Kid-friendly pubs: Time to dig out all things green, shine your shamrocks, and look out for leprechauns. It can sometimes be hard to find family-friendly pubs in Seattle, but here are three local spots where kids are welcome and the whole family can say “Erin go Bragh!” (And in 2021, know that all of these kid-friendly pubs offer takeout as well.)
Shawn O’Donnell’s
Located at the base of the Smith Tower in Pioneer Square, Shawn O’Donnell’s offers classic hearty Irish fare as well as plenty of traditional American pub grub. Their corned beef and cabbage is some of the best in town, and their menu “for the wee ones” hits all the regular kids’ favorites. (Shawn O’Donnell’s also has locations in Fremont, Everett, the Skagit Valley and Spokane.) shawnodonnells.com
McGilvra’s
Madison Park’s Irish pub and restaurant has a fairly diverse menu, but still offers plenty of tasty Irish favorites such as bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. For the kids, the fish and chips or three-cheese bacon mac are hard to beat. If you head there in the summer, there’s a great patio across from the beach and overlooking Lake Washington, perfect for a family day out. 4234 E Madison St., Seattle, mcgilvraspub.com
Paddy Coyne’s
Paddy Coyne’s offers traditional fare, including shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, and bangers and mash, along with burgers and sandwiches. They offer a breakfast menu on weekends, including bangers and eggs or a full Irish fried breakfast (the perfect way to introduce your kids to HP Sauce). For parents, an extensive whiskey selection and a “must try” Irish coffee only sweeten the deal. Slainte! 700 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, paddycoynes.net
This story on kid-friendly pubs was first published on March 14, 2016, and updated in March 2022.
