Have you spent so much of March celebrating Mardi Gras that you forgot about Saint Patrick’s Day?! Begin freak-out: It’s TOMORROW! Stop freak-out: Parties That Cook is here to help! We know where to go and what to eat around San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle this Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2011.
It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a good beer. Head to the incredibly Irish Ireland’s 32 for 32 options of beer and whiskey. Note: they WILL kick you out for complaining about the Irish folk songs. Another option, Abbey Tavern will have live music all day! 7×7 has their list of the 12 best Irish pubs in San Francisco. Should you want to take the route of sophistication, The Buena Vista has your fix of delicious Irish coffee. The Irish Bank – also on the list and, surprisingly, not an actually bank – will host its annual St. Patrick’s day Block Party complete with Bag Pipes and Irish Dancers! Make sure to stay safe once those Irish car bombs hit, and take advantage of Free Cab Rides Home and AAA’s Tipsy Tow – only available on the most special of Holidays!
Stop by the historic Johnny Foley’s in San Francisco for some traditional Irish fare – just don’t mind the tourists. For those who want to make their own Irish meal, SFGate has your traditional Irish recipes! 7×7 also offers 5 St. Patrick’s Day cocktail recipes that will help you avoid that green beer. Not one for the crazy crowds? You can still partake in a range of interesting events at the Crossroads Irish-American Festival through March 25!
For those in Chicago who did NOT dye the river green (OK, you can still come), there are plenty of spots offering St. Patrick’s Day specials! Guinness Pizza, Shepherd’s pie (with Jameson gravy) and an Irish milkshake with Baileys and Jameson –Oh my! The Chicagoist presents their list of where to eat and drink this Thursday. Someone PLEASE try the Peterson’s vanilla malt ice cream and mint, garnished with Lucky Charms cereal for those not lucky enough to be in Chicago! This Sunday, grab your running shoes and undo some of Thurday’s damage at the 10th Annual St. Paddy’s 5K Run/Walk benefiting the Irish-American Heritage Center!
Seattle’s Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub (also found in San Francisco and Portland) is gearing up for its 28th annual St. Patrick’s Irish Festival that doesn’t just end on the 17th! Talk about authentic, the festival includes a great line up of Irish Bands direct from Ireland and the Pacific Northwest. You should also consider heading over to Fado Irish Pub for a grand ole St. Patrick’s Day with live music after 2pm, or the 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Beer Blast! Plenty of Irish food, brew, and music to be enjoyed by all!