Since Boston claims to be the founder of American St. Patrick’s Day began, there is no doubt that this city knows how to celebrate the Irish holiday. It’s aday where it’s socially acceptable to start drinking at 8 a.m. (but not always advised), wear ridiculous green costumes and be obnoxiously loud (even though that doesn’t stop most of us during a Red Sox game). Everyone knows you’re an imposter when you wear your “Kiss me, I’m Irish” shirt, but more importantly, no one cares. It’s all in the name of fun, drinking and celebrating the good ol’ Saint.
Don’t know what to do for St. Patrick’s Day? Here are a couple of suggestions that’ll be sure to get some green beer in your bellies and probably a hangover on Monday. If you haven’t used one of your excused absences for class, I suggest you plan on having your first.
The Black Rose
160 State St
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-2286
If you’re celebrating with the family and would like to avoid the awkwardness of seeing, to put it delicately, girls showing more chest than necessary, The Black Rose is the place to go. Younger and older crowds come to this nearly authentic Irish pub. It’s a really great place to sit in a comfy chair, have a Guinness by the fire place upstairs or hang by the bar downstairs with all the commotion. The food here is excellent too. If you’re not Irish, you’ll sure feel like it with their great corned beef and their eclectic live Irish band. They’re even known to give free Irish breakfasts on the 17th if you’re really lucky.
McGreevey’s
911 Boylston St
Boston, MA
(617)-262-0911
This is more of a hip scene for college students, which is great because it’s relatively close to campus, so the cab fare is pretty cheap—score! The music is loud, just the way we like it, and the bar is always packed. Head downstairs if you’re a bit tired from being on your feet all day, but this bar isn’t known for being calm to say the least.
Clery’s Bar & Restaurant
113 Dartmouth St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 262-9874
Once you get in from the long line outside, you’re sure to have a great time at Clery’s. The bar is accessible on the first floor and a great way to sip your Baileys Irish Cream whiskey and meet all the other Irish loving drinkers. The DJ plays everything from R&B to Pop, initiating the best mood possible while waiting in the long line to go to the downstairs club. The lounge upstairs is just as fun for St. Patrick’s Day with friends.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Broadway, South Boston, MA
(617) 268-7955
The Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is also a must! Surrounded by a sea of green, you really get to appreciate the great city of Boston, gaze at the glamorized floats and listen to Irish bagpipes. The whole family can attend and have a great time, just head to Southie by 1 p.m.
So while you’re looking for a good ‘ole time in one of the oldest cities in America, show your true Irish colors, enjoy the last day of Spring Break with a bang and keep up the Boston tradition. Since we’re the ‘Drunkest City in America,’ we sure know how to do it right.