United Nations of Beer

Erin's Pub, St. John's, Newfoundland

by Greg Knott
(St. John's, NL)

Erin's Pub
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Visit the UNOB's Newfoundland and Labrador beer guide

There is no place in the world I enjoy peeing in more than at Erin's Pub. The quaint little Irish pub located on Water Street in St. John's has a feature I believe Parliament should pass a law making mandatory at all restaurants, bars, and anywhere alcohol is sold; a padded headrest above each urinal.

I haven't spent a lot of time at Erin's, but the few occasions I have graced it with my presence, I make sure I have a full bladder so as to take advantage of this most unique of bathroom fixtures.

But a trip to Erin's isn't only highlighted by urination aids, the quiet atmosphere and relaxed nature of the whole bar makes it a valuable experience for anyone living in or visiting St. John's. As opposed to other Irish bars in the city which look like a leprechaun vomited shamrocks all over the place, Erin's in genuine.

The rustic feel makes one feel at home. There is no sterilized forced Irishness in the whole joint. From the sparse smattering of decorations, to the ever present darkness of the place even on the brightest days, Erin's is a true pub in every sense of the word. Little has changed over the years, from the Pepsi cooler with a logo from the time when Michael Jackson endorsed the brown fizzy drink, to the ever present faces which tell a million stories of the patrons sipping on cold pints of Guinness.

Icons of the Newfoundland music scene have all graced the stage at Erin's which sits in the corner of the small bar just inches from the closest tables. So close you can smell their breath and they your sweat.

If you want a shamrock washed, clean, tourist safe Irish pub, go somewhere else. If you want a genuine pub with a touch of reality and nostalgia of a time gone by, get a beer at Erin's Pub in St. John's, Newfoundland.