Sláinte! Toast to Good Health and Great Whiskey at Washington’s Most Authentic Irish Pub

Traditional Irish pubs are in a category of their own: welcoming, worn-in, familiar, and definitely hopping on the weekends (pun intended). These local wood-paneled watering holes boast convivial atmospheres that are perhaps even more important than the food, yet they're also where hearty, approachable dishes are a mainstay.

Here in the U.S., Ireland’s pub culture is often imitated but rarely replicated. Luckily, we have a number of highly-rated (close to) authentic Irish pubs in Washington that come close to being spot-on. It's nice to be have a place to enjoy a pint (or more, no judgement) of Ireland's finest, along with a lively neighborhood vibe that feels like home. It's difficult to put the nostalgic Emerald Isle pub experience into words; however, it's safe to say that a full line of stouts on tap and a healthy assortment of authentic Irish ciders, whiskeys, and gins ready to lift one's spirits are just the start. Because really, it's the complete package that makes the traditional Irish pub, well, Irish.

Raise a Glass at This Local Irish Pub

After much searching and personally taste-testing one too many disappointing shepherd's pies in my time, I've finally stumbled upon what might just be the best Irish pub in Washington, and it has way more to offer than just a refreshing glass of liquid gold.

Unlike the decades-old haunts found in Ireland, Saints and Scholars Irish Pub in Snoqualmie is a relative newcomer to Washington's pub scene, having only opened in 2022. But this fantastic little gem hidden near the corner of Kinsey and Central has quickly made a name for itself in the close-knit Northwest Washington community — and for good reason. From the warm, Ireland-made décor full of character to the chef crafting tantalizing Irish-inspired masterpieces in the kitchen, everything here is as authentic as it gets.

From the moment you walk in the front door, S&S embodies everything that makes the traditional Irish pub so welcoming, with just a touch of bright, northwest charm. The art and details are stunning, yet comfortable. You'll find a large front patio, big screens to catch the latest Huskies game on, a cozy fireplace at the heart of the dining room, and stout beers and ales like Guinness and Smithwick’s always on tap, day and night. Plus, I must say that the live music on stage every Saturday just adds to the experience.

Dive Into Hearty Irish Fare

Since I mentioned Irish fare from the outset, let's start with this: the food here is absolutely stellar.

Washington state is known for its incredible dining scene, and often, Dublin's "lightly seasoned" dishes can result in a bit of a culture shock. Saints and Scholars completely flips that notion. They offer up a full menu of exciting dishes, each rooted in tradition and wonderfully executed, often taking classic Irish concepts, elevating them, and adding familiar PNW twists — including the use of organic and locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.

For diners who love the pub scene but are nervous about trying something new, I recommend the Shepherd's Pie here. It's made with a hearty, tender blend of lamb and beef, lovingly simmered in a rich sauce studded with veggies, then baked to crispy-edged perfection under a canopy of cheesy potatoes — chef's kiss. It's a delicious, comforting dish that's wildly irresistible, even for those who aren't big on lamb, like myself.

The beautifully presented Sausage Rolls — large morsels of flaky pastry wrapped around house-seasoned Irish sausage and served with a rich onion gravy — definitely hit the spot as well. Other highly raved-about diner favorites include the S&S Burger (a beast of a sandwich served with a whiskey glaze, Guinness onions, and Irish cheddar) and the classic Fish and Chips. And don't skip the oversized corned beef sandwich, patrons can't stop raving about how delicious it is. But you'll have a hard time finding anything on the menu that doesn't reel you in and leave you wanting an encore.

And yet, somehow it keeps getting better. That same charismatic menu extends beyond traditional pub hours (right around 10 a.m.), when you'll also find a seriously impressive weekend brunch menu to peruse as well, featuring a diverse mix of scrambles, hashes, benedicts, soups, and sandwiches. Staple ingredients like bangers (literal exploding sausages), rashers (an Irish cured meat that's similar to American bacon), and corned beef also have numerous places on the lineup, deliciously complemented by classic pancake stacks and plenty of mimosas on deck.

Discover Irish Spirits Beyond the Menu

But this is a pub, after all. So, when I tell you that Saints and Scholars basically imported their bar from Ireland, I’m not talking about the polished stretch of wood they’re serving beer on. I'm talking about the 100+ Irish whiskeys that can be found behind the bar, the over 80 global gins, and the robust selection of Irish drafts and ciders that go beyond the ubiquitous Guinness. Owners Amanda Stoffel and Adrian Webb have a treasure trove of knowledge across the board (Adrian is 100 percent Irish, after all), so if anything in the pub piques your curiosity, they're an absolute joy to talk to.

While there's a lot to love here, those 100 whiskeys might just be the pub's claim to fame, and patrons have quite a few ways to celebrate each bottle for its distinct flavor profile. Most recently, Saints and Scholars hosted a guided whiskey tasting, complete with elevated small plates and whiskey history, but they also host block parties and themed nights to show off their smaller labels — some of which are no longer in production. You'll definitely want to stay up to date on all the happenings on Saints and Scholars social media so you don't miss out.

Then, for the die-hard whiskey enthusiast who wants to fully understand where the drink comes from (or even sample a glass from their own heritage), Saints and Scholars is also home to Washington's very own Whiskey Trail: a delicious "Whiskey Wayfarers" journey through 10 Irish counties in whiskey form. Those who wish to partake in the adventure just need to fill out a quick form, and trailblazers who complete the journey have access to some pretty sweet perks.

Admittedly, a pub is often best enjoyed alongside a few good friends to make merry with and the crooning sounds of the Pogues wafting in the background, which is why on any given night, you'll find plenty of lively happenings to participate in. Trivia Nights and weekly specials keep things fresh, and guests will find a robust lineup of traditional performances and fun festivities throughout the year. Think dueling pianos, fairs, NYE bashes, a full week of St. Paddy's Day events, and so much more. Saints and Scholars knows how to keep the good times rolling morning and night!

For those whose greatest association with the "Land of Saints and Scholars" involves green beer on St. Patrick's Day, a visit to Saints and Scholars Irish Pub in Snoqualmie is a fantastic sneak peek into Irish culture without the long journey over the pond. From monks and manuscripts to the barreling processes of small, local labels to first-hand experience when it comes to seasoning blends, the story of this small-town pub is truly a labor of love, and the owners at S&S possess a lifetime of first-hand knowledge to share with their patrons. Honestly, there's no better place to toast to new friends and new adventures.

The next time you're searching for a nostalgic old-world pub experience, plan a trip to Snoqualmie to enjoy this authentic Irish pub in Washington for yourself. And you'll want to use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more neighborhood spots with great food, drinks, and lively atmosphere. Sláinte!