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Best Places To Get An Irish Coffee In Los Angeles

irish coffee 610
(credit: Shutterstock)

Those who live in Los Angeles know about its drastic temperature drop after the sun sets. It can be a shock to the system, even during the summer months. One of the more exhilarating ways to heat the body is to delve into a mug or glass of Irish coffee. With a host of Irish eateries and taverns scattered throughout and around the City of Angels, here are a few places where you'll find some of the more satiating, bone-warming mixtures.

Tom Bergin's
(credit: Tom Bergin's)

Tom Bergin's Public House
840 S. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 936-7151
www.tombergins.com

Back in 1935, Atty. Tom Bergin drove to a tudor building, located at the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Ave., to open a tavern and thoroughbred club. Today, his long-standing establishment is widely-known as "The House of Irish Coffee." Because this site is often packed to the gills during Irish-themed celebrations and major sports events, it's best to visit during an off-day to absorb its unique ambiance, sample its crowd-pleasing plate of fish and chips and relax by its intoxicating fireplace.

The Irish Coffee Bistro
(credit: Jay S./Yelp)

The Irish Coffee Bistro
8470 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 855-3564
www.theirishcoffeehouse.com

Very few places can whip up a stemmed glass of Irish coffee better than The Irish Coffee House. It not only specializes in gourmet coffee topped with a thick layer of floating cream, but also a wide selection of artisan food items, including handmade pizza. A good way to warm up from a chilly evening in L.A. is to order a toasted sandwich, complemented by the smoothness and sweetness of Irish coffee. This popular site is great for dining, sipping heated beverages and people-watching.

O'Brien's Irish Pub (Credit, Sharon Raiford Bush)
O'Brien's Irish Pub (Credit, Sharon Raiford Bush)

O'Brien's Irish Pub and Restaurant
2226 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 829-5303
www.obriensla.com

This trendy spot is where many A-listers hang out to savor its expertly-crafted Irish coffee, while relishing such delectable food offerings as Reuben or sausage sandwiches. It's a fitting way to end a day of shopping, sightseeing and spending time in the sun before the night's chill rolls in. Although the perpetually exuberant place caters to beer-guzzling sports enthusiasts, the manner in which its beverage chefs are able to blend a fevered stimulant with a regulated spirit so skillfully remains one of its upper draws.

Related: The Best Coffee Shops In LA

K.C. Branaghan's Irish Pub and Restaurant
(credit: Jen O./Yelp)

K.C. Branaghan's Irish Pub and Restaurant
5734 E. 2nd St.
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 434-3600
www.kcbranaghans.com

Even in the summertime, anyone who frequents this maritime center knows how nippy the evenings can get after sunset. That's why K.C. Branaghan's is eager to warm up shivering bodies with its special Irish coffee recipe. With low ceilings and dark wood throughout, this friendly place is designed much like an authentic cottage pub. While there, you'll want to also taste some yummy food dishes, especially the corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie and Irish beef stew – perfect palate matches for Irish coffee.

Casey's Irish Pub (Credit, Sharon Raiford Bush)
Casey's Irish Pub (Credit, Sharon Raiford Bush)

Casey's Irish Pub
613 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 629-2353
www.213nightlife.com

This festive pub in downtown L.A. is known for more than being the location where segments of the hit TV series "Mad Men" have been filmed. Its smooth-as-silk Irish coffee has received some rave reviews, too. In fact, some guests may think the hot beverage is somewhat strong, as in mixed with a heavy hand. For many, that's quite alright. The concoction is supposed to work the senses. Be sure to bite into some of Casey's time-honored Irish fare, especially the chicken pie, Irish coffee's partner in crime.

Related: Best Corned Beef and Cabbage in Los Angeles

Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
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