Photo courtesy of Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant
One of, maybe even THE biggest holidays in Boston, is St. Patrick’s Day. Either you’re a townie spending time with the family out in the ‘burbs, or you’re new to the city and ready to celebrate Irish-style.
The Classics:
The South Boston Parade is always one of the most highly anticipated days in the city. If you’re looking to grab a pint of Guinness at a traditional Irish spot to get the full experience, Boston has plenty of Irish pubs and other restaurants to enjoy the celebrations with your mates. Here are a few places to check out:
- The Burren: You know it, and you love it. The Burren in Davis Square is a short walk away off the Red Line in Somerville, and it’s one of the top Irish pubs to visit. Try their famous Shephard’s Pie (they also have a vegetarian version), as it complements the trad (Irish Traditional Music) music very nicely.
- The Druid: In the heart of Inman square, The Druid is the place for a perfect Guinness pour and live music three times a week. It’s an intimate pub that will feel like you transported to the motherland.
- Dooleys: Right in the heart of Boston, this Irish pub is no joke. Live music will be playing on the 17th starting at 12 pm until close.
- Lansdowne Pub: On St. Paddy’s Day, Irish-inspired hotspot Lansdowne Pub will kick-off festivities with live music all day starting at 10 a.m. Menu specials will include traditional corned beef boiled dinner and shepherd’s pie. For more information, or to make a reservation, please visit.
- The Black Rose: Because how could we not add in a Faneuil Hall classic? Head over to the Black Rose to have great craic at one of the premiere Irish pubs in Boston.
The “Irish for the Day”
Not just the Irish pubs are celebrating, all these restaurants are temporarily enjoying its Boston’s Irish heritage for the Holiday.
- OAK Long Bar + Kitchen: Feast your eyes with their special Angus Beef and Guinness Pie with Irish Whisky and Guinness. You can enjoy this dish like a true Irishman (or Irishwoman) you are starting Thursday, March 17th until Sunday March 20th. You can also escape a stay-cation by booking their Pot O’ Gold room package.
- ArtBar: Try a selection of Irish inspired dishes while dining right next to the historic Charles River for dinner.
- Urban Hearth: Reserve your seat on March 17th at 5 pm until 10 pm for Chef Erin Miller’s take on the classic ploughman’s lunch for St. Patrick’s Day!
- Clink: On Thursday, March 17, CLINK. will host a four-course Teeling Irish Whiskey Dinner expertly prepared by Liberty Hotel Executive Chef Daniel Kenney. Be sure to get a reservation!
- Beehive: This jazz bar is trading its brass instruments for some fiddles this Thursday. Come in early at 5 pm for their limited-time menu or get a reservation between 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm for live classic Irish music!
For the Families:
If you’re outside of the city, here are a few ideas that you can enjoy with the kids:
- Have a costume contest: Get everyone competing on who has the best leprechaun fit. Winner gets dibs on the gold coins!
- Scavenger Hunt: Find your inner leprechaun and start a tradition of a fun hunt for gold around the house! You can also make it fun and use window art and give clues around the house to find the gold.
- Parades! If you can’t make it to Boston this year, here is a list of other towns that are celebrating.
- The Pup Crawl: For all of those who want to show off their pets this holiday, make you way over to Chestnut Hill at Polkadog Bakery for the Pup Crawl. There will be treats!
Southie Classics:
- As a Bostonian, we know that South Boston is the hub for all St. Patrick’s Day activities. If you’re going to the two-year along awaited parade make sure you support your favorite local businesses along the way!
- Lincoln Tavern and Restaurant: Be sure to check out all the festivities they have going on for the week!
- Broadway: One of the best places to watch the parade, and fun to enjoy a good brunch maybe with an Irish coffee while you’re at it!
- The Playwright Bar: Another destination to go in Southie, be sure to check it out before they go in hibernation.
- Murphy’s Law Bar: A no-frills classic corner Irish pub, be sure to get there early before the parade or head over there on Thursday for the holiday!
Whatever you decide on doing, enjoy and be safe this St. Paddy’s Day!