Pittsburgh likes to claim it has one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country. It wouldn’t surprise me! About 16% of Pittsburghers identify as Irish American, and we are right behind Boston for cities with the largest Irish populations.
So whether you want to rally for the parade Downtown, bar crawl on the South Side, or dine on Irish classics, you’re in luck. Find good eats and festivities below.
Burgh Bar Crawls
Take part in the Pittsburgh tradition of St. Practice Day, a festive bar crawl on the South Side the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. Over 20 restaurants participate with $1 pierogi and drink specials from 1 to 7 p.m., and all proceeds support Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.
More bar crawls on St. Patrick’s Day weekend:
- March 15-17: Kiss Me, I’m Irish Bar Crawl on the South Side | $15-$60
- March 16: Shamrock Stroll Bar Crawl on the South Side | $20
- March 16: Pub Pioneers Leaping Leprechaun Pub Crawl starting at Sly Fox in Downtown | $13
- March 17: St. Patrick’s Brunch and Bar Crawl starting at Twelve Whiskey BBQ on the South Side | $21-$60
Get your St. Patrick’s Day meal at Ritual House inside the Union Trust Building. (@ritualhousepgh)
Kegs & Eggs, Plus Downtown Specials
If you need some fuel for parade-watching Downtown, get this St. Paddy's brunch from The Commoner: Guinness-glazed corned brisket hash topped with a fried egg and served with a selection of Irish beverages and green beer. City Works also has a $25 kegs & eggs buffet with $5 green beers.
And all day on March 16, Ritual House will serve pub-style braised corn beef, cabbage and red potatoes, bangers and bash with caramelized onion, Jameson gravy, and sweet peas.
Don’t sleep on their desserts! Pastry chef Zoe Peckich won a Food Network show last year. Try the Baileys mint chocolate chip milkshake with whipped cream, golden coins, clover sprinkles, a rainbow lollipop, and a cherry on top!
Find a piece of Ireland in Pittsburgh at the Monterey Pub in the North Side. (@themontereypub)
Comforting Irish Classics
If you have a taste for Irish eats like bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, or corn beef and cabbage, you can get them year-round at Piper’s Pub on the South Side, Riley’s Pour House in Carnegie, Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle in the Strip District, McFadden’s on the North Shore, or Monterey Pub in the Mexican War Streets on the North Side.
Don’t do meat? The shepherdless pie from Piper’s Pub is vegan but still has all of the comforting flavors!
Looking for more March treats? Check out the City Cast Pittsburgh guide to March!
