St Patrick’s Day in Aberdeen is one of the best nights in the year to hit the pubs for a pint of Guinness… as long as you’re not after a quiet one.
But where serves the best pint of the black stuff?
I’m firmly in the camp of Guinness being a binary thing, not a spectrum — in my experience, pubs either do great Guinness, or rubbish Guinness.
That being said, there are some places where it does somehow taste that much better, even if it is, at the end of the day, all the same beer from the Dublin brewery.
So to prepare for St Patrick’s Day 2025, I’ve put together my list (in no particular order) of the Aberdeen pubs with the best Guinness for you to enjoy.
1. McGinty’s
Located up at the top of Union Street is McGinty’s, the home turf of the McGinty’s pub and restaurant empire in Aberdeen.
With its massive, long bar area, you’ll have plenty space to wait for the awkwardly long pour-time for your Guinness.
I’ve had plenty of great pints of it here as it’s just along the road from me, and the highly professional staff are always a good laugh.
Address: 504 Union St, Aberdeen AB10 1TT
2. Malones
What, you were expecting an article about places to drink Guinness in Aberdeen without Malones popping up at some point?
Definitely my favourite Irish pub in the city, on quiet nights it’s chilled out, and on busy nights, it’s heaving in a pleasantly chaotic way, like all good Irish pubs should be.
And what’s more, it’s definitely some of the best Guinness in Aberdeen.
If you’re heading here on St Patrick’s Day, don’t expect to find a seat!
They are having a huge party on the day itself, with free t-shirts, face painting, live music all day, beer pong and more.
Malones are also offering 40% off pints of Guinness and Magners, making them just £3.33 – a steal.
Address: 90 Shiprow, Aberdeen AB11 5BZ
3. Triple Kirks
Triple Kirks, otherwise known as TK’s, might not be the first place you’d think of for a few rounds of Guinness with your pals.
But I can assure you they can pour a mean pint of G.
If you’re after a bustling atmosphere for St Patrick’s Day, Triple Kirks will have it in spades, and as an added bonus, there’s so much seating you’re most likely to find a comfy spot if you’re out long enough.
Address: Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1JT
4. The Dutch Mill
Way over on the other side of the city, on Queen’s Road, you can always guarantee a superb pint of Guinness at The Dutch Mill.
If you book, which I’d advise, you can even get some great local food to go with it as well.
But if you’re just out for some bevvies, not only is there loads of space for standing or seated beverage enjoyment indoors, they’ve also got expansive outdoor areas, covered in the front if it’s (most likely) raining and cold, and an open area out back.
Address: 7 Queen’s Rd, Aberdeen AB15 4NR
5. The Grill
If all these funky new venues are leaving you thirsty for a more traditional pub to enjoy your Guinness, you simply can’t go wrong with The Grill.
I’ve had more than my fair share of pints of Guinness in this bar across the road from the Music Hall over the years, and they never disappoint.
And if you get sick of all the shamrocks, you can always pivot away from the famous stout for a few drams from the bar’s extensive whisky collection.
Address: 213 Union St, Aberdeen AB11 6BA
6. O’Malley’s Irish Bar & Kitchen
This Irish bar opened in November last year.
And it’s safe to say, it will be packed this St Patrick’s Day.
They have a whole host of live music on during St Paddy’s weekend, including Ray Moore, Mark Buchan and Ellen Marie on Saturday.
And from Thursday to Monday, they’ll be serving pints of Guinness for £5.
The food here includes iconic Irish “spice bags”, Detroit-style pizza and more.
Address: 25 Crown St, Aberdeen AB11 6HR
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