irish pubs. Within the last few months, The Harp poured its last pint of Guinness in Perry Hall, Ryan’s Daughter held its final jam session in Belvedere Square, and regulars said an emotional goodbye to Butchers Hill mainstay The Life of Reilly. Some are still also feeling the loss of Patrick’s of Pratt Street, considered to be the oldest Irish pub in America, which closed for good in the summer of 2016.

Although some of the greats have gone by the wayside, a handful of the area’s most authentic Irish pubs are still going strong. But what exactly makes a great Irish pub? For Dave Niehenke, who has owned Mick O’Shea’s in Mt Vernon since 2002, it’s all about consistency.

“It’s kind of like a good pair of jeans,” Niehenke says. “They’re comfy and sturdy. You always know what you’re going to get. If I go travel to another city and I see two bars, and one of them is an Irish pub, I’m going to go there because I find it more comforting and welcoming. It’s rarely ever the shiniest thing on the block, but it’s always solid and reliable.”

Paul Sellers, manager of Claddagh Pub in Canton’s O’Donnell Square, had a similar experience while visiting New York City during the holidays this winter.

“I found myself going inside of every Irish pub I saw because I just felt more at home there,” he says. “The people are more real. I just like it better that way. And we try to make sure the people around here feel the same way.”

One way that Claddagh incorporates that Irish feel is through its interior, which highlights dark woods, strung lights, and vintage Guinness posters. Sellers continued the theme with Claddagh’s recently-debuted outdoor patio, which features decorative maps and imported furniture that pay homage to Cork—a city in Southwest Ireland.

“All of the decor is authentic to Irish culture,” Sellers says. “From the Harp and Smithwick’s signs, to all of the Ireland soccer jerseys on the walls.”

Delia Foley’s in Federal Hill boasts a similar feel, which co-owner Andrew Carter says only furthers the bar’s inviting atmosphere.

“Everything from the decor, to the Guinness Club where people can put their names up on the wall, it all just has this feel-good vibe,” Carter says. “This isn’t just some bar that you go to after midnight on a Friday or Saturday. This is that bar you go to hang out with your friends for happy hour any day of the week.”

Of course, tradition also plays a significant role in Baltimore’s Irish pubs. When Bill Mitcherling opened An Poitin Stil in Timonium in 1999, his goal was to commemorate the history of Baltimore’s Irish community.

“The whole idea was to bring a little bit of Ireland to Baltimore,” Mitcherling says. “And to honor the traditions of the Irish and the state of Maryland dating back to the time of the B&O Railroad. With the music and the aesthetics of the place, it’s typical for people to come in here and say they feel like they’re back in Ireland.”

Live music is also an integral part of any Irish bar. While Mick O’Shea’s continues to be a home for Irish and Gaelic bands, it’s also become a popular venue for local performers of other genres.

“Years ago it was Irish music on the radio 24-7, and always live Irish bands on the weekends,” Niehenke remembers. “But a lot of those bands that used to play here have since retired. We still feature the traditional Irish music, but also do more local music now, everything from reggae to rock and R&B.”

Another way to stay true to the authentic concept is through sports. Patrick Russell, owner of Sláinte Irish Pub in Fells Point, says when he was in Ireland doing research prior to opening the bar in 2004, he was inspired by the sports pubs of Galway and Belfast—where spirited fans backing different teams gathered to watch matches together.

“A lot of pubs here are trying to become either a Liverpool or a Chelsea supporter,” Russell explains. “So whenever a team scores, you’re all very happy for each other but you can’t throw it in the face of your adversary. In Ireland, what makes it such an amazing environment is the banter that goes back and forth between opposing fans. When you watch a soccer match at Sláinte, Thames Street literally erupts.”

Although authenticity remains a priority, many pub owners are also making it a point to adapt with the times. Says Russell: “You have the younger generation coming up and they’re not quite understanding what it’s all about.”

In an effort to accommodate the newest wave of bar-goers, Russell has diversified the food options at Sláinte to include more European gastropub-style dishes like poutine, Scotch eggs, and a hearty gumbo—which was featured by Guy Fieri on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives in 2014.

“When people want to go out to eat together, it’s tough when you have an isolated menu,” he says. “We started to include more eclectic offerings, so that not everyone who comes in here has to be in the mood for Shepherd’s Pie or corned beef and cabbage. And I’ve seen a lot of guys in the industry that are doing the same thing.”

At Delia Foley’s, Carter is in the process of modernizing the bar’s look with new doors that lead out to  Charles Street. But he’s hoping to do it in a way that preserves the spot’s Irish charm.

“Instead of the steel garage doors, which give it a little less of an Irish feel, we decided to do accordion-style doors,” he says. “It’s a way for us to get with the modern times and adjust accordingly.”

Even in the midst of all of the changes, local pub owners assure that a warm atmosphere and top-notch service will always remain a priority.

“The one thing that Irish pubs are known for, it’s an Irish word called the craic,” Niehenke says. “It roughly translates to good times with friends and good conversations. And that’s what we try to continue.”

If there is a bright side to saying goodbye to summer, it’s that football season is officially around the corner. There’s no better way to cheer on the Ravens than by gathering with other die-hards around the big screens at your neighborhood bar. This season, throw on a jersey and head to these local watering holes to enjoy discounted food and drink deals while watching the birds duke it out.

Ale Mary’s: Known for its beer list and collection of vintage knick-knacks (be sure to check out Christmas Story-style leg lamp at the bar), this corner dive in Fells Point is a great place to showcase your purple pride. During all Ravens games throughout the season, enjoy specials including $3 Bud Lights and Henry’s Hard Sodas, $4 Pollock Johnny’s sausages, $5 punch, $5 bombs, and a $7 deal on one pound of grilled wings paired with a domestic bottle of your choice. 1939 Fleet St., 410-276-2044

Alexander’s Tavern: At this popular Fells Point hangout, fans throw back free shooters whenever the Ravens score a touchdown. Don your most festive purple garb to watch the game while enjoying half-priced nachos and tots, as well as $3 Miller Lites, $4 Blue Moons, and $10 Miller Lite pitchers. 710 S. Broadway., 410-522-0000

Bmore Around Town: You can’t go wrong attending a pregame party hosted by this group of local tailgating experts. This season, Bmore Around Town has moved its tailgates to the brand new Stadium Square lot on the corner of West Ostend and Leadenhall streets near Lot H. Tickets to the all-inclusive events include a full open bar, bottomless buffet of stadium fare, live DJ entertainment, and games like corn hole, flip cup, Kan Jam, and jumbo Connect Four. Aside from its home-game celebrations, Bmore Around Town also offers fans road trip packages for away games. 443-865-5935

Claddagh Pub: If you haven’t had the chance to check out this Canton staple’s new outdoor bar, football season is the perfect opportunity. Dubbed “The Cork Yard Bar” the new space features four outdoor screens and heaters so that fans can keep warm during the chillier months. Sunday specials to look out for (offered both inside and outside) include $3 pints, $6 bombs and Crushes, one pound of jumbo shrimp for $16.95, and a deal on 30 wings paired with a pitcher of beer for $19.95. 2918 O’Donnell St., 410-522-4220

Dogwatch Tavern: Equipped with comfy couches, pool tables, and group games like Bear Pong, this Fells Point hangout has a relaxed vibe that mimics catching the game in the comfort of your own living room. Grab a group of friends and head to the bar to enjoy 22-oz. Miller Lite drafts for $5, an order of wings for $7, and Miller and Coors Light buckets for $15. If you’re feeling particularly festive, order one of the bar’s signature 100-oz. beer towers for $20. 709 S. Broadway, 410-276-6030

El Bufalo: Post up in front of any one of the 13 screens at this multi-level Canton Square favorite to watch all of the action unfold this season. Though it might not be the most traditional sporting-event sip, El Bufalo offers $7-off all of its mega margaritas on game days. Other specials include $8 orders of disco fries, $10 flatbreads, $15 Bud Light Buckets, and group deals like a case of Bud Light and 25 wings for $100. 2921 O’Donnell St., 410-814-0594

Huck’s American Craft: This Brewers Hill beer bar gets creative with its football specials, which include $5 “Raven-ade” drinks and purple bombs, as well as free shots whenever the birds score a touchdown. Fans can also pair $2 Natty Bohs with snacks like wings, sliders, onion rings, and pretzel-dough pizzas. 3728 Hudson St., 443-438-3380

Mother’s Grille: Nothing says Ravens season like an afternoon spent downing drafts on Mother’s Purple Patio, which features live DJ entertainment and a radio broadcast of the game. During all Sunday games, the Federal Hill football headquarters offers fans all-you-can-eat boneless wings paired with Miller Lite for $35. At Mother’s Baltimore County location in Timonium, take advantage of specials including $5 Fireball shots, $6 Purple Crushes, $15 Yuengling buckets, and $3 hot dogs. Multiple locations including 1113 S. Charles St., 410-244-8686

Mt. Washington Tavern: This Mt. Washington neighborhood haunt celebrates football season in style. In addition to its Purple Friday lunch menu (think discounted burgers, quesadillas, beers, and Tito’s vodka drinks), the tavern also features an lengthy list of specials whenever the birds take the field. Get comfortable at the bar to enjoy $8 slow-roasted Buffalo wings, $10 queso fundido dip, and $15 loaded nachos topped with chili, cheeses, and Applewood bacon. Wash down all of the eats with $2 Narraganset Lager cans, $4 Old Hilltop drafts, and $6 vodka drinks. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

JD’s Smokehouse: We were stoked when this former O’Donnell Square mainstay announced that it would be returning to Canton last year. Now stationed at the corner of South Luzerne and Foster avenues in the space previously occupied by American Harry’s, JD’s is back with its selection of imported beers and finger-licking barbecue. Throughout football season, swing by the new digs to enjoy $2 Natty Bohs, $5 Ravens Crushes, $5 domestic buckets, and $12 Union Craft buckets. Food specials of note include “The Tucker Long” (a smoked sausage hoagie with onions and peppers) for $7.95, and the “A-5 Burger” topped with onions, mushrooms, and provolone with two sides for $9.95. 623 S. Luzerne Ave., 410-522-2266

Wicked Sisters: If you’re looking for a spot to tune in from North Baltimore, this Hampden hangout highlights plenty of flat screens. Gather with other fans to chow down on $2-off select appetizers (think meatballs and sriracha honey Brussels sprouts), $3 Natty Boh drafts, and $4 pours of “Old Man Gjerde”—an ode to owner Charlie Gjerde crafted by The Brewer’s Art. 3845 Falls Road, 410-878-0884

Jimmy’s Seafood: Throughout the years, this Dundalk restaurant has become a go-to for sports fans and local athletes alike. To celebrate the return of the birds, Jimmy’s is debuting a new “Sunday Funday” deal featuring two-for-one drinks during Sunday games. Also new this season, happy hour specials (think $3 Summer Shandy and $7 Crushes) will run until midnight for all Monday-night matchups. 6526 Holabird Ave, Dundalk, 410-633-4040

Offering everything from craft beer and barbecue to trivia and tequila, the cluster of bars surrounding O’Donnell Square in Canton provide choices for every type of barfly. But, despite all of the variety, Claddagh Pub manager Paul Sellers says that the drinking district lacks outdoor options.  

That’s why he recently decided to revamp the Irish pub’s underutilized courtyard to feature its own bar, outdoor lounge furniture, canopies with water misters, TV screens, strung lights, and live music on the weekends.

“We realized that, in the summer Canton bars slow down because everyone is going to the beach, or to Fells Point to be near the water,” Sellers says. “That’s when we decided, we can be outside, too.”

Although husband-and-wife owners Dennis and Vivian Clarke constructed Claddagh’s courtyard nearly a decade ago, Sellers says that, until last month, it only housed a few tables and was rarely used.

Taking inspiration from Cork—a city in Southwest Ireland—the newly redesigned space, aptly dubbed The Cork Yard Bar, pays homage to the Emerald Isle with decorative maps and imported furniture.

“It’s definitely a different atmosphere,” Sellers says. “You’re in a courtyard, but it almost seems like you’re somewhere else.”

In keeping with the laid-back vibe, the space hosts live bands every Sunday night (showcasing local musicians like Ernie Fowler and Steve Herrera), and offers seasonal drink specials including dragon berry mojitos and watermelon Crushes. The drinks are meant to pair nicely with Claddagh’s menu, which has been recently revamped under the helm of a new chef.

A few months back, management brought on Australian-born chef James Saftich to streamline kitchen operations. Saftich—formerly of Claddagh’s now-shuttered spinoff on Fenwick Island—has fine-tuned the pub grub to include everything from charcuterie plates and smoked kielbasa to pan-seared rockfish over grape tomato salad and an Asian duck entree.

“People are eating healthier, and their preferences are changing,” Sellers says. “Everybody in the square has a cook, but no one has a chef.”

Saftich will also debut a new brunch menu this weekend, highlighting dishes like open-faced strip steak on an artisanal baguette, stacked chicken and waffles, and “The Hangover Cure,” a play on an English breakfast that combines sausage, bacon, sunny side up eggs, beans, roasted tomatoes, and toast. 

Sellers says that all of the changes are breathing new life into 24-year-old mainstay.

“Everybody likes something new,” he says. “We’re always trying to look ahead and change with the times.”