When you want to enjoy a cold Guinness and some authentic Irish music, John D. McGurk's Irish Pub in Soulard is the place to go. McGurk's has been a popular destination for decades, drawing in customers from across the Midwest.

For information on other local Irish pubs, check out Top Irish Pubs and Restaurants in St. Louis.

Location and Hours:

McGurk's is located at 1200 Russell Boulevard in the heart of the Soulard neighborhood.

McGurk's is a few blocks south of Soulard Farmer's Market and just north of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.

McGurk's is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. It's also open on Sunday from 3 p.m. to midnight.

Food and Drink:

McGurk's serves a more upscale version of typical pub grub. There are soups, sandwiches and appetizers, but also dinner entrees like salmon, steak and pork tenderloin. And, of course, the menu includes Irish fare like Guinness stew, bangers and mash, and fish & chips.

There's plenty to drink at McGurk's too. Guinness and Harp are on tap, along with more than a dozen other domestic and imported beers. The fully stocked bar includes wines, martinis and a nice selection of Irish whiskey.

Live Irish Music:

More than any other place in St. Louis, McGurk's is known for the quality of its live Irish music. The pub brings in popular musicians from all parts of Ireland to play authentic Irish tunes. McGurk's offers live music every night of the week. The music begins Monday through Thursday at 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 9 p.m., and Sunday at 8 p.m.

The Outdoor Garden:

The inside of McGurk's has the dark decor you'd expect from an Irish pub, but step outside and you'll see one of the nicest outdoor eating areas in St. Louis. The large outdoor garden is a great place to be when the weather is nice. The garden is well landscaped with a fountain in the center, making it a relaxing spot to hang with friends. The only drawback is that the garden is often so popular that you'll likely have to wait to get a table.

Awards and Honors:

McGurk's is always among the most honored Irish pubs in St. Louis. It's been at the top of "best lists" in Sauce, St. Louis Magazine and the Riverfront Times. McGurk's has also been recognized by restaurant critic Tom Horan as one of the top ten Irish pubs in America. But you don't have to take anyone else's word for it, go see for yourself what makes McGurk's stand out.