St. Patrick’s Day is the one time a year where everyone gets to be Irish for a day. While the city of Portland may not be dyeing the Willamette River green in celebration, her Irish pubs are still planning a good old-fashioned Irish shindig that will leave you humming Celtic tunes until the end of the crawl.
Kell’s Irish Restaurant and Pub
112 SW Second Ave, Portland, Ore.
(503) 227-4057
Festival: March 15-18, 2012
$25 cover for back tent all day Saturday/ $5 back tent Sunday
Kell’s is home of the largest Irish Festival in Oregon, and the pub is a Portland tradition besides. “If you can’t go to Ireland, come to Kell’s” is their motto, and it’s true: This year’s festival is four days long, with events starting on March 15 and running through March 18, and children welcome in the back tent during the day and early evening. The festival will feature live music, live coverage of the Portland Timbers game, Irish dancers, and a myriad of themed games in addition to the Irish food and drinks that are Kell’s staples. As always, the Cigar Room will be open, too. Plus, on March 16 there is a live Oregon vs. Ireland boxing match, though this is tickets-only (tickets are $25 and there are seats left as of press time). Since the pub is on the MAX line, parking away from the restaurant and riding into the event is strongly encouraged, and arrive early if you don’t want to wait too long to get in!
Paddy’s Bar and Grill
65 SW Yamhill, Portland, Ore.
(503) 224-5626
Festival: March 17-18, 2012
$10 cover on March 17; $60 VIP access before March 1 or $75 pre-purchased March 1-17 (all proceeds to charity)
Paddy’s is another Portland Irish tradition, and in kind is holding a festival that is not to be missed. Live music, a tented street party, Irish dancers and bagpipers throughout the day will be featured at Paddy’s, and proceeds from the festival benefit the Children’s Cancer Foundation. As always, Paddy’s will have over 500 spirits available, and the beautiful antique bar provides the perfect setting to celebrate. The VIP access tickets feature no-wait access, free food all day, VIP seating with a private bar and private bathroom, and a grab bag with a drink ticket and party favors. Near the MAX line as well, park-and-ride is recommended to avoid hassles and meters.
Biddy McGraw’s
6000 NE Glison, Portland, Ore.
(503)233-1178
Biddy’s is the East side answer to St. Patty’s, and a lower key holiday pub than the downtown scene. Every Saturday and Sunday they feature a full Irish brunch, and this year’s celebrations at the pub will include live music and dancing in addition to the usual Biddy’s atmosphere and ample tap selections. Parking is available, though earlier arrival on the 17th is recommended.
Rose and Thistle Pub
2314 NE Broadway, Portland, Ore.
(503)287-8582
The Rose and Thistle has a reputation for being a strait-forward Irish dive, in all the best ways: Great food, reasonable prices, and half-pints as well as full pints. Guinness will be on special for St. Patty’s, and live music performances will set a nice backdrop for catching up with friends and meeting new people. The service here is some of the best, as well as the selection of good local food and microwbrew. Heated outdoor seating by candle light is also in the mix, and ample parking is available, making this a great option for those wishing to avoid the hectic St. Patrick’s Day crowds.