After Dark
McCarthy's Irish Bar
About McCarthy's Irish Bar
At McCarthy's Irish Bar, a trusted Bar in Lexington, KY, you will find a friendly setting that makes every visit easy to enjoy. Backed by a 4.40-star rating and 676 reviews, this location is appreciated for great service and quality and accessible facilities.
Live Music
Top DJs and live acts
Craft Cocktails
Premium drink menu
VIP Service
Exclusive experiences
Events
Themed nights weekly
The Experience
Your Night Awaits
Premium Bar
Craft cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and an extensive wine list crafted by expert mixologists.
Dance Floor
State-of-the-art sound system and lighting that transforms every night into magic.
VIP Lounge
Exclusive bottle service and private areas for those seeking a more intimate experience.
About Us
Where Nights Come Alive
Whether it's a night out with friends, a celebration, or simply letting loose, we're here to make it unforgettable.
The Vibe
See what awaits you tonight
What People Say
Reviews from our guests
David Hasler
Edited 7 years agoLove this place. First Thursday of every month they have a band that plays Irish music (and have done so consistently for 11yrs straight!) and local graduates of Irish dance schools come by and dance. The coolest. The bar doesn't serve food but there's a spot right next door where you can order food and they'll bring it in the bar for you.
Linnie
2 years agoI love the cozy traditional Irish pub vibes. My partner and I stop by here when we miss pubs in Ireland. Their bartenders are always sweet and friendly and the drink prices are super reasonable. They unfortunately do not serve food.
Eli Harry
a year agoBest bar in Lexington. Haven’t been there for 13 years but who cares. Most fun I’ve had in my years before or since. Also, I returned the pitchers I snuck out before I left town in 2013. Look carefully by the door. I felt bad for sneaking them out…. But they were quite the prize at the time. I returned them intact. One we actually carried back to our hotel. Homewood suites. That was a walk. Never forget those days and McCarthy’s. Best. Bar. Ever.
D. Wilson
5 months agoMy favorite pub in the ENTIRE State! And the country, for that matter. 😁 Not a restaurant, though.
Terra Mallory
8 years agoLove love this place. It's a tradition to always come here after the shamrock shuffle. We ALWAYS have an amazing time with amazing people. The CHEERS for the Irish (or the claiming to be Irish) ;)
William Reed
7 months agoA must visit in Lexington. The best Guinness outside of Dublin. Mike and Nick are great bartenders.
Jamie Griffin
9 months agoThe bartender working the night of 8/5 is an absolute rock star! He never stopped moving the entire hour and a half we were there. He was the only one working and absolutely slayed! There was a convention in town and it seemed like everyone came in at 10pm. He kept up with minimal wait times. As someone who works in the service industry, I just want to give him a shout out for being absolutely incredible!
Joey the Flavor Finder
6 months agoMcCarthy’s has been a staple spot for me and my college buddies for what feels like, ages, it still holds up! We may not stay out as late as we used to, but we still find ourselves coming back here from time to time. Whether it’s before or after a UK game, this place always hits the mark. Great pints, friendly staff, and an atmosphere that just feels like home. If you’re in the downtown area looking for a good drink and even better vibes, McCarthy’s is the spot. And yes, they can pour a proper Guinness.
Amol Poudyal
3 months agoMcCarthy's Irish Bar is one of the best authentic Irish bars I have been to in the United States. As a true Guinness connoisseur, I've been to many Irish bars all over the United States (and around the world). McCarthy's is easily my top 5 of all time. Everyone working there is awesome. Bobby (the owner) is a legend! This place has gained a patron for life. An actual Irish pub RUN BY IRISHMEN FROM IRELAND! 5/5
Kate Farley
7 months agoWe’re from Brooklyn, NY and were on our way to Houston when we decided to make a quick stop—and we’re so glad we did! McCarthy’s Irish Bar is super cool and authentic, the kind of spot that instantly makes you feel at home. Great atmosphere, friendly people, and that true Irish pub vibe you don’t come across often. Definitely worth the stop! 🍀🍻
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about McCarthy's Irish Bar
- Saturday: 11 AM-2:30 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM-2:30 AM
- Monday: 11 AM-2:30 AM
- Tuesday: 11 AM-2:30 AM
- Wednesday: 11 AM-2:30 AM
- Thursday: 11 AM-2:30 AM
- Friday: 11 AM-2:30 AM
McCarthy's Irish Bar is located at 117 S Upper St, Lexington, KY 40507, United States, Lexington, KY, United States.
You can reach McCarthy's Irish Bar by calling +1 859-258-2181.
McCarthy's Irish Bar has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 676 customer reviews.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Live music, Live performances, Sport.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Food, Happy-hour drinks, Spirits, Wine.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following dining options: Seating, Table service.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following amenities: Restroom.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Trendy.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards.
McCarthy's Irish Bar features the following parking: Free street parking.
Business Features
Highlights & Amenities
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Live performances
- Sport
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Dancing
- Food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Spirits
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
Find Us
Ready to experience the best night out? We're waiting for you.
Location
117 S Upper St, Lexington, KY 40507, United StatesPhone
+1 859-258-2181Hours
Make a Reservation
VIP tables, group bookings, and private events. Get in touch.