Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day across Houston at some of the city’s most popular – and most unexpected – celebrations of all things Irish.
Houston loves its St. Patrick’s Day bashes. Here are a few of our favorite spots in town that might have the brew for what ails you.
- The Harp – The party gets started on Saturday at this pub on Richmond just east of Dunlavey before taking an over night break. Full festivities begin at noon on Sunday, as the bar expands into its parking lot and offers live music, Irish dancers and bagpipe performances.
- Griff’s – The party is already underway at Griff’s on Roseland, where they’re celebrating their 48th St. Patrick’s Day. You’d best be buying your $10 tickets and $1 (each) food and drink tickets for Sunday’s bash early. Expect live music, green beer and the bar advises “check your head at the door.”
- Brian O’Neill’s Irish Pub – One of Houston’s favorite Irish haunts, Brian O’Neil’s in Rice Village will be offering the full shebang on Sunday as well, with Irish breakfast served at 8am. The party gets moving at 11am as live music starts and the fun continues until 2am. Expect Irish dancers, bagpipers, green beer, Irish whiskey and Rice students back from Spring Break.
- Irish Pub Kenneally’s – The action begins at noon under the Kenneally’s tent. Tickets are $10 and should be purchased in advance at the bar. Expect live music, bagpipers and the usual shenanigans.
- Shay McElroy’s Irish Pub – In Houston’s downtown pub that’s so Irish, its Irish owner had it shipped over from Ireland, St. Paddy’s weekend won’t be overlooked. But expect a more laid back crowd and try to get there early as the smallish bar can get tight.
- McElroy’s Pub – Also Irish owned, this pub on Richmond just west of Shepherd is the larger and rowdier sibling of Shay McElroy’s and will be open from 11am to 2am and feature live music starting after 6pm for their St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza.
- Lucky’s Pub – As usual, Lucky’s is going all out for St. Pat’s, with some festivities kicking off on Friday, March 15. But the big day will be celebrated on Sunday at all three locations (East Downtown, The Heights and Cypress), and will include multiple bands, DJs, and bagpipers. And apparently they’ll have little people dressed as Leprechauns. You can pre-order general admission tickets for $10 or VIP tickets with special perks for $50 at the links above. The main event however, is at the EaDo location where the pub’s festivities have merged with those of its neighbor Cork Soakers Wine Bar.
- Celtic Gardens and Pub Fiction – Another joint Irish shindig, these two sibling bars are throwing down both Saturday and Sunday. Celtic Gardens will be showcasing live Irish music, while smoother Pub Fiction brings out a roster of DJs. Doors open at 10am both days and a $10 cover gets you access to both bars on Saturday and Sunday. Buy at the door or in advance at the bars. Pub Fiction will also be serving up crawfish on Sunday only.
- McGonigel’s Mucky Duck – McGonigel’s celebrates St. Paddy’s with a Celtic fest. Under the prerequisite tent, a number of Celtic bands and artists take to the stage. Tickets are $22 at the door, or $20 in advance.
- Proof Bar + Patio – If you’re thinking you’re more groove than Shamrock fest, Midtown’s newest rooftop lounge presents its all-day St. Patio’s Party on Sunday, March 17, with music by DJ Mishka. Drink specials include $3 domestic beers, $4 well drinks and $5 Jameson drinks.