Top Irish Soda Bread In Philadelphia

St. Patrick's Day is March 17,  and to get you in the mood, we've rounded up some of the best places in Philadelphia to get an appetizing Irish staple. Irish soda bread comes in all shapes and sizes and in all types of venues in the Philly area. The traditional Irish treat can be found at a variety of restaurants and bakeries, and they are not just Irish-themed places either. Read on for the top spots to get Irish soda bread just in time for St. Paddy's Day.

The Plough & The Stars
123 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA  19106
(215) 733-0300
www.ploughstars.com

This popular Irish pub serves up a menu full of Irish classics and comfort foods like Guinness casserole and shepherd's pie. But it all starts out with fresh-baked Irish soda bread served at the table. The complimentary bread comes in two flavors: a traditional brown bread and a white version loaded with raisins. This Old City eatery also features live Irish music on Sundays, so you can enjoy your bread while you listen to the band.

St. Stephen's Green
1701 Green St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 769- 5000
www.ststephensgreen.com

This Fairmount bar and restaurant specializes in traditional Irish fare with a modern flair. Proving it's more than just a starter, Irish soda bread turns up on the menu in several places. The soup of the day comes with a nice hunk of this house-made Irish soda bread specialty, making it more like a meal. And the menu also features a smoked salmon appetizer made with brown Irish soda bread smeared with cream cheese and topped with smoked salmon and capers.

Haegele's Bakery
4164 Barnett St.
Philadelphia, PA 19135
(215) 624-0117
www.haegelesbakery.com

Since 1930, this Mayfair area bakery has produced quality baked goods in the German tradition, and they are definitely known for their German specialties like nut rum rings and the labor intensive Fasnacht donuts that are only available two days a year. But make no mistake, this place knows how to do Irish right.  Every March, Irish treats pop up on this popular bakery's menu, including the prettiest loaves of Irish soda bread you'll ever see. These fresh baked breads even come garnished with a shamrock. While you're there, don't forget to pick up a box of Haegele's other March specialty, cinnamon sprinkled Irish potatoes.

Le Bus Bakery
129 S.18th St.
Philadelphia, PA  19103
(215) 569-8299
www.lebusbakery.com

Known as Philadelphia's hometown bakery, Le Bus has a Center City location, as well as an "outlet" store in King of Prussia, which also serves as a baking facility. In other words, there are no day old breads by any means. In March, the bakery's selection of artisan breads and pastries includes both white and brown Irish bread. Each loaf is made by hand using the finest, high-quality ingredients, and you can certainly tell by the fresh taste.

Related: Top Spots for Irish Pub Food

The Dining Car & Market
8826 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA. 19136
(215) 338-5113
www.thediningcar.com

You'll be like a kid in a candy store at this full-scale bakery, which boasts shelves loaded with muffins, cakes, cookies by the pound and a wide assortment of made-from-scratch breads. The extensive bread list also includes homemade Irish soda bread made from a special recipe. One sample and you'll agree it's one of the best versions in the area. The Dining Car & Market was featured on The Food Network show Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins, and it even has a mention in Guy Fieri's cookbook of the same name.

Related: Top Bars Serving Green Beer In Philadelphia

Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.