4. KENNEALLY'S IRISH PUB
Open for more than 30 years now, Kenneally's has become a River Oaks landmark pub, recognized as much for its great Chicago Style thin-crust pizzas as for its pints of Guinness and craft beers. Kenneally's has a party starting at noon on March 14, the Saturday prior to Saint Patrick's Day, with live music from Grand Old Grizzly, Libby Koch, and Houston Highlanders Bagpipers. Meanwhile, their Saint Patrick's Day party also starts at noon with music provided again by Grand Old Grizzly, this time with Luther and the Healers. Bring an appetite, as Kenneally's will be serving up Irish stew, homemade Guinness bread, corned beef and turkey sandwiches, and pizza by the slice on Saint Patrick's Day, along with all of the beer. (2111 S. Shepherd, irishpubkenneallys.com)

3. MOLLY'S PUB (DOWNTOWN)
We know everyone is heading downtown to Main Street these days to check out all of the hot new bars opening up there, just don't overlook or forget about Molly's Pub. Drink specials galore can be found here throughout the week and do try their Blind Russian, which is basically a White Russian with some Bailey's Irish Cream added to give it some extra kick. Molly's has pool, darts and pub food in addition to the alcohol; everything an Irish bar should have, basically. It always has one of the biggest Saint Patrick's Day parties downtown, so if you work in the area it would be a good day to take an extended lunch break if you can. (509 Main, mollyspubs.com)

2. MCGONIGEL'S MUCKY DUCK
Known as the premiere stage in Houston for singer-songwriters, McGonigel's Mucky Duck is also an Irish pub/restaurant that USA Today calls "one of the top 10 places in the United States to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day." On the holiday, the Upper Kirby stalwart covers up their entire property with a big-top tent on the holiday and features live traditional and contemporary Celtic music and dance inside and outside on two stages throughout the day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Come hungry and eat some Shepherd's Pie, fish and chips, Beef Guinness and corned beef and cabbage. Can't make it out on Saint Patrick's Day? Stop by on Wednesdays all year long starting at 7:30 pm for McGonigel's "Irish Session" featuring live traditional Irish folk music. (2425 Norfolk, mcgonigels.com)

1. GRIFF'S HOUSTON
Opened in 1965 by Boston-Irish Houstonian Michael Griffin and family, Griff's hosts probably the biggest Saint Patrick's Day party in the city every year. If you've been holding off on a visit, today would be the day to come. (3416 Roseland, griffshouston.net)