St. Patrick’s Day is truly one of the great bar holidays of the year a day where it’s okay to clink glasses with a complete stranger, join your fellow pub patrons in a singalong, and eat copious quantities of corned beef. Pretty much every bar in New Jersey, whether Irish or not, will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in some way. And since the holiday falls on a Thursday this year, some bars are celebrating throughout the weekend. For this round-up, though, we’ve decided to focus only on Irish pubs and the parties they’ll be throwing.
(Of course, New Jersey has a lot of Irish pubs so if we’ve missed your favorite, let us know in the comments below. And remember, if you are planning on going out this Saint Patrick’s Day please make sure you’ve arranged for a taxi or Uber or a designated driver to get yourself home safely and soundly.
NORTH JERSEY
WILLIE MCBRIDE’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT[1]
The bar will be open early at 11 a.m. There are Irish food specials already on McBride’s “pub special” section of their menu, and there’s plenty of cold Irish beer and whiskey behind the bar. At 5 p.m. there will be Irish music provided by the band Agus. 616 Grand Street, Hoboken, 201-610-1522.[2]
At their Branchburg location, there will be Irish food and drink all day. Musically there’ll be bagpipers all day, live music by The Celtic Rebels from 5 – 8 p.m., and DJ spinning at night. 1170 Route 28, Branchburg, 908-722-1113.[3][4]
TOMMY FOX’S PUBLIC HOUSE[5]
The famed Bergen County public house will celebrate with DJs spinning all the hits starting at 9 p.m. If you’re hungry before the dance party you can always try their “pub fare” like the all-day Irish breakfast ($14.95), Dublin style fish and chips ($14.95) or the bangers and mash ($10.95). 32 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, 201-384-0900.
THE SHANNON ROSE[6]
The Shannon Rose of Clifton and Ramsey have been celebrating all week long with special menus, drink specials, events, and music. On the day o’ days, they turn their party up to 11. They will have 19 beers on tap including Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s and a wide selection of premium scotch malts and Irish whiskeys, as well as Irish specialties on the menu. In Clifton it’s non-stop music. From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. it’s music from Johnny Cuomo, followed by Irish music from The Blarney Session from 4 – 9 p.m., and the night ends with DJ Mark N spinning till close. 1200 Route 17, Ramsey, 201-962-7602.[7]
In Ramsey, the day kicks off with Grafton Street performing from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. SR favorite Dan O’Dea blarneys it up starting at 4 p.m. Then things get broken up a bit as the bar will host trivia from 7 – 9 p.m. Starting at 9 p.m. cover band royalty, Big Bang Baby (in trio form) closes out the night. 98 Kingsland Road, Clifton, 973-284-0200.[8][9][10]
The Shannon Rose in Clifton (pictured) and Ramsey will be throwing epic St. Pat’s parties featuring live music from open till close.Photo Courtesy of The Shannon Rose
TIERNEY’S TAVERN[11]
There will be no bands at Tierney’s on 3/17, but they do promise that over 350 pounds of corned beef will be served on this day. 136-138 Valley Road, Montclair, (973) 744-9785.
THE DUBLINER [12]
Hoboken’s multi-level Irish pub features an awesome rooftop bar perfect to sip a pint on, and soak in the glory of St. (The bar will not only be celebrating St. Pat’s but the kick-off to March Madness as well.) On the second floor there will be a “Kick the Keg” party $10 gets a you wristband for this beer bash. The bar will also be serving up $1 Miller Lite pints and $2.50 Heineken Bottles. There will be promo girls giving out swag all day, and DJ Barry will be spinning round the clock. 96 River Street, Hoboken, 201-656-7731.
HARP N BARD[13]
Clifton’s Irish pub has been hyped on St. Pat’s all week. On the 17th they open at 7 a.m. and will be serving all your Irish favorites all day and night. Live music starts at 2 p.m. with Mike Daly singing traditional Irish favorites. At 8 p.m. The Skels bring raucous pub rock to the Harp. The bar will continue celebrating with a special Guinness glass etching on Saturday night, and bagpipe-fueled rock from Alternative Ulster on Sunday. 363 Lakeview Avenue, Clifton, 973-772-7282.[14][15]
THE PORTER HOUSE[16]
This pub will be serving up a full Irish menu throughout the day. Your meals will be entertained by roving bagpipers, Irish step dancers, and Irish musicians. If you’re into whiskeys, they’ve got a deep selection of brands from the Emerald Isle including an 18 year old Jameson. The night will conclude with Irish music from Tom Cullen and The Raves. 125 North Kinderkamack Road, Montvale, 201-307-6300.
BLACKJACK MULLIGAN’S PUBLIC HOUSE[17]
How can you not want to drink at a pub named after a famous professional wrestler? Okay, the name probably didn’t come from there, but the name of the bar is still super cool. At their Secaucus location, the party begins at 6 p.m. with no cover, corned beef specials, and giveaways. They keep the party going on the weekend with music from Faculty Meeting on Friday, and Finish This on Saturday. 146 Front St, Secaucus, 201-864-5544[18][19][20]
At their Garfield location, the party begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday and runs till Saturday night. There’s corned beef and cabbage specials, a special Irish menu, bag pipers each day, and music each night like DJ Big Country on Friday, and Dan Lopez on Saturday. 279 Passaic Street, Garfield. 862-238-7578.[21]
Saint James’s Gate in Maplewood will serving a special once a year menu on March 17.Saed Hindash I The Star-Ledger
SAINT JAMES’S GATE PUBLICK HOUSE[22]
The pub will be serving its limited “once a year” menu. From noon to 2 p.m. there will be the Irish Session, featuring all the classic Celtic tunes. There will be giveaways throughout the day as well. 167 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood, 973-378-2222.
GRASSHOPPER OFF THE GREEN[23]
The three-level Irish pub will celebrate this day o’ blarney with an all Irish themed menu. There will Irish step dancers dazzling you with their flurry of moves throughout the day. At noon there’s Irish music from Paddy and the Pale Boys All Irish themed menu, Irish music by Paddy and Pale and the Boys will begin at noon and go till 10 p.m. when resident Video DJ Jess spins the latest hits. On Friday, there will be another Video DJ dance party, and brunch will be served on Saturday and Sunday morning. They also have a sister pub Grasshopper Too in Wayne. 41-43 Morris Street, Morristown, 973-285-5150.[24][25]
CRYAN’S PUB[26]
Cryan’s will be celebrating with an Irish themed menu (they recommend their corned beef), $5 Guinness Blonde pints, bagpipers dropping in during lunch, happy hour, and dinner time, and music from Clan Suibhne. 2 Beaver Ave, Annandale, 908-735-9915.[27]
THATCHER MCGHEE’S IRISH PUB & EATERY[28]
We included Thatcher’s on here because they have three prime locations throughout the Northern part of the state — Denville, Pompton Lakes, and Fairfield. All three will be serving up Irish beers, whiskeys, and food all day long. However, it’s Fairfield who will be providing the music as Danny and the Boys performing a rollicking set of pub favorites. 53 Broadway, Denville, 973-586-3377 | 6 Wanaque Avenue, Pompton Lakes, 973-839-3377 | 31 Passaic Avenue, Fairfield, 973-227-4938.[29][30][31]
A flight of liquid gold served up at Hailey’s Harp in Metuchen – one of Central Jersey’s most popular pubs.Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
CENTRAL (ISH) & WESTERN JERSEY
HAILEY’S HARP & PUB[32]
There will be pipes and drums playing throughout the day and a special Irish menu will be served up. If you want to commemorate the day check out Hailey’s special Photo Booth. Matthew Gibbons starts the day off musically from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. then rock cover band The Neighbors take over form 6 – 9 p.m. The night concludes with Irish music from Chris Finnegan from 9 p.m. – close. 400 Main Street, Metuchen, 732-321-0777.[33]
MANNION’S PUB & RESTAURANT[34]
Mannion’s is located in the heart of downtown Somerville’s thriving culinary scene. They brought in a band, The Irish Rakes, just to play their week-long Irish celebration (which began last weekend because of Somerville’s parade). On the 17th the band will perform sets from noon – midnight. Breaking up their sets will be bagpipes at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Irish step dancers at 6:30 p.m. If you can’t make it out to see The Irish Rakes on Thursday, they will be playing sets from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. 150 West Main Street, Somerville, 908-203-0700.
BLACKTHORN RESTAURANT & IRISH PUB[35]
The popular Kenilworth pub will be opening up their famed outdoor patio for the day. They’re also bringing in one of Jersey’s finest Irish acts The Willie Lynch Band to open the festivities up at noon. At 10 p.m. 92.3 Amp Radio’s DJ Toro will be in the house spinning the hottest in EDM alongside resident DJ Jay Canosa. Things get even bigger the following day as Blackthorn will be hosting the official House of Pain afterparty, where HOP’s DJ Lethal will be spinning right after his performance at The Wellmont in Montclair earlier in the evening. 651 N Michigan Ave, Kenilworth, 908-687-3311.[36][37]
KILKENNY HOUSE[38]
One of Union County’s most beloved pubs claims they will be serving over 2,000 pounds of corned beef this week. On Thursday, the bar will open at 10 a.m. serving up Irish spirits, and the kitchen opens up an hour later serving a limited menu[39]. Irish music from David McBride will start at 2 p.m., and bagpipers will be making appearances throughout the day. 112 South Ave E, Cranford, 908-276-3414.
PJ Cavanaugh’s in Somerset will be having its grand opening on March 17. Pictured here is one of their sister locales in Philadelphia.Photo Courtesy of PJ Cavanaugh’s
KILARNEY’S PUBLICK HOUSE[40]
The party will take place both indoors and outdoors with the kitchen serving Irish fare and the bar pouring $3 Bud Light Shamrock Aluminum Bottles, $5 Jamesons and “the best Guinness pour in NJ.” Live Irish music from the Donegal Scholars starts at 11 a.m. and runs till 3 p.m. when Some Assembly Required take over from 3 -7 p.m. DJ Jimmy G will close the night out with eclectic mix of music. 1644 Whitehorse Mercerville Rd, Hamilton, 609-586-1166.[41][42]
PJ CAVANAUGH’S[43]
PJ Cavanaugh’s official grand opening party will be on Saint Patrick’s Day. However, we’re pretty confident that the bar, located in the Holiday Inn Express, will do just fine. See, the Cavanaugh brand of pub has been around since 1933, and currently has six locations in Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE. Things kick off around 11:30 a.m. for lunch, and they will be serving up Irish specialities and a buffet. NCAA basketball will play on the bar’s TVs you can take part in their March Madness challenge which could score you free dinner for a year at Cavanaugh’s. There will be drink specials, Irish step dancers, and a dance party from DJ Leprechaun happening around 7 p.m. 195 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, 732-356-1700
THE TILTED KILT[44]
The Irish pub franchise known for their “Kilt Girls” have locations all over New Jersey (Hoboken, Bloomfield, South Brunswick, Sicklerville, and Wayne to be precise), but it’s their East Brunswick location that is doing St. Pat’s up big time. There will be live bands performing throughout the day, a DJ spinning at night, bagpipe players popping in at random, plus drink specials being served behind the bar. 755 State Route 18, East Brunswick, 732-257- KILT (5458).
TIR NA NOG TRENTON[45]
This unassuming pub really seems to capture the true Irish spirit no manufactured Irish spirit here. It’s also a haven for Irish music of all kinds, and their dart league is no joke. There will be music from Successful Failures from 2 – 6 p.m., and then Some Assembly Required around 8 p.m. 1324 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, 609-392-2554.
The Tir na nOg in Trenton is one of New Jersey’s most celebrated Irish pubs.Peter Genovese I NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
THE JERSEY SHORE AND SOUTH JERSEY
MCDONAGH’S PUB[46]
For the past decade McDonagh’s Pub has been the backbone of the revitalization of downtown Keyport. It’s friendly staff, delicious food, and love for all things Irish make it a must-go spot on the 17th. There will be Irish music performed all day long by various performers, plus a limited menu teeming with Celtic-American staples. There will be a tent outside with a beer truck parked underneath making sure the Guinness, Smithwicks, and Harp are in abundant supply. 2 West Front Street, Keyport, 732-264-0999.
KELLY’S TAVERN[47]
The famed Jersey Shore pub is going to mobbed, and for good reason they’ve got some of the best corned beef in the area. There will be an all-day corned beef hash breakfast special to go with the bar’s limited menu (which of course will featured their famed reubens, and corned beef sandwiches). Kelly’s spacious outdoor patio will be open, and serving food and drinks. DJ Mike Nice will be spinning starting at around 5 p.m. Corner of W Sylvania Ave & Oak Terrace (Rt 35 South), Neptune City, 732-775-9517.
FARRELL’S STOUT & STEAK[48]
Farrell’s has 1,000 pounds of corned beef, and truckloads of Guinness, Smithwicks, Harp, Guinness Blonde, and Guinness Nitro IPA on hand ready to serve. Famed Jersey Celtic musicians The Bantry Boys will perform from 4 – 8 p.m., but their set will be interrupted from 5 – 6 p.m. as bagpipers from the Pipes and Drums of the Jersey stop by. The night will close out with bar favorites Guys with Beards. 401 Broadway, Point Pleasant Beach, 732-892-2090.[49][50]
KLEE’S BAR AND GRILL[51]
The vibe here is warm, inviting and wonderful, and the food is delicious. On Thursday Klee’s will serve up all types of delicious Irish whiskeys. Mike King will drop in at 5 p.m. to play the Celtic classics. Irish food specials are given of course. 101 Boulevard, Seaside Heights, 732-830-1996.
McDonagh’s Pub in downtown Keyport is a prime spot to get your Irish up at the Jersey Shore.Bill Bodkin
ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN PUBLICK HOUSE[52]
Located in the heart of the Irish Riveria, St. Stephen’s has been killing it in Spring Lake for years. They’ll get the blarney up with a special Irish menu served all day long (if you’ve never tried their Irish breakfast, you’re robbing yourself of a great experience). The infectiously fun Jersey Shore Irish band, The Snakes will perform two sets: 1 – 4 p.m., and 7 – 11 p.m. 2031 State Route 71, Spring Lake, 732-449-2626.[53]
PJ WHELIHAN’S PUB [54]
There are number of PJ Whelihan’s pouring pints, and slinging corned beef on St. Pat’s, but we’re going to focus on their Cherry Hill location. (Other locations include: Medford Lakes, Haddon Township, Maple Shade, and Washington Township). The bar will be serving up $4 Guinness draughts, and $5 speciality drinks like; Shamrock Juice (an Irish take on an LIT), the Irish Mojito, and the classic Nutty Irishman. Popular cover band Split Decision will rock PJ’s (a bar known for its cover bands) from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. The following day they’ll have a dueling pianos jam, which always highly interactive and crazy fun. 1854 Marlton Pike E, Cherry Hill, 856-424-8844.[55]
MCINTYRE’S PUB[56]
McIntyre’s Pub will celebrate in its new location on Hooper Avenue in Toms River (they were formerly located at the K-Mart Plaza on Route 37). They will serve a special “pub grub menu” featuring corned beef platters ($12), Irish Nachos ($9), Irish egg rolls ($8), soft pretzels ($5), a pub burger ($7), a Guinness beef sandwich ($9), and tons more. There will be music from the acoustic duo Queens Blvd. from 3 – 8 p.m. The bar will be pouring $5 Guinness and Smithwicks, and over 20 different Irish whiskeys (prices vary). There will be a sidewalk beer garden as well. 1747 Hooper Ave, Toms River, 732-349-0420.[57]
THE IRISH PUB[58]
Located right off the boardwalk in Atlantic, this 24 hour pub knows how to serve things proper. Pints of Guinness, corned beef, and an infectious Irish spirit that will have you singing “The Irish Rover” till your throat goes hoarse. 164 St James Pl, Atlantic City, 609-344-9063.
The famed Irish Pub in Atlantic City is one of the emerald jewels in the pub culture of New Jersey.Andrew Mills I The Star-Ledger
THE IRISH MILE[59]
The Irish Mile, a beer garden and Irish pub, will be taking part in the Haddon Township St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, which will also include Keg & Kitchen, Pour House, Tom Fischer’s Tap Room, Treno, and Brewer’s. There is free shuttle service from 2 – 10 p.m. At The Irish Mile, however, there will be a tent for outdoor partying with live music and food specials. 350 Haddon Avenue, Westmont, 856-858-8500.
THE DUBLIN HOUSE[60]
Red Bank’s historic Irish pub will offer a special menu featuring eclectic items like imported Irish whiskey oak smoked salmon ($18) and Irishman’s surf and turf ($20). The Dublin House does have an ample front patio, and back bar that, weather permitting, should also be open. 30 Monmouth St, Red Bank, 732-747-6699.[61]
JOHNNY MAC HOUSE OF SPIRITIS[62]
One of the most interesting and eclectic pubs you’ll ever experience.The amazing outdoors of JMac’s will open up in the evening for late night revelers who want some fresh air in their lungs. Resident DJ Rob Busch will spin from 10 p.m. – close. 208 Main Street, Asbury Park, 732-776-6666.
CATTLE ‘N CLOVER[63]
Located a few blocks from the beach, The Cattle ‘N Clover will have live music Thursday-Saturday from The Flip ‘N Mickeys. They will also be doing some huge giveaways, including a vacation to Ireland for two. They will also be giving away an autographed guitar, as well as two of six pairs of tickets to the Firefly Music Festival in Delaware this summer. 3817 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, 609-522-3800.[64]
CAFFREY’S TAVERN[65]
On St. Patrick’s Day expect the place to be even livelier than usual. They will be serving a corned beef and cabbage dinner for $14.95 and there will be music from the modern and classic rock cover band, Temporary Grace. 440 Route 9 South, Forked River, 609-693-6613.[66]
CONNIE MAC’S IRISH PUB[67]
Connie Mac’s is hosting both a kick-off to March Madness so they’ll have games on all their TVs and a St. Paddy’s Day celebration. There are $5 Irish beers including the classics (Guinness, Harp, Smithwicks), and the craft (Cape May Cornelius Mey, Victory Donney Brook, and Harpoon Celtic Red). There’s $5 specials on Irish whiskeys like Jameson, Tullamore Dew, Knot, Bushmills, Paddy’s, and John Powers. On the food side there’s a $2.95 corned beef (or ham) with cabbage and potatoes special. DJ Shamrock will spin from 6 – 11 p.m. and WOGL’s will also be on hand. 8000 South Crescent Boulevard, Pennsauken, 856-910-1255.
Bill Bodkin can be reached at .[68][69]
References
^ WILLIE MCBRIDE’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT (www.williemcbrides.com)
^ Agus (www.facebook.com)
^ Branchburg (www.williemcbrides.com)
^ The Celtic Rebels (www.facebook.com)
^ TOMMY FOX’S PUBLIC HOUSE (www.tommyfoxs.com)
^ THE SHANNON ROSE (www.theshannonrose.com)
^ Clifton (www.theshannonrose.com)
^ Ramsey (www.theshannonrose.com)
^ Grafton Street (www.facebook.com)
^ Big Bang Baby (www.bigbangbaby.com)
^ TIERNEY’S TAVERN (www.tierneystavern.com)
^ THE DUBLINER (www.thedublinerhoboken.com)
^ HARP N BARD (www.facebook.com)
^ The Skels (www.facebook.com)
^ Alternative Ulster (www.facebook.com)
^ THE PORTER HOUSE (porterhouseusa.com)
^ BLACKJACK MULLIGAN’S PUBLIC HOUSE (www.blackjackmulligans.com)
^ Secaucus (www.facebook.com)
^ Faculty Meeting (www.facebook.com)
^ Finish This (www.facebook.com)
^ Garfield (www.facebook.com)
^ SAINT JAMES’S GATE PUBLICK HOUSE (stjamesgatepublickhouse.com)
^ GRASSHOPPER OFF THE GREEN (grasshoppermorristown.com)
^ Paddy and Pale and the Boys (www.facebook.com)
^ Grasshopper Too (www.grasshoppertoo.com)
^ CRYAN’S PUB (www.cryans.com)
^ Clan Suibhne (www.facebook.com)
^ THATCHER MCGHEE’S IRISH PUB & EATERY (www.thatchermcghees.com)
^ Denville (www.thatchermcghees.com)
^ Pompton Lakes (www.thatchermcghees.com)
^ Fairfield (www.thatchermcghees.com)
^ HAILEY’S HARP & PUB (www.haileysharpandpub.com)
^ The Neighbors (www.facebook.com)
^ MANNION’S PUB & RESTAURANT (www.mannionsirishpub.com)
^ BLACKTHORN RESTAURANT & IRISH PUB (www.blackthornpub.com)
^ The Willie Lynch Band (www.willielynchband.com)
^ DJ Toro (www.facebook.com)
^ KILKENNY HOUSE (thekilkennyhouse.com)
^ a limited menu (www.kilkennyhouse.com)
^ KILARNEY’S PUBLICK HOUSE (www.killarneyspublickhouse.com)
^ Donegal Scholars (www.facebook.com)
^ Some Assembly Required (www.facebook.com)
^ PJ CAVANAUGH’S (pjcavs.com)
^ THE TILTED KILT (www.facebook.com)
^ TIR NA NOG TRENTON (www.trentontirnanog.com)
^ MCDONAGH’S PUB (www.mcdonaghs.com)
^ KELLY’S TAVERN (kellystavernjerseyshore.com)
^ FARRELL’S STOUT & STEAK (www.farrellsstoutandsteak.com)
^ The Bantry Boys (www.thebantryboys.com)
^ Guys with Beards (www.facebook.com)
^ KLEE’S BAR AND GRILL (kleesbarandgrill.com)
^ ST. STEPHEN’S GREEN PUBLICK HOUSE (www.ssgpub.com)
^ The Snakes (www.facebook.com)
^ PJ WHELIHAN’S PUB (www.pjspub.com)
^ Split Decision (www.facebook.com)
^ MCINTYRE’S PUB (mcintyrespub.com)
^ Queens Blvd. (www.facebook.com)
^ THE IRISH PUB (www.theirishpub.com)
^ THE IRISH MILE (Www.theirishmile.com)
^ THE DUBLIN HOUSE (www.thedublinhouse.co)
^ special menu (www.thedublinhouse.co)
^ JOHNNY MAC HOUSE OF SPIRITIS (www.johnnymacbar.com)
^ CATTLE ‘N CLOVER (www.cattlenclover.com)
^ The Flip ‘N Mickeys (www.facebook.com)
^ CAFFREY’S TAVERN (caffreystavern.com)
^ Temporary Grace (www.facebook.com)
^ CONNIE MAC’S IRISH PUB (www.conniemacs.com)
^