St Patrick’s Day isn’t exactly a tightarse favourite. Usually the drinks are overpriced, lines to the bar and toilets are long, and rarely is there a happy hour to be found. However saying that, the day provides the perfect opportunity to binge drink on a school/work night, be completely and communally stupid and exaggerate your Irish family tree. Overall it’s a good day to be sure, to be sure. Below are some options (click the links to see their St Patties Plans).
The Dan O’Connell, 225 Canning St, Carlton.
Easily the most festive of choices where thousands come and take over the park in front of the pub. Great atmosphere with bands, boys and babes, though the drink prices are way too high, and if you line up now you might reach the bar by Easter.
The Corkman Irish Pub, 160 Leister St, Carlton.
Hidden backstreet pub, known mainly to the Melbourne Uni students that fail nearby. If you’re after a little nook that won’t be overrun by crowds, but has entertainment and prizes, then this is your best bet.
The Quiet Man Pub, 271 Racecourse Rd, Flemington.
A saviour for those that live in the West, this well managed pub certainly has a bit of craic to it. It’s guaranteed to get a crowd so get their early.
Father Flanigans, 484 Smith St, Collingwood.
Pretty much ignored all year round despite having some of the best food specials in town (how about those $5 parmas), Flanigans comes alive on St Patties day, and is worth going back to on other days as well.
The Clifton Hill Hotel, 89 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill.
Doesn’t advertise it much, but the Clifton is the home away from home to many Irish expats who love their Gaelic football. Add a good spacious interior, Irish bands and good location, you’ll find that the Clifton punches above its weight.
Limerick Hotel, 364 Clarendon St, South Melbourne.
A local favourite which hasn’t gone down the “South of the Yarra – Sydney’s newest district” just yet. Easily the best option in the area and has the runs on the board with cracking past St Patties.
Bridie O’Reillys, 62 Little Collins St, CBD.
Cosy CBD laneway pub that attracts the suits within a 200 metres radius. Will put on heaps of entertainment throughout the day.
Bridie O’Reillys, 463 Chapell St, South Yarra.
Seems kinda wrong that an Irish bar would be on Chapel St, but Bridie’s has been an unpretentious oasis for all those that can’t starch their collars enough or wear Paris Hilton sunglasses. Live music from noon.
Bridie O’Reillys, 29 Sydney Rd, Brunswick.
Arguably the best of all the Bridies, this one offers a great outdoor area and a reputation for “picking up” – whatever that means.
PJ O’Briens, Southbank.
Despite the homogenised Southbank location, this dark shopping centre type pub actually creates a great atmosphere where sobriety is frowned upon. Prizes and music.
Pugg Mahone, 106 Hardware St, CBD.
The pick of the CBD pubs. When they close down the lane, put up some marquees and let the beer flow, backpackers from all around will converge and start being festive. A good chance to meet real Irish people.
Irish Times, 427 Little Collins St, CBD.
If I did better at school and got a higher TER I might be one of those smartly dressed workers that come here and buy pints with $100 dollar notes. More of a restaurant, if they clear away some tables I’m sure this could be worth a look in.
Pugg Mahones, 175 Elgin St, Carlton.
Popular place that has a comfy booth ridden area downstairs but ample room to party upstairs. Attracts the younger student crowd that like to party and swap spit.
WRITE BELOW IF YOU FIND ANY OTHER OPTIONS