March means a lot of things around the country. For some, it’s the start of baseball spring training, for others it’s time for spring break, but for many people, they look forward to the major holiday March is known for: St. Patrick’s Day.
Irish for a Day
What’s not to like? It’s one of the few days a year where you can enjoy a parade with bagpipes, floats and Irish step dancers, spend a little time looking for a pot ‘o gold with a few leprechauns, and yes, maybe even have a sip (or two) of a nice pint of Guinness.
Around the country, there are some epic cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. While you’re planning your trip to one of these top cities, be sure to hit up a few of these spots to really get the most of your St. Paddy’s Day experience like a real local (and maybe a true Irishman!)
Boston
In Boston, home of the biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day in the country, there are plenty of options to choose from to have a meal.
Located in Dorchester, the neighborhood next to the parade in South Boston (or Southie as the locals say), is the Banshee. They draw a large local Irish contingent by showing European football as well as serving an authentic Irish breakfast with a side of live folk music.
Chicago
Rivaling only Boston, Chicago, with its huge contingent of residents who can trace their heritage back to Ireland, loves a great St. Paddy’s Day.
Right on the South Side Parade route, Cork and Kerry has been included on a list of the best 21 Irish Pubs in America. With a ranking like that, how could you miss out on its amazing late-night party atmosphere?
New York City
Of course, it’s virtually impossible not to have a great time on any trip to New York, but they do love to party when it comes to holidays.
Head to McSorley’s Old Ale House in the East Village for a great time. This is an old school bar, around since the mid-1800s, complete with dark walls and sawdust on the floor. You can get a true taste of old Irish working-class New York City here.
Savannah
If you want to enjoy a bit of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the warm weather for once, head south to Savannah, Georgia.
Lurking beneath the quiet and beauty of this antebellum town are hundreds of thousands of people who love to get in the Irish spirit each March. Visit McDonough’s in downtown Savannah for a cozy bar that provides a great experience.
San Francisco
With a parade that has been running since the middle of the 1800s, San Francisco has never been shy to go all out and show it’s visitors a good time.
Located right downtown, and home to the biggest St. Paddy’s Day block party in the city, the Irish Bar Bank and Restaurant is the spot to celebrate with locals and visitors alike. With a traditional feel inside and plenty of outside seating, it’s no wonder why this is the hot spot.
Where are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year? Let us know!
