Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Midtown
With the weather thawing and signs of spring appearing across the city, it can only mean one thing, St. Patrick’s Day is almost here. Although the holiday was created to commemorate the death of Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick’s Day has taken on the modern connotation of, let’s say, being jovial. And this year, it’s on a Saturday, so no fear of it being a school night. Here’s where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Midtown in 2018.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Midtown and Upper East Side
Photo courtesy of NYCStPatricksDayParade on Facebook.
Start off your long day of celebrations with one of New York’s oldest traditions, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which begins at 11am. Along the 36-block route, attendees will travel up Fifth Avenue from 44th St. to 79th St., passing the venerable St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th St. and concluding alongside Central Park. Feel free to peel off along the route to enjoy a Guinness or a green beer or two. It is tradition after all, right? Or, if you prefer to watch the festivities from the comfort of your own room, you can catch it live at NBCNewYork.com.
Molly’s Shebeen – Murray Hill
Since opening its doors in 1960, Molly’s Shebeen has been Murray Hill’s de facto Irish pub and home to a huge selection of English and Irish drafts. For the closest experience to actually celebrating the holiday in Dublin, Molly’s Shebeen is your best bet in Manhattan.
Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar – Murray Hill
If you’re looking for a more festive atmosphere (and frankly on St. Patrick’s Day, who isn’t?), check out Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar. Per its namesake, Paddy Reilly’s is always playing host to musicians, both professionals and amateurs, and best of all, they only have Guinness on tap. For the other 364 days of the year, this could be an issue, but not on St. Patty’s.
Landmark Tavern – Hell’s Kitchen
Once you’ve hit the point in the day when sustenance is a necessity, head to Hell’s Kitchen’s Landmark Tavern for authentic fish and chips or shepherd’s pie. Open since 1868, the Landmark is the perfect place to grab a bite, and a pint, before heading back out into the madness.
McSorley’s Old Ale House – East Village
Photo courtesy of @bradenulvild on Instagram.
There are all other NYC Irish Pubs and then there’s McSorley’s Old Ale House. Opened in 1854, McSorley’s floors are covered in preventive sawdust to account for spilling and revelers only have two options when ordering: dark ale or light.
