Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2017
There’s nothing especially glamorous about meat-and-potatoes Irish fare, with its mountainous, gravy-soaked portions, and lusterless palette of brown, tan and white. Yet those homely qualities are precisely what makes it so appealing, and why St. Patrick’s Day (celebrated this Friday) proves a welcome vehicle to push it culinary forefront. So hoist a pint of Guinness and a hunk of soda bread instead, at The Breslin, The Dead Rabbit and more…
The Dead Rabbit
Counted among the world’s best bars, you’d be hard pressed to find a more compelling lineup of Irish whiskies (over fifty of them) and cocktails (try the “True Blue” with whiskey, Guinness, brandy, sherry, miso, ginger and peychauds) than at The Dead Rabbit. And thankfully, there’s hearty food to counteract all that booze, from Chicken Curry, Guinness Lamb Stew and Potato and Leek Soup during dinner, to Sausage Rolls and Fish and Chips at lunch, and a full Irish Breakfast for Brunch.
Read MoreThe Breslin
Though technically English, April Bloomfield is honoring her Irish comrades with a special St. Patrick’s Day menu at The Breslin; featuring corned beef, braised cabbage, crushed potatoes, sauerkraut, soda and brown bread with whole grain mustard, and a choice of Founder’s Brewing Co. Nitro Pale Ale or Victory Donnybrook Stout.
Read MoreThe Late Late
Modeled after a 1960’s-style Irish residence (as opposed to stereotypical pub), this cozy, carpeted LES gathering spot supplies a warm and welcoming backdrop with which to enjoy Irish whiskey flights and Jameson-spiked coffee, as well as a Tayto Potato Crisp Sandwich, a Dubliner Cheddar Toastie, Fish n’ Chip Tacos and a Ballymaloe Burger, doused in stout-infused ketchup.
Read MoreLillie’s Victorian Establishment
The posh, Victorian era-emulating Lillie’s (named after a British socialite, and festooned with ornate wooden carvings and antiquities, procured from an 1800′s Irish estate) is letting its hair down for St. Patrick’s Day, forgoing cucumber sandwiches for an a la carte lineup of Corned Beef, Cabbage and Potatoes, Lamb Stew and Soda Bread.
Read MoreMolly’s Pub and Shebeen
The sawdust-floored, hearth-warmed Molly’s has anchored Midtown since 1895 — no wonder it’s largely considered to be the city’s most authentic Irish bar. Certainly the inky pints of Guinness and doggedly traditional menu don’t let it down; try the Corned Beef on Rye with Coleman’s mustard and a side of curried chips, or Shebeen favorites such as Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash.
Read MorePeter MacManus Café
Considering this storied, family-owned pub (operational since 1936) may close within the year, due to their building being bought by developers, it’s imperative to pay your respects on the 17th of March. And you’ll understand the neighborhood outcry, once you consider the loss of a killer house ale, a 30-bottle strong Irish whisky list, Liverwurst and Onion Sandwiches, and an award-winning Corned Beef Reuben.
Read MoreFinnegan’s Wake
Claiming the title of the oldest Irish pub on the Upper East Side, dependable Finnegan’s supplies a fine pint, smooth single malts, and sustaining eats like Steak and Kidney Pie, Bangers and Mash and Fish and Chips — which patrons can enjoy outside on bonny days.
Read MoreThe Butcher Block
This Queens-located Irish importer has everything you need, if you care to throw a St. Paddy’s Day bash at home. Pick up an Irish Breakfast Value Pack (comprising sausages, rashers, butter, beans, tea, bread, and black and white puddings), or various other sundries such as McVities biscuits, Tipperary cheddar or potato farls (griddle bread). Just as soon leave the food prep to the experts? Catering is available as well; simply pick and choose from a list of Corned Beef, Boiling Bacon, Shepherd’s Pie and Lamb Stew.
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