Paddling Down Green Rivers: Your Ultimate Guide to Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Austin

Howdy, y’all! Ready to embrace your inner leprechaun this St. Patrick’s Day right here in the heart of Texas? If that’s a resounding YES, then saddle up! I’ve got you covered with a complete guide to the best Austin spots to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like a local. Let’s set off on an exciting Irish adventure, Big Texas-style!

Don Your Green Hat at Austin’s Top Irish Pubs

Forge historical connections at Austin’s beloved pubs filled with jovial atmospheres and hearty Irish charm. From traditional Irish beer and food to the enchanting Gaelic tunes, these pubs know how to make your St. Paddy’s Day unforgettable:

1. B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub: Nestled in the heart of the lively Sixth Street, B.D. Riley’s offers a rich, authentic Irish experience. Here, traditional Irish essence blends beautifully with homely Texan hospitality. The pub’s wooden decor is handcrafted by artisans in McHale, Ireland, creating a genuine Celtic aura. Enjoy their delectable fish and chips or corned beef and cabbage paired perfectly with a chilled pint of Guinness. Their St. Patrick’s Day festivities include a thrilling trivia night and Irish song karaoke. Be prepared to let loose your inner Irish sing-along self!

2. Donn’s Depot: Housed in a former Missouri-Pacific train depot, Donn’s Depot is an Austin classic. With its heartwarming charm and quirky ambiance, the generous dance floor bustles with high energy as patrons sway to traditional Irish folk music and other seasonal favorites during their St. Patrick’s Day party. The varied drink menu pays tribute to the local Texan spirits and beer, ensuring your glass remains full and spirits high. Their excellent selection of whiskey can provide that warm, fuzzy feeling that perfectly complements their events.

3. The Jackalope: The Jackalope is a renowned spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and spectacular St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Green beer flows freely, while mouth-watering culinary delights like their famous Diablo Burger keep fueling the festivities. Decorations sparkle, ensuring a night you’ll remember, and feel.

Thrilling Events to Paint the Town Green

St. Patrick’s Day is meant to be fun, festive, and a bit wild. And in Austin, we sure know how to live it up:

1. St. Patrick’s Day Austin Festival: Celebrated yearly at the historic Pioneer Farms, this Irish festival turns into a full-scale family outing. From engaging crafts for kids to dance performances and musical delights for adults, there’s no shortage of fun. Vicariously travel to Ireland through their exciting Gaelic sports demonstrations. And stalls laden with traditional Irish food, like soda bread, magnify the culinary journey.

2. St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters: Combining a love for coffee and festive spirits, Mozart’s Coffee offers an unmatched aesthetic experience for St. Patrick’s Day. Listen to melodious Irish folk music beneath twinkling canopy lights, right by Lake Austin’s soothing waters, as you sample their artisanal coffee topped with festive green whipped cream.

Enjoy a Pint of Craft Beer at Local Breweries

Don’t forget Austin’s innovative craft beer scene when considering your St. Paddy’s celebration:

1. Zilker Brewing Company: Renowned for brewing exceptionally delicious beer, at Zilker, the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day is captured in their annual ‘Shamrock Shenanigans’. With a secret, annual green beer recipe, eclectic music, and local food trucks serving Irish specialties, it spells St. Patrick’s Day fun the Austin way.

2. Oskar Blues Brewery: Their exhaustive beer lineup and lively atmosphere make it a unique spot to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day. With live music settings featuring local talents and specialty beers, you’ll relish their creative brews like their ‘malty and crisp’ Beerito or ‘crisp and crushable’ One-y 100 Calorie Hazy IPA.

Where to Find Austin’s Best Corned Beef and Cabbage

St. Paddy’s without Corned Beef and Cabbage? Unthinkable:

1. Hoover’s Cooking: Famous for hearty soul food, Hoover’s offers a St. Paddy’s special to remember. Their Corned Beef and Cabbage, simmered to perfection, creates a medley of flavors reminiscent of Ireland in the heart of Texas.

2. Jack Allen’s Kitchen: Focusing on farm-to-fork authenticity, Jack Allen’s Kitchen serves a delicious Corned Beef and Cabbage. Marinated with signature herbs and spices, it’s served with tender cabbage and root veggies—the spot-on Irish fare!

The Green All Around — Outdoor Celebrations

Our open Texas skies are the perfect backdrop for St. Paddy’s festivities:

1. The Austin St. Patrick’s Day Parade: This annual parade is a family-friendly event showcasing the vibrant Irish heritage through traditional storytelling, colorful floats, and stirring dance performances—an Austin gem not to be missed.

2. BB Rover’s Annual St. Paddy’s Day Bash: A day full of live performances from local Austin bands, an impressive supply of green beer, and an immersive outdoor seating plan sets the stage for BB Rover’s laid-back celebrations.

Conclusion

Austin offers a truly remarkable canvas for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. From spirited pubs, vibrant parades, crafty breweries, to delectable Irish cuisine, the city turns into an animated Irish carnival during St. Paddy’s. With this comprehensive guide to the best Austin spots for St. Patrick’s Day, get ready for a Texas-sized celebration. Sláinte!