Top 2014 St. Patrick's Day Bars In Philadelphia
Looking for a place to enjoy a pint of Guinness, Irish music and Irish food for St. Patrick's Day? Look no more. Whether you're Irish or not, here are the best places to celebrate the holiday.
McFadden's
461 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 928-0630
www.mcfaddensphilly.com
Kick off your St. Patrick's Day festivities on March 8 at McFadden's during its annual McPatty's Fest, a 15-hour-long celebration. Dance away the day and night with live music from the bands Secret Service, Breyn from Greengenes, Split Decision and Go-Go Gadget in the bar's outdoor heated tent. Get your tickets here. McFadden's is also a great place to go on March 17. The bar serves affordable American pub fare (appetizers, salads and sandwiches) and has cheap drinks, too.
McGillin's Olde Ale House
1310 Drury St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5562
www.mcgillins.com
At 10 a.m., McGillin's Olde Ale House opens its doors to host one of the best and oldest St. Patrick's Day parties in the city. Hailed as the "oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia," the bar's Irish food, drink specials and green beer are just some of the perks that make this party great. McGillin's also has many events leading up to the day, including live Irish music, Irish coffee during the St. Patrick's Day parade on March 16 and green beer up for grabs during the St. Patrick's Day pub crawls on March 8 and 15.
The Plough & The Stars
123 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 733-0300
www.ploughstars.com
The Plough & the Stars is an Irish pub located in Old City. This bar is a great place to eat, drink and dance while celebrating the holiday. It's been known to host the annual Judge Jimmy Lynn's St. Patrick's Day Breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m., a charity event that has seen a full Irish breakfast, Irish step dancers and traditional Irish music in the past. Irish fare and an endless supply of Guinness and Jameson are also served all day for lunch, dinner and late night. To gear up for March 17, check out the traditional Irish music played every Sunday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Related: Top Bars To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2013 In Philadelphia
Reedy's Tavern
9245 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19114
(215) 338-9667
www.reedystavern.com
Reedy's Tavern is an unassuming bar on the corner of Frankford and Arendell Avenues in the Torresdale section of Philadelphia. This place may look like a watering hole from the outside, but once you're inside, it's anything but, as quality food and craft beer are the norm. The menu may be limited, but it certainly won't disappoint, whether you try the traditional fish and chips, Guinness stew or pork chops. DJ Pat spins your favorite tunes every Friday night, and you can sometimes catch a live show at this bar as well.
Tir Na Nog
1600 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 514-1700
www.tirnanogphilly.com
Situated conveniently on top of Suburban Station and near the Market-Frankford line, Tir Na Nog is a traditional Irish pub in Center City. The food, created by Chef Dan Maher, consists of traditional Irish fare (beer battered fish and chips, shepherd's pie) and sandwiches ("pubwiches") and the menu combines Irish influences with New World style (think corned beef spring rolls). Chef Dan also created a 52 menu, which is a new menu every week, along with the regular brunch, lunch and dinner menus. Tir Na Nog has 21 beers on tap and more than 25 beer bottles. St. Patrick's Day will see plenty of drink specials, too.
Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
