Boston’s most famous and popular Irish pub, The Black Rose, has attracted crowds of all ages from tourists to locals to Faneuil Hall. In the nation’s fairest city, people having been coming here by the droves since 1976 for the fish and chips, washing it down with a pint of Guinness, all while enjoying live Irish music. Does life get any better than this?

The name comes from a 17^th century elegiac poem entitled Roisin Dubh (the small black rose) – “Over the highways and byways the pilgrim goes aflame with the name of my small black rose.” This two-story pub has been voted one of America’s top ten Irish establishments. Both levels feature live Irish entertainment on the weekends – the upstairs gets lively with a younger crowd late at night while the first floor attracts a 30+ clientele.

The menu here offers some of the best traditional Irish fare in town, including the award-winning clam chowder, and of course Mother Sweeney’s corned beef. You never know who you might see jump up on stage and grab the mike here – some unforgettable guests have included members of the Chieftains, flutist James Galway, Tommy Makim, Liam Clancy, John Denver and even U2 back in the day.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss the happy hours every Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. where they feature live Irish entertainment from traditional bands like Celtic Clan, Eugene Byrne & Co. and Sunday’s Well.