Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden
Now 40 years old, McGurk’s (pictured above) is arguably the name most St. Louisans free-associate with “Irish pub.” The meandering interior looks like four or five pubs at once, all authentic enough to be direct transplants from the Emerald Isle (except for those patrons eating toasted ravioli.) And the music! Reels, jigs, hornpipes, and mournful ballads ring out seven nights a week. 1200 Russell, 314-776-8309.
If you sense a blue mist, it’s because one of the owners is Mama’s Pride rocker Danny Liston. Burgers are cooked to order, and you’ll find some of the best wings in town. 1208 Tamm, 314-645-6337.
The Dogtown bar recently turned 75, making it one of the metro area’s oldest continuously operating bars. The fried chicken is regarded as some of the best in town, but don’t miss the fried chicken livers and gizzards. This St. Paddy's Day, the Dogtown parade kicks off in front of the pub at 10 a.m., and festivities continue until 6 p.m. But the party will be rockin' long after at Pat's. 6400 Oakland, 314-647-7287.
If you want to celebrate with a lively atmosphere and live music, Helen’s has one of the best stage setups around. (In case you’re wondering, the Shark Bites are on the Irish pub’s menu because Helen’s is part of the Syberg’s empire.) For its St. Paddy's Day bash, expect green beer, corned beef and cabbage, Irish dancers, music from DJ Frizzy, and March Madness games. 3650 S. Lindbergh, 314-984-0026.
Maggie O’Brien’s Restaurant & Irish Pub
Completely unpretentious, Maggie’s is a pub, pure and simple. It might just have the largest selection of old-school beer offerings in town, but it also offers a decent list of craft beers. The downtown St. Pat's parade will pass right by the pub, so get there early for a good perch. 2000 Market, 314-421-1388.
What began as a Welsh pub in the Central West End in the ’70s has since expanded in myriad ways: It now encompasses Irish and Scottish selections (making it a Celtic pub), and there are nine locations, stretching from Overland Park, Kansas, to Soulard. St. Paddy's Day celebrations vary by location. See online for details.
Located at Arsenal and Arkansas in South City, the popular corner bar is just a block from South Grand's bustling dining district. Those looking for a quality slice of St. Louis–style pizza, perfect with a pint of Guinness, needn't leave the pub. (And consider going back on Monday or Tuesday, when pizzas are half price.) 3458 Arsenal, 314-664-7474.
This St. Paddy's Day, the beloved 3 a.m. bar will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast, beginning at 8 a.m. The buffet includes green eggs and ham, corned beef hash, pancakes, biscuits 'n gravy, and French toast. Town Drunks, Steve Ewing of the Urge, and the Sneaker Bombs will provide live music throughout the day. 6001 Manchester, 314-781-7806.
Located inside the Seven Gables Inn, the downtown Clayton pub will celebrate this Saturday with $2 shot specials, $3 green margaritas, green beer, and a special Irish menu. A live DJ will keep the party going until 10 p.m. 26 N. Meramec, 314-863-8400.
The St. Louis institution will serve corned beef, cabbage, and plenty of Guinness from 11 a.m.–3 a.m. (Then again, you can't go wrong with one of the pub's famous burgers either.) 4652 Shaw, 314-773-6600.
Start the holiday with "pints and pancakes" from 7–11 a.m. Other Irish breakfast favorites will be served throughout the day. And stick around for giveaways and live music from Jud Mehler, 2 Chixx, Triple X, and DJ Jud. 333 Washington, 314-241-8666.
Know about other St. Louis spots celebrating St. Patrick's Day? List them in the comments section below.
