The Celtic House Irish Pub
No need to wait until Wednesday the 17th. This pub on the Pike is kicking things off early, offering a handful of specials March 12-14, with bar munchies like Irish egg rolls (stuffed with corned beef, sauerkraut and swiss cheese) and Donegal chips topped with bacon, cheese and sour cream. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly suggested. Call 703-746-9644 to check on table availability. //2500 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Bronson Bierhall
The sprawling Ballston beer hall is offering $5 Guinness cans and shots of Jameson Irish whiskey starting at noon on March 17, with live music from 4-8 p.m. For guests who prefer to celebrate at home, Bronson has put together a kit that includes four Guinness pint cans, two pounds of corned beef, one giant pretzel with beer cheese, and two pounds of cabbage and potatoes for $49.99. Orders close for the package on Sunday, March 14, with pick-up on St. Patrick’s Day. //4100 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Taco Bamba
Victor Albisu’s cult-favorite taqueria is getting into the spirit with its Mich O’Laddy cocktail—a verdant, spicy drink made with tomatillo, cucumber, serrano pepper, pineapple and lime—which can be enjoyed on the patio in Ballston from March 17-21. Order it to go with another green monster—the Rico Pollo taco, made with green chili purée, aji amarillo aioli, salsa criolla, serrano chile, crispy potato and chicken. //4000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston)
Superette
This Ballston Quarter newcomer is introducing several new menu items on Friday, March 12, to honor its first St. Patrick’s Day. The sandwich-grocery joint will offer Reuben sliders with house-made sauerkraut, and a fried green tomatillo grilled cheese, layered with provolone and an avocado-tomatillo smash. On the cocktail front, try a St. Paddy’s Day punch made with Vino Verde, mint, lime, pineapple and vodka; or a green vodka gimlet with an apple shamrock garnish. Delivery and to-go orders available. //4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Ballston Quarter)
Sloppy Mama’s Barbeque
Mandy and Joe Neuman are offering a three-course dinner featuring an Irish Egg (a riff on the traditional Scotch egg), smoked brisket shepherd’s pie and chocolate Guinness cake. (Supplies are limited; pre-order online before March 17 for pickup after 4 p.m. on St. Patrick’s Day.) Their ‘cue joint will also be selling smoked corned beef by the pound ($29), and $5 pints of Guinness all day on March 17. //5731 Lee Highway and 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Best Buns Bakery
Stop by Best Buns in Shirlington or Tysons for Irish soda bread scones ($2.35), made daily with baking soda, buttermilk, raisins and a touch of honey. Then do as the Irish do and serve them warm with salty butter and jam. The bakery is also turning out traditional Irish soda bread, shamrock sugar cookies and St. Paddy’s Day cupcakes decked out in green and orange frosting—plus an Irish take on the New Orleans King Cake, made with brioche dough and almond filling, with green and orange icing. //4010 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington) and 8051 Leesburg Pike (Tysons)