You’re driving down the Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Southington and you see it. It looks like a standard neighborhood spot. But honestly, Blackstone Irish Pub Southington is a weirdly perfect mix of a local "Cheers" vibe and a high-energy music venue that feels way bigger than it actually is once you step inside.
Most people think an Irish pub in Central Connecticut is just going to be dark wood and a lukewarm Guinness.
They’re wrong.
The Vibe Check at Blackstone Irish Pub Southington
Walking into Blackstone isn't like walking into a corporate chain. It’s got that specific kind of Milldale grit and warmth. It’s located at 1678 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, and if you haven't been, you've definitely driven past it a thousand times.
The first thing you’ll notice is the layout. It's sprawling. You’ve got the main bar area where the regulars basically live, and then there’s the second floor. That private loft upstairs is actually huge—it seats about 70 people. If you’re planning a birthday or a rehearsal dinner, it’s a sleeper hit because they have a champagne wall and open bar packages that don't cost a literal kidney.
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One minute you’re eating a burger, the next you’re watching a live band like Breathe tear the roof off.
It gets loud. It gets crowded.
That’s kinda the point.
What’s Actually Worth Ordering?
Let’s be real: pub food can be a gamble. At Blackstone Irish Pub Southington, the menu is a strange, beautiful hybrid of traditional Irish staples and "I’m at a sports bar" classics.
The Shepherd’s Pie sliders are a legitimate move if you don’t want a massive bowl of mash. They’re savory, salty, and go down way too easy with a pint. But the real curveball? The Boxty "Irishdillas." It's basically a quesadilla made with potato pancakes. It sounds heavy—and it is—but it’s the kind of thing you crave after two IPAs.
- The Blackstone Burger: It’s a classic for a reason. $15 and it actually fills you up.
- Pub Style Fish & Chips: This is the litmus test for any Irish pub. At Blackstone, they use a decent beer batter. Sometimes the breading can be a little thick depending on who is in the kitchen that night, but the fish itself is usually flaky and fresh.
- The Lobster Bake: Every Thursday, they do this for about $20. It sounds too cheap to be good, but it’s actually a full-on meal with clams, mussels, and corn. You have to make a reservation for this because they sell out fast.
The beer list is surprisingly deep too. They don’t just stick to the macros. You’ll find stuff from Fat Orange Cat and Two Roads on tap alongside the mandatory Guinness.
The Live Music and Local Scene
This isn't a "quiet dinner" spot on Friday or Saturday nights. If you’re looking for a romantic place to whisper sweet nothings, go somewhere else. Blackstone is for the music.
They book local talent constantly. For instance, in early 2026, bands like Breathe have been scheduled for 9:00 PM slots that go until midnight. They also do Bar Rated Trivia on Tuesday nights, which is free to play and gets surprisingly competitive.
Why the Outdoor Patio Matters
In the summer, the vibe shifts. The patio is dog-friendly, which is a big deal if you're the type of person who takes your lab everywhere. They do acoustic sets outside, and it’s a lot chiller than the indoor stage.
Dealing With the "Pub Life" Realities
Is it perfect? No.
Sometimes the service is slow when a band is playing and the bar is four-deep. Honestly, that’s just the reality of a popular local pub. Some reviews mention that the takeout can be hit or miss—nachos getting a bit dry by the time they hit your front door via DoorDash—so you’re better off eating in-house.
The parking lot can also be a bit of a nightmare on a Saturday night. Pro tip: get there early or prepare to walk a bit from down the street.
Essential Info for Your Visit
If you’re heading to Blackstone Irish Pub Southington, here is the breakdown of what you need to know:
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The pub is generally closed on Mondays. From Tuesday through Friday, they open at 3:00 PM. On Saturdays, they open at noon, and Sundays they usually have an "all day" vibe starting early.
They have a "Single Mingle" event every now and then, and their throwback nights with DJ KG are legendary if you like 80s and 90s freestyle.
Pro-Tip for 2026: Check their "Shouts" on social platforms or GoNation before you go. They post daily specials there that aren't always on the main physical menu.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip to Blackstone this weekend, do these three things:
- Call for the Loft: If you have a group larger than 10, don't just show up. Ask about the second-floor loft availability.
- Thursday is Lobster Day: If you want the $19.99 lobster bake, call on Wednesday to reserve your spot. They don't take walk-ins for the lobster once the count is hit.
- Check the Band Schedule: Look at the 2026 tour dates for local CT bands to see who is playing the Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike stage before you commit to a night of loud music.
Whether you're there for the Shepherd's Pie or just to scream-sing along to a cover band, Blackstone remains one of the most consistent anchors of the Southington social scene. Just don't expect a quiet night.