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It seems that nearly everyone is just a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. That might at least partially explain why festivities for the holiday can be found across the globe and the Pacific Northwest is no exception. Both Victoria and Seattle are home to some fantastic Irish bars that make it easy to sip and celebrate on either side of the border.
Looking for green beer or a perfectly poured Guinness complemented by Irish craic? When it comes to where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, these venues are sure to offer a good time infused with Irish spirit.
Victoria Bars
1. Irish Times Pub
The Irish Times Pub is a traditional bar downtown, bringing a bit of the Emerald Isle to Canada. It’s one of the most popular places to be in Victoria to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Just steps away on Government Street, the St. Patrick’s Day festival takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be market stalls, food fenders, family-friendly games, and live entertainment. Take advantage of it all and then head into the pub. Grab a draft beer or a whiskey and enjoy fantastic live music. Typically it’s a mix of Celtic, blues, bluegrass, folk, and country, with an emphasis on Celtic making it easy to get into the spirit of it all.
If you can’t be in Victoria on the 17th, the bar hosts the Irish Whiskey Hooley on March 10th, a whiskey-tasting event with more than a dozen different drinks served with light bites. It’s much more than a tasting, billed as a party with costumes strongly encouraged. As they say, dress up in your #LeprechaunBest!
Save 15% off one entrée per guest when you show your FRS Clipper St Patrick’s Celebration Flyer.
Applicable March 5 – 16
2. Bard and Banker
Like your pubs to have a good dose of interesting history while celebrating all things Irish? You’ll want to head to the Bard and Banker. It sits in a former bank building downtown that dates to 1885. In fact, poet Robert Service worked here during the early 1900s before moving to the Yukon where he became famous as a writer. While you won’t be withdrawing any cash here today, you will have a vast selection of brews to choose from, including 30 on tap. A third are made at breweries within just a two-mile radius.
The menu includes items like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, while local bands and musicians can be enjoyed every night, including St. Patrick’s Day, of course.
Save 15% off one entrée per guest when you show your FRS Clipper St. Patrick’s Celebration Flyer.
Applicable March 5 – 16
3. Swans Pub
A vibrant hub for community gatherings with a warm and welcoming feel, Swans is the place to go for laughter, storytelling, and to celebrate the Irish holiday. Enjoy thoughtfully crafted brews and delicious dishes with everything prepared fresh from scratch. Fresh bread is baked daily, while greens are sourced from nearby farms that the chef even picks up on his bike. You can feel better about opting for meat as only antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken and beef are served. Plus, it backs to Canada’s oldest Chinatown. Ask the bartender to fill you in on the intriguing stories of underground activity that occurred in the past while you sip a pint of green beer.
Save 15% off an entrée per guest when you show your FRS Clipper St. Patrick’s Celebration Flyer.
Applicable March 5 – 16
Traveling on a day outside of the discount window? Check out their incredible happy hour deals!
Happy Hour Info:
Lunch Happy Hour (11:30am-3pm) All Swans Beers $4.95,
3pm-6pm Happy Hour All Swans Beers $5.95 & ½ Priced Bourbons,
Late Night Happy Hour (8pm to close) All Swans Beers $5.95
4. Penny Farthing
The Penny Farthing is an old English pub located in Oak Bay Village. But come St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy a quintessential Irish bash with Irish dancers and live music from the afternoon til midnight. A great option for families, kids are welcome until 9 p.m. It offers a welcoming environment with Victorian-etched glass doors, rich dark wood, a fabulous collection of memorabilia, and four fireplaces. If the luck of the Irish is on your side and the holiday brings warmer weather, there’s a patio for soaking up the sunshine too.
5. Darcy’s Pub
Darcy’s is perfectly positioned on Wharf Street downtown to provide a picturesque view of the harbor. Gaze out at the water whether you’re inside or out, with outdoor seating and indoor seating by the window. It’s not only the perfect place to be for watching a glorious sunset but to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and a tasty meal. The focus is on seafood here with some of the favorites sockeye salmon and chips, fish tacos, and popcorn shrimp.
6. Garrick’s Head Pub
Tucked into beautiful, historic Bastion’s Square, Garrick’s Head Pub is one of the oldest English pubs in the country. A local fixture in Victoria since 1867, as one might expect, it offers a fabulous historic ambiance. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace. While Garrick’s might be an English-style bar, the green beer is always flowing for St. Paddy’s Day. If you aren’t into colored brews, no worries – it also boasts the city’s largest selection of import and craft beers on tap. Grab a pint, enjoy socializing, and if the sun is out, perhaps sit on the outdoor patio that overlooks the square, ideal for people-watching.
Seattle Bars
1. Kells
Nestled in Post Alley in a historic Seattle building, Kells is one of the most popular Irish bars in the city. If you want to enjoy the fun, you’ll need to arrive early to get a seat. It does St. Patrick’s Day up right, complete with a festival that’s hosted every year. Opening its doors at 10 a.m., live music, including traditional Irish and Celtic rock can be enjoyed every day starting a noon. The multi-day event kicks off on Friday, March 8th, and runs through St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17th. A tented area at 1st Avenue and Post Alley provides extra space for the many revelers – thousands of whom arrive from across the globe.
Whiskey enthusiasts can enjoy one of Seattle’s largest collections and beer lovers won’t be disappointed either. Choose from a vast selection of beers, including options from the pub’s own brewery like Kells Irish Stout. The menu features organic farm-to-table Irish fare, straight from the Kells’ family farm.
Save 25% off two entrées when you show your FRS Clipper St. Patrick’s Celebration Flyer.
Applicable March 5 – 14
2. Shawn O’Donnell’s
A Washington State “mini-chain,” Shawn O’Donnell’s is family-owned and operated, with two locations in Seattle. Both offer St. Patrick’s Day festivities with no cover charge, including lots of pipe-and-drum Irish music. It goes all out for the Irish holiday, complete with Guinness giveaways and 17 days of menu specials. While moose aren’t exactly roaming Ireland’s countryside, if you’ve always wanted to meet the Mariner Moose (the Seattle Mariners’ mascot), this is your chance. The moose will be enjoying the fun at the Smith Tower location from noon to 2 p.m.
Save 25% off two entrées when you show your FRS Clipper St. Patrick’s Celebration Flyer.
Applicable March 5 – 17
3. Owl ‘N Thistle
The Owl N’ Thistle is a Dublin-style pub that’s had to beat when it comes to authenticity. It also has an interesting past, housed in the historic Coleman building, with at least one friendly ghost reportedly sharing the space with staff and patrons. Occasionally it’s even said to play the piano. Perhaps on St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll be treated to an old Irish tune. But even if that doesn’t happen, you can still expect some great live music, plenty of craft beers on tap, and a menu of mouthwatering pub grub, including Guinness beef stew.
4. Blarney Stone
The Blarney Stone Pub & Restaurant is located downtown right across from Pike Place Market near the Seattle Art Museum. It’s one of the top spots for karaoke and watching sports with 14 big screens, but for the Irish holiday you can expect a whole lot more. Stick around for the night or visit as part of Seattle’s epic St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl, with a wristband allowing for cover-free entrance. But watch out, those cocktails are strong!
