St. Patrick's Day, a cultural and religious celebration held annually on March 17, encourages participants to celebrate in various ways—from donning themselves in Ireland's national colors of green, white, and orange, to decorating with shamrocks and eating traditional Irish fare. These five small businesses tailor their offerings to participate in the St. Patrick's Day celebration every year, each in their own way.
The Dubliner
Boston is among the top U.S. destinations for St. Paddy’s Day, and what better place to celebrate than at an Irish-owned pub? Aidan Mc Gee, chef and owner of The Dubliner, upholds authenticity to the highest degree from his menu items to interior design and decor. Established in the summer of 2022, The Dubliner took over the Kinsale, which was ironically the first pub Mc Gee visited when he moved to the city.
With experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and a mission to redefine America’s concept of Irish food, Mc Gee offers a seasonally changing menu that includes roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, pearl barley dumplings, Scotch eggs, robust terrines, and perfectly poured Guinness.
The Dubliner is bringing Irish business owners together on March 16 to curate an immersive experience for its St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast.
Shady Brook Farm
The Fleming family planted roots 100+ years ago a half hour outside of Philadelphia. Four generations later, the family still owns and operates Shady Brook Farm. Since 1913, the Flemings have expanded their business to include a farm market, garden center and “agritainment” venue.
Shady Brook Farm hosts many events throughout the year, including a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It’s called St. Paddy’s unWINEd, and it is a family friendly event featuring live Irish music, food, and drinks ranging from local craft beer to Rose Bank Winery wines. It runs March 10-12 and March 17-18.
Shady Brook Farm hosts many events throughout the year, including a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It’s called St. Paddy’s unWINEd, and it is a family friendly event featuring live Irish music, food, and drinks ranging from local craft beer to Rose Bank Winery wines.
The Dearborn
Another Irish-owned small business, The Dearborn in Chicago, is inspired by the city’s past and Midwestern seasonality. Born and raised in Galway, sisters and owners of this urban American tavern, Amy and Clodagh Lawless, combined their hospitality experience and devotion to heartfelt service in 2016 to open this restaurant’s doors.
The Dearborn will have special menu items during Chicago’s River Dyeing on March 11-12 and on March 17. Alexis Cohen of Kinship said food specials will include shepherd’s pie, seafood chowder, fish and chips, a corned beef reuben, all-day Irish breakfast, and shamrock cookies. “Maid in Chicago” is the chosen craft cocktail to wash it all down. This drink consists of POWERS Gold Label Irish whiskey, St-Germain, Red Belly CBD honey, cucumber and lemon — on the rocks.
The Dead Rabbit
The world’s most awarded pub, winning the title of the World’s Best Bar twice since opening in 2013, The Dead Rabbit is the third business on this list to boast Irish beginnings. This New York watering hole is the product of dreaming and determination. Owners Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry struck success in Belfast, creating the world’s best cocktail bar back when. They set out to do the same in the United States, marrying their heritage and the history of the 1800s Dead Rabbits gang to authenticate this fiercely Irish bar with an American accent.
Appropriately, The Dead Rabbit has several St. Patrick’s Day events planned, including an Irish Whiskey Festival, a limited-time menu with five Irish whiskey cocktails and traditional meals, and will donate $1 per cocktail sold on March 17 to The Irish Arts Centre. Irish musicians will also be playing at the pub throughout the week leading up to the holiday.
Service Brewing
Veteran owned and backed by investors who’ve served in the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, Service Brewing started with an at-home brewing kit. Kevin Ryan and Meredith Sutton are the proud owners of this downtown Savannah brewery. The pair are committed to honoring American military history and giving back to organizations that support the armed forces, having raised tens of thousands for charity to date.
Service Brewing has a few recurring events including Wednesday night trivia, Friday night bluegrass, and yoga the last Saturday of each month. The St. Paddy’s edition of trivia on March 15 means winners will take home some cash and a pot of gold-covered chocolates. The brewery’s Run Club members can compete on March 16 in their best green ensembles for the chance to win festive prizes. The brewery will be closed on the 17 so its staff can enjoy the city’s festivities, but the party will keep rolling through the weekend with DJs and food trucks.
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