Spring has nearly sprung, and with it comes a bounty of opportunities to gather and celebrate, including the annual tradition that is St. Patrick’s Day. Get in on the revelry this year at these local watering holes:
Assembly
Hit up the Rosslyn food hall on Thursday, March 17 for Irish-themed beverages. Choose from a Conway Irish Ale accompanied by a shot of Jameson ($10) and cans of Guinness or Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Red Ale ($7 during regular hours; $5 at happy hour). // 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Bronson Bierhall
The Ballston taproom is getting started early this St. Patrick’s Day. Pop by as early as noon for some holiday specials: Bronson Green Tea (a shooter made with Jameson Orange Whiskey, $6), an Irish Duo (pint of Guinness and a shot of Jameson, $12), and corned beef and cabbage with potatoes ($13). // 4100 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Caboose Commons
If you need a little extra encouragement to get your Irish up, consider a dueling piano concert. From 7-10 p.m., the Merrifield brewery will keep the beer flowing while the pianists keep the music (and the laughs) going. // Tickets $20. 2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax (Mosaic District)
The Celtic House
Take the day off (and probably the next one too) if you want to have the full Celtic House St. Patrick’s Day experience. Beginning at 9 a.m., the Columbia Pike tavern will serve an Irish breakfast, move into daytime fare at 11a.m., and host Irish musicians and dancers as the day continues. // 2500 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Colony Grill
From Monday, March 14, through Friday, March 18, this Clarendon pizzeria will honor its Irish heritage—the first Colony Grill location opened nearly 90 years ago in an Irish neighborhood in Stamford, Connecticut—with a corned beef and cabbage bar pie. The thin-crust pizza blends cheese with cabbage, corned beef, Dijon mustard and hot oil ($13.45). // 2800 Clarendon Blvd. #850, Arlington (Clarendon)
Ireland’s Four Courts
In addition to the annual four-mile St. Paddy’s Day run it’s sponsoring on Saturday, March 12, this Courthouse tavern is hosting an all-day affair on the holiday itself: Lunch will be served March 17 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., live music on the patio starts at 10 a.m., and Irish dancers will be on hand to keep things lively. // 2051 Wilson Blvd. (Courthouse)
Ireland’s Four Provinces
Skip the morning coffee and head to Broad Street in Falls Church for an at 8 a.m. start to your St. Patrick’s Day with beer and breakfast—or as they like to call it: “k’eggs.” In the dining room, enjoy classic Irish music from Gerry Timlin (reservations required), or kick it with current tunes and traditional Irish ones with D.C. guitarist and vocalist Brook Yoder on the patio starting at 5 p.m. // 105 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Jammin Java
For a jump on the big day, check out a concert from Irish band Téada at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 15. Regarding the traditional Irish ensemble, the Edinburgh Evening News said, “If there is a better new band on the Emerald Isle, they must be very, very good.” // 227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna
The Lot
Keep the shamrock vibes going into the weekend at this outdoor beer garden in Clarendon. The ShamRock ‘N’ Roll party gets started at 2 p.m. and will include entertainment, food trucks, yard games, drink specials and jello shots. (We’re gonna assume they’re green.) // 3217 10th St. N., Arlington
Mattie & Eddie’s Irish Bar and Restaurant
Irish chef Cathal Armstrong’s 1-year-old Irish pub in Westpost (formerly Pentagon Row) has a five-day St. Pat’s celebration that runs Wednesday-Sunday. Highlights include live music, an all-day party on Thursday and a Guinness and Jameson brunch on Sunday. // 1301 S. Joyce St., Arlington (Westpost)
Neighborhood Provisions
Order what you need to toast the lucky day at home from this online market courtesy of Neighborhood Restaurant Group. Meal kits come in multiple varieties, including a shepherd’s pie kit with salad, and apps such as loaded Reuben potato skins and pigs in a blanket. And don’t forget the cocktails, such as the Dubliner (Irish whiskey, vermouth, Guinness syrup, bitters, $15 and serves two). // Locations vary
O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub
Head over to this Clarendon pub and catch D.C. father duo The Dad Guys on St. Patrick’s Day eve, starting at 8:30 p.m. Then come back for more live music Thursday. Irish breakfast starts at 11 a.m., dancers perform at noon and the music continues into the late night. // 3207 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Samuel Beckett’s
Find Irish music, Irish dance, Guinness specials and plenty of Irish bites and pub fare at this Shirlington pub named for the Dublin novelist and playwright. // 2800 S. Randolph St. #110, Arlington (Shirlington)