Denver residents can celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day as if they were in Dublin itself. Whether you claim true Irish heritage or enjoy the temporary status that March 17 bestows upon us all, local Irish Pubs offer a fun and authentic experience that is in your reach. More than just an excuse to party, St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish culture which we all can enjoy. But for those of us of drinking age, is there a better way to enjoy St. Patty’s than with a pint of Guinness among friends and festivities in a true Irish Pub?
Below you will find what to expect from some of Denver’s most popular St. Patrick’s Day destinations. If you have trouble deciding where to go, follow my lead and visit them all! These establishments are conveniently located if you live near Downtown, so why not show your “green” this holiday and walk or ride the bus? Otherwise, expect parking conditions typical of special events in Denver.
Katie Mullen’s Irish Restaurant and Pub
1550 Court Place Denver, Colorado 80202
303-573-0336
www.KatieMullens.com
What to expect on St Patrick’s Day:
Open from 7:00 am to 2:00 am
Entrees starting at $12.95
Authentic Irish band “Pinch of Snuff” making special appearance from Ireland
Local Irish bands in outdoor tent all day
Irish Dancers and Bagpipers
Irish breakfast with pints of Guinness
Food and drink specials including traditional Irish fare and options for children
Guinness toasts
Appearances from the Jameson and Guinness Crews
Ample seating space
This large establishment on the 16 th Street Mall has some serious claims to authenticity. Not only is it 100 percent Irish owned and managed, the entire bar was shipped to Denver from Ireland. From the mantle of its cozy fireplace to the stools at the bar, everything you see and touch came from Ireland at some point. Katie Mullen’s also has a fast and friendly staff, who attentively met my needs on a recent visit. The bright and stylishly decorated interior has more than enough room for all St. Patrick’s day has to offer. This year, that amounts to quite a lot at Katie Mullen’s. Their festivities kick off on March 10 with the traditional “Blessing of the Keg”, during which members of the local Irish community and their non-Irish friends will march from the Celtic Tavern on 18 th and Blake with a keg of Killian’s in tow, ending at Katie Mullen’s for a special dinner. If you will be celebrating this March 17 with your family, Katie Mullen’s is a good bet. Among their food offerings will be special options for children. This is also the pub for you if you want to revel in the sheer spectacle of what a St. Patrick’s Day celebration can be.
Nallen’s Irish Pub
1429 Market Street Denver, Colorado 80202
303-572-0667
www.NallensDenver.com
What to expect on St. Patrick’s Day:
Open from 7:00 am to 2:00 am
Irish Dancers and Bagpipers
Heated outdoor tent
Food specials including Corned Beef and Cabbage
No reservations
This year marks Nallen’s 20 th St. Patrick’s day celebration. The oldest authentic Irish Pub in town, this small bar makes up with charm and personality what it lacks in floor space and fancy décor. When asked about the secret behind Nallen’s 20 year success, owner John Nallen said that it’s as simple as treating people like friends and family. “When you’re born and raised over there, the culture is different. Walking into a bar is like walking into someone’s living room,” says Nallen, who was born and raised on the West Coast of Ireland. Nallen moved to Denver over 20 years ago to bring that culture to us, and he has since made himself available almost every day to chat with his patrons about whatever topics may come up. The simple, no-frills charm of Nallen’s Irish Pub and its owner has endeared many long time patrons for years, and has made it a local favorite not only on March 17, but every day of the year. Nallen’s living room might be a bit crowded come St. Patrick’s Day, but it is one you won’t mind walking into if you’re looking for a friendly smile and earnest company. Nallen’s is about as authentic as it gets, aided in no small part by its staff and customers. If you’re more interested in reasonably priced drinks and a personal experience than bells and whistles, please see John Nallen this St. Patrick’s day. And tell him I sent you.
Celtic Tavern and Delaney’s Bar
1801 Blake Street Denver, Colorado 80202
303-308-1795
www.CelticTavern.com
What to expect on St. Patrick’s Day:
Open 7:00 am to 2:00 am
Entrees starting at $11.50
Live music all day, featuring 8 different bands and traditional Irish music
St. Patrick’s Day Parade will pass by
Special St. Patrick’s Day menu featuring traditional Irish and Celtic food
Normally cigar friendly Delaney’s Bar will be non-smoking for the day
Drink specials to be determined
Ample seating space
The Celtic Tavern is known for its quality menu, which is certain to draw in hungry customers on March 17. Dark, mahogany wainscoting and leather furniture lend to the quintessentially Irish atmosphere of the pub, and like Katie Mullen’s, everything you see was imported from Ireland. Part-owner Terry Brennan, who hails from Dublin, guided the design and construction of the pub to create a uniquely comfortable and authentic experience. Boasting a large central bar and roomy accommodations, the Celtic Tavern is the perfect place to eat a traditional Irish meal while you watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade pass by. I haven’t had experience with the wait staff, the the bartender I met on my last visit was very knowledgeable and attentive. Next door is Delaney’s, which offers the same good food and drink selections with the addition of fine cigars, darts and Candlepin bowling lanes. The Celtic Tavern is one of the longest established Irish Pubs in Denver, and this year they celebrate their 12 th St. Patrick’s Day. If you want to relax in a great atmosphere and enjoy the finer things that St. Patrick’s Day has to offer, the Celtic Tavern is for you.