Houston’s got more than cowboys and refineries — we’re also proud of our imported Irish roots. Our annual St. Paddy’s Day parade has been going strong for almost 50 years, and we’ve downed more glasses of green beer than you can count. Go ahead, kiss us: We’re Irish! So in honor of our favorite holiday, bars all over town are pulling out all the stops. Start Friday, call in Monday, and arrive to work Tuesday with bagpipes ringing in your ears. Slainte! ย Melissa Richter
March 12
Brian O’Neill’s
5555 Morningside Dr., 713-522-2603
www.brianoneills.com
Start the season early with some Irish humor at Brian O’Neill’s 5th Annual Sexy Kilt Contest. There will be cash prizes for the top three men to charm the female judges with their knobby knees and taut calves.
March 14
702 Lounge
702 W. Dallas, 713-654-8040
www.702houston.com
Celebrate the 3rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Blowout, with live music and $2 green beer all weekend long.
Drillers Night Club
15135 N. Fwy. #800, 832-872-7155
This club is claiming the next few days as their St. Patrick’s Day party, with $2 pints of green beer through Monday.
Firkin & Phoenix Restaurant & Pub
1915 Westheimer, 713-526-3100
www.firkinandphoenix.com
Kick off the weekend at this celebration with a beer pong tournament and drinking.
March 15
49th Annual Houston St. Patrick’s Day Parade
www.saintpatricksdayparade.com
Houston may not be Chicago, but this two-hour event has historically been one of the largest parades of its kind in the U.S. The parade starts and ends at Minute Maid Park at the intersection of Texas and Hamilton in downtown Houston. Noon.
702 Lounge
702 W. Dallas, 713-654-8040
www.702houston.com
Celebrate the 3rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Blowout, $2 green beer all weekend long.
Beer Island
2631 White Oak Dr., 713-862-4670
This corner in the Heights has proven it’s a block of fun. Today brings Beer Island’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party Blowout. $2 green beer; Southern rock live music.
Brian O’Neill’s
5555 Morningside Dr., 713-522-2603
www.brianoneills.com
Get ready for some hardcore Irish drinking at this classic Irish pub.
Cypress Saloon
12710 Telge Rd., Cypress, 281-304-7766
www.cypresssaloon.com
Celebrate with Dale Watson. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $10 in advance, $12 at door.
Drillers Night Club
15135 N. Fwy. #800, 832-872-7155
This club is claiming the next few days as their St. Patrick’s Day party with $2 pints of green beer through Monday. Today join in the comedy with the Sexiest Kilt Contest and Signature Shot Saturday.
Firkin & Phoenix Restaurant & Pub
1915 Westheimer, 713-526-3100
www.firkinandphoenix.com
Kick off the weekend at this celebration with a beer pong tournament and drinking.
Fitzgerald’s
2706 White Oak Dr., 713-862-7469
www.fitzlive.com
Kick off the holiday with Downfall 2012 and The Cold Front featuring Reverend Butter. He’ll be carving ice sculptures all night with his trusty chainsaw.
Lucky’s Pub
801 St. Emanuel, 713-522-2010
www.luckyspub.com
This three-day festival will have all the fixings. Of course there’ll be green beer, green beer and more green beer, but don’t forget the bands, DJs, bagpipers, leprechaun games and Irish food. No cover.
Onion Creek
3106 White Oak Dr., 713-880-0706
www.onioncreekcafe.com
This neighborhood space is part of the St. Patrick’s Day Block Party Blowout. Today there will be beer specials, live music, fire spinners and crawfish. Free admission.
Paddy’s One Foot in the Grill Restaurant &ย Bar
1711 S. Mason Rd., Katy, 281-646-9900
This recently opened joint boasts a 4,000-square-foot deck. The party will be happening with drink specials and a live band. Starts at noon. Free.
The Q-Bar
930 S. Mason Rd., Katy, 281-392-8422,
www.myspace.com/abesqbar
Rich Latimer Band performs 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Free.
Sam Houston Race Park
7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. West, 281-807-8760,
www.shrp.com
If you’re looking for your pot o’ gold, this could be the place. With live Texas thoroughbred racing, a visit from park mascot “Lucky Leprechaun” Sam, and the YMCA Tractor Dancers, you won’t even need green beer to have fun. Ticket packages start at $19 per person. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
Tilted Kilt
2000 Hwy. 6 South, 281-496-5458
www.tiltedkilt.com
Happy hour will be all day starting at 10 a.m. Live music starts at 11 a.m. with the Leslie Doak Band, Steel Country Band and Wattzit2ya. There’ll be a live crawfish boil and James Coney Island hot dog stand โ and all things that make it Irish, including green beer, bagpipers and Irish dancers. Parking at Steve & Barry’s at West Oaks Mall with shuttles all day.
Vito’s Pub
435 El Dorado, Clear Lake, 281-486-4040
Vito’s Deck House
20237 Gulf Fwy., Clear Lake, 281-338-4888
Vito’s Houston
5810 Beverly Hill, 713-334-VITO
www.vitosdeckhouse.com
We may be celebrating the Irish, but we’re lucky enough to have much better weather. Enjoy it at all three locations of this pub.
March 16
30th Annual 1960 St. Patrick’s Day Parade
www.1960parade.com
If you missed the parade on Saturday, then here’s your second chance. The parade benefits the Cypress Creek EMS Public Education Programs. Parade starts at 2 p.m. at the Wells Fargo parking lot at Champions Forest Dr. and FM 1960.
702 Lounge
702 W. Dallas, 713-654-8040
www.702houston.com
Celebrate the 3rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Blowout with $2 green beer all weekend long.
Brian O’Neill’s
5555 Morningside Dr., 713-522-2603
www.brianoneills.com
Get ready for some hardcore Irish drinking at this classic Irish pub.
Drillers Night Club
15135 N. Fwy. #800, 832-872-7155
This club is claiming the next few days as their St. Patrick’s Day party with $2 Pints of green beer through Monday.
Firkin & Phoenix Restaurant & Pub
1915 Westheimer Rd., 713-526-3100
www.firkinandphoenix.com
Kick off the weekend at this celebration with a beer pong tournament and drinking.
Fitzgerald’s
2706 White Oak Dr., 713-862-7469,
www.fitzlive.com
The St. Patty’s Day festivities continue with The Aggrolites, Los Skarnales, Ryan Scroggins and Channel One. 3 p.m.
Fox and Hound Pub & Grille
17575 Tomball Pkwy., Willowbrook, 281-894-6100
These guys want to keep the Irish spirits flowing for two days during their extended weekend celebration. 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Lucky’s Pub
801 St. Emanuel, 713-522-2010
www.luckyspub.com
This three-day festival will have all the fixings. Of course there’ll be green beer, green beer and more green beer, but don’t forget the bands, DJs, bagpipers, leprechaun games and Irish food. No cover.
Onion Creek
3106 White Oak Dr., 713-880-0706
www.onioncreekcafe.com
This neighborhood space is part of the St. Patrick’s Day Block Party Blowout. Today there’ll be beer specials, live music, fire spinners and crawfish. Free admission.
Paddy’s One Foot in the Grill Restaurant &ย Bar
1711 S. Mason Rd., Katy, 281-646-9900
This recently opened joint boasts a 4,000-square-foot deck. The party will be happening with drink specials and a live band. Starts at noon. Free.
Vintage Pub
13245 Jones Rd., 281-469-9555
After the parade, head over to this pub to continue the celebration.
Vito’s Pub
435 El Dorado, Clear Lake, 281-486-4040
Vito’s Deck House
20237 Gulf Fwy., Clear Lake, 281-338-4888
Vito’s Houston
5810 Beverly Hill, 713-334-VITO
www.vitosdeckhouse.com
We may be celebrating the Irish, but we’re lucky enough to have much better weather. Enjoy it at all three of this pub’s locations.
March 17
6th Street Bar and Grill
2701 White Oak, 713-880-5999
Feeling lucky? Follow your four leaf clover to the St Patrick’s Block Party in the Heights. Celebrate with live bands, a DJ and the best steak night in town ($14). Wash it all down with kamakazi shots, margaritas and draught beer โ all green, of course. The festivities start at 2 p.m.
702 Lounge
702 W. Dallas, 713-654-8040,
www.702houston.com
Celebrate the 3rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Blowout with live music and $2 green beer all weekend long.
Ashford Arms Pub
14605 Perthshire Rd., 281-497-5316
www.ashfordpub.com
To step into the Irish spirit, these guys are hosting their 1st Annual Irish Stew Cook-Off; cash prizes to the winners. Free food all day, bagpipers, Irish dancers and, of course, drink specials. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Baker St. Pub & Grill
Rice Village, 5510 Morningside,
713-942-9900
Sugar Land, 15970 City Walk,
281-494-0774
The Woodlands, 25 Waterway Ave.
281-362-7431
Willowbrook, 17278 Tomball Pkwy.
281-517-0828
The Irish are coming!ย Celebrate with green beer, live music and no cover.
Beer Island
2631 White Oak Dr., 713-862-4670
This block will continue to hop on the final day of celebration. $1 green beers, with a DJ from 6 to 10 p.m.
Brian O’Neill’s
5555 Morningside Dr., 713-522-2603,
www.brianoneills.com
Get ready for some hardcore Irish drinking at this classic Irish pub.
Children’s Museum of Houston
1500 Binz, 713-522-1138
www.cmhouston.org
If you want to wow the ladies with your brains today, head over and find out who St. Patrick was and why we celebrate all things green. Bring your neighbor’s kid so people won’t look at you funny.
Dam Ice House
1718 S. Highway 6, 281-496-1603
Green Jell-O wrestling, green beer and $3 Irish car bombs are sure to keep this party entertaining. There will also be happy hour prices from 4 to 9 p.m. and free pool, for a limited time.
Drillers Night Club
15135 N. Fwy. #800, 832-872-7155
$2 pints of green beer.
Firkin & Phoenix Restaurant & Pub
1915 Westheimer, 713-526-3100
www.firkinandphoenix.com
Along with green beer and the continuing beer pong tournament, today brings live music from The Trade.
Fitzgerald’s
2706 White Oak Dr., 713-862-7469
www.fitzlive.com
This is day the party peaks. The Dewayn Brothers perform live on the outdoor stage. Green beer flows at 4 p.m. No cover.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
705 Main St, 713-228-7468
www.beerknurd.com
Houston’s downtown beer hall celebrates St. Pat’s with $2.50 Murphy’s Stout and Murphy’s Amber, plus the Lost Boys perform live at 9 p.m.
Fox and Hound Pub & Grille
17575 Tomball Pkwy., Willowbrook
281-894-6100
These guys want to keep the Irish spirits flowing for two days during their extended weekend celebration. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Frank-N-Steins Bar & Grill
233 S. Mason Rd., Katy, 281-578-3580 and 9907 Hwy. 6 S., Sugar Land, 281-568-5593
www.franknsteinsbarandgrill.com
This bash will have live music, green beer, shot and drink specials and crawfish.
The Ginger Man
5607 Morningside, 713-526-2770
www.gingermanpub.com
Music by Abbey Rode and traditional Irish food. 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Got Beer Ice House
9214 Richmond, 713-785-1108
This evening this ice house will be jumping with good times to celebrate the drinking season.
The Harp
1625 Richmond Ave., 713-528-7827
The neighbors love this pub any day, but today should provide an extra special dose of fun.
Kelvin Arms
2424 Dunstan Rd, 713-528-5002
www.kelvinarms.com
Scottish, Irish…who can tell the difference these days? This Scottish pub will provide a suitable environment for drinking an Irish pint.
Kenneally’s Irish Pub
2111 S Shepherd Dr., 713-630-0486
www.irishpubkenneallys.com
This family-owned pub is known for “pulling one of the best pints outside of Ireland.” Today would be a good day to check out if that claim is true.
Lucky’s Pub
801 St. Emanuel, 713-522-2010
www.luckyspub.com
This three-day festival will have all the fixings. Of course there will be green beer, green beer and more green beer, but don’t forget the bands, DJs, bagpipers, leprechaun games and Irish food. 94.5 The Buzz will be broadcasting live all day. Noย cover.
McElroy’s Irish Pub
3607 S. Sandman St.,713-223-2444
www.mcelroyspub.com
McElroy’s will be opening at noon on St. Paddy’s, with traditional music, bagpipers, Irish dancers and a chance to meet the 2007 Irish Queen.
McGonigel’s Mucky Duck
2425 Norfolk St, 713-528-5999
www.mcgonigels.com
If you’re really wanting to feel the Irish spirit, then head over to this homey club for their annual celebration. They serve Irish food and beer, but what makes this party special is all the Celtic music, such as E.J. Jones, The Celtic Gypsies and Clandestine. $15.
Mr. C’s Irish Pub
10226-D Westheimer, 713-783-7972 and
9733 Katy Fwy., 713-465-4919
There’s a free traditional Irish buffet at 5 p.m. The Westheimer location will have traditional Irish breakfast for $5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub
215 22nd St., Galveston, 409-762-6177
If you’re stuck on the island and ready for some Irish fun, then head over to this pub.
Onion Creek
3106 White Oak Dr., 713-880-0706
www.onioncreekcafe.com
This neighborhood space is part of the St. Patrick’s Day Block Party Blowout. Today there’ll be beer specials, live music, fire spinners and crawfish. Free admission.
Paddy’s One Foot in the Grill Restaurant & Bar
1711 S. Mason Rd., Katy, 281-646-9900
This recently opened joint boasts a 4,000-square-foot deck. The party will be happening with drink specials and a live band. Starts at noon. Free.
Pub Fiction
2303 Smith, Ste. 100, 713-400-8400
www.pubfiction.com
Ready for 12 hours of fun? At this bash, from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., there’ll be shenanigans, live music inside and on the patio, draft stations with green beer, barbecue and leprechaun bombs.
The Q-Bar
930 S. Mason Rd., Katy, 281-392-8422
www.myspace.com/abesqbar
Happy hour green beers with drink specials.
Red Lion Pub
2316 S. Shepherd, 713-782-3030
www.redlionhouston.com
Guinness and Harp will be flowing at this British pub hosting a St. Pat’s party with no cover charge.
Reliant Park
1 Reliant Park, 832-667-1400
www.reliantpark.com
Miranda Lambert performs at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Sherlock’s
Clear Lake, 2416 Bay Area Blvd.,
281-461-4702
Deerbrook, 228 West First Street,
281-446-0407
River Oaks, 1952 W. Gray,
713-521-1881
Westheimer, 10001 Westheimer,
713-977-1857
www.sherlockspubco.com
Celebrate with green beer and live music. Party in the parking lot at the Westheimer location.
Slainte Irish Pub
509 Main, 713-222-1033
www.slainteirishpub.com
This two-story tavern would be the perfect downtown bar to start the bar hopping โ that is, if you can ever tear yourself away from all the drink specials, games and music.
Triple Crown Sports Bar
13711 Westheimer, Suite Y, 281-870-9610,
www.triplecrownsportsbar.com
Hang out at Triple Crown all day with $2 drafts, $2 bottles and $2.50 wells starting at 11 a.m.
Watson’s House of Ales
14656 Grisby Rd, 281-920-2929
This English-style pub features green beer, a great live music lineup and good food for St. Pat’s.
Vintage Pub
13245 Jones Rd., 281-469-9555
Keep the green beer flowing at this pub.
Vito’s Pub
435 El Dorado, Clear Lake, 281-486-4040
Vito’s Deck House
20237 Gulf Fwy., Clear Lake
281-338-4888,
Vito’s Houston
5810 Beverly Hill, 713-334-VITO
We may be celebrating the Irish, but we’re lucky enough to have much better weather. Enjoy it at all three of this pub’s locations.
This article appears in Mar 13-19, 2008.