Looking for Savannah’s favorite Irish bar?
Ask anyone in Downtown! It’s McDonough’s Restaurant & Lounge. Want the city’s best karaoke bar? The answer’s the same!
“We’ve got the best happy hour in town by far,” says co-owner Joseph Lee. “It’s from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. with half-off appetizers, great drink specials and more than 30 TVs for live sports, plus karaoke!”
For nearly 40 years McDonough’s has been a local favorite. The food is the best around, from starters like fried green tomatoes, fresh Buffalo shrimp (Georgia caught, of course) and the famous Irish egg roll (corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, wrapped in a wonton wrapper and deep fried) to incredible gourmet burgers and steaks, hearty salads, Southern fried chicken and even delectable pub fare like shepherd’s pie and the best Reuben in the Hostess City.
But that’s not all. McDonough’s is in the heart of the Historic District on Chippewa Square (of Forrest Gump fame).
You can take in a show, enjoy dinner and then stroll with your To-Go cup in hand and come back to close out your night watching or hopping on the mic for the best (and sometimes celebrity) karaoke in the Coastal Empire.
“We love it,” says Lee. “But especially in the Spring. Everyone’s Irish around St. Patrick’s Day and McDonough’s is really trying to help bring the Irish Heritage back, not just the party.”
McDonough’s has spent years working with the Savannah Irish and Celtic Heritage Festivals to help reenergize true Irish pride in the festivities.
This year’s St. Patrick’s Weekend, performers include the Rockland County, New York Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drums and the Coastal Florida Police & Fire Pipes & Drums. There’s also the traditional Kegs & Eggs to start event day the right way from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m.
But Lee says it’s just part of making McDonough’s Savannah’s Irish celebration destination.
“People are really looking to find that local Irish hub year round. Our goal is to strengthen the Irish culture within the brand and make it feel more like home,” he says. “It’s a labour of love. It’s a passion project.”
St. Patrick’s season or not, McDonough’s is all you need for Irish fun in downtown Savannah.
By Reneé LaSalle
McDonough’s Restaurant & Lounge
21 E. McDonough St.
(912) 233-6136
www.mcdonoughslounge.com