What makes a Houston-area bar an “Irish pub?” This Saint Patrick’s Day, I hoped to find, through the purveyors of our local pubs, an “acid test” Molly at Brian O’Neill’s set me straight immediately with a list of what was Irish about her bar – including the bar itself, which was built in Ireland and shipped to Texas. Sounds pretty darned Irish to me. Other bars, of course, have different elements that they’re proud of: the variety of Irish whiskeys they pour, the live music they feature or the loyalty of their customers. Ask them what they’re doing for Saint Patrick’s Day, however, and some launch into a detailed repertoire of plans and events…while others are pretty sure that people will be drinking that day.
To celebrate your Saint Patrick’s Day to the fullest, consider these local offerings:
Brian O’Neill’s Irish Pub
5555 Morningside Drive
www.brianoneills.com/
Brian O’Neill’s in Rice Village crowns its Irish setting with a selection of 18 Irish whiskeys and traditional menu items. If you go on Friday or Saturday, expect to pay a $2 cover after 10pm.
The Saint Patrick’s Day festivities will last from 8am-2am, all for a $10 cover charge. Breakfast will be served until 11, and the all-day outdoor cooking will culminate in an “Irish stew-off. No fewer than seven bands will be performing, including two dancing groups and two bagpipers.
Kenneally’s Irish Pub
2111 South Shepherd Drive
www.irishpubkenneallys.com/
Located near Montrose, Kenneally’s is best known for their pizza! Plenty of indoor and outdoor space makes this a local gem.
The doors will open on Saint Patrick’s Day at 11am and events will last until 2am. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Entertainment will include two bands, bagpipers, the Rockets’ “Clutch” and the Jameson Girls. Your $10 ticket also buys you a hot lunch of Irish stew and corned beef sandwiches.
Molly’s Pub
509 Main Street
mollyspubs.com/
Ideal for the thrifty, downtown favorite Molly’s serves hot food and cold whiskey all day long, and daily drink specials are $2.50. A private room can be reserved for special events.
The Saint Patrick’s Day festivities will last all day and include music, dance, food and drink – all with no cover charge.
Events at local pubs run the gamut from non-existent to non-stop, and unexpectedly, I have my acid test after all: Irish pubs celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. And they celebrate it with gusto!
Slainte!
