Any local cafe, restaurant, or bar that you step into this weekend will likely be acknowledging St. Patrick’s Day. After all, Baltimore’s food and drink scene is known for going all out with bar crawls, pints of green beer, and festive food specials (see: the green-and-orange swirled bagels at THB or the shimmery St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes at Cake by Jason) around the big day in mid-March. But if you’re looking to take a more authentic route, you can’t beat a barstool at one of the area’s Irish pubs.
At the welcoming watering holes that we round up below, you can grab a Guinness, listen to real-deal tunes, and fill up on everything from classic corned beef and cabbage to hearty Shepherd’s pie while toasting the Emerald Isle.
An Poitin Stil: At this Timonium fixture, a jam-packed itinerary includes nightly food specials, drink deals, performances, and events leading up to the annual St. Patrick’s Day blowout. Starting at 9 a.m. on March 17, the pub will offer beat-the-clock specials on Guinness Blonde, Harp, Smithwick’s, and Tullamore Dew drinks; five for $26 beer buckets; and $14 32-oz. Crush and mule buckets. Outside, the live music tent will feature local Irish greats like Gaelic Mishap and The Shamrogues from 12 p.m.-1 a.m. 2323 York Road, Timonium.
Claddagh Pub: Head to Canton for the 29th-annual Meet in the Street at this fan-favorite pub. The two-day celebration on O’Donnell Square will kick off on Saturday, March 16, highlighting food and drink specials and six local bands—including Crushing Day, Starcrush, and Mr. Greengenes—throughout the weekend. 2918 O’Donnell St.
Delia Foley’s: Throw on your green getup and a pair of sunnies for this annual block party in Federal Hill—where you can chow down on wings, grab a pint, and jam to nonstop live music both inside and outside March 16-17. A few important notes: all attendees will be charged a $10 cash-only cover; the first 500 people through the door will receive a green koozie; and you can score a free drink if you register to become a member of the South Baltimore Neighborhood Association on site. 1439 S. Charles St. $10
Guinness Open Gate Brewery: In true Guinness fashion, Halethorpe’s renowned beer behemoth is celebrating with all things brews and bagpipes this weekend. Guinness’s Irish Village will feature aptly themed food stalls, traditional music, trivia, and, of course, plenty o’ pints. There are also ticketed experiences on offer, including a $40 full Irish breakfast and guided food and beer pairings. 5001 Washington Blvd.
James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant: Can’t make it across the pond? Just head to James Joyce in Harbor East. Starting at 9 a.m. on March 17, fuel up for the day with a $40 brunch buffet complete with all the classics. Then sip an Irish coffee before switching over to a smooth Guinness or spicy Jameson drink to enjoy all-day live music. 616 President St.
Kelsey’s Irish Pub: Now in their 30th year, the shamrock shenanigans at this Ellicott City favorite just get better with age. Arrive early on the big day for kegs and eggs, plus $5 Guinness pints and Irish coffees beginning at 8 a.m. Then stick around for a special St. Pat’s menu and live music by Brandt Dunn and Mo Stringz all day long. The party will continue throughout the day, but don’t come on Monday, March 18. The bar has already planned a sick day to recuperate from the “Irish Flu.” 8480 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City.
Looney’s Pub: All locations of this homegrown pub chain—which operates venues in Perry Hall, Bel Air, Maple Lawn, and College Park—have their own set of specials and back-to-back performers booked for St. Pat’s weekend. Hit up your local Looney’s to jam to the live bands, plus look out for beat-the-clock deals (the earlier you arrive, the better), Irish brunch dishes, and more shenanigans. Locations vary.
Mick O’Sheas: You might have already visited this Mt. Vernon stalwart to get a front-row seat to the St Patrick’s Day Parade last weekend. As always, the team is bringing the same energy for the big day on March 17, when the pub will open at 10 a.m. for a no-cover celebration featuring live music, dance performances, and food specials all day long. (Choose from comforting bangers and mash, fish and chips, Shepherds pie, corned beef Reubens, and more.) 328 North Charles St.
Shannon’s Pub & Grille: At this festively decorated hangout near Lansdowne, come decked out in your green and gold to line your stomach with everything from Shepherd’s pie to wings to crab cakes before ordering a pint. This year, the spirited St. Patrick’s Day festivities will also include a retro dance party featuring ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s hits spun by DJ Pumpin Paul. 4401 Annapolis Rd.
Slainte Irish Pub and Restaurant: Forever a favorite in Fells Point, this Irish pub and soccer fan headquarters offers traditional pub grub all the time. But the vibes are at an all-time high throughout March, when you can find rotating specials like Irish espresso martinis and Shepherd’s Pie empanadas. Swing by during St. Patrick’s Day weekend to dig into classics such as corned beef sandwiches, fish and chips, Dubliner mac and cheese, and the famous Irish bibimbap bowl. 1700 Thames St.
Ye Olde Emerald Tavern: Billed as “Baltimore’s St. Patrick’s Day headquarters,” this Parkville staple routinely hosts a multi-day bash featuring an outdoor live music tent and a ton of food specials. Come hungry to enjoy wings smothered in Guinness sauce, corned beef and cabbage with potatoes, Shepherd’s Pie, bangers and mash, and Irish potato soup March 15-17. 8300 Harford Rd, Parkville.
Looking for a more comprehensive guide to St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls, concerts, and family-friendly events? We’ve got you covered, here.