Where To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2018 In Houston

St. Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is held on March 17 each year, on the death date of its namesake. Patrick was a priest that spent his life working to convert Irish pagans to Christianity. Wearing green is attributed to Patrick, as he used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagans. Because it’s also a day where Lent restrictions are lifted for some Christians, it’s also become a big drinking and feasting holiday.

This year, it falls on a Saturday—and it’s also National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day. Restaurants and bars all across the city are offering food and drink specials. Here’s a list of some of the best offerings in Houston.

Bosscat Kitchen + Libations, 4310 Westheimer: On St. Patrick’s Day, Bosscat is catering to its whiskey-drinking clientele with 20-percent off all Irish whiskeys starting at 4 p.m. It’s also featuring an Irish-inspired menu for $20 with inventive Irish Poutine or Dublin Tacos (corned beef with jalapeño-cabbage slaw.)

Bull and Bear Tavern, 11980 Westheimer: This Westchase tavern has specials on plenty of Irish fare including Irish Stew, a hamburger featuring Irish bacon and cheese, and Guinness Fish and Chips. There are also drink specials and live music from Irish band Murder the Stout.

Flying Saucer taps
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium is one of Houston’s best beer bars with over 100 on tap and a large bottled selection. Photo by Phaedra Cook

Flying Saucer, multiple locations: The bar famous for having over 200 beers on tap is also famous for not serving green beer on Paddy’s Day. This year, the focus is instead on a flight featuring three Jameson whiskeys. While details haven’t been announced yet, expect at least one Jameson Caskmates option in the flight.

The Goose’s Acre, 21 Waterway, The Woodlands: It doesn’t get more authentic than this bar that was literally moved from Ireland to The Woodlands in the mid-2000’s. Paddy’s Day specials include traditional Irish fare, green beer, Irish dancers, bagpipers and live music.

The Gorgeous Gael, 5555 Morningside: Those who subscribe to the “it’s not day drinking if you don’t start in the morning” philosophy will be right at home at The Gorgeous Gael. Irish breakfast starts at 8 a.m. and the green beer will flow until closing time.

Hopdoddy, multiple locations: Hopdoddy has crafted the O’Doddy Burger with seasoned Angus Brisket, sharp white cheddar and Irish mayo. The burger is also topped with Bubble & Squeak Slaw: a classic potato, onion and cabbage slaw seasoned with lemon, horseradish, mustard and spices. Hopdoddy will serve the O’Doddy Burger until March 28.

Kenny & Ziggy’s, multiple locations: The New York Deli might not come to mind for Paddy’s Day drinking, but its Corned Beef isn’t to be missed. Kenny & Ziggy’s is offering its Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner (which includes two sides and a house salad) and a bottle of beer for $17.99 (normally $22.95 not including beer.) The special is only available on Thursday, March 15th from 6 p.m. to closing and is a salute to the Irish-Jewish founded Yiddish Sons of Erin.

Milano Bar, 800 Sorella: The bar at Radio Milano is hosting a three-course dinner featuring Irish whiskey pairings on Friday, March 16. Guests will also be treated to screenings of Boondock Saints I and II. Dinner is $30 per person or $50 with the optional pairings.

Ouisie’s Table, 3939 San Felipe: The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with a plate of Corned Beef & Cabbage. The cost is $20 and includes beer. Brunch runs until 2 p.m.

Weather on St. Patrick’s Day is perfect for spending time on the patio. Photo courtesy of Raven Tower

Raven Tower, 310 North: Raven Tower is serving two locally made Irish Red Ales: 11 Below Brewery’s Dublin Me Luck and Texas Beer Refinery’s Redneck Red. Both are being served on draft for $4. (Irish Red ales use kilned (not roasted) malts and commonly taste of toffee, butter and caramel.) Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is also on special for $4 a shot with the purchase of any draft beer.

Whiskey-aged steak at Smith & Wollensky's
The Steak and Whiskey Event at Smith & Wollensky’s is the best of both worlds. Photo courtesy of Smith & Wollensky’s.

Smith & Wollensky, 4007 Westheimer: The annual Steak & Whiskey Event is running now through March 18th. IrishAmerican Whiskey-inspired cocktails and a USDA Prime 30-Day Whiskey-Aged New York Cut Sirloin are the main focus. There is also an IrishAmerican whiskey flight, featuring both the Classic and 10yr selections for $18.

Wherever you choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day (or Paddy’s Day), be sure to use the traditional Gaelic toast Sláinte mhaith which means “good health”. 

Josh Armendariz is Houston Food Finder’s lead freelance beer and cocktail writer. He can often be found on a stool at your favorite bar, sipping a hoppy craft beer and talking about the Astros with anyone who’ll lend an ear. Follow him on Instagram at @drinkwithjosh.

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