For a beer nowadays, I mostly seek a Shiner Bock, something local from Division Brewing, or the elusive pint of Guinness—my favorite and the hardest to find.
Most people ordering Guinness on draft have certain expectations, myself included. My criteria generally includes pour quality, glassware, price, ambiance, and location. Based on my official research, Mac’s Bar & Grill does the best pint in Arlington, followed by J. Gilligan’s and Plaza Pub.
Here are my notes on the ones I’ve tracked down.
My Top 3 Pints of Guinness in Arlington
#1 — Mac’s Bar & Grill (West Arlington)
Mac’s is my favorite place in Arlington for a Guinness. They pour a gorgeous pint, and the food is excellent—try a pint paired with their gumbo in the winter. Mac’s has an unbeatable atmosphere that feels like a cozy corner pub. Whether packed or nearly empty, the experience is top-notch. It’s one of the few places I see others drinking Guinness, and the bartenders are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Bonus: there are four framed Guinness prints in the men’s room.
The first Guinness I ever had from Mac’s Bar & Grill – July 2023
#2 — J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill (Downtown)
An Arlington staple since 1979, J. Gilligan’s is a vibrant local haunt where 20-somethings sit next to septuagenarians at the bar. Their St. Patrick’s Day party is legendary, and they remain one of the best spots for a Guinness downtown. They usually do it right with proper glassware and a two-step pour. Pair your pint with their world-famous Irish Nachos and you’re set.
#3 — Plaza Pub (East Arlington)
Opened in 1954, Plaza Pub is a dive bar in the purest sense. Decent Guinness is rare at a dive bar, but the few times I’ve been there they pull it off with correct glassware and a proper two-step pour. The regulars mostly drink Bud Light and cheap shots, though, and you will stand out if you order a Guinness.
Other Pints of Guinness in Arlington
Element Cocktail Lounge (Downtown) — Element Cocktail Lounge opened in May 2026, taking over the former On Tap spot downtown. A cocktail lounge with 20 beers on tap, I went there opening weekend solely for the Guinness. The bartender took his time, did the two-step pour, and used the proper glassware. It was near perfect. However, subsequent visits with different bartenders were inconsistent. It’s still better than average, but I think that first time was the exception not the norm.
Mellow Mushroom (Downtown) — Mellow Mushroom pours an average Guinness, and is a fine option if you’re downtown or have tickets to a concert at the Arlington Music Hall next door. They actually have a decent draft beer selection, yet their bar area and ambiance can be a hit or miss. Anytime a family-friendly restaurant has a bar, it just feels kind of weird.
The Chuggin’ Monk (North Arlington) — For a $3.75 Happy Hour draft, their Guinness was more than adequate. They don’t use the correct glassware, yet they do the two-step pour. A true dive bar, they have cheap drinks. I’ve only been here once, but it wasn’t bad for a quick pint, especially when it’s Happy Hour and you’re in the area.
Hooligan’s Pub (Downtown) — Hooligan’s Pub pours a fairly decent pint, but it’s not in an official glass. A place like this should use the proper glassware because it really is a decent pub. It seems like a cool place and they have some Guinness decor. It’s one of those places that it is either packed or empty, and I can’t quite decide if I like it. As there are other options nearby—J. Gilligan’s, Element Cocktail Lounge, and Mellow Mushroom—I usually opt for one of those instead.
The Social House (North Arlington) — I went here once on a Saturday afternoon and it was busy as hell with a brunch and/or lunch crowd. It was loud, had a trendy, sports bar atmosphere, and not a place that I would probably visit again, for a Guinness or otherwise. The name is The Social House, though, so it’s meant to be social and lively. There are better options for Guinness.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (Arlington Highlands) — BJ’s is a decent place for a beer, as it’s nearby and they have an extensive list. However, their Guinness is overpriced and usually a disastrous pour at best. That said, their homegrown Tatonka Stout is very decent, especially for a chain restaurant/brewery. And, dare I say it, it may actually be better than Guinness, or at least, better than the Guinness they serve.
Honorable Mention: J.R. Bentley’s Pub (Downtown) — It was a damn shame when J.R. Bentley’s closed in 2023. If nothing else, they did a fantastic pint of Guinness and likely had the best collection of Guinness memorabilia and collectibles that I’ve seen in a pub. They had a cool Guinness mural outside, too. There are other “pubs” on this list, but J.R. Bentley’s really felt like an authentic pub, similar to the ones I visited in London. Bentley’s was my original go-to place for Guinness and the first place I had it on draft in Arlington.
Coming Soon — Other spots on my radar to try next: The Londoner, Tanstaafl Pub, BFF Asian Grill & Sports Bar, Anchor Bar, McCullars Irish Pub & Grill, Mac’s Tavern & Grill, and Bobby Valentine’s. Stay tuned.
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 09-15-26
