It’s that time of year again: time for green beer, shamrocks and kissing strangers who claim to be Irish – and a whole host of venues gets in on the celebration.
Wednesday, March 17: The Dubliner
The Dubliner’s St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza isn’t for the faint of heart. They’re not just filling up the pub with Irish-inspired booze and food — the party overflows into the tented parking lot. Raise your glass of Guinness before noshing on traditional faves like fish and chips, shepherd's pie and imported sausages. But that’s just the beginning: If you stick around for a second round of brews (or third, or fourth, or … you get the point), the fest continues with live rock bands, a stage performance by the Stephen Scariff School of Irish Dance and a bagpipe troupe. A stuffed leprechaun toss, shepherd’s pie eating contest and Irish sheep racing round out the green day offerings. $5 cover, $9.95 lunch. 11 a.m.-3 a.m., 12836 Henderson Road, Tampa, thedublineririshpub.com.
Wednesday, March 17: Three Birds Tavern
Despite the name change from Limey's to the more Rasta-fied Three Birds Tavern, they're still throwing St. Pete's officially un-official St. Paddy's Day partaaaay. It's an all-day affair that begins with green eggs and ham (and I have to wonder who is ripping off whom — Dr. Seuss or the Irish?). 98Rock's Big Rig comes out for the festivities, which also include Irish dancers, a Mr. and Mrs. Irish competition, and live music by Roctopus. 9 a.m.-close, 1492 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-895-2049)
After the break: even more St. Paddy's Day events, along with the rest of the week's best beer dinners, wine tastings, and cooking classes
This article appears in Mar 10-16, 2010.