To start the parade off right, grab a drink near the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The annual parade spans dozens of blocks along the east side, which means there are plenty of Irish restaurants and pubs. So find a spot at these nearby Irish pubs, grab a pint (or two) of a heart stout or ale and get singing those Irish songs.
Drink near the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Upper East Side
This long-standing pub is where you’re bound to hear authentic Irish accents serving up drinks and the Emerald Isle’s favorite dishes. Try authentic Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie, corned beef, and cabbage or the batter-dipped fried fish. This pub is a few avenues east of the route, but neighborhood regulars might make it a bit of a challenge to find a seat if you wait until after the parade officially ends to make your trip here.
Upper East Side
This bar promotes itself as having the best pint of Guinness on the Upper East Side. Doc Watson’s hosts live Irish bands all day and shilling Guinness as well as Magners Irish Ciders. If warm weather somehow pulls through, you might even be able to steal a spot outside in their outdoor seating area. Outside you can chow down on corned beef and cabbage in the breeze. This is a family-friendly spot that is loved by some members of the NYPD and FDNY. Special music and drink deals are also planned all weekend, so stop by Saturday or Sunday to avoid the crowds.
Midtown East
A bi-level Irish gastropub is a little south of the main action (about 15 blocks from the start of the parade), the party here promises a lot of Irish festivities. During the annual St. Patrick’s Day bash, Jameson, Guinness and green drinks will be flowing as the DJ keeps the party going. If you need to refuel, 5th & MAD has good bar food like burgers, sliders, and wings.
Gramercy
Escape the maddening parade crowds by hopping on the subway and traveling down just a few subways stops to this Irish-owned watering hole near Union Square. This Irish pub is completely decked out for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but it is also completely decked out with green lights, shamrocks and tinsel cover the bar, which serves 15 beers on tap.