Here’s Where to Eat and Drink on St. Patrick’s Day in Philadelphia
Sláinte! These restaurants and bars will get you in the Irish spirit.
McGillin’s on St. Patrick’s Day / Photo courtesy of McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Are you feeling lucky? This year, Philly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for Sunday, March 16, letting you create a two-day celebration with the actual holiday on Monday, March 17. (Sorry to your boss if that requires calling in sick.)
But in the Philadelphia area, you have more time to party. The city is home to dozens of famous Irish haunts, like the historic McGillin’s, where a pint of Guinness and some St. Paddy’s Day cheer can be found year-round, and Murph’s Bar in Fishtown, where you can find surprisingly good Italian pasta dishes.
Having trouble deciding which bars to hit and when over the big weekend? Look no further than the infamous Erin Express bar crawl, a 60-year drinking tradition that covers some of the most fun bars in the city. In exchange for your ticket price, attendees are bussed from bar to bar, ensuring their safe transportation and a fun-packed schedule of more than 30 bars. Or, if you’re in search of a different drinking vibe, Northern Liberties will host its second annual espresso martini-themed bar crawl throughout the neighborhood on Saturday, March 15. Fourteen local bars and restaurants will offer drink and food specials, centered around the beloved caffeinated cocktail, and it’s sure to be a buzzing good time. And if you’re looking for where to watch an Irish band, send a kid on a Leprechaun hunt, and other events happening around town for St. Patrick’s Day, check out this guide.
Whether you want to watch the parade, work on your Irish dancing, dig into corned beef and cabbage, or are simply looking for a green beer, these restaurants and bars will ensure it’s your lucky day.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Midtown Village
Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern, McGillin’s, is a staple any time of year, but during March, the historic haunt transforms. The 1860 tavern gets all gussied up with green lights, green garland, green beer, and more green for St. Patrick’s. Expect Irish stouts, themed cocktails, green beer, and Irish food specials, like bangers and mash, Irish lamb stew, and corned beef. It’s open early from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. on the big day. 1310 Drury Street.
Bridget Foy’s, Queen Village
The South Street staple beloved by the cast of Abbott Elementary, Bridget Foy’s, will be decked out in green with food and drink specials from March 13 to 26. On the menu: Irish potato soup, salmon with colcannon, corned beef and cabbage, Guinness beef stew, and Bailey’s flourless chocolate cake for dessert. From the bar: Irish whiskey flights and cocktails, the classic and beloved Guinness stout, and even its zero-proof cousin, Guinness 0%. The Queen Village spot will also have an outdoor pop-up bar, serving Irish food and drinks, in nearby Headhouse Square over Sunday, March 16. 200 South Street.
Paddy Whacks, Queen Village
Queen Village’s Irish sports bar will close down their section of the famous South Street on Saturday, March 15, for Paddy Fest. The celebration will offer live Irish music and dancing, traditional food, and no green beers (!), according to their social media advertisements. South Street festivals draw crowds, so it may benefit you to arrive early! Festivities kick off at 11 a.m. 150 South Street.
Tír Na nÓg, Center City
Located close to where the parade will start on Sunday, Tír Na nÓg is a great place to grab brunch, starting at 9 a.m., and enjoy the festivities. They’ll also have live music pumping during the parade and on the actual holiday. 1600 Arch Street.
The Lucky You milkshake / Photograph courtesy of Craftsman Row
Craftsman Row Saloon, Washington Square West
Step aside, shamrock shake. ‘Tis the season for Craftsman Row’s best holiday-themed milkshake of the year: the Lucky You. Made with Bassetts vanilla ice cream, this ultra-creamy concoction is topped with an Irish Potato, a chocolate coin, and a sugar cookie, all in a glass studded with Lucky Charms cereal. It is, indeed, the treasure at the end of the rainbow. 112 South 8th Street.
Fergie’s, Midtown Village
Fergie’s is Philadelphia’s favorite Irish pub, and though you never need an excuse to go there, St. Patrick’s is certainly a helpful reminder that it’s always a good time. They will host live Irish music on parade day and open as early as 10 a.m. And if you need a little luck of the Irish for your work desk, check out these Fergie’s Zoom backgrounds on their website. 1214 Sansom Street.
The Plough and the Stars, Old City
Looking to make a difference this St. Patrick’s Day? The Plough and the Stars will host a full Irish breakfast, featuring music and dancing, on March 17, to benefit West Philadelphia’s St. Francis de Sales School. The event starts early, going from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and will feature auction items and other prizes. This is the 26th iteration of the fundraiser, which recognizes the school’s service to Philadelphia’s immigrant community for the last 120 years. 123 Chestnut Street.
Finn McCool’s Ale House, Midtown Village
Look, there aren’t a lot of other holidays where the main activity is eating, drinking, and wearing as many green things as possible, and the decor at Finn McCool’s fits that bill. The bar will be a treasured stop on the city’s Leprechaun Lap bar crawl on March 15, 16, and 17. Buy your tickets in advance if you want to secure access to over 15 bars, including Finn McCool’s, without extra cover charges and with special drink offerings for the crawlers. 118 S 12th Street.
Kehoe’s Irish Red Ale / Photograph courtesy of Yard’s
Yard’s Brewery, Old City
Yard’s is throwing a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day party on Sunday, March 16th from noon to 5 p.m. They’ll have live music, face painting, and a ton of Irish food specials including chicken cheesesteak egg rolls, creamy potato soup topped with bacon, corned beef reuben sandwiches, and Bassets Irish potato ice cream for dessert. They’ll also be giving away prizes for the best dressed guests and tapping a keg of Kehoe’s Irish Red Ale. 500 Spring Garden Street.
Xfinity Live, South Philly
No list of big, messy parties can be complete without Xfinity Live. On Saturday, March 15, the festivities start early (at 11 a.m.) and go until closing with drink specials, green beer, giveaways, mechanical bull rides, and all of the entertainment you’ve come to expect at this always rocking venue. Catch the Flyers game there starting at 7 p.m. 1100 Pattison Avenue.
Cawley’s Irish Pub, Upper Darby
If you’re in the burbs and looking for a delicious, low-key celebration, look no further than Cawley’s. The Delco staple serves great ham and cabbage every Tuesday, but you can catch it as a special on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. 7919 West Chester Pike.
Peddler’s Village, Bucks County
For a family-friendly celebration, Peddler’s Village presents “Celebrate the Green” from March 14 to 17. The long weekend is packed with events, including Irish food specials, a comedy competition, and a scavenger hunt for the kids. Many offerings require their own tickets or reservations, so be sure to check the Peddler’s Village website as you plan your day. Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska.
Additional reporting by Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé, Sarah Maiellano, and Kae Lani Palmisano
