MANHATTAN – St. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us, but come Thursday, you won’t need the luck of the Irish to celebrate in style here on the Upper East Side. Start the holiday off right by joining the thousands of spectators lining Fifth Avenue south of East 79th Street to experience the festivities and witness the annual celebration of Irish heritage.
In order to get a good spot, you’ll want to arrive early. The parade, which began in 1762, is back at full scale— featuring an estimated 150,000 marchers— and kicks off at exactly 11:00 am on East 44th Street in Midtown.
If you decide to go to the St. Patrick’s Day parade, it’s import to remember there are no portable restrooms along the parade route.
Even though the parade winds down around 4:30 pm Thursday afternoon, the celebration doesn’t stop— just step into one of these Upper East Side watering holes for a taste of Irish hospitality.
You’ll be toasting and saying ‘Sláinte’ in no time, just don’t forget to wear green or you might get pinched.
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Third Avenue Ale House
St. Patrick’s Day only comes once a year and at the Third Avenue Ale House, so does the mouth-watering corned beef grilled cheese sandwich with caramelized Guinness onions. This is a one-day only special, be sure to stop by the corner of Third Avenue and East 92nd Street. Happy hour at the Third Avenue Ale House runs from noon-6:00 pm, and St Patrick’s Day inspired cocktails will be available.
Dylan Murphy’s
There’s St. Paddy’s Day shenanigans afoot at Dylan Murphy’s, on Third Avenue near East 82nd Street. Stop by to check out the Irish dancers and bagpipes performances throughout the day, then dine on a special menu featuring corned beef and cabbage and corned beef sandwiches.
Murphy’s Law
Head to Murphy’s Law, located on East 70th Street between First and York Avenues, to indulge in a traditional Irish menu. Be sure to order their authentic corned beef and cabbage, beef stew or fish and chips for a taste of the old country.
The Five Lamps
The Irish flag is already flying outside The Five Lamps, located on First Avenue between East 83rd and 84th Streets, ahead of an all day celebration planned for Thursday. They’ll be serving up strong drinks and plates of corned beef and cabbage starting at 4:00 pm, just as the parade ends.
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Doc Watson’s
Located on Second Avenue between East 77th and 78th Streets, Doc Watson’s will open at 11:00 am on St. Patrick’s Day. The bar will offer a special Irish menu featuring corned beef and cabbage, corned beef on rye, and corned beef rueben sliders. Shepard’s pie and beef stew will also be available, according to Doc Watson’s, as well as “all the Guinness.”
Dorrian’s Red Hand
A fixture at the corner of East 84th Street and Second Avenue for more than 60 years, Dorrian’s Red Hand is celebrating this St Patrick’s Day with an Irish feast on their menu. Come for the traditional beef stew, corned beef and cabbage or the bangers and mash, stay to socialize with new friends at this neighborhood institution.
Treadwell Park
Stop by Treadwell Park, at the corner of East 62nd Street and First Avenue, this Thursday and feast on hearty corned beef sandwiches or shepard’s pie paired with a selection of Irish craft beers from O’Hara’s— brewed in the heart of Ireland’s historical malt-growing region. Did we mention the ping pong tables and pinball machines?
The Painted Lady Saloon
For the very first time in its three year history, The Painted Lady Saloon will be hosting St. Patrick’s Day celebrations– after the Covid-19 pandemic forced it to skip the festivities the last two years. The Painted Lady, located on Second Avenue between East 94th and 95th Streets, will be open starting at 11:00 am, with Happy Hour drink specials running through 7:00 pm.
Phil Hughes
There’s no kitchen at Phil Hughes, so you won’t be able to get your corned beef at cabbage fix here– but if you’re looking for cold drinks and a crunchy snack, like imported Irish crisps– also known as potato chips– you came to the right place.
Located at the corner of First Avenue and East 88th Street, this traditional Irish bar is opening bright and early at 10:00 am. Stop by around 4:00 pm to see Irish step dancing, and if you’re feeling festive, try their tri-colored Irish flag Jell-O shots.
Merrion Square Pub
An Upper East Side fixture since 2003, Merrion Square Pub is ringing in the holiday with a corned beef and cabbage special for just $16. Plus, the bar, which sits at the corner of Second Avenue and East 95th Street, will be open at 11:00 am for those looking to get the celebration started before noon.
Workshop
Opening early at 11:00 am on St. Patrick’s Day, Workshop is getting into the holiday spirit with some holiday drink specials sure to have you feeling the luck of the Irish. Two Guinness and a Jameson shot will set you back $16 while a single shot of Jameson whiskey will set you back only $5.
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