With St. Patrick’s Day near,

Who doesn't love a good Irish pub? There's just something about that welcoming Irish-inspired décor, a wellpulled pint of fresh Guinness and some of that good old-fashioned Irish craic that makes a visit to a lively Irish pub a great way to spend an evening.

These are some of America's best, with a good selection of beers, whiskeys and other beverages as well as a solid selection of Irish and American pub fare. These restaurants also somehow capture the spirit of Ireland, whether it's through the heritage of the owners and bartenders, the history of the building, the character of the clientele or live music. To see the full list, go to thedailymeal.com.

The Dead Rabbit (Manhattan)

This bustling 19th-century saloon is not your average Irish pub. Here, guests can order craft beers, bottled punches and dozens of different types of Irish whiskey. If you're hungry, the hearty Irish and British food menu has fish and chips, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs, plus some modernized items includingburgers and truffle chips with curry mayo. Things get a little swankier up on the second-floor parlor — dubbed the “Cocktail Cathedral” — dedicated to expertly crafted mixed drinks. At $17 each, they're a little pricier than your run-of-the-mill cocktail, but they're good. Would you expect anything less from one of the best bars in America?

McSorley’s Old Ale House (Manhattan)

McSorley's Old Ale House is one of America's oldest continuously operated bars, going strong in New York City since 1854. Sawdust floors are underfoot, an old potbelly stove still heats the space when it's cold out, and few changes have been made since long before you were born. If you look closely, you'll find an original wanted poster for Abe Lincoln's assassin and Babe