If you find yourself wandering down Lorain Avenue in Cleveland’s Kamm’s Corners, you’ll see a storefront that looks like it’s been there since the dawn of time. It hasn’t. Actually, P.J. McIntyre’s Irish Pub was dropped into an old appliance store. Think about that for a second. Most people assume these wood-heavy, soul-filled pubs are relics of the 1920s. But P.J.’s is a masterclass in "new-old" craftsmanship. It was built piece by piece by local craftsmen to mimic the "turn of the century" vibe of a real Dublin local. Honestly, it works. You walk in and the air smells like malt and cedar. It’s heavy. It’s warm. It’s exactly what you need when the Lake Erie wind is trying to peel your skin off.
The Lord of the Dance Connection
There’s a weird sound you might hear if you’re sitting by the stacked stone fireplace on a Tuesday afternoon. A rhythm. Thump-thump-thud. No, it’s not the plumbing. It’s literally the ceiling.
📖 Related: Michigan Fall Color Map: What Most People Get Wrong About Peak Foliage
Owner Patrick Campbell isn't just a guy who knows how to pour a Guinness. He and his wife, Rebecca, were both stars in Lord of the Dance. Yeah, that show. They run the Brady Campbell Irish Dance School directly upstairs. This is the part most tourists miss. They think they’re just in a bar. In reality, they are sitting underneath one of the most prestigious Irish dance studios in the Midwest. When the "pounding" starts, it just means a class of world-class hoofers is practicing their reels and jigs. It adds a heartbeat to the building that you just can't manufacture with a Spotify playlist.
What's Actually on the Plate?
Let’s talk about the Irish breakfast. Most American joints give you some cold toast and a sad link of Jimmy Dean. Not here. At P.J. McIntyre’s Irish Pub, they serve an all-day fry that would make a Mayo man weep.
🔗 Read more: Finding Mount Kosciuszko on a Map: Why Most People Look in the Wrong Place
You’ve got your rashers—which, for the uninitiated, are back bacon slices that lean more toward ham than the crispy strips we usually eat. Then there are the bangers, the black and white pudding, and the grilled tomatoes. It’s a lot of food. Specifically, the inclusion of boxty (a traditional potato pancake) sets them apart. People usually argue about what makes a "real" Irish breakfast. Is it the beans? The mushrooms? At P.J.'s, they basically just give you everything and let you decide.
The menu is a bit of a maze:
- The Boxty: They stuff these things with everything from corned beef to chicken.
- Irish Egg Rolls: This is where the "Cleveland-Irish" fusion kicks in. Think corned beef, cabbage, and swiss cheese tucked into a crispy wrapper. It’s arguably their most popular appetizer.
- Curry Sauce: If you aren't dipping your fries (chips) in their homemade curry sauce, you’re doing it wrong. It’s a staple of Irish chippers that hasn't quite conquered the rest of the US yet, but it’s a religion here.
The "Craic" and the Community
"Craic" is a word you’ll hear thrown around a lot. It’s not what you think. It’s an Irish term for news, gossip, fun, and entertainment. Basically, it’s the vibe. P.J. McIntyre’s is the unofficial town hall for West Park. On "T-Shirt Tuesday," if you wear a P.J.’s shirt, you get 15% off. It sounds like a gimmick, but look around—half the bar is wearing the shirt. It’s a cult.
Then there’s Whiskey Wednesday. Half off every whiskey in the house. This is dangerous and wonderful. They don't just have the standard Jameson; they have a deep shelf of labels you’ve probably never heard of. If you want to feel like a regular, just ask for whatever Patrick is drinking.
Why the Authenticity Isn't "Fake"
There is a difference between a "themed" bar and an authentic pub. A theme bar feels like a movie set. An authentic pub feels like a living room. P.J. McIntyre’s Irish Pub leans into the latter. The bric-a-brac on the walls—the old sports jerseys, the literary nods, the vintage ceiling—wasn't bought at a "Pub-in-a-Box" warehouse. Much of it represents the history of Irish music and literature in Cleveland specifically.
👉 See also: West Palm Beach 5 Day Weather Forecast: Why a Cold Snap is Actually Coming
Cleveland has one of the densest Irish-American populations in the country. This isn't just a business; it's a cultural outpost. When St. Patrick's Day hits, the line wraps around Lorain Ave by 7:00 AM. They give out 100 t-shirts to the first people through the door. It’s a rite of passage for locals. But even on a random rainy Thursday, the place has a weight to it.
Actionable Advice for Your Visit
- Check the upstairs schedule. If you want to see the dancing without paying for a theater ticket, check if there’s a public performance or a "hooley" (a party with music).
- Park in the back. The street parking on Lorain is a nightmare. There’s a free lot behind the building in the Kamm's Corners area. Use it.
- Order the Harp. While Guinness is the king, try an Irish Harp with those curry chips. The crispness of the lager cuts through the richness of the sauce perfectly.
- Listen, don't just talk. The "art of conversation" is a big deal here. Strike up a chat with the person next to you. You’re as likely to meet a retired cop as you are a professional dancer.
If you’re looking for a quiet, sterilized dining experience, go to a chain. If you want a place that feels like it has a pulse—and occasionally a heavy footstep from the dancers above—P.J. McIntyre’s is the spot. It's a slice of the Emerald Isle that managed to survive a transplant into a Cleveland appliance store.
Check the pub’s social media for the next live music session; these "seisiúns" are the best way to hear traditional fiddles and bodhráns in their natural habitat.