St. Patrick’s Day in Philadelphia – Guide to Irish Bars, Irish Food and Irish Events!

St. Patrick's in Philadelphia

‘Erin Go Bragh – Ireland Forever’

St. Patrick’s Day in Philadelphia has many established bars and restaurants to where you can enjoy Irish food, music, beers and much more!! Do you have your green on and your pint glass in full tilt for that Irish toast!

Below is a list of Irish breakfasts and events on St. Patrick’s Day, which is a Thursday this year! There are some events and activities leading up to St. Patrick’s Day which we have listed below.

If you plan on starting St. Patrick’s Day in Philadelphia early, you should check out a few of the Irish bars in Philadelphia that serve Irish breakfast or brunch. Here is our list and you’ll find more activities and specials at the bottom.

St. Patrick’s Day ~ Wednesday, March 17 (all open times are current unless noted)

.

  • Plough & the Stars March 17 ~ Open 7:30 am – 2 am ~ * Breakfast buffet $25 until 11 am. ~ St. Patrick’s Day at the Plough and the Stars ~
  • Fergie’s Pub ~ March 17Opens noon. Irish breakfast is served every day! Serving entrees such as Corned Beef Hash, Fish & Chips and Shepherd’s Pie! Lot’s of Irish coffee and Guinness! 
  • Con Murphy’s ~ March 17 ~ Opens at 8 am for Irish Breakfast of two eggs any style, rashers (Irish bacon),
    bangers (Irish sausage), black & white pudding, breakfast potatoes, grilled tomato & Irish baked beans.  Festivities will include Irish Dancers, promotions, and giveaways all day and night! Live music at 3 pm to 10 pm by Clancy’s Pistol, a four piece band, playing Irish Folk and Rock. For details, click here.
  • Fadó Irish Pub ~ March 17 ~ 7:30 am – 10:30 am (serving breakfast) ~ Fadó is known for their sports breakfasts, and St. Patrick’s Day is a special day to add to a great breakfast. Live Music – Bogside Rogues at 3 pm & 52 Pick Up at 7 pm. DJs from 10 pm to 2 am. $10 cover after 2 pm. ~ Event Details ~
  • O’Neals Pub ~ March 17 ~ Opening at 9 am to 2 am. ~ Happy Hour 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm downstairs & 6:30 pm – 8:30 on upstairs. Serving Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Stew, Fish and Chips and Shepherd’s Pie. Serving Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s draft. Irish whiskeys. Possible Bagpipes.
  • Tir Na Nog ~ March 17 ~ Opening at 8 am to 11 pm. Regular menu. Enjoy Irish dancers! Live music with Jimi Milligan Duo 3 pm – 6 pm & DJ Press Play 6 pm – 9 pm. They will have their typical Irish menu. For more info, click here.
  • McGillin’s Olde Ale House ~ March 17 ~ Opening at 10 am. First come/first served. No reservations. $5 Cover with in/out privileges. Green beer & green cheer! ~ St. Patrick’s Day Details ~
  • Paddy Whacks Irish Pub ~ March 17 ~ Opens 11 am. Enjoy food & drink specials such as $7 ham & cabbage platters and $5 Lite Aluminums. Live music from 12 pm – 4 pm by the John Bryne Band and Jamison Celtic Band 6 pm – 10 pm. 
  • Irish Pub ~ March 17 ~ Opens at 11 am. Enjoy Irish Specialties such as; Shepherds Pie, Bangers & Mash, Ham & Cabbage and fish & chips! * Playing Irish music all day * Bagpipers will appear *
  • For Pete’s Sake ~ March 17 ~ Opening at 12 pm – Serving their Irish breakfast, ham n cabbage, Shepard’s Pie, Bangers n Mash & fish n chips. * Irish music playing on the system all day and night!  Enjoy their special “Irish potato martini”.
  • Bridget Foy’s ~ March 17 ~ Doors open at 4 pm. Enjoy Guinness Beef Stew, Corned beef & cabbage and Irish whiskey flights. Also check out their newly rebuilt restaurant and bar after a fire from several years ago. 
  • Moriarty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant ~ March 17 ~ Opening at 11 am. Live music by Lima Bean Riot Duo from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, DJ’s Playing all your favorite Irish songs to keep the party going. Including drink and food specials, giveaways and more. ~ 1116 Walnut Street ~
  • The Fairview ~ March 17 ~ Opening 4 pm to 2 am. Enjoy Shephard’s Pie, Bangers and Mash and Fish and Chips for $10. Also get the Fairview Irish Wide for $10! It includes a pint of Guinness and a shot of Jameson. 
  • Irish Memorial Celebration ~ March 17 ~ Canceled ~ The Irish Memorial, located at Penn’s Landing, will start their annual commemoration at 11 am with the laying of the wreath, mass, dancing and Irish music. Mayor Kenney will be in attendance. For more info: Irish Memorial at Penn’s Landing (the link is for 2019, but 2020 is still on)
McGillins Olde Ale House

Courtesy of McGillins Olde Ale House

Here is our list of Irish Bars in Philadelphia :

(Listing them in alphabetical order with no preference over one or the other)

Black Sheep ~ located in Rittenhouse Square ~ An Irish pub that is nestled in the corner of Historic Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. It has all the comforts of home; to include a fireplace, 6 televisions, darts, comfortable sitting areas, and much more.

Bridget Foy’s – located  in the South Street Headhouse District ~ Pleasant downstairs & upstairs bar and seating with a home feeling to it.

Brownies Pub ~ located in Old City ~ A small 2 story Irish pub with a pool table, darts, and singing bartenders. A good hang out for that shot and beer, with a friendly owner and bar staff.

Cavanuagh’s Headhouse ~ located in South Street Headhouse District ~ Once known as the Dark Horse, is a great place for a round of darts with a glass of beer. Known for their large selection of beers, having 44 taps, this particular bar has a lot of character because of it’s 5 different bar rooms.

Cavanaugh’s Restaurant & Pub ~ located in University City ~ An Irish bar and sports bar where local patrons and students from Penn and Drexel hang out together, giving it a diverse crowd. Good food and drink specials with plenty of tv’s.

Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse  ~ located in Rittenhouse Square ~ Opens 11:30 am – A two story bar more known as a sports bar, but still knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. March 17 2021 – 11:30 am to 11 pm. Discounted Guinness and Irish food specials! The Erin’s Express makes a stop here also (cancelled 2021).

Con Murphy’s ~ located in the Art Museum District/Logan Square ~ Irish owned and operated, Con Murphy’s is a 2-story Irish pub that gives you that warm/cozy Ireland feeling when inside. Having a good selection of 9 drafts, Con Murphy’s has been known to pour one of the best pints of Guinness’s in Philadelphia.

Fadó Irish Pub ~ located in Center City ~ Always fun, with crazy things going on at Fadó. A bar with many nooks and crannies, good food, drinks, people, and good atmosphere. Please see below for St. Patrick’s Day events at Fadó.

Fergie’s Pub ~ located in Center City/Market East ~ Fergus Carey has created a laid back atmosphere and decent food at Fergie’s to go along with their 11 beers on tap and selection of 38 bottled beers. Please see below for more details for St. Patrick’s Day events at Fergie’s.

For Pete’s Sake ~ located in Queen Village ~ Many say, after visiting this Irish Pub, “For Pete’s Sake, why didn’t I find this place sooner?” A good corner bar in the Queen Village section of Philadelphia, with good food and drink specials.

Irish Pub ~ located in Rittenhouse Square ~ This pub opened in 1983 and it’s sister bar, 9 blocks down the street, opened in 1980. Both of these spots are popular to both Philadelphians and out-of-towners. You can always find a green beer on St. Patrick’s Day at this establishment.

Kelliann’s Bar & Grill ~ located in Spring Garden/Fairmount Area ~ A fire in 2010, Kelliann’s has rebuilt and are still a neighborhood favorite with good beers.

McCrossen’s Tavern ~ located in Art Museum District/Fairmount ~ offers a great selection of beers on draft and upscale pub fare like braised pork belly and roasted bone marrow.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House ~ located in Market East ~ The oldest continuously operating bar in Philadelphia, who knows how to party on St. Patrick’s day in Philly. Green beer will be flowing and they will open an hour earlier at 10:00 am.

McGlinchey’s Bar & Grill ~ located in Rittenhouse Square/Avenue of the Arts ~ This bar is one of the best dive bars in Philadelphia, and is always crowded with cheap beers. People keep coming back, even after they recover from the night before.

Moriarty’s Restaurant & Irish Pub ~ located in Center City East ~ This Irish pub is known far and wide for their delicious wings and good selection of draft beers. Having character, the timber bar was handmade by the owner and hanging on the walls are vintage photos and prints from the many shows that have played at the Forrest Theatre next door.

Murph’s Bar ~ located in Fishtown ~ This no frills Irish bar in Fistown can be easily missed, blending into the urban landscape along Girard Avenue. It’s just a cozy pub with cheap beer and friendly people.

New Deck Tavern ~ located in University City ~ The New Deck Tavern opens at 9am on St. Patrick’s Day and is part of the Erin Express. Good pub food with good beer, especially Guinness.

O’Neals Irish Pub & Restaurant ~ located in Queen Village ~ A sports bar & Irish bar, Spoonie and his crew certainly make you feel like one of the regulars. Basically good food, with 19 + beers on draught, including the area’s only “Real Ale” beer engine and over 100 bottles available for six-pack takeout. Their back patio will also be opened for St. Patrick’s Day.

Paddy Whacks Irish Pub ~ located in Head House Square/South Street District ~  This clean Irish pub has two bars with a pleasant selection of 15 appetizers, 15 draught beers on tap, and 19 bottled beers.

Plough & the Stars ~ located in Old City ~ Plough & the Stars features live music while serving traditional Irish pub fare to include fish and chips, Guinness cassarole and Shepherd’s Pie. They rotate eleven different types of draft beers from countries such as Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States while having a selection of 30 bottled beers.

St. Stephen’s Green ~ TEMPORARILY CLOSED ~ located in Fairmount ~  This bar has a partnership between the owners of Bishop’s Collar and Black Sheep Pub; all good Irish bars in Philadelphia. What you get at this bar is that they place the beer menu front-and-center, making sure you know your selections of beers. (web site is under construction)

Tir Na Nog ~ located in Art Museum District Area/Logan Square ~ Tír na nÓg is an Irish bar that has several rooms so you can eat and drink either with the crowd or away from the crowd. Their draft beers consist of 11 domestic beers and 12 import beers, while serving 30 different kinds of bottled beers. Always a polite crowd at this bar/restaurant, with a friendly bar and wait staff.

The Fairview ~ located in Fairmount ~ Enjoy Guinness, Harp and whiskeys! They do have other drafts, bottles and cans with a good wine selection. They’ll be serving special Irish dishes as well. 

Plough & the Stars

Irish music – Courtesy of Plough & the Stars

St. Patrick’s Day events in Philadelphia from March 12 – 21, 2022 (all below not updated for 2022)

  • FADO ~ March 14 ~ St. Practice Day at FADO – Doors open at 7:30 am for 6 Nations Rugby Live Music – Bogside Rogues at 3 pm & 52 Pick Up at 7 pm. $10 cover 2 pm. ~ St. Patrick’s events & activities at FADO ~
  • Erin’s Express ~ March (canceled 2021) ~ 9 am to 6 pm ~ FREE – Green buses taking you to various locations which are marked with an asterick above for those participating. ~ Erin’s Express in Philadelphia  ~ 
  • The Leprechaun Run ~ March 14 ~ (postponed) Registration up to 7:20 am! Starting at 7:30 am, the 5 run/2 mile walk starts at the bottom of the Art Museum steps and all proceeds benefits the Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes in Philadelphia. Walk-up registration is available on the day of the event as well. ~ The Leprechaun Run ~
  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade Philadelphia ~ March 15 ~ (canceled – New date March 14, 2021) 11 am to 3 pm ~ Join in on the fun, the 2nd oldest Irish Parade in the country starting at noon. Map of the Parade ~ ~ St. Patrick’s Day Parade ~
  • FADO ~ March 15 ~ Doors open at 7:30 am. No cover! Live music by Keltic Rock Warrior Duo at 2:30 pm. 21+ only. March 17 ~ 7 am – 10:30 am (serving breakfast) $10 all-you-can-eat pancakes.  ~ Fadó is known for their sports breakfasts, and St. Patrick’s Day is a special day to add to a great breakfast. Doors open at 7 am for EPL, with brunch being served until noon and Six Nations Rugby & Live Music – Bogside Rogues at 3 pm & 52 Pick Up at 7 pm. DJs from 10 pm to 2 am. $10 cover after 2 pm. ~ Event Details ~ ~ Facebook Details ~ DetailsMarch 22 ~ St Baldrick’s Foundation2 pm – 6 pm – Silent Auction and Head Shaving. Click HERE to sign up to shave your head or donate cash to help fight childhood cancer!  ~ St. Patrick’s events & activities at FADO ~
  • McGillin’s Olde Ale House ~ March 12 – 14 & 17 ~ Opens noon on March 12 – 14 and opens at 10 am on March 17.  Irish Potato Martini and other special cocktails, Irish food specials including Shepherd’s Pie and some of the city’s best corned beef, and authentic Irish Stout. Tables are available only for 90 minutes.
  • Plough & the StarsMarch 13 – 14 17 & 21! March 15 – Opening at 8 am. Serving Irish breakfast and the Celtic FB match on at 8 am. 1 pm – 5 pm Live music by King Brothers. ~ Details ~ March 17 Starting at 8 am – Entrance for all activities is FREE. Irish Dancers, bagpipes, live music by King Brothers 1 pm – 5 pm & DJ at 9 pm! ~ DetailsMarch 18Get a FREE glass that is different every week with the purchase of a Guinness! Considering that the Plough and the Stars pours one of the best Guinness in Philadelphia! *1 per guest per Wednesday’s while supplies last! 6 pm to the end of day. This takes place every Wednesday until March 25th! Slainte! ~ Free Guinness Collectors Glasses ~  March 22 ~ FREE – 6 pm – 10 pm. – Live music with Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones ~ Details of Derek Warfield at the Plough March 22 March 25 ~ Get a FREE glass that is different every week with the purchase of a Guinness! Considering that the Plough and the Stars pours one of the best Guinness in Philadelphia! *1 per guest per Wednesday’s while supplies last! 6 pm to the end of day.  Slainte! ~ Free Guinness Collectors Glasses
  • Fergie’s Pub ~ March 14 – 17  Serving Corned Beef & Cabbage, Guinness Beef Stew, Lamb Chops, and more! March 14 ~ Traditional Irish Session at 4 pm. – March 15 ~ 4:30 pm Live music by John Bryne’s Irish Ballard Session. – March 17 ~ 10 pm Live music by Morgan Pinkstone. ~ Fergie’s Pub event details ~
  • St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Conshohocken ~ March 14 ~ (cancelledStarting at 2 pm, enjoy the parade in beautiful streets of Conshohocken. Parade starts at 11th Avenue and Fayette Street in Conshohocken. Details ~ St Patrick’s Day Parade in Conshy ~ ~ St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Conshohocken ~ 
  • O’Neals Pub ~ March 17 ~ Opening at 9 am ~ Breakfast sandwiches – Irish dancers (whenever they show) and Pipes and drums brigade (2nd Street Irish Society whenever they show) – Limited Food menu (wings – pierogies – chingers – tender w/fries – house salad – Burger – Cheesesteak – Fish & Chips – Corned Beef & Cabbage w/soda bread – Shepherds Pie – Soups are Potato w/bacon and White Bean and Ham) – Miller Lite draft specials all day. Also will have Harp and Smithwick’s on tap.
  • Bridget Foy’s ~ Opens at 4 pm! Enjoy a special Irish dinner of Guinness Beef Stew, Corned Beef & Cabbage, and Irish Whiskey Flights.  
  • Irish Memorial Celebration March 17 ~ Canceled ~ The Irish Memorial, located at Penn’s Landing, will start their annual commemoration at 11 am with the laying of the wreath, speeches, dancing and Irish music. Mayor Kenney will be in attendance. For more info: Irish Memorial at Penn’s Landing (the link is for 2019, but 2020 is still on)
  • Cavanuagh’s Headhouse ~ March 17 ~ 11:30 am to 11 pm. Discounted Guinness and Irish food specials! ~ 
  • Tir Na Nog ~ Events March 14, 15 & 17. For details, click here. March 17 – Opening at 8 am. $10 cover starts at 3 pm. Regular menu. Enjoy Irish dancers! Live music with Jimi Milligan Duo 3 pm – 6 pm & DJ Press Play 6 pm – 9 pm. They will have their typical Irish menu. For more info, click here.

 

Irish Memorial

Irish Memorial in Old City – On St. Patrick’s Day there will be Mass, music & more

 

Philadelphia Weather for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Events

March 13 – Mostly Sunny  |   High 52°  |  Low 37°

March 14 – Mainly Sunny  |   High 57°  |  Low 27°

March 17 – Considerable Cloudiness  |  High 55°  |  Low 43°

 

Please let us know in the comments below if you have a favorite neighborhood Irish bar that we didn’t include. And don’t be shy to leave a comment in regards to what you like about your favorite Irish Bar in Philadelphia. Sláinte! – Meaning Good Health or Cheers